Urbino, Gubbio, Assisi, Perugia, Monte Cornero,
Corinaldo and Fano
10 days/9 nights
Food, sun, sand, hiking and history - step off the tourist trail and spend a wonderful, relaxed holiday in Le March and Umbria.
Pre-tour suggestion to Bologna and Modena
Post-tour suggestions to the Adriatic beaches or Foodie Fun in Umbria
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
Corinaldo and Fano
10 days/9 nights
Food, sun, sand, hiking and history - step off the tourist trail and spend a wonderful, relaxed holiday in Le March and Umbria.
Pre-tour suggestion to Bologna and Modena
Post-tour suggestions to the Adriatic beaches or Foodie Fun in Umbria
Please inquire about 2023 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through Italy, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: May - October. The Perugia Chocolate Festival falls between Oct 15 - 24 and the beaches are best in summer. |
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Pre-tour suggestions:
• Bologna and Modena Le Marche and Umbria Itinerary: 2 nights Urbino 2 nights Perugia 2 nights Monte Cornero 1 night Coranaldo 2 nights Fano Post-tour suggestions from Fano: • Foodie Fun in Umbria • Beachtime on the Adriatic Sea |
PRE-TOUR OPTION to bologna and modena
If Italy is food and food is Italy, Bologna in the Emilia-Romana is it’s culinary capitol. Striking medieval architecture, one of the oldest universities in the world -- and mama mia -- the food! Bologna has been nicknamed “La Grassa” or “The Fat.” The region is home to the most famous cured pork meats of Italy: prosciuttos, sausages, salamis and mortadella are raised from pigs raised freely on the slopes of the Apeninnes. The most renowned aged cheese on the planet, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is also found here. The Bolognese enjoy every variation of egg noodle; raviolis and tortellini are stuffed with pumpkin, chestnut, and roasted meats, served with rich sauces and ragu. Gifts of the orchards and gardens include rich asparagus, cherries, onions, chestnuts ... all accompanied by the local dry, slightly sparkling Lambrusco wine. Buonissimo!
Day 1. To Bologna. You're driver will greet you at the Bologna airport and transfer you to your hotel.
You'll then meet our local guide for our walking tour of Bologna, including the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna University, Piazza Santo Stefano, Corte Isolani and the Torri. You're then on to the market where you'll learn about the legends, recipes, history and rules about Bolognese gastronomy. From tagliatella to lasagne, through Certosino cake and tortellini, each dish has a real code and some of them are registered to the chamber of trade and industry. Our passeggiatta, or evening walk, will be through the electric atmosphere of the market streets, teeming with beautiful displays of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, boutiques and wonderful book stores. Evening food shopping is a very local experience in the Emilia-Romania, and the perfect place for your aparativo and included dinner.
Day 2. Market tour and cooking lesson. This one-day cooking class combines a morning market visit followed by a hands-on cooking class. Slow Food artisans gather to showcase their seasonal products. You’ll stroll the market and learn about the local fare, including tastings, and enjoy the electric atmosphere of the market streets, teaming with beautiful displays of fresh produce, cheeses and meats. You’re then on to the kitchen to get cooking, where you will prepare a full menu from antipasto to dessert.
The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure.
Day 3: To the Countryside.
Morning tour and tasting of balsamic followed by an included lunch in the countryside that features this liquid gold.
Think about these other optional activities during your time in Bologna:
Biking tour of Bologna. Bologna is a city made for a bicycle: flat and with traffic restrictions! This tour is for those of you who want to dig a little deeper and taste a bit of each monument. Did you know that Bologna is famous for its towers? Today, the red city boasts and jealously hides 18 proud and beautiful towers. It could be quite a hard job finding them unless you have expert eyes helping you out! A symbol of Bologna, the towers were strongly built as important military fortifications and also as social pride for each prestigious family. This is not a race, but rather a relaxing pleasant visit, taking advantage of the shade of the arcades, off-the-beaten-path squares, and secret courtyards.
Musical Instrument Tour. This collection consists in more than seventy musical instruments from 16th to the 20th century: it's composed principally by harpsichords, but also organs and wind instruments, all restored and actually played.
A trip to the Motor Valley. See where the famous car constructors mixed up their passion and skills: Maserati, Lamborghini and of course, Ferrari. You will learn the story of Ferrari’s founding father and some of the most beautiful cars ever built. Interested in getting behind the wheel? Let us know and we can make arrangements for you to either drive on the track or take one of these beauties on the open road.
Day 4. Transfer to the Bologna airport.
Day 1. To Bologna. You're driver will greet you at the Bologna airport and transfer you to your hotel.
You'll then meet our local guide for our walking tour of Bologna, including the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna University, Piazza Santo Stefano, Corte Isolani and the Torri. You're then on to the market where you'll learn about the legends, recipes, history and rules about Bolognese gastronomy. From tagliatella to lasagne, through Certosino cake and tortellini, each dish has a real code and some of them are registered to the chamber of trade and industry. Our passeggiatta, or evening walk, will be through the electric atmosphere of the market streets, teeming with beautiful displays of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, boutiques and wonderful book stores. Evening food shopping is a very local experience in the Emilia-Romania, and the perfect place for your aparativo and included dinner.
Day 2. Market tour and cooking lesson. This one-day cooking class combines a morning market visit followed by a hands-on cooking class. Slow Food artisans gather to showcase their seasonal products. You’ll stroll the market and learn about the local fare, including tastings, and enjoy the electric atmosphere of the market streets, teaming with beautiful displays of fresh produce, cheeses and meats. You’re then on to the kitchen to get cooking, where you will prepare a full menu from antipasto to dessert.
The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure.
Day 3: To the Countryside.
Morning tour and tasting of balsamic followed by an included lunch in the countryside that features this liquid gold.
Think about these other optional activities during your time in Bologna:
Biking tour of Bologna. Bologna is a city made for a bicycle: flat and with traffic restrictions! This tour is for those of you who want to dig a little deeper and taste a bit of each monument. Did you know that Bologna is famous for its towers? Today, the red city boasts and jealously hides 18 proud and beautiful towers. It could be quite a hard job finding them unless you have expert eyes helping you out! A symbol of Bologna, the towers were strongly built as important military fortifications and also as social pride for each prestigious family. This is not a race, but rather a relaxing pleasant visit, taking advantage of the shade of the arcades, off-the-beaten-path squares, and secret courtyards.
Musical Instrument Tour. This collection consists in more than seventy musical instruments from 16th to the 20th century: it's composed principally by harpsichords, but also organs and wind instruments, all restored and actually played.
A trip to the Motor Valley. See where the famous car constructors mixed up their passion and skills: Maserati, Lamborghini and of course, Ferrari. You will learn the story of Ferrari’s founding father and some of the most beautiful cars ever built. Interested in getting behind the wheel? Let us know and we can make arrangements for you to either drive on the track or take one of these beauties on the open road.
Day 4. Transfer to the Bologna airport.
DAY 1: ARRIVE LE MARCHE |
Upon arrival to Rome, Florence or Bologna, you’ll connect to the Le Marche Airport in Ancona airport. Your greeter will meet your at baggage claim for your transfer to Urbino.
Bienvenuti a Le Marche!
Welcome Dinner in Urbino
Overnight in Urbino, 2 nights with included breakfast
Bienvenuti a Le Marche!
Welcome Dinner in Urbino
Overnight in Urbino, 2 nights with included breakfast
DAY 2: A DAY IN URBINO |
Private morning tour of the World Heritage city of Urbino. One of the most cultured and rewarding small towns in Italy, this Renaissance city has many sights to see, including the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, the Palazzo Ducale, the Duomo, the Oratorio San Giovanni Battista, Raphael’s House and San Bernadino.
Included lunch will be enjoyed in a traditional local restaurant just outside of the town.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Included lunch will be enjoyed in a traditional local restaurant just outside of the town.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 3: TO GUBBIO, ASSISI AND PERUGIA |
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Our first stop this morning will be at the Gola di Furlo, a scenic river gorge, where the ancient Via Flaminia passes through a tunnel carved in the rock face. Near Furlo is Acqualagna, the truffle capital of Le Marche, where we'll make a stop at the Truffle Museum and Experience.
Included truffle lunch
After lunch, we’re on our way to Assisi with a short stop in Gubbio, an ancient city located in the central Italian region of Umbria. It dates back to the Etruscan era when it was controlled by the Romans. On arrival, you'll explore the cobbled streets of the ancient town center. With such a charming place, there's no wrong way to spend your time here - there's picture-perfect views around every corner.
We are then on to Assisi, known throughout the world as the birthplace of Saint Francis. We will take a guided walking tour of the city and see the many important sights, including the spectacular Basilica of Saint Francis with its frescoes by Giotto.
We’ll finish our day in the city of Perugia, the capital city of Umbria.
Included dinner in Perugia.
Overnight in Perugia, 2 nights with included breakfast
Included truffle lunch
After lunch, we’re on our way to Assisi with a short stop in Gubbio, an ancient city located in the central Italian region of Umbria. It dates back to the Etruscan era when it was controlled by the Romans. On arrival, you'll explore the cobbled streets of the ancient town center. With such a charming place, there's no wrong way to spend your time here - there's picture-perfect views around every corner.
We are then on to Assisi, known throughout the world as the birthplace of Saint Francis. We will take a guided walking tour of the city and see the many important sights, including the spectacular Basilica of Saint Francis with its frescoes by Giotto.
We’ll finish our day in the city of Perugia, the capital city of Umbria.
Included dinner in Perugia.
Overnight in Perugia, 2 nights with included breakfast
DAY 4: A DAY IN PERUGIA |
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This morning we take a private walking tour of the medieval hill town Perugia, the capital of Umbria. You'll spend your time in the historic old town, still partially enclosed by Etruscan fortified walls. Step out into the stunning white stone Gothic square of Piazza IV Novembre, where you'll spot the 15th century Perugia Cathedral, and admire the impressive early 15th century Priori Palace. Lose yourself in the ornate reliefs carved into the 13th century marble fountain, Fontana Maggiore, at the center of the square.
Lunch and the rest of the day are on your own.
Consider scheduling your tour to coincide with the famously sweet Perugia Chocolate Festival. Enjoy!
Overnight in Perugia
Lunch and the rest of the day are on your own.
Consider scheduling your tour to coincide with the famously sweet Perugia Chocolate Festival. Enjoy!
Overnight in Perugia
DAY 5: ON TO MONTE CORNERO |
This morning we push out beyond the standard tourist route and embark on a full day tour to Italy's Marche region. We’ll see Fabriano, one of the earliest centers of paper manufacturing in Europe, Genga one of Europe's largest cavern systems, the Frasassi Caverns, and the tiny walled towns of Piticchio and Loretello.
We’ll finish our day in the shadow of Monte Conero's green mountain hills. Monte Conero is a great destination for sun-seekers and nature lovers alike. Here you can enjoy abundant nature and peace and quiet far from the hordes of tourists.
Included dinner
Overnight in Monte Cornero, 2 nights with included breakfast
We’ll finish our day in the shadow of Monte Conero's green mountain hills. Monte Conero is a great destination for sun-seekers and nature lovers alike. Here you can enjoy abundant nature and peace and quiet far from the hordes of tourists.
Included dinner
Overnight in Monte Cornero, 2 nights with included breakfast
DAY 6: A DAY OF LEISURE |
Today is yours to enjoy. The beach is fantastic, fine white pebbles with beautiful with turquoise water, while the mountain offers excellent opportunities for hiking.
OPTIONAL HIKING EXCURSION
One particularly special experience on Mount Conero is the Due Sorelle/Passo del Lupo trail. This 5-hour hike includes a wonderful viewpoint over the “two sisters”– twin rocks emerging from the sea opposite a secluded beach that can only be reached by boat.
Dinner on your own
Overnight in Monte Conero
OPTIONAL HIKING EXCURSION
One particularly special experience on Mount Conero is the Due Sorelle/Passo del Lupo trail. This 5-hour hike includes a wonderful viewpoint over the “two sisters”– twin rocks emerging from the sea opposite a secluded beach that can only be reached by boat.
Dinner on your own
Overnight in Monte Conero
DAY 7: TO CORANALDO |
Just a short drive is Coranaldo, considered as one of the best-preserved and most charming villages in Italy with towering walls and amazing panoramic views.
Included dinner.
Overnight in Coranaldo, 1 night including breakfast
Included dinner.
Overnight in Coranaldo, 1 night including breakfast
DAY 8: FANO |
This morning we take a short drive to Fano, where we'll meet our chef for a morning tour of the market followed by a full day cooking class with wine tasting.
Overnight in Fano, 2 nights
Overnight in Fano, 2 nights
DAY 9: A DAY IN FANO |
Morning City Tour,
Afternoon at your leisure.
Tonight: Farewell dinner.
Afternoon at your leisure.
Tonight: Farewell dinner.
DAY 10: DEPARTURES TO THE ANCONA AIRPORT OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY WITH ONE OF OUR POST-TOUR EXCURSIONS |
Included transfers to the Ancona Airport for flights out or on to your Post-Tour Excursion.
PRost-tour OPTION - BEACH TIME ON THE ADRIATIC SEA
Beach Time on the Adriatic Sea
Days 1-2: Optional Beach Days in Pesaro, Riccione or Senigallia
Day 3: Transfer back to desired airport. Overnight.
Day 4: Depart to the U.S. or add a post-tour through Umbria
Days 1-2: Optional Beach Days in Pesaro, Riccione or Senigallia
Day 3: Transfer back to desired airport. Overnight.
Day 4: Depart to the U.S. or add a post-tour through Umbria
POST-TOUR OPTION - FOODIE FUN IN UMBRIA
Foodie Fun in Umbria
Day 1: Fano to Metalica to Norcia
We travel this morning from Fano to Matelica to capture the essence of small town Italy. On arrival in Matelica, we'll meet up with our private local guide. Embrace curiosity and see where the moment takes you as you wander through the historic center, spotting ancient mosaics and walking amidst alleyways and structures dating back to the middle ages. A must while in Matelica - the opera house, Teatro Piermarini, built by the same architect who designed La Scala in Milano. You'll have unique access to the area beneath the stage where you'll find well-preserved Roman baths.
Leaving Matelica behind, we’ll visit a local bee farm and honey producer. We'll learn about the various stages in the process of honey and bee production, followed by an included lunch with tastings of various honeys produced on the farm. Our day will end in Norcia.
Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Norcia
Our hotel is the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay in Norcia. Set in a 16th-century Umbrian Palace, this hotel exudes elegance and charm with its impeccable interior design, the product of the best Umbrian artisans.
Guests will be delighted with a gastronomic experience inspired by local ingredients such as the black truffle in the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Being just a minute’s walk from sites like the Museo della Castellina and a short drive from the Abbey of Saint Eutizio, this hotel truly provides guests with the best opportunity to explore the historic town of Norcia.
Day 2. Truffle Hunting
This morning we’ll meet our English-speaking driver and local guide, and set out for a brief drive into the nearby Sibillini Mountains National Park where we'll meet up with our professional truffle hunter and his trained dog. We'll discover natural secrets and botanical information of this precious land’s product as we look for the prized black truffle, a delicacy which can be found in this region with the right combination of skill and luck. Afterward, another genuine Umbrian experience awaits, as you head to a local farm where you'll be introduced to the process of making Ricotta cheese.
Included lunch with all things truffle.
Overnight in Norcia
Dinner on your own
Day 3. Marmore Falls
This morning we’re off for some adventure! About an hour from Narcia is the Nera River, which bubbles over the rocks to Marmore Falls, Italy's largest manmade waterfall. You can spend the morning River Walking, a simple walk through woods and rocks, between shades and sun, water and paths. The more adventurous can enjoy Class 4 Whitewater Rafting.
After our day of adventure, we’ll finish our day in Orvieto.
Overnight in Orvieto.
Included dinner in Orvieto
Day 4. Orvieto
Today you will discover Orvieto, Umbria’s grand hill town. The town sits majestically on a big chunk of volcanic rock called tuff. Built over several generations, the city's Duomo is one of the seven wonders of Italy; and the dense, organic, medieval fabric of the town dictates the human scale of today’s centro storico, with its cafes and restaurants, its bookshops and artisans’ work. Orvieto has long kept the secret of its labyrinth of caves and tunnels. You will have a special access to private underground caves that accidentally was discovered by the owners.
Lunch and the afternoon are on your own.
Tonight: Farewell dinner in Orvieto.
Day 5. Transfer from Orvieto to Rome airport for flights out.
Day 1: Fano to Metalica to Norcia
We travel this morning from Fano to Matelica to capture the essence of small town Italy. On arrival in Matelica, we'll meet up with our private local guide. Embrace curiosity and see where the moment takes you as you wander through the historic center, spotting ancient mosaics and walking amidst alleyways and structures dating back to the middle ages. A must while in Matelica - the opera house, Teatro Piermarini, built by the same architect who designed La Scala in Milano. You'll have unique access to the area beneath the stage where you'll find well-preserved Roman baths.
Leaving Matelica behind, we’ll visit a local bee farm and honey producer. We'll learn about the various stages in the process of honey and bee production, followed by an included lunch with tastings of various honeys produced on the farm. Our day will end in Norcia.
Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Norcia
Our hotel is the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay in Norcia. Set in a 16th-century Umbrian Palace, this hotel exudes elegance and charm with its impeccable interior design, the product of the best Umbrian artisans.
Guests will be delighted with a gastronomic experience inspired by local ingredients such as the black truffle in the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Being just a minute’s walk from sites like the Museo della Castellina and a short drive from the Abbey of Saint Eutizio, this hotel truly provides guests with the best opportunity to explore the historic town of Norcia.
Day 2. Truffle Hunting
This morning we’ll meet our English-speaking driver and local guide, and set out for a brief drive into the nearby Sibillini Mountains National Park where we'll meet up with our professional truffle hunter and his trained dog. We'll discover natural secrets and botanical information of this precious land’s product as we look for the prized black truffle, a delicacy which can be found in this region with the right combination of skill and luck. Afterward, another genuine Umbrian experience awaits, as you head to a local farm where you'll be introduced to the process of making Ricotta cheese.
Included lunch with all things truffle.
Overnight in Norcia
Dinner on your own
Day 3. Marmore Falls
This morning we’re off for some adventure! About an hour from Narcia is the Nera River, which bubbles over the rocks to Marmore Falls, Italy's largest manmade waterfall. You can spend the morning River Walking, a simple walk through woods and rocks, between shades and sun, water and paths. The more adventurous can enjoy Class 4 Whitewater Rafting.
After our day of adventure, we’ll finish our day in Orvieto.
Overnight in Orvieto.
Included dinner in Orvieto
Day 4. Orvieto
Today you will discover Orvieto, Umbria’s grand hill town. The town sits majestically on a big chunk of volcanic rock called tuff. Built over several generations, the city's Duomo is one of the seven wonders of Italy; and the dense, organic, medieval fabric of the town dictates the human scale of today’s centro storico, with its cafes and restaurants, its bookshops and artisans’ work. Orvieto has long kept the secret of its labyrinth of caves and tunnels. You will have a special access to private underground caves that accidentally was discovered by the owners.
Lunch and the afternoon are on your own.
Tonight: Farewell dinner in Orvieto.
Day 5. Transfer from Orvieto to Rome airport for flights out.