Arrival of group at Senigallia, an elegant seaside resort 40 km north of Ancona and the starting point for all the week’s excursions. Welcome cocktail, dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

Guided visit in the morning to Urbino, a magnificent capital of the Italian Renaissance. Urbino’s main attraction is the Ducal Palace, one of the finest buildings of the Renaissance and home of the Marche National Gallery. The gallery has about 80 rooms where masterpieces by famous artists like Raphael, Titian and Piero della Francesca can be admired. The excursion continues to Pesaro, the birthplace of Rossini, with a guided visit to the town centre, including the house where the great composer was born, the Cathedral with its splendid mosaics and the Ducal Palace. Return to hotel in late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Today’s excursion follows the coast southwards to picturesque Ascoli Piceno, famous as the “City of 100 Towers”, with a host of Roman and mediaeval monuments. Guided visit to the city centre, including the Palazzo del Popolo, the San Francesco Church, the Loggia dei Mercanti and finally Piazza del Popolo, considered to be one of Italy’s loveliest squares, a Renaissance jewel with the historic Caffè Meletti. Free time to enjoy one of the city’s specialities, like Ascolane stuffed olives or anisette liqueur. Guided visit in the afternoon to Macerata, with its famous Sferisterio Arena, a unique architectural treasure for open-air music events. In the heart of the city is Piazza della Libertà, with the Loggia dei Mercanti, the Baroque San Paolo Church and the Rossi Theatre, one of the Marche region’s finest. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Guided visit in the morning to the mediaeval township of Gradara, still virtually intact and surrounded by fortified walls and gates. Visit to the castle, famous for the tragic story of Paolo and Francesca, celebrated by Dante in his Divine Comedy. Free time for shopping and lunch in one of the town’s many small restaurants. Departure with guide in the afternoon for Gabicce Monte, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea, with superb views over the Romagna coast. The excursion continues southward following the panoramic coastal road, partly along the cliffs and partly inland, stopping at the delightful mediaeval village of Fiorenzuola di Focara. Return to Senigallia in late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Departure after breakfast for the Frasassi Caves, amongst Europe’s most extensive and attractive, with stupendous subterranean panoramas and a guided visit to this masterwork of nature. The excursion then continues to Jesi, famous for its local Verdicchio white wine. Guided visit in the afternoon to the old town centre, circled by 15th-century walls, stopping at the Civic Art Gallery and the Pergolesi Theatre. Wine tasting session in the late afternoon at a 17th-century wine cellar. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Guided visit in the morning to Loreto, famous as one of the oldest and most important destinations for Catholic pilgrimages to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Visit to the sanctuary, with the Basilica and the Holy House of the Madonna of Nazareth, according to tradition flown to Loreto carried by angels. Free time in the afternoon for relaxation on Senigallia’s “Velvet Beach”, or for shopping and a visit to the town centre, including the Ercolani porticoes, the Foro Annonario square and Piazza del Duca, with its imposing Roveresca Castle. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

Visit in the morning to Ancona, the capital of the Marche region. Stroll with guide through the city centre, visiting the Cathedral, the Santa Maria della Piazza Church with its elegant façade,
Piazza del Papa and the Renaissance fountain with 13 spouts. The excursion then continues towards the Mount Conero Riviera, with free time for lunch at Sirolo. Nature ramble with guide in the afternoon along the countryside paths of Mount Conero, leading to the beach of the enchanting bay of Portonovo, with its Romanesque Santa Maria Abbey, followed by a tasting session at a vineyard making ‘Rosso Conero’ red wine.
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast in hotel and end of our services.