Le Marche another Italy

All you need is curiosity and time…
You don’t have to be an art historian or an archaeologist to enjoy all the countless treasures of Italy.
Neither do you have to be a gourmet to enjoy the delights of the Italian kitchen or a wine expert to enjoy the enormous variety of great wines.
All you need is curiosity and time…
Once you are in Italy and get even a small taste of what the country has to offer, you will want to return time and time again. Your interest will be sparked in subjects you had never before even considered. Your horizons broaden with the limitless discoveries you will make in this diverse and intriguing country.
Concentrate on one small area or region at a time. Choose one that is off the beaten track so that you can get a taste of the “real” Italy untouched by mass tourism.
Le Marche (pronounced “lay mar kay”) is a great place to start. Central Italy is where the Renaissance came about. Palaeolithic finds on Monte Cónero provide evidence of civilization from the 9th and 10th centuries BC! This easternmost region of central Italy is alluring in its variety of landscape, located as it is between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine mountains. Most visitors never get beyond the sun and sand of the popular beaches of Le Marche’s 180 kms of coastline. However, the rewards are many for those adventurous ones who take the winding roads inland towards the numerous hilltop villages. There are cobblestone streets with buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and earlier. The spectacular panoramic views will keep you sitting on that café chair on the piazza drinking your cappuccino and dreaming of never having to leave!
For flights from abroad or from other Italian airports, the best point of arrival in Le Marche is the International Aereoporto di Falconare in Ancona.[...]
The best way to see Le Marche, or any region of Italy for that matter, is to rent a car. There are the usual rental firms at the airport but you should book in advance to make sure you get what you want. If you’re not an EU resident, you will need an International driver’s license. Buy good maps – Touring Club Italiano maps are excellent. You will find their offices in all the larger towns and their maps are also available in most of the larger book shops on in the petrol station shops on the motorways.
Whatever you wonder about and whenever any question comes to mind, don’t hesitate to ask people standing beside you in the bar or sitting at the table next to yours on the piazza. People are extremely friendly and helpful and are always more than willing to suggest places you must see, or food and wine you must try. Since this is an area without hoards of tourists, the locals are still curious about where you come from and what you are doing in Italy. It is very easy to start a conversation, even with limited Italian. The famous Italian use of arms, hands and facial expressions is an art that you will soon master and have fun in the process!

What To Do:

• Conero National Park just south of Ancona. [...]
• Urbino is definitely worth a visit. 
• Take the small roads, away from the motor route and tourist buses. Stop in the medieval villages for a walk around.[...]
• Sign up for a 3-4 week intensive language course [...]

Wherever you find yourself and at whatever time of year, you will feel the warm welcome of the people you meet.

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