Vacanza In Italia - Vakantie In Italie - Holiday In Italy

Located in the heart of the Marche region, the village has been completely renovated and transformed into what is now a very special location, among the largest of the Marches, with 209 rooms, a conference center with 23 meeting rooms...
Casale Hotel in Colli del Tronto embodies a special atmosphere thanks to the charming green environment that surrounds him but is also distinguished by the presence of a large conference center which makes it one of the top destinations in Italy: all within walking distance from the major attractions of the Marche region.
In an ancient village of the 1800s, among palm trees, gardens, fountains and pools, you can breathe the magic atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a prestigious location congress who can also convey serenity: we are at Casale destination for meetings and incentives among the most prestigious in Italy. Located in the heart of the Marche region, the village has been completely renovated and transformed into what is now a very special location, among the largest of the Marches, with 209 rooms, a conference center with 23 meeting rooms and an auditorium, four dining rooms, a spa and sports facilities ranging from tennis to football to tennis, pool and gym. Near some of the most picturesque tourist resorts of the Marche, a region to discover with treks organized also at conferences or incentive.[...]

Though the beaches of Le Marche are relatively unknown to foreign tourists, Italian flock by the thousands to this coastline in the summer. By far, the most sardine-can-packed conditions occurs around the mid-August Ferragosto holiday, when the cities empty out and Italians flee to the beach.

Getting There and Getting Around - Many guides tell you that you need a car to get around Le Marche, but if you are staying on the coast, public transportation is a viable option. The Italian state rail network operates high-speed frecciabianca trains between Milan and Lecce, in southern Abruzzo, passing through Ancona, the main coastal city in Le Marche. From Ancona, regional trains and buses connect to other cities along the coast. If you choose to rent a car when you arrive in Italy, the main coastal highway, Autostada 14, runs along the coast slightly inland, with minor roads connecting to the beaches. A little rougher, though more scenic, Strada Statale 16 runs directly along the coast, just darting inland around the elevated area south of Ancona.
Beach Towns - Eleven of Le Marche's beach towns have Blue Flag beaches: Civitanova Marche, Fano, Gabicce Mare, Grottammare, Numana, Pesaro, Porto Recanati, Porto San Giorgio, San Benedetto del Tronto, Senigallia and Sirolo. An international non-profit awards this designation to beaches based on their environmental management and education, safety services and superior water quality.
Protected Areas - The Parco Regionale di Monte Conero (parcodelconero.com) near Ancona, is a coastal regional park, includes three towns: Portonovo, Numana and Sirolo. Within the park, undeveloped beaches and their surrounding green hills lure in hikers and beachgoers who prefer seclusion, personal space and stunning vistas.

Le Marche is a microcosm of everything tourists love about Italy—breathtaking landscapes, medieval architecture and terrific wine and food—minus the crowds.

Here the List of the top Le Marche Hotels on TripAdvisor realized thanks to  28,786 traveller reviews,  for 560 hotels in Marche.

1. Hotel Palazzo dei Mercanti (Ascoli Piceno)

2. Hotel Le Grotte (Genga)

3. Castello Della Pieve (Mercatello sul Metauro)

4. Pineta Hotel (Monsano)

5. Hotel Villa Cattani Stuart (Pesaro)

6. G Hotel (Osimo)

7. Hotel Residenza 100 Torri (Ascoli Piceno)

8. Antico Borgo (Arcevia)

9. Hotel Senigallia (Senigallia)

10. Hotel Romantico (Gabicce Mare)

The Mountain Hut Rifugio Cupi, is surrounded by the charm of the Mounts Sibillini range and it is a large structure with garden, and represents the ideal place if you want to spend unforgettable moments.

The Mountain Hut offers double rooms and dormitories in a country style, it is accessible for people with disabilities and easily accessible by car. The direct contact with the surrounding nature gives this place and its visitors a magic sensation of well-being and an extraordinary peacefulness.

Selezionati da un totale di 70 i 15 borghi italiani più amati dagli stranieri, Centri di mare, montagna, collina. Da Nord a Sud.
Si potrebbe definire una piccola guida intelligente ai piccoli borghi da sogno italiani. L’ha creata Quora, che ne ha selezionati 70 (e non sono pochi), altri ne hanno fatto una ulteriore selezione. Senza pietà, ne sono rimasti quindici.

Atrani in provincia di SalernoCastelsardo in provincia di SassariVogogna - al centro della Val d’Ossola in PiemonteAlberobello in provincia di BariNeive in provincia di CuneoMonte Isola in provincia di BresciaColletta di Castelbianco in provincia di SavonaVernazza una delle Cinque Terre, si trova in provincia della Spezia.Otranto sulla costa adriatica del Salento in provincia di Lecce.Glorenza il più piccolo centro dell’Alto AdigeDozza in provincia di BolognaPolignano a mare - in provincia di BariMalcesine In provincia di VeronaCorinaldo In provincia di Ancona, nell’entroterra di SenigalliaBosa in provincia di Oristano.

The award, the Blue Flag, is given annually to beaches and marinas that satisfy a number of essential criteria covering aspects of:

The international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) reported that has risen this year the number of Italian beaches to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award for clean water and pristine sands.

Italian seaside resorts awarded a Blue Flag in 2013 were 135, four more than last year, for a total of 248 top beaches. Some 86% of last year's Blue Flag beaches were confirmed this year while nine new entries included resorts in Carrara, Tuscany, Francavilla al Mare in Abruzzo and a lake beach resort in Levico Terme, in the north-eastern Trentino-Alto Adige region. The northwest coastal region of Liguria has the cleanest beaches in Italy, 20, two more than last year, followed by the central Marche region with 18 and Tuscany with 17, one more than last year.

Pristine eco friendly beaches could be considered another reason to visit lovely Le Marche.

More infos on http://www.blueflag.org/ ;

Sono 28 le attività o cose da fare nelle Marche presenti sul sito di recensioni turistiche Tripadvisor.
Al primo posto spicca una nota scuola di lingue che offre corsi estivi, evidentemente, affatto noiosi e impegnativi.
Molteplici sono le presenze di operatori dell'enogastronomia a sottolineare il grande spolvero attrattivo di questa grande componente turistica della regione. Leggermente inferiori ma in forte ascesa ed incremento numerico le attività ludiche di tipo sportivo ed escursionistico. Troviamo il quad, la vela, il kitesurf, l'escursionismo. Interessante anche se meno rilevante la presenza delle attività wellness, fra cui l'inusuale e curiosa presenza della GROTTA SALINA.

Se da un lato alcune delle 28 attività presenti sono state forse registrate per errore e troverebbero miglior spazio sotto altre categorie, innumerevoli sono le attività che brillano per assenza. Invitiamo i titolari e gli utenti soddisfatti a registrarle utilizzando il link sottostante.

http://www.tripadvisor.it/Attractions-g187794-Activities-c25-Marche.html ;

You can’t help wondering what a woman like Giulia Savini—fluent in three languages and with two international master’s degrees—is doing living in Le Marche raising white Marchigiana cows and pampering guests on her 185-acre farm. But Savini and her parents, who also live on site, are as passionate about the environment as they are about hospitality. A short drive from the Renaissance town of Urbino, their 1980’s farm, with six modern guest rooms and three apartments, is as eco-conscious as it gets: crops are strictly organic, the stove is fueled by tree prunings, and electricity is generated by photovoltaic panels on the roof. If you don’t care for morning horseback rides or excursions to artisanal producers, stay here for the food. Loyal to her Piedmontese roots, Giulia’s mamma, Signora Adriana, makes an unforgettable beef bollito misto as well as a rich tagliatelle, made with eggs from her henhouse, that’s tossed in a deep-flavored wild-boar ragù. The best she saves for last: some two dozen house-made liqueurs culled from the pantry, crammed with colorful jars of elderflower and sour-cherry preserves.

Accomodation in Ascoli Piceno: a youth hostel in a XI century’s tower
The hospitality at the “Longobardi” Youth hostel is already an opportunity to enjoy the charm of the Middle Ages, in part because the structure is located in a precious building “Lombard” (XI century) with its tower “Ercolani” of this era, it is possible climb to the top and admire the wonderful panorama of the historic city, is also one of the most important monumental attractions of the city.
This hostel has 60 years old, and his story is written in the 50 guest-book where guests (from many different nation) have left their impressions on the hospitality of Ascoli Piceno (historical town at 200 km from Rome) and their stories.

Located between the sea (25 km from Senigallia) and the mountains, Antico Borgo is born among the hills and countryside of the Marche, a few steps from Castiglioni (www.castiglionidiarcevia.it), one of the castles Arcevia. The building dates back in part to the fourteenth century. According to some experts and historians, the old part of the structure (ex tower) served as a lookout between the various castles in the area. The property has been completely renovated in 2010 and consists of 6 rooms and suites of "House" where the combination of stone, wood, ceramics and furniture of different styles, creating a modern comfort. The restaurant with 40 seats, is the result of a passion for the kitchen of the owners of Italian origin, but born abroad and have traveled a lot, so theirs is a cuisine experience, which combines the traditions of both local products and foreign herbs and spices from all over the world with the use of new techniques for cooking food. The menu is primarily focused on the meat of any kind with the particularity to vary each week thanks to the owner of the Chef. The restaurant also boasts a well-stocked wine cellar offers a great wine list and beer with a wide range of Belgian beers. The property also has a large park, a modern swimming pool surrounded by exotic plants and a playground. A collaboration with the association of sports Castiglioni, allows the use of a room for meetings and parties located in the Old Mill, beautifully restored, which is 200 m in the center of the castle. Our facility also has agreements with health clubs and spas located nearby.

Staying in a hotel and feeling at home… but with different colors, different light, the sound of the sea… Here you are surely served better than home.
The beach a short way away. Green and green just out of the door.
From your bedroom your eyes wander free from waves to hills.
You smell the salty sea, appease your hunger and needs. Children calm down because they learn.
The bedrooms… from the white and warm shades of colour, your vision opens free through waves and hills.
Fully renovated, sea front view, each with its own balcony.
Self-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, tv, direct-line telephone, refined amenities sets, room mini-bar, safe.
For families, comfortable bedrooms with cots, cradles, bedrails, small bath tubs for the kids.
And in case you cannot do without your laptop not even on holidays, here is a wireless system available for you.

Lifemarche.net vi presenta l’elenco dei migliori hotel delle Marche presenti su Tripadvisor realizzato grazie al contributo di 28.786 recensioni di viaggiatori.
Questi 10 hotel presenti ai vertici della classifica redatta da Tripadvisor, rappresentano il meglio del meglio degli oltre 560 hotel della Regione Marche presenti sul noto sito online di recensioni turistiche.
Ben 5 dei 10 hotel in classifica posseggono il fascino degli hotel di charme o sono vere e proprie dimore storiche. 
La maggior parte degli hotel nella top ten di Tripadvisor sono ubicati lontano dalla costa. 
Il primo hotel a 5 stelle dei tre presenti nelle Marche è solo in ventiseiesima posizione. [...]

Selvicolle Country House is located in a very strategic position to reach places full of art, history and beautiful landscapes.
Camerino, a wonderful reinassance city, Sarnano, Tolentino, Matelica, Fabriano, San Severino and San Ginesio. Also amazing nature is protagonist with the breathtaking view of Monti Sibillini and the homonymous national park, the biggest protected area of the Marches where a unique fauna lives, or blue sea of Riviera del Conero.
In this area it is also possible to admire the wonderful sight of Grotte di Frasassi . 
Selvicolle Country House is structured in a compound of comfortable two-floor apartments of different typologies and measure, obtained renovating ancient houses: all apartments have a nice and complete furniture and are composed of an independent entrance, bathroom, kitchen, chimney, private garden, TV and independent heating.
All guests can use free a big common garden, with an amazing swimming pool, a ping pong and a pinball table, a small gym and also volley, soccer, bowls field and a typical inn for breakfast and pleasant food tasting. Animals are always welcome in the residence. Near the country house, there are the remains of original area of XVII century with a small church and a centuries-old bell tower.
At Selvicolle Country House is possible to taste and buy traditional products of Marches region: a wide exposition of wine and food, including Verdicchio Doc and Ciauscolo. [...]

Almost halfway between the Adriatic coast and the mountains of the Sibillini National Park is a gracious rural retreat that features four luxury suites and sleeps 8 people. Casale Monastero sul Colle is a villa for rent situated in the heart of Italy’s spectacular Marche countryside on a promontory high above the vineyards and orchards of the Aso Valley, looking across to three medieval hilltop towns – Force, Santa Vittoria in Matenano, and Montelparo. In the distance, the Sibillini Mountains offer snow-clad views in the winter, glorious wildflowers in the spring, and shimmering grandeur through the summer haze.
The home was named for a small group of Farfa Monks who were thought to once live in this very property. The Farfa are a Benedictine Order that first came to Le Marche at the end of the 9th century when they fled the onslaught of the Saracens and settled in the Fermo region. [...]

Casa Azzurra is a Loro Piceno boutique hotel with yoga, spa and views of the Sibilline mountains and Monte Conero. 

Along with Italy’s widely noted return to traditional agriculture there’s been a corresponding return to the farm in Italian hospitality, and looking at small rural hotels like Casa Azzurra, in the east-central Marche province, it’s not very hard to see the appeal. This nine-room gem sits in the Loro Piceno hills, twenty minutes inland from the Adriatic, surrounded by acre after acre of active farmland, backed by a vista of the Sibilline mountains — as picture-perfect a setting as a farmhouse hotel could ask for, but with a fraction of the tourist traffic (and development) of its neighbors in Tuscany.

The nine rooms retain a fair bit of the old farmhouse’s rustic character, but their décor makes heavy use of a globetrotting collection of furniture in styles that span the East, from India to Bali to China and Japan. In terms of comfort they’re not on a luxury-hotel level, but they’re certainly more than adequate — here the atmosphere counts for a lot more than the thread count.

Or maybe “atmosphere” isn’t quite the right word. Casa Azzurra, it turns out, follows the principles of “bio-architecture,” which means not only that it’s green as can be, with solar power and geothermal heating, but it’s Feng-Shui’d to the gills, its meridians are in perfect alignment, and its magnetic fields, after dark, are apparently a non-factor. Say what you will, there’s no such thing as a hotel that worries too much about the quality of its guests’ sleep. [...]

A marvel of history, tranquility and nature: an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Marche, nestled near the ocean and central Italy's most interesting cities of art you will find the Relais Villa Giulia, an authentic "Hôtel de Charme".
Located near the Fano beaches, and Pesaro, Villa Giulia is a historic residence of unique beauty which has passed the test of time maintaining its antique atmosphere and appeal while enriching them with all the modern comforts and services.

Casa Val D'aso is a beautiful 19th Century stone farmhouse set in the rolling hills of the Le Marche countryside. The holiday home has picturesque views over the Aso valley towards the hill top villages of Monte Falcone, Santa Vittoria and Montelparo.

Standing in a secluded spot but within a three minute drive of the nearest hill top village, the villa offers both the privacy and all the amenities you could wish for.

The farmhouse offers spacious luxury self catering accommodation for up to eleven people in two master suites, one twin bedroom and one triple room. 
There is also a double sofa bed.

A large private pool and terrace provide the perfect location for sunbathing and relaxing in the sun. 
With the Adriatic coast to the East, and the Sibillini National Park to the West, Le Marche offers the more energetic traveller plenty of activity. Alternatively, the farmhouse offers a relaxed hideaway for those who want to get away from it all.

Borgo Tranquillio Design Resort offers peace and tranquillity in a breathtaking 360 degree hill top setting. The Estate has been beautifully restored by internationally renowned designer Frank Andrew together with a team of local architects and craftsmen.
The lifestyle at Borgo Tranquillo is easy and relaxed and the approach to the design one of discreet modernity. The architecture has been restored in the traditional manner with interiors treated in a more contemporary loft-style.
Borgo Tranquillo offers four self catering 88 sqm apartments and one 150sqm Villa. Borgo Tranquillo also boast a communal Spa/Chill out area, containing a large lounge with library, open fire place, Sauna, Hamman, indoor relaxation area as well as a stunning black infinity pool. With a maximum of twelve guests everyone can be assured of a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Se volete scoprire il vero volto dei Monti della Laga dovete mirare al suo cuore: la valle del torrente Castellano. Pochissimo frequentata in estate, se non da cercatori di funghi, in inverno è praticamente inaccessibile, isolata dalla neve che spesso scende a quote molto basse. Risalirla in inverno significa dover lasciare la macchina, se si è fortunati, al guado di fonte d'Amore e percorrere poi altri 6 Km di strada solo per arrivare ai piedi della valle. Anche senza neve comunque la strada è in condizioni tali da poter essere percorsa solo da 4x4 duri e puri, un SUV non vi toglierebbe dagli impicci, inoltre occorre pagare un pedaggio ed a piedi non è proprio divertente ... Se la neve iniziasse prima dell’attraversamento del torrente, le distanze da coprire diverrebbero proibitive (11 Km solo per arrivare alla base della montagna). La soluzione migliore è la traversata, partendo da Ceppo di Rocca S. Maria salendo a Pizzo di Moscio e Cima Lepri e percorrendo la valle in discesa; occorrerà ovviamente provvedere a lasciare un’auto preventivamente al Guado.    Leggi tutto

This weeks destination, Le Marche, is on my list of places to explore and I’ve scheduled a visit later this year when I’ll be in Italy for 4 weeks. So expect lots more information on this region of Italy referred to as the next Tuscany (Lonely Planet)!

Why would I go?
Le Marche offers beautiful coast and rustic hinterland with many spectacular ancient cities to be visited (think Urbino (pictured below) Ascoli Piceno and Macerata).
The region also offers some magnificent national parks and reserves including the stunning Monti Sibillini. Mountains make up approximately 31% of the terrain with the remaining 69% being hills with the region being separated from most of the remainder of Italy by the Apennines.
The combination of sea, hills and mountains provides great environments for sources of food too. Fred Plotkin in “Italy for the Gourmet Traveller” (a great read by the way) recommends the region for its superb seafood as well as excellent truffles, mushrooms, meats, olives, grapes and particularly cheeses.
What would I see?
Urbino, one of the highlights of the region
Urbino is just one of the highlights of Le Marche and is one of the best preserved and spectacular of the Italian hill towns. The entire city is walled so you will need to drop your car in one of the many car parks provided. Highlights of the town include the Palazzo Ducale, the Duomo and the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista.
Other highlights of any visit to Le Marche include (extract below from Marche Voyager):
The provincial capital of Ascoli Piceno lies at the southern end of Le Marche. This beguiling old town is well worth at least an overnight stay. Its travertine-paved main square is one of the most beautiful in Italy.
The administrative capital of Le Marche is Ancona, a city with less obvious attractions for the tourist. Give it time, however, and you may find you enjoy the salty charm of this bustling sea port. It’s also one of Italy’s principal ferry ports with boats to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
Another of the region’s provincial capitals, Pesaro is both an appealing seaside resort and a thriving commercial town. Good shops, fine beaches and great fish.
Another of the region’s main centres is Macerata, a dignified town, famous for its annual outdoor opera festival and capital of the province of Macerata.
The alluring hilltown of Fermo is the capital of the recently-created province of Fermo and boasts a fine historic centre and outstanding main square.
Many of the smaller inland towns are also well worth visiting and most can make a good base for touring. These include , Cagli, Camerino, Cingoli, Jesi, Offida, Recanati and Sarnano.
And remember to find time to enjoy the vineyards and wine of the Le Marche region too!

Read More