MARCHE AND SAN MARINO: ART AND RURAL TRADITIONS: 6 DAYS/ URBINO- SAN AMRINO- FRASASSI

One of the less-known regions of central Italy but rich in artistic and naturalistic wonders, the Marche occupies a strategic position to visit all of central Italy, from Umbria to Emilia Romagna and hosts geographically the small Republic of San Marino, a small independent state overlooking the Adriatic. From the beauties of historic villages and towns such as Macerata and Montecassiano to the beautiful Urbino, one of the most important cities of the Italian Renaissance. Even today, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its history and its buildings that represent a valuable example of Renaissance architectural mastery. Within those buildings you can still find and admire important works of art, including those of Piero della Francesca, one of the most important painters of the Italian Renaissance. But in addition to the art and history that pervade this territory, the Marche is a popular destination for its naturalistic aspects.  From the hinterland to the coast, the peculiarity of the territory boasts geological richness famous all over the Country such as the Frasassi Caves, up to the peaks of the Conero, a peak overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Ascoli coast. An itinerary designed to let you discover the beauty of this region very often overshadowed by its neighbors but which has so much to offer. Local producers will be your personal guides, they will take you to discover this territory and all its products. In your free time, visit the villages of the area: Montecassino and the town of Macerata and dedicate some time for a walk or a bike or horse ride in one of the Conero paths overlooking the sea.

6 days/ 5 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Macerata

Arrival to Macerata and check- in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Truffle Hunting- Tasting- Frasassi Caves

In the morning you will travel independently near Serra San Quirico where your guide will be waiting for you together with his trusty dog to start a real truffle hunt lasting about 3 hours. Truffle is one of the most prized products that the earth gives us and it is true that in autumn and winter we find the rarest, most famous and tasty ones: the prized black one and above all the white one, but is also true that even in spring and throughout the summer nature continues to offer these mushrooms, first the "white" and then the summer black. Before heading to the woods you will start with a coffee and a description of the company. Immediately afterwards you will be guided on a walk in the truffle fields and in the woods that border the house. You will follow the dog which, depending on its breed, character, age and experience, will behave in its characteristic way. During the excursion you will reach a field where you can enjoy a unique panorama of the valley below and Mount San Vicino in front. The hunt will bear fruit and upon returning home you will reward yourself with a snack/tasting of truffle-based products accompanied by an excellent glass of local Verdicchio (native Marche’s white wine). Lunch on your own. In the afternoon you can access the Frasassi Caves. You will be able to walk along one of the most fascinating underground routes of the national and international geological panorama and be enchanted by stalactites and stalagmites, quarries and karst caves dug underground by river routes which over the millennia have led to the formation of this unique natural scenario that will leave you breathless. After the visit to the caves, return to the hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Local farm visit- Cooking class- Lunch

During the morning you will go to a local farm for a mini agricultural cooking course lasting half a day. You can set off for a walk around the company in search of the wild herbs preferred by the owners for their nutritional and organoleptic properties to be released in the kitchen. Together you will learn to recognize these plants that grow spontaneously in abundance when their period arrives. You will be able to distinguish them and you will discover the characteristics of the environments they prefer to grow and thrive. After harvesting, the lady owner of the company will involve you in the kitchen, in the preparation of these herbs with simple recipes. Or if you prefer, you can choose to learn the secrets of hand-made egg pasta. You will use eggs and flour obtained from the company's grains and learn how to prepare different pasta shapes. In both cases the experience ends around the table. A table set in the greenhouse or in the shade of the garden will be the perfect location for your well-deserved tasting accompanied by an excellent glass of Verdicchio. Free afternoon. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: Local Winery tour- Tasting- Arrival to Urbino

In the morning you will leave Macerata heading to Urbino. Along the way you can enjoy a two-hour stop in a farm where you can taste and witness the secrets of the production of the two main Marche vineyards: Lacrima di Morro d'Alba and Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi. Once you arrive at the farm you will be able to admire the typical Marche landscape and with this experience you will immerse yourself in it. You will start with a walk in the vineyards where you will be introduced to the territory, the history of the company's vines, the principles of sustainable and biodynamic viticulture adopted in the vineyard and you will be able to observe the underground amphorae in which the wine is matured (a peculiar wine production technique dedicated to biodynamic wines). Here the guide will talk you about the equipment used and the winemaking methods without added yeast, following the philosophy of spontaneous fermentations. You will be able to taste 6 glasses which will be combined with a platter of typical local products. Departure independently. Arrival in Urbino and check-in at the hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Urbino

The morning is dedicated to the discovery of one of the most intellectually active centers of the Italian Renaissance: Urbino. A guide will accompany you for a half day walk to discover the wonders of this city, a UNESCO heritage site. Your local guide will reveal the walled city's artistic and architectural masterpieces dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, while learning about its significance during the Renaissance. Starting from Piazza Rinascimento, you will head towards the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, one of the most important monuments in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pass through its historic rooms. You will admire the Urbino Cathedral and the Oratory of San Giovanni Battista, a jewel of Gothic architecture and you can visit the birthplace and memorial of Raffaello Sanzio, one of the most famous painters of the Renaissance. You will end the tour with a suggestive view of the city from the terrace of the Albornoz Fortress, before returning to the center through Porta Valbona. Lunch on your own. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: San Marino- Departure

Departure from the hotel towards San Marino where a tour of about an hour and a half awaits you to discover this peculiar small state nestled in the center of Italy and politically independent. Starting from Porta di San Francesco you will begin your private tour of the center of San Marino. You will explore the streets of the city while the guide will explain some curiosities about this fascinating microstate: one of the oldest Republics in the world. You will continue towards the Three Towers, built to defend against attacks by the Malatestas of Rimini and documented for the first time in 1253. In particular, you will access the First Tower, also known as Rocca or Guaita, which stands out imposingly near the precipice of Mount Titano. After exploring this splendid defensive structure, the tour will end. Lunch on your own. Free afternoon. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION

- Montecassiano: Hotel Villa Quiete or similar

- Urbino: Hotel Mamiami & Ki' Spa or similar