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Introduction
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Undiscovered Italy - Le Marche
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Undiscovered Italy - Le Marche

  • 7 Night Holiday
  • Half Board
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For a taste of ‘Real Italy’, head for Le Marche, a region of outstanding natural beauty situated between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Renaissance art, awe-inspiring mountainous landscape and fine beaches are just some of the lures of this wonderful destination. Your holiday base is Pesaro, birthplace of famous composer Gioacchino Rossini, which boasts the happy combination of a charming historic centre and a superb beach.

You will discover true Le Marche gems, including the university city of Urbino, home to countless artistic and architectural masterpieces; Gradara, whose beautifully preserved castle is thought to be the scene of Dante’s tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, the hilltop fortress of San Leo, and the medieval citadel of San Marino, smallest republic in the world.

Coach transfer to and from Belfast (Chichester Street) to Dublin Airport on selected dates.

 

Map of Italy

Practical Information for this holiday

Currency
Euro (€)     
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +1 hour
Passport
A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements. 
Airport
Direct return flights from Dublin to Bologna - approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes
Climate

The climate is generally pleasant; warm and sunny in spring and autumn and hot and dry in summer.
Food & Drink

Le Marche is rich in natural produce and the cuisine is tasty and hearty. Locals love their meat, especially dishes made with rabbit, pork and game.  Vincisgrassi is a tomato-less lasagne, unique to the region, while Pecorino is a tangy sheep’s cheese which often accompanies pasta.  Fish lovers will enjoy Brodetto, made with no less than 13 types of fish, and Spaghetti allo Scoglio (with shellfish) is another favourite. For a snack lunch, try a piadina, a flatbread with cold meats or other fillings.  Of many excellent Marche wines, Verdicchio is perhaps the most famous white, and Rosso Conero a rewarding red.
Average Prices for Region
  • Coffee: €1.45
  • Beer: €4.00
  • Glass of wine: €3.50
  • Lunch: €12.00
  • Soft Drink: €2.00
  • Bottled Water: €0.50
Packing List
  • Your valid passport
  • Sun cream
  • A continental plug adaptor
  • A rain jacket
  • A small backpack
  • A sun hat and sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes (sturdy shoes for sightseeing in historic cities)
  • Camera
Recommended Reading/Viewing

The Broker by John Grisham

Back to Bologna by Michael Dibdin

Amarcord (film, 1973) Dir. Federico Fellini

Holiday highlights

Palazzo Ducale

Located in Pesaro, this palace was built by Alessandro Sforza in the second half of the 15th century. From 1564 the palace became the centre of administration of the Duchy.
Casa Rossini

A few meters from the Palazzo Ducale is the small birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, an Italian composer of the 19th century.  Famous for writing The Barber of Seville, one of the all-time masterpieces of comic opera, Rossini was called ‘The Italian Mozart.’ Inside the house there is a museum, dedicated to the composer, consisting of a collection of posters, prints and portraits.
Urbino

The city is a picturesque Renaissance hill town, and the capital of the Marche region of central Italy. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Ducal Palace houses one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in Italy.
San Leo

This city is situated on a huge boulder and it is accessed by a single road cut into the rock. On the highest point of the spur rises the fortress of San Leo, which played a central role during the Renaissance as both a fortress and a prison. The prison famously hosted many historical figures such as Dante, St. Francis of Assisi and the Count of Cagliostro. The view has to be seen to be believed.
San Marino

Officially the Republic of San Marino was founded in 301 A.D. It is the third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See City and Monaco), and claims to be the world's oldest republic.
Beach life

A highlight of a holiday on Italy’s Adriatic coast is spending time on the sandy beach, where you can rent a sun lounger and parasol. Along with these creature comforts, you’ll find shower & wc facilities, and there’ll be drinks and snacks to buy.  Outside of the main summer season, the umbrellas and loungers may be gone, but the beach is still worth a visit. Put on your swimsuit, take your suntan cream and sunglasses, close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the sea !

Practical Information for this holiday

Currency
Euro (€)     
Local Time
Ireland/UK Time +1 hour
Passport
A valid passport is required for this holiday. EU citizens do not need a visa, however non-EU citizens should check requirements. 
Airport
Direct return flights from Dublin to Bologna - approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes
Climate

The climate is generally pleasant; warm and sunny in spring and autumn and hot and dry in summer.
Food & Drink

Le Marche is rich in natural produce and the cuisine is tasty and hearty. Locals love their meat, especially dishes made with rabbit, pork and game.  Vincisgrassi is a tomato-less lasagne, unique to the region, while Pecorino is a tangy sheep’s cheese which often accompanies pasta.  Fish lovers will enjoy Brodetto, made with no less than 13 types of fish, and Spaghetti allo Scoglio (with shellfish) is another favourite. For a snack lunch, try a piadina, a flatbread with cold meats or other fillings.  Of many excellent Marche wines, Verdicchio is perhaps the most famous white, and Rosso Conero a rewarding red.
Average Prices for Region
  • Coffee: €1.45
  • Beer: €4.00
  • Glass of wine: €3.50
  • Lunch: €12.00
  • Soft Drink: €2.00
  • Bottled Water: €0.50
Packing List
  • Your valid passport
  • Sun cream
  • A continental plug adaptor
  • A rain jacket
  • A small backpack
  • A sun hat and sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes (sturdy shoes for sightseeing in historic cities)
  • Camera
Recommended Reading/Viewing

The Broker by John Grisham

Back to Bologna by Michael Dibdin

Amarcord (film, 1973) Dir. Federico Fellini

Trip Itinerary - Day by day

Day 1 - Travel to Italy

Travel to Italy

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide at Bologna Airport. Your guide will then accompany you as you are transferred to your hotel in the lovely seaside town of Pesaro, on Italy’s Adriatic coast.

Day 2 - Pesaro

Morning

At Leisure

This morning you can enjoy some free time in Pesaro. You might want to stroll around the main square, Piazza del Popolo or maybe you’d like to pay a visit to the home of famed opera composer Gioachino Rossini – Casa Rossini. Your guide will be able to give you local knowledge on places of interest.

Afternoon

Pesaro

Afternoon guided walking tour of Pesaro, birthplace of the composer Rossini, to discover its historic centre. You will have time to go shopping or to explore the town before returning to your hotel. 

Day 3 - Urbino

Urbino

Today you will have a full day excursion to Urbino, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the glorious landscape and a visit to the heart of the walled city. Note that Urbino is a hilltop town with many cobbled streets - sturdy footwear is recommeneded. Lunch is included today.

Day 4 - San Leo & San Marino

Morning

San Leo

On today’s full day excursion you will pay a visit to the charming town of San Leo and the republic of San Marino. San Leo’s ancient fortress rises 600m above sea-level, overlooking the Marecchia Valley. The fortress has a history of hosting many personalities of cultural and artistic importance, from Dante to St. Francis.

Afternoon

San Marino

After you enjoy some free time for lunch, you will then continue on to the Republic of San Marino, the oldest republic in the world! You will have time to explore San Marino’s narrow, quirky streets and do a bit of shopping at your leisure.

Day 5 - At Leisure

At Leisure

Today you can do as you wish; whether relaxing in the hotel, a bit of shopping or some more sightseeing. Why not take a stroll on the beach, go for an al fresco lunch in one of the many restaurants or sip a glass of prosecco as you look out onto the Adriatic. As always, our expert guide will be available to suggest local attractions and activities.

Day 6 - Gradara & Wine Tasting

Gradara & Wine Tasting

This full day excursion begins with a visit to Gradara. You will be guided through this charming town, which is thought to have been the scene of Dante’s tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca. Later, visit one of the region’s vineyards and cellars to taste some local wines before being transferred to your hotel. Lunch is included today. Note that Gradara is quite hilly – sturdy footwear is recommended.

Day 7 - At Leisure

At Leisure

Enjoy another day at leisure in the lovely town of Pesaro, and its surroundings. Your guide will be happy to suggest attractions and sightseeing activities to suit your interests.

Day 8 - Return Home

Return Home

Time to bid farewell to the beautiful region of Le Marche. Your guide will accompany you as you are transferred from your hotel to Bologna Airport for your flight home.

* Please note that the order of your excursions on the itinerary above is provisional and subject to change

Customer reviews

Hotel & accommodation available for this trip

Hotel Napoleon 4

Located on Pesaro's beautiful seafront promenade and minutes from the historic centre,   Hotel Napoleon provides guests with one of the most relaxing experiences that can be offered. Those looking to indulge in the traditional Mediterranean diet may do so thanks to... read more read more read more

Located on Pesaro's beautiful seafront promenade and minutes from the historic centre,   Hotel Napoleon provides guests with one of the most relaxing experiences that can be offered. Those looking to indulge in the traditional Mediterranean diet may do so thanks to Idelma, the hotel cook. A heated walk-in pool provides an alternative to the sea and the massage pool can be a great place to get a little rest and relaxation. 

Hotel address
Hotel Napoleon
Viale Fiume, 118
61100 PESARO
Italy
View available dates for this hotel

* Some hotel facilities may be seasonally operated or under maintenance and therefore unavailable at the time of your stay. Charges may apply for certain facilities.

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Price, taxes, flight times & availability are subject to change. E&OE. Price based on per person, sharing. Single Supplement cost may apply.

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