A region of gentle rolling hills, and walled hilltop towns, Le Marche is largely an agricultural area, untouched by mass tourism. It is to Umbria what Umbria was to Tuscany, some time ago, offering a rich mix of culture, history and unspoiled countryside - and fewer tourists to share them with!

The coastline with its endless sandy beaches has long been popular with Italian holidaymakers. What is less known are its inland gems, such as the isolated Renaissance town of Urbino, with its famous Ducal Palace, little changed from the days when Duke Federico of Montefeltro set up his celebrated court here in the second half of the 15th century. Further south is Ascoli Piceno, a charming town with an incredibly beautiful marble-paved main square. Another of the region’s attractions is the town of Macerata, famous for its annual outdoor opera festival. Pesaro, on the coast is an attractive seaside resort with good shopping and beaches, while the busy sea port of Ancona is one of Italy’s main ferry ports, with services to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.