Recommended experiences

Discovering
the inland

Four complete days out, tried and told hour by hour: walled villages, wineries, snow and spectacular caves. Just pick one and go.

Itinerary 01

A day in Corinaldo: the village of walls and polenta

The hills around Corinaldo
Corinaldo · 20 min
Morning — 10:00

A walk along the medieval walls

Arrive in Corinaldo around 10:00 and have breakfast in a typical bar with good coffee and a crescia, the local flatbread.

  • Start the day with a walk along the perfectly preserved medieval walls. Along the walkway you can admire towers, bastions and a splendid view over the Marche hills.
  • Visit Porta Nova and Porta del Mercato, the village's ancient gateways.
11:30

The famous "Piaggia" and the Polenta Well

  • Walk to the Piaggia, the spectacular 100-step staircase that is the symbol of the village.
  • Stop at the Polenta Well, tied to a curious local legend: they say a farmer fell in with a sack of flour, giving rise to the myth of polenta gushing from the well!
  • Continue with the Church of San Francesco and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Goretti, dedicated to the saint born here.
13:00

Lunch with typical Marche dishes

Lunch stop in a trattoria in the old town. Recommended menu:

  • Vincisgrassi (a rich, delicious Marche-style lasagna)
  • Rabbit "in porchetta" (a classic of the farming tradition)
  • Sour-cherry tart (a typical dessert with local visciole cherries)
Afternoon

Art, culture and nature

  • After lunch, visit the Carlo Goldoni Municipal Theatre, a little 19th-century gem.
  • Explore the Corinaldo Museum, which tells the story of the village and its traditions.
  • A green walk along the Percorso delle Fonti, a relaxing route through the countryside.
17:00

Relaxation and shopping among artisan workshops

  • Stroll through the old town discovering artisan shops selling local products: honey, cheeses, Lacrima di Morro d'Alba wine and ceramics.
  • Stop in a wine bar for an aperitif with a glass of Verdicchio or Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, accompanied by olive all'ascolana and local cured meats.
19:00

Farewell to the village

After a day of history, culture and authentic flavours, you leave Corinaldo with the memory of a unique experience in the heart of the Marche.

Itinerary 02

A day discovering the wines of the Marche: tastings among the hills of Verdicchio and Lacrima

The Marche boasts an extraordinary winemaking tradition, with excellent wines such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Lacrima di Morro d'Alba and Rosso Conero. This day is designed as a tasting tour through the hills of the Vallesina and the Conero, among vineyards, historic wineries and gastronomic delights.

Vineyards in the Marche hills
Vallesina & Conero
10:00

Arrival in Jesi and first winery visit

The day begins in Jesi, home of Verdicchio, with a visit to one of the historic Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi wineries, where an expert sommelier leads the tasting.

  • Verdicchio Classico DOC — fresh and mineral, perfect with starters.
  • Verdicchio Riserva DOCG — more structured, with hints of almond and honey.
  • Pairing: local cheeses, Marche focaccia and cured meats.
11:30

A stroll in Staffolo, the "Balcony of the Vallesina"

  • A short transfer to Staffolo, a medieval village with panoramic views over the hills.
  • Visit to the Wine Museum, which tells the story of winemaking in the Marche.
13:00

Lunch at a winery on Monte Conero

Transfer towards the Conero Riviera to discover Rosso Conero DOC, a red wine made from Montepulciano grapes. Recommended menu:

  • Starter of Portonovo moscioli (local wild mussels).
  • First course: tagliatelle with Acqualagna truffle.
  • Main: grilled Marche meats paired with Rosso Conero.
15:30

Winery visit in Morro d'Alba

After lunch, a stop in Morro d'Alba, home of Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC, an aromatic, intense red wine.

  • Lacrima di Morro d'Alba Classico — with notes of violet and wild berries.
  • Lacrima Riserva — more complex, perfect with structured dishes.
  • Pairing: crostini with ciauscolo, pit-aged pecorino and artisan preserves.
17:00

Village stroll and final aperitif

  • A short walk through the old town of Morro d'Alba, visiting the famous Scarpa, the patrol walkway on the village walls.
  • One last tasting in a wine bar overlooking the hills at sunset.
19:00

End of the tour

The day ends with a bottle of the wines you tasted as a souvenir, taking home the authentic flavours of the Marche.

Itinerary 03

A mountain day in the Marche: skiing and fun in the Sibillini Mountains

The Marche offers several places perfect for a day on skis, with well-equipped facilities and gear rental. One of the best is Bolognola, in the Sibillini Mountains National Park, with slopes for every level and a welcoming atmosphere for winter mountain lovers.

Winter in the Sibillini Mountains
Bolognola Ski
8:00

Departure for Bolognola

  • Leave early in the morning to reach the mountains in time to enjoy a full day on the snow.
  • Arrival at Bolognola Ski, one of the best ski resorts in the Marche, with modern lifts and excellent organisation.
9:30

Equipment rental and preparation

At Bolognola Ski Rent, right at the base of the lifts, you can hire all the equipment you need:

  • Skis and boots
  • Snowboard
  • Poles and helmet
  • Ski suits (on request)

Beginners can book a lesson with a ski instructor.

10:00

Skiing and snowboarding

Bolognola Ski offers 10 km of slopes, divided into:

  • Blue runs: for beginners and learners.
  • Red runs: for intermediate skiers looking for more challenging descents.
  • Black runs: for experts chasing adrenaline.

Snowboard lovers will find a dedicated freestyle area.

13:00

Lunch in a mountain hut

Stop at a high-altitude refuge for a typical mountain lunch with hot dishes such as:

  • Polenta with sausage and mushrooms
  • Tagliatelle with wild boar
  • Crescia with local cured meats and cheeses
  • A glass of Marche vino cotto to warm up!
14:30

Afternoon of skiing and relaxation

  • After lunch, back on the slopes for another couple of hours of skiing or snowboarding.
  • If you'd rather relax, enjoy the scenery with a walk in the snow or a snowshoe excursion (snowshoes also available for hire).
16:30

Après-ski and return

  • Before leaving, a stop in a mountain hut for a bombardino or a hot chocolate to end the day in style.
  • Return the hired equipment and drive home with the sunset over the mountains.
Alternatives for a snow day in the Marche — other ski resorts with equipment rental: Frontignano di Ussita (Sibillini Mountains), great for skiing and snowboarding · Monte Catria, with well-equipped slopes and a snowpark · Sarnano-Sassotetto, with beautiful runs and a cosy relaxation area in the refuge.

Itinerary 04

A day at the Frasassi Caves: nature, adventure and relaxation

The Frasassi Caves, in the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Natural Park, are one of the most spectacular karst systems in Europe. This day combines the cave visit with cultural, gastronomic and outdoor experiences nearby.

The Frasassi Caves
Genga · Frasassi Caves
9:00

Arrival and tickets

  • Arrival in Genga (AN), the town that hosts the caves.
  • Park at the visitor centre and buy entrance tickets (booking online is recommended to avoid queues).
  • Choose between the classic tourist route (75 min, suitable for everyone) or the adventure caving route (for exploration lovers).
10:00

Visit to the Frasassi Caves

Guided tour inside the caves. Along the way you'll admire:

  • The Ancona Abyss, a gigantic chamber 200 metres high — large enough to hold Milan Cathedral.
  • The Crystallised Lake, with stalactites and stalagmites immersed in water.
  • The Grand Canyon and the Hall of Candles, unique calcite formations.
  • The Bear's Hall and the Sword of Damocles, the most fascinating natural sculptures.

Constant temperature inside: 14 °C — bring a jumper!

12:00

Visit to the Abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse

After the caves, a 5-minute transfer to admire this ancient 11th-century Romanesque abbey, set in spectacular natural surroundings.

13:00

Typical Marche lunch

Lunch in a local restaurant with specialities of the area:

  • Tagliatelle with Acqualagna truffle.
  • Rabbit "in porchetta".
  • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG.
15:00

Walk in the Frasassi Gorge

  • After lunch, explore the Frasassi Gorge, a spectacular natural area of rock walls, river and hiking trails.
  • For adventure lovers, climbing or trekking along the panoramic routes.
17:00

San Vittore Thermal Baths (optional, for a final unwind)

To end the day in total relaxation, stop at the San Vittore Baths for a regenerating thermal soak.

18:30

Home with local souvenirs

Before leaving, stop at a local shop to buy cheeses, honey and truffles as a memento of the day.

Why choose this day out? Perfect for every kind of traveller (families, couples, adventurers) · combines nature, history, food and relaxation · a unique experience in the heart of the Marche.

And more

Extra ideas for your days

A visit to Morro d'Alba

Place: Morro d'Alba is a charming medieval village known for its walls and the covered patrol walkway called "La Scarpa".

Activities: walk along "La Scarpa" to take in the surrounding views and taste Lacrima di Morro d'Alba wine in the local wineries.

Cultural tour in Montecassiano

Place: Montecassiano is a village that preserves its medieval layout intact, with narrow streets and historic palaces.

Activities: visit the "Girolamo Buratti" Civic Art Gallery and the "Giovanni da San Guglielmo" Museum of Sacred Art to discover fine artworks and liturgical furnishings.

Outdoor activities in Esanatoglia

Place: Esanatoglia is a small medieval village in an enchanting natural setting at the foot of the Umbria-Marche Apennines.

Activities: the area offers plenty of outdoor sport — trekking, trail running, mountain biking and camping. It is known as a venue for international motocross and mountain-bike races, with genuinely demanding courses.

Ancona — history, sea and nature

  • Morning: explore the old town, visiting the Cathedral of San Ciriaco with its breathtaking view over the port.
  • Lunch: try the local classic, Stoccafisso all'Anconetana, in a traditional trattoria.
  • Afternoon: relax in the Bay of Portonovo, one of the Conero's most beautiful beaches.
  • Evening: stroll along the Passetto, admiring the war memorial and the picturesque fishermen's caves.

Jesi — art, wine and the story of Frederick II

  • Morning: walk along the medieval walls, visit Piazza Federico II and the Civic Art Gallery with works by Lorenzo Lotto.
  • Lunch: taste the celebrated Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi in a local winery.
  • Afternoon: tour the Teatro Pergolesi, one of the most beautiful historic theatres in the Marche, then relax in the public gardens.
  • Evening: dinner in an osteria serving typical Vallesina dishes.

Arcevia — a journey through castles and nature

  • Morning: visit the old town with the Collegiate Church of San Medardo and the Archaeological Museum.
  • Lunch: taste local specialities such as Arcevia cured meats and pit-aged cheese.
  • Afternoon: explore the Castles of Arcevia, such as Nidastore and Loretello, perfectly preserved little medieval villages.
  • Evening: a walk through the hills and sunset over the valley.

Corinaldo — one of Italy's most beautiful villages

  • Morning: walk on the perfectly preserved medieval walls and visit the famous Piaggia with the Polenta Well.
  • Lunch: enjoy local specialities, such as vincisgrassi, in a typical restaurant.
  • Afternoon: visit the birthplace of Saint Maria Goretti and the Carlo Goldoni Municipal Theatre.
  • Evening: aperitif with a view over the Marche hills.

Prefer the seaside?

Sirolo, a boat to the Due Sorelle, Senigallia: three complete days on the coast too.

Seaside itineraries