Sometimes you don’t need much to truly travel. A pair of sturdy hiking boots, a good glass of local wine, and a place where time seems to stand still. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Le Marche, in the heart of Italy.
Spend four days exploring rolling hills, medieval villages, and hidden hiking trails. Your home base will be a restored 14th-century farmhouse: Ca’ Virginia Country House. You can do this route on your own or as part of an organized tour with a local specialist. Read more about that below. In either case, you’ll travel in your own car.
Arrival at your country house. Located in an old casale (farmhouse) just outside Urbino. You’ll be welcomed with a welcome drink accompanied by local salami, cheeses, wine, and piadina. The tone is set: here, it’s all about enjoying life the Italian way.
Overnight stay.
After breakfast , your day begins with a hike from Pontevecchio to Montefabbri, a medieval village where time seems to stand still. The 6-kilometer route winds through a gently rolling landscape dotted with cypress trees and offering sweeping views.
On the way back, you’ll receive an organic snack pack from a local farm: fresh juice, cookies, and a spot on the “Big Bench” with a view of the hills.
In the afternoon, it’s a 15-minute drive to Urbino for a light lunch featuring local specialties. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): wander through historic alleyways, visit the impressive Palazzo Ducale, the San Giovanni Chapel, or the birthplace of the painter Raphael.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Albornoz Fort, where you’ll have a magnificent view of the city.
Back to the country house and some relaxation by the pool. Overnight stay.
Breakfast at the country house, then departure by car. Today is all about relaxation, nature, and impressive castles.
The first stop is the village of Piobbico, at the foot of Brancaleoni Castle. From a scenic walking trail, you can enjoy views of the village and the surrounding valley. It’s a short but impressive walk that takes no more than 30 minutes.
Then on to Rocca Leonella ( a 10-minute drive). An almost forgotten little village that seems to cling to the mountainside. Here, you literally hear nothing but the wind and the birds. The sound of silence.
You’ll have lunch at a historic locanda, where you’ll savor the forgotten flavors of the past. If you’d like, you can also take an extra one-hour walk through the woods here.
You’ll continue by car. The day ends in Cagli with an aperitif in the lively village square: local cheese, crescia, crostini, and a glass of wine. A perfect way to end the day. Back to the country house. Overnight stay.
On day four, you’ll swap the mountains for ocean views in the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park ( about a 40-minute drive). Here, the hills literally stretch right down to the water. A GPS route takes you from castle to castle, passing through Fiorenzuola di Focara and Casteldimezzo— ancient villages perched on cliffs, with flowers in the windowsills and views of the Adriatic Sea.
If you still have some energy left, you can continue walking to Vallugola Bay, where the forest meets the sea. It’s well worth the effort: the view of the sea, the hills, the villages, and the “Riviera Romagnola.”
After this hike, it’s time to return to your country house for your final night. Just like on the other hikes, you’ll be guided by a GPS route: a beautiful hike from “castle to castle” all the way to the “roof of the world.”
This is where your journey of discovery through Le Marche comes to an end.
Not included
Click here to see other walking tours in Italy
When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner, who will confirm it directly with you if approved. You’ll pay the same price as if you were booking directly. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
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With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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