From the suggestive fortress of Gradara to the turreted Ascoli Piceno, wonderful medieval city, from Macerata, with its complete city walls, to Tolentino and its medieval atmosphere. And don’t forget Urbino, built on two hills and still surrounded by city walls, this beautiful city gave birth to Raffaello and was specially flourishing during the reign of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, condottiero, intellectual and patron.

Sunday, July 10

Departure by bus from Milan. Arrival in Gradara and visit of the fortress and of San Bernardino church. Arrival in Macerata on the late afternoon. Accommodation in 4* Hotel Claudiani or similar hotel. Dinner and overnight included.

Gradara castle – CC BY-SA 2.0 | Giorgio Minguzzi | 2010

Monday, July 11

Breakfast included, at the hotel. Transfer by bus toward Ascoli Piceno and visit to: Piazza Arringo with the Cathedral, the Pinacoteca Civica and the Archeological Museum, Piazza del Popolo with San Francesco church, the Palazzo dei Capitani and the Loggia dei Mercanti, the Ventidio Basso theatre and, if possible, SS. Vincenzo and Anastasio Church. Return to Macerata on late afternoon. Dinner and overnight included.

Ascoli Piceno, Piazza Arringo – CC BY 2.0 | Ian Parkes | 2007

Tuesday, July 12

Breakfast included, at the hotel. Morning: visit of Macerata – beautiful city mostly built on XVI and XIX cent. with almost complete city walls – and its historic center, including Piazza della Libertà, where lay Palazzo dei Priori, the elegant Loggia dei Mercanti, the Torre dell’Orologio, the Pinacoteca Civica inside the seventeenth-century ex Jesuit college. Bus transfer to Tolentino and visit to its historic center and San Nicola church, with the big gothic chapel, decorated with frescos from the Rimini-grotesque school. Bus transfer to Camerino, whose architecture and monuments immediately remind the visitor that this beautiful city was the ancient capital of a dukedom. Visit to Camerino historic center: Piazza Cavour, Duomo, Palazzo Arcivescovile, Museo Diocesano and Palazzo Ducale, location of the well-renowned University. Return to the hotel in Macerata. Dinner and overnight included.

Wednesday, July 13

Breakfast included, at the hotel. Transfer by bus towards Urbino and visit of its historic center: Piazza del Mercatale, Teatro Raffaello Sanzio, Duomo, Palazzo dell’Università, Palazzo Ducale, Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, San Giovanni Battista. Return to Milan by bus.

Urbino – CC BY 2.0 | Gareth Williams | 2006

FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• City Tax, to be paid directly at the hotel if due
• Lunches
• Tips, porterage and various personal extras
• Optional insurance for cancellation AMIASSISTANCE