Discovering the fortresses and castles of the Marche – among the hills, castles, villages and abbeys

Arrival Macerata, one of the richest in culture and history of the Marche. Visit of the historical center of the city characterized by the famous Sferisterio, splendid example of neoclassical architecture, building built in 1823 originally used for the game of the ball with the bracelet, adapted to location for concerts and opera, venue of the second largest opera season in Italy. Continue the visit with Piazza della Libertà with the Town Hall and the Civic Tower with the astronomical clock. Visit of Palazzo Bonaccorsi which houses the Civic Museums and the Carriage Museum. Accommodation in the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, departure for the small village of Tolentino. Visit of the historic center full of architectural and artistic jewels: the Basilica of San Nicola, whose façade is covered in travertine, Piazza della Libertà characterized by the Bell Tower of San Francesco which has become the symbol of the city with its four-quadrant clock of 1822. Transfer to the Castello della Rancia, built by the Cistercian monks of the nearby Abbey of Fiastra as a fortified granary, which later became a defensive castle in all respects with the Varano, Lords of Camerino. It was also a place of battles: it is closely linked to the victory of the Austrians over the brave and unfortunate Joachim Murat in 1815. Continuation with a visit to Urbisaglia, the ancient Urbs Salvia. Visit the Archaeological Park with the remains of the ancient Roman city which preserves the amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD. and the theater, the only one in Italy still to preserve the pictorial decorations. Visit of the Rocca dating back to the early sixteenth century, built by incorporating the remains of previous medieval structures, in turn erected in correspondence with the ancient Roman walls. On the way back, stop at the Abbey of Fiastra, one of the most important examples of Cistercian architecture in the Marche. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Gradara. The capital of the Middle Ages owes its fame to the Rocca dei Malatesta. You can still admire the walkways, the ancient Clock Gate, and inside the castle the ancient stately rooms. The Rocca di Gradara is also famous for being the backdrop to the legendary love story of Paolo and Francesca, narrated by Dante Alighieri in one of the first Canti of the Inferno of the Divina Commedia. Lunch in a characteristic restaurant with local products accompanied by excellent Marche wines. End of services.