Marche

A hilly area situated between mountains to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east, the region offers spots for active and sporting holidays as well as cultural itineraries through its medieval provincial towns built on a human scale....

The entire region exudes a restful atmosphere, far removed from the hubbub of more popular tourist spots. A former dependency of the Papal States, it has an impressive number of religious buildings unequalled in the rest of the country. Its natural beauty, well suited to walking and bike tours, is dotted with protected parks and nature reserves. In the far north of the region, near Umbria, foodies will find the valley of truffles and can taste dishes that make the most of their distinctive flavour.