1. URBINO the Crown Jewel of northern Le Marche
Urbino
@ashleybartner
The crown jewel of Northern Le Marche, definitely worth a stop to this stunning walled city. Once the home of the Duke of Montefeltro and the famous painter, Raffael Sanzio, also one of the oldest Universities in Europe!f
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Tip: Park at Piazzale Mercatale: it’s super convenient, cheap and they even have an elevator if you need it to take you to the top of the hill/main piazza!
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T O D O:
Casa Santi
@ashleybartner
The home of Raffael. For art lovers this is a must stop, but if you just want a taste without committing to a tour, check out the free exhibit on the ground floor and gift shop for an abridged tour of his works!
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2. FANO
Visit our favorite fishermen’s village to dip your toes in the Adriatic and get your full of fresh seafood! Our favorite spot for simple grilled seafood at the port is La Rustita - named after it's famous grilled fish, lightly tossed in breadcrumbs before the grill. Order with a liter of the house white - sparkling! It's the perfect combination on a hot summer's day at the beach!
Fano
@ashleybartner
Hit up the weekly market on Saturday for the hustle & bustle, grab a few staples and head to the beach!
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E A T:
La Rustita
@ashleybartner
This is our go-to spot when we are craving simple grilled fish! Family-run and reservations suggested during the summer, here my suggested order:
Liter of the house sparkling white (bianco frizzante)
Mixed Grilled Fish
Fried Calamari
Salad & their homemade potato chips
Finish with a local fisherman’s favorite, La Moretta - cafe with a zest log lemon, sugar and 3 boozes! It’s perfect after a big meal and just before you walk along the water.
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For my Insiders Guide to Fano:
3. FURLO
My favorite detour along the old Roman road, the via Flaminia
Furlo Gorge Tunnel
@ashleybartner
A great detour! Check out the one lane tunnel chiselled out my Roman slaves. Pull the car over and check it out and take a few photos. A little further down the road towards Inland is a fantastic park, piadine, an ancient church and an old Roman bridge partially excavated!
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Stop for a beer & piadine at this shady riverside spot. Great park for kids too!
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4. URBANIA
Home of Le Befana, this antique village is known for its ceramics! Stop at Caffe del Teatro for a cafe, artisan gelato or handmade pastry. On a rainy day, sit inside under the frescoed ceilings or better yet on a sunny day, sit and people watch outside their front doors in the main piazza!
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G E L A T O:
CAFFE' DEL TEATRO PASTICCERIA
@ashleybartner
Artisan gelato, fancy pastries and fantastic coffee. Perfect to sit and people watch outside in the main piazza.
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5. MONDAVIO
A tiny town with huge trebuchets/catapults that sound the double walled medieval village perched on a hill. There's not much to do in this tiny town if there isn't a festival but it's worth a stop for the views and the incredible collection of antique catapults. Plus it's just a pretty drive. And if you're in the area, stop by Cantina Terra Cruda in nearby Fratte Rosa for a wine tasting in their gorgeous tasting room overlooking the vines!
Mondavio
@ashleybartner
Antique trebuchets & catapults surround the walled village! Amazing views!!
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V I N O:
While you are in the area it would be a shame to miss Cantina Terracruda!
Cantina Terracruda
@ashleybartner
One stop shop for many unique wines to Le Marche: Bianchello del Metauro, Incrocio Bruni 54 and a wonderful Pesarese Sangiovese Riserva. The gorgeous tasting room sits over the vines and they offer local cheeses alongside the tasting.
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