Le Marche region offers many great activities and interesting day trips; here is a list of our favourites!

 Day Trips

Urbino - a scenic 35 minute drive from Barchi*
Famous throughout the world as one of the centers of the Italian Renaissance and birthplace of Raphael, Urbino today is one of the country's most interesting and well-preserved historical city centres.  In fact, the city was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Visit the Galleria Nazionale della Marche to see one of the most important art galleries in the country - both for the volume of work and their quality.  Be sure to stop by Palazzo Ducale and university.
Assisi - a picturesque 2 hour drive from Barchi*
The abundance of monuments in this Umbrian town makes it one of Italy's most popular tourist sites with the main attraction being the Basilica of Saint Francis.   Wander the ancient streets through palazzi, Roman ruins and churches while mingling with pilgrims and visitors from around the world.  Be sure to see the perfectly preserved Roman temple (once to the goddess Minerva) in the city's main square.
San Marino - a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Barchi* 
Rising dramatically from the rolling hills of northern Marche, San Marino is the third smallest country in the world after Monaco and The Vatican - as well as the oldest republic in Europe (301 AD).  A fairy-tale castle and tourist area is the center point of this romantic retreat.  Enjoy the shopping, restaurants and spectacular views of Marche and the Adriatic.  Tax-free shopping is another reason so many Italians visit!
Gubbio - a lovely 1 hour drive from Barchi*                    
A hidden gem built into the mountainside, Gubbio is one of our favorite large towns in the region.  Often steep streets take you from hidden lanes to country shops to piazzi with majestic views over the countryside.  Be sure to look out for artisans producing hand-cut paper and leather notebooks; a speciality of Gubbio dating back over 1,000 years.  And don't miss the Roman ampitheatre at the base of the town.
Fano - a relaxing 20 minute drive from Barchi*                    
A delightfully well laid out city dating from the Roman era, Fano sits on the coast equidistant from its two better-known neighbors of Ancona and Pesaro.  Enjoy the many shops and restaurants the city has to offer.  And be sure to drop by the Teatro della Fortuna to see if an opera or other performance is playing during your visit.  Popular sandy beaches lies to its north and south.
Senigallia  - a leisurely 45 minute drive from Barchi*
Its elegant city center and main pedestrian boulevard is hot-spot for promenading or enjoying a cappucino while people-watching.  Don't miss the city's Rocca Roversca castle and nearby Foro Annonario with its morning food market and evening restaurants.  The city's 13 kms of velvety sandy beaches are a magnet for European tourists who know it has been awarded the European Union "Blue Banner."  Be sure to walk down the art nouveau pier. 
San Leo - an often dramatic 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Barchi*
Standing on a limestone crag, San Leo is often considered to have the most beautiful castle in all of Italy noted for its massive cylindrical towers and triangular fortifications.  With a single entrance, this town boasts a church founded in the 4th century, basilica from the 8th century and duomo from the 12th century.  Enjoy the views or take a leisurely 2 km walk to the convent of St. Inge founded by St. Francis.
Montegridolfo - a relaxing 1 hour drive from Barchi*
A fully restored medieval village set on a hilltop, this site is a true hidden gem just over the border in Emilia Romagna.  With tremendous views of the beautiful landscape, Montegridolfo houses a hotel with rooms created by Italain designer Alberta Ferretti, three locally run restaurants, bar, honey shop and an olive oil store.  You could walk around it in 10 minutes, but have lunch, stay for a few hours and enjoy being transported to another time and place!
Grotti Frassassi - an enchanting 50 minute drive from Barchi*
Over thousands of years the mixture of bicarbonate and sulfurous waters has created this magical subterranean complex rich in breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, small lakes of crystal-like water and alabastar spears.  Extending for more than 30 kms on 8 different levels, you will find much to hold your attention.  If spelunking is your game, then sign up in advance for guided tours lasting up to four hours through tunnels, narrow pathways and slides!
Passo Furlo - a lovely 25 minute drive from Barchi*
Just one part of the wild Gola del Furlo national park, the Passo Furlo is an impressive rock gorge through which the River Candigliano flows.  Apart from the ancient and well-preserved tunnel that was built by Emperor Vespasiano in 77 AD, here we find an area of stunning natural beauty as well as home to some rare species of wildlife including Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, wolves and much more!
 

*For driving directions to each of these destinations, please click here.