South-Central Marche 2025: Ancona
A Journey Through the Provinces of Ancona and Macerata
5 days / 4 nights - Travel idea
Suggested time: October - December
8 / 11 October 2025 | 10 / 13 October 2025
3 / 6 December 2025 | 5 / 8 December 2025
Welcome to Marche, where verdant hills embrace the Adriatic shore and centuries of art and culture await.
Meander through Ancona’s bustling harbor and hidden alleyways, uncover Tolentino’s Renaissance charm, then revel in Macerata’s Baroque elegance. Finally, wander medieval streets and ancient fortifications of Jesi. Off the beaten path, this unique itinerary unlocks the region’s best kept secrets: charming theatres, hilltop villages and panoramas that captivate the heart. Perfect for discerning travelers looking for authentic discoveries and memorable surprises.
Block notes:
- Historic Theatres - The magnificent Sferisterio of Macerata, a unique neoclassical structure
in Europe, Teatro Lauro Rossi in Macerata, Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi and Teatro delle Muse in Ancona, home to renowned opera and theatre seasons - Urban Treasures - Explore the beauty and unique character of central and southern Marche through the cities of Ancona, Tolentino, Macerata, and Jesi
- Opera performances in the Marche Region - “Il Trovatore” – Opera by Giuseppe Verdi, based on the drama “El Trovador” by Antonio García Gutiérrez or “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” – Opera by Gioachino Rossini, based on the play
of the same name by Pierre Beaumarchais
Proposal for an indicative itinerary. The tour can be modified and adapted to any requests for further insights on topics chosen by the custom.
Day 1 - Arrival in Ancona
Arrival in Ancona on your own. Accommodation in reserved rooms at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*.
In the afternoon, meet with the guide for a city tour. The itinerary begins near the Teatro delle Muse, one of the main theatres in the Marche Region. From here, you can start the steep climb (about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace) to Colle Guasco, along a scenic route leading to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, the iconic monument of the city. Perched in a commanding position, the church is a magnificent example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture and offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Ancona.
Descending back towards the sea, you will reach the evocative Old Port, where the Arch of Trajan stands.
After the visit, return to the historic center passing through Piazza del Senato and arriving at the scenographic Piazza del Plebiscito, also known as “Piazza del Papa”. Here you can breathe the city’s most authentic atmosphere, surrounded by historic buildings, outdoor cafes, and charming corners.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 - Ancona › Tolentino › Macerata
Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with the guide.
Transfer by your own means to Tolentino. Visit to the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino, featuring its Giottesque chapel, and walk around the main square, featuring a tower displaying three different clocks.
Transfer to Macerata and guided tour of the Arena Sferisterio (Lu Sferisteriu).
Walk to the city center and lunch at a restaurant with a traditional tasting menu.
After lunch, stroll through Piazza della Libertà to admire the Town Hall, the Loggia dei Mercanti, and the Prefecture Palace. Continue on foot to the Basilica della Madonna della Misericordia by Luigi Vanvitelli and its small, wonderful Sanctuary, rich in frescoes, marbles, and stuccoes. The day in Macerata ends with a guided visit to the Teatro Lauro Rossi, a stunning 18th-century jewel.
Return to Ancona by private means. Free dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Ancona › Jesi
Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with the guide.
Transfer by your own means to Jesi and walking tour of the city, with its charming historic center and medieval walls. The visit begins at Piazza Federico II, a spacious and evocative square traditionally considered the birthplace of the Swabian emperor.
A few steps away stands the Cathedral of San Settimio, with its imposing neoclassical facade. Continuing the walk through medieval views and cobbled streets, you will reach the Palazzo della Signoria, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture and now home to the civic library.
Return to Ancona using your own transportation. Free lunch.
Afterwards, attend the opera of “Il Trovatore” or “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” at the Teatro delle Muse.
IL TROVATORE
Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano and Leone Emanuele Bardare from the play El Trobador by Antonio Garcia Gutiérrez
Music: Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Andriy Yurkevych
Direction: Giuseppe Dipasquale
Cast: Serban Vasile, Salome Jicia, Valentina Pernozzoli, Yongheng Dong, Amadi Lagha, Antonella Granata, Alessandro Fiocchetti
IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
Opera buffa in two acts with a libretto by Cesare Sterbini based on the comedy by Pierre Carón de Beaumarchais
Music: Gioachino Rossini
Conductor: Jacopo Brusa
Direction: Damiano Michieletto
Cast: Pietro Adaini, Giuseppe Toia, Aleksandra Meteleva, Hae Kang, Alessandro Spina, Laura Khamzatova, Davide Chiodo
Return to the hotel on foot. Free dinner. Overnight
.
Day 4 - Castelluccio di Norcia (for the flowering) / Norcia
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Departure by own means.
The visits order may change for operational needs without changing the content.
INDIVIDUAL QUOTES – MINIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS
In double/twin room: starting from Eur 625,00 per person
Supplement for double room single use: starting from Eur 250,00 per person
THE QUOTE IS INCLUSIVE OF:
- 3 overnight stays in Classic rooms with breakfast at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*;
- Half-day guided tour of Ancona with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 1 (afternoon);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco on Day 1;
- Dinner at the Grand Hotel Palace's restaurant on Day 1: 2 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Full-day guided tour of Tolentino and Macerata in the chosen language with a licensed guide on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Sferisterio Arena on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Basilica della Madonna della Misericordia on Day 2;
- Entrance to Teatro Lauro Rossi on Day 2;
- Lunch in Macerata on Day 2: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and one glass of wine per person;
- Half-day guided tour of Jesi with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 3 (morning);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Settimio on Day 3;
- Ticket for the opera “Il Trovatore” or “The Barber of Seville” at the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona, depending on the chosen date.
1 FREE for a tour leader (not provided) is included and valid for groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants only. This free includes:
- 3 overnight stays in double with single use Classic room with breakfast at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*;
- Half-day guided tour of Ancona with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 1 (afternoon);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco on Day 1;
- Dinner at the Grand Hotel Palace's restaurant on Day 1: 2 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Full-day guided tour of Tolentino and Macerata with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Sferisterio Arena on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Basilica della Madonna della Misericordia on Day 2;
- Entrance to Teatro Lauro Rossi on Day 2;
- Lunch in Macerata on Day 2: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and one glass of wine per person;
- Half-day guided tour of Jesi with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 3 (morning);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Settimio on Day 3;
- Ticket for the opera “Il Trovatore” or “The Barber of Seville” at the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona, depending on the chosen date.
THE QUOTE IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF:
- Tour leader
- Mandatory city tax at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*: €2.00 per person per night, to be paid on spot
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the stay and during the whole itinerary
- Earphones (mandatory during guided visits)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and everything not mentioned under “the quote is inclusive of “
On Day 3, guests will attend an opera performance at the “Teatro delle Muse” in Ancona, with a choice between:
IL TROVATORE
Travel dates: from 8th to 11th October 2025 attending the Opera on Saturday 10th October 2025 at 20:30
OR from 10th to 13th October 2025 attending the Opera on Sunday 12th October 2025 at 16:30
Conductor: Andriy Yurkevych
Director: Giuseppe Dipasquale
Cast: Salome Jicia, Amadi Lagha, Sundet Baigozhin, Valentina Pernozzoli, Yongheng Dong, Antonella Granata, Alessandro Fiocchetti
IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
Travel dates: from 3rd to 6th December 2025 attending the Opera on Friday 5th December 2025 at 20:30
OR from 5th to 8th December 2025 attending the Opera on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 16:30
Conductor: Jacopo Brusa
Director: Damiano Michieletto
Cast: Pietro Adaini, Giuseppe Toia, Aleksandra Meteleva, Hae Kang, Laura Khamsatova, Davide Chiodo, Alessandro Spina
EXTRA ITINERARIES
Enhance your experience with one of our optional itinerary extensions, each offering an extra overnight stay for a more complete discovery of the Marche region.
- Option A invites you to spend a full day exploring the natural and spiritual wonders of Genga, concluding with an overnight stay and departure the following morning.
- Option B builds upon Option A by adding enriching visits on your final day, including a stop in the fascinating town of Fabriano before heading home.
Option A
Day 4 – Ancona › Genga
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Transfer by your own means to Genga, a small medieval city nestled among the rolling hills of the Marche Region. Upon arrival, continue by car to the starting point of a short walk leading to the Temple of Valadier, an evocative neoclassical church set within a natural cave. The visit is self-guided and involves a short uphill walk on a paved path (about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace).
Return to the starting point and drive to the large San Vittore parking area, where you can leave your vehicle and take a complementary shuttle to the Grotte di Frasassi.
Entrance and guided tour led by an expert who will accompany the group through a breathtaking underground route filled with enormous stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear lakes, and the famous “Infinity Room” (Sala dell’Infinito), one of the largest underground chambers in Europe.
At the end of the visit, return to the parking area and continue by private vehicle to the nearby village of Pierosara (about 5–10 minutes by bus). Lunch at a traditional local restaurant in a panoramic location offering stunning views of the Apennines.
After lunch, transfer by private vehicle to the Hotel Le Grotte 4*, a nature-surrounded property featuring a spa, swimming pool, and on-site restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 5 – departure from Genga
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
End of the itinerary and individual departures.
The order of visits may change due to operational needs.
INDIVIDUAL QUOTES – OPTION A - MINIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS
Extra Itinerary – option A in double/twin room: starting from Eur 195,00 per person
Supplement for double room single use: starting from Eur 38,00 per person
THE QUOTE IS INCLUSIVE OF:
- 1 overnight stay in Comfort rooms with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 Ppeople.
1 FREE for a tour leader (not provided) is included and valid for groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants only. This free includes:
- 1 overnight stay in double with single use Comfort room with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people.
THE QUOTE IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF:
- Tour leader
- Mandatory city tax at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*: €2.00 per person per night, to be paid on spot
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the stay and during the whole itinerary
- Earphones (mandatory during guided visits)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and everything not mentioned under “the quote is inclusive of“
Option B
Day 4 – Ancona › Genga
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Transfer by your own means to Genga, a small medieval city nestled among the rolling hills of the Marche Region. Upon arrival, continue by car to the starting point of a short walk leading to the Temple of Valadier, an evocative neoclassical church set within a natural cave. The visit is self-guided and involves a short uphill walk on a paved path (about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace).
Return to the starting point and drive to the large San Vittore parking area, where you can leave your vehicle and take a complementary shuttle to the Grotte di Frasassi.
Entrance and guided tour led by an expert who will accompany the group through a breathtaking underground route filled with enormous stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear lakes, and the famous “Infinity Room” (Sala dell’Infinito), one of the largest underground chambers in Europe.
At the end of the visit, return to the parking area and continue by private vehicle to the nearby village of Pierosara (about 5–10 minutes by bus). Lunch at a traditional local restaurant in a panoramic location offering stunning views of the Apennines.
After lunch, transfer by private vehicle to the Hotel Le Grotte 4*, a nature-surrounded property featuring a spa, swimming pool, and on-site restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 5 – Genga › Fabriano › departure
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Meet your guide at the hotel and transfer by your own means to Fabriano, a city rich in art and artisan traditions, renowned worldwide for its paper production since the 13th century. Visit the Paper and Watermark Museum, housed in the former San Domenico convent. The museum showcases the history of papermaking through hands-on demonstrations and reconstructions of ancient production techniques.
After the visit, enjoy a walk through Fabriano’s historic center, including entrance to the Cathedral of San Venanzio, which features stunning Baroque and Renaissance frescoes, as well as medieval architectural elements.
The tour continues with an external stop at the nearby and impressive Teatro Gentile da Fabriano, an elegant 19th-century theatre named after the city’s famed painter.
Free lunch. End of the itinerary and individual departures.
The order of visits may change due to operational needs.
INDIVIDUAL QUOTES – OPTION B - MINIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS
Extra Itinerary – option B in double/twin room: starting from Eur 220,00 per person
Supplement for double room single use: starting from Eur 38,00 per person
THE QUOTE IS INCLUSIVE OF:
- 1 overnight stay in Comfort rooms with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Half-day guided tour of Fabriano with a licensed guide in the chosen languageon Day 5 (morning);
- Entrance to the Paper and Watermark Museum on Day 5;
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Venanzio on Day 5.
1 FREE for a tour leader (not provided) is included and valid for groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants only. This free includes:
- 1 overnight stay in double with single use Comfort room with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Half-day guided tour of Fabriano with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 5 (morning);
- Entrance to the Paper and Watermark Museum on Day 5;
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Venanzio on Day 5.
THE QUOTE IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF:
- Tour leader
- Mandatory city tax at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*: €2.00 per person per night, to be paid on spot
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the stay and during the whole itinerary
- Earphones (mandatory during guided visits)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and everything not mentioned under “the quote is inclusive of “
IMPORTANT NOTES TO THIS PROGRAMME:
- The Cathedral of San Ciriaco can be reached either on foot or by car or coach. Please note that although the path is easy and equipped with sidewalks, it involves an uphill walk, which may be challenging for guests with low physical endurance or mobility difficulties.
- The Temple of Valadier can be reached on foot ONLY. Please consider that the path is well maintained and free of obstacles, yet it may be challenging for guests with low physical endurance or with mobility difficulties.
- The day in Genga does not include a local guide for each visit: the experience at the Temple of Valadier is self-guided, allowing to fully enjoy the visit at your own pace. During the time at the Grotte di Frassassi, instead, the group will be followed by one of the site’s expert guides.
- On the day of the visit, it is mandatory to arrive at the Grotte di Frasassi parking and ticket office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to collect entrance tickets.
Day 1 - Arrival in Ancona
Arrival in Ancona on your own. Accommodation in reserved rooms at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*.
In the afternoon, meet with the guide for a city tour. The itinerary begins near the Teatro delle Muse, one of the main theatres in the Marche Region. From here, you can start the steep climb (about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace) to Colle Guasco, along a scenic route leading to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, the iconic monument of the city. Perched in a commanding position, the church is a magnificent example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture and offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Ancona.
Descending back towards the sea, you will reach the evocative Old Port, where the Arch of Trajan stands.
After the visit, return to the historic center passing through Piazza del Senato and arriving at the scenographic Piazza del Plebiscito, also known as “Piazza del Papa”. Here you can breathe the city’s most authentic atmosphere, surrounded by historic buildings, outdoor cafes, and charming corners.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 - Ancona › Tolentino › Macerata
Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with the guide.
Transfer by your own means to Tolentino. Visit to the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino, featuring its Giottesque chapel, and walk around the main square, featuring a tower displaying three different clocks.
Transfer to Macerata and guided tour of the Arena Sferisterio (Lu Sferisteriu).
Walk to the city center and lunch at a restaurant with a traditional tasting menu.
After lunch, stroll through Piazza della Libertà to admire the Town Hall, the Loggia dei Mercanti, and the Prefecture Palace. Continue on foot to the Basilica della Madonna della Misericordia by Luigi Vanvitelli and its small, wonderful Sanctuary, rich in frescoes, marbles, and stuccoes. The day in Macerata ends with a guided visit to the Teatro Lauro Rossi, a stunning 18th-century jewel.
Return to Ancona by private means. Free dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Ancona › Jesi
Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with the guide.
Transfer by your own means to Jesi and walking tour of the city, with its charming historic center and medieval walls. The visit begins at Piazza Federico II, a spacious and evocative square traditionally considered the birthplace of the Swabian emperor.
A few steps away stands the Cathedral of San Settimio, with its imposing neoclassical facade. Continuing the walk through medieval views and cobbled streets, you will reach the Palazzo della Signoria, a splendid example of Renaissance architecture and now home to the civic library.
Return to Ancona using your own transportation. Free lunch.
Afterwards, attend the opera of “Il Trovatore” or “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” at the Teatro delle Muse.
IL TROVATORE
Libretto by Salvatore Cammarano and Leone Emanuele Bardare from the play El Trobador by Antonio Garcia Gutiérrez
Music: Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Andriy Yurkevych
Direction: Giuseppe Dipasquale
Cast: Serban Vasile, Salome Jicia, Valentina Pernozzoli, Yongheng Dong, Amadi Lagha, Antonella Granata, Alessandro Fiocchetti
IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
Opera buffa in two acts with a libretto by Cesare Sterbini based on the comedy by Pierre Carón de Beaumarchais
Music: Gioachino Rossini
Conductor: Jacopo Brusa
Direction: Damiano Michieletto
Cast: Pietro Adaini, Giuseppe Toia, Aleksandra Meteleva, Hae Kang, Alessandro Spina, Laura Khamzatova, Davide Chiodo
Return to the hotel on foot. Free dinner. Overnight
.
Day 4 - Castelluccio di Norcia (for the flowering) / Norcia
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Departure by own means.
The visits order may change for operational needs without changing the content.
INDIVIDUAL QUOTES – MINIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS
In double/twin room: starting from Eur 625,00 per person
Supplement for double room single use: starting from Eur 250,00 per person
THE QUOTE IS INCLUSIVE OF:
- 3 overnight stays in Classic rooms with breakfast at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*;
- Half-day guided tour of Ancona with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 1 (afternoon);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco on Day 1;
- Dinner at the Grand Hotel Palace's restaurant on Day 1: 2 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Full-day guided tour of Tolentino and Macerata in the chosen language with a licensed guide on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Sferisterio Arena on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Basilica della Madonna della Misericordia on Day 2;
- Entrance to Teatro Lauro Rossi on Day 2;
- Lunch in Macerata on Day 2: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and one glass of wine per person;
- Half-day guided tour of Jesi with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 3 (morning);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Settimio on Day 3;
- Ticket for the opera “Il Trovatore” or “The Barber of Seville” at the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona, depending on the chosen date.
1 FREE for a tour leader (not provided) is included and valid for groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants only. This free includes:
- 3 overnight stays in double with single use Classic room with breakfast at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*;
- Half-day guided tour of Ancona with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 1 (afternoon);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco on Day 1;
- Dinner at the Grand Hotel Palace's restaurant on Day 1: 2 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Full-day guided tour of Tolentino and Macerata with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Sferisterio Arena on Day 2;
- Entrance to the Basilica della Madonna della Misericordia on Day 2;
- Entrance to Teatro Lauro Rossi on Day 2;
- Lunch in Macerata on Day 2: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and one glass of wine per person;
- Half-day guided tour of Jesi with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 3 (morning);
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Settimio on Day 3;
- Ticket for the opera “Il Trovatore” or “The Barber of Seville” at the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona, depending on the chosen date.
THE QUOTE IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF:
- Tour leader
- Mandatory city tax at the Grand Hotel Palace 4*: €2.00 per person per night, to be paid on spot
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the stay and during the whole itinerary
- Earphones (mandatory during guided visits)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and everything not mentioned under “the quote is inclusive of “
On Day 3, guests will attend an opera performance at the “Teatro delle Muse” in Ancona, with a choice between:
IL TROVATORE
Travel dates: from 8th to 11th October 2025 attending the Opera on Saturday 10th October 2025 at 20:30
OR from 10th to 13th October 2025 attending the Opera on Sunday 12th October 2025 at 16:30
Conductor: Andriy Yurkevych
Director: Giuseppe Dipasquale
Cast: Salome Jicia, Amadi Lagha, Sundet Baigozhin, Valentina Pernozzoli, Yongheng Dong, Antonella Granata, Alessandro Fiocchetti
IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
Travel dates: from 3rd to 6th December 2025 attending the Opera on Friday 5th December 2025 at 20:30
OR from 5th to 8th December 2025 attending the Opera on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 16:30
Conductor: Jacopo Brusa
Director: Damiano Michieletto
Cast: Pietro Adaini, Giuseppe Toia, Aleksandra Meteleva, Hae Kang, Laura Khamsatova, Davide Chiodo, Alessandro Spina
EXTRA ITINERARIES
Enhance your experience with one of our optional itinerary extensions, each offering an extra overnight stay for a more complete discovery of the Marche region.
- Option A invites you to spend a full day exploring the natural and spiritual wonders of Genga, concluding with an overnight stay and departure the following morning.
- Option B builds upon Option A by adding enriching visits on your final day, including a stop in the fascinating town of Fabriano before heading home.
Option A
Day 4 – Ancona › Genga
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Transfer by your own means to Genga, a small medieval city nestled among the rolling hills of the Marche Region. Upon arrival, continue by car to the starting point of a short walk leading to the Temple of Valadier, an evocative neoclassical church set within a natural cave. The visit is self-guided and involves a short uphill walk on a paved path (about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace).
Return to the starting point and drive to the large San Vittore parking area, where you can leave your vehicle and take a complementary shuttle to the Grotte di Frasassi.
Entrance and guided tour led by an expert who will accompany the group through a breathtaking underground route filled with enormous stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear lakes, and the famous “Infinity Room” (Sala dell’Infinito), one of the largest underground chambers in Europe.
At the end of the visit, return to the parking area and continue by private vehicle to the nearby village of Pierosara (about 5–10 minutes by bus). Lunch at a traditional local restaurant in a panoramic location offering stunning views of the Apennines.
After lunch, transfer by private vehicle to the Hotel Le Grotte 4*, a nature-surrounded property featuring a spa, swimming pool, and on-site restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 5 – departure from Genga
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
End of the itinerary and individual departures.
The order of visits may change due to operational needs.
INDIVIDUAL QUOTES – OPTION A - MINIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS
Extra Itinerary – option A in double/twin room: starting from Eur 195,00 per person
Supplement for double room single use: starting from Eur 38,00 per person
THE QUOTE IS INCLUSIVE OF:
- 1 overnight stay in Comfort rooms with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 Ppeople.
1 FREE for a tour leader (not provided) is included and valid for groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants only. This free includes:
- 1 overnight stay in double with single use Comfort room with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people.
THE QUOTE IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF:
- Tour leader
- Mandatory city tax at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*: €2.00 per person per night, to be paid on spot
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the stay and during the whole itinerary
- Earphones (mandatory during guided visits)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and everything not mentioned under “the quote is inclusive of“
Option B
Day 4 – Ancona › Genga
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Transfer by your own means to Genga, a small medieval city nestled among the rolling hills of the Marche Region. Upon arrival, continue by car to the starting point of a short walk leading to the Temple of Valadier, an evocative neoclassical church set within a natural cave. The visit is self-guided and involves a short uphill walk on a paved path (about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace).
Return to the starting point and drive to the large San Vittore parking area, where you can leave your vehicle and take a complementary shuttle to the Grotte di Frasassi.
Entrance and guided tour led by an expert who will accompany the group through a breathtaking underground route filled with enormous stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear lakes, and the famous “Infinity Room” (Sala dell’Infinito), one of the largest underground chambers in Europe.
At the end of the visit, return to the parking area and continue by private vehicle to the nearby village of Pierosara (about 5–10 minutes by bus). Lunch at a traditional local restaurant in a panoramic location offering stunning views of the Apennines.
After lunch, transfer by private vehicle to the Hotel Le Grotte 4*, a nature-surrounded property featuring a spa, swimming pool, and on-site restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Day 5 – Genga › Fabriano › departure
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Meet your guide at the hotel and transfer by your own means to Fabriano, a city rich in art and artisan traditions, renowned worldwide for its paper production since the 13th century. Visit the Paper and Watermark Museum, housed in the former San Domenico convent. The museum showcases the history of papermaking through hands-on demonstrations and reconstructions of ancient production techniques.
After the visit, enjoy a walk through Fabriano’s historic center, including entrance to the Cathedral of San Venanzio, which features stunning Baroque and Renaissance frescoes, as well as medieval architectural elements.
The tour continues with an external stop at the nearby and impressive Teatro Gentile da Fabriano, an elegant 19th-century theatre named after the city’s famed painter.
Free lunch. End of the itinerary and individual departures.
The order of visits may change due to operational needs.
INDIVIDUAL QUOTES – OPTION B - MINIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS
Extra Itinerary – option B in double/twin room: starting from Eur 220,00 per person
Supplement for double room single use: starting from Eur 38,00 per person
THE QUOTE IS INCLUSIVE OF:
- 1 overnight stay in Comfort rooms with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Half-day guided tour of Fabriano with a licensed guide in the chosen languageon Day 5 (morning);
- Entrance to the Paper and Watermark Museum on Day 5;
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Venanzio on Day 5.
1 FREE for a tour leader (not provided) is included and valid for groups with a minimum of 20 paying participants only. This free includes:
- 1 overnight stay in double with single use Comfort room with breakfast at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*;
- Entrance to the Temple of Valadier on Day 4;
- Entrance to the Frasassi Caves on Day 4;
- Lunch on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water, coffee, and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 4: 3 courses plus dessert, including water and 1 bottle of wine for every 4 people;
- Half-day guided tour of Fabriano with a licensed guide in the chosen language on Day 5 (morning);
- Entrance to the Paper and Watermark Museum on Day 5;
- Entrance to the Cathedral of San Venanzio on Day 5.
THE QUOTE IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF:
- Tour leader
- Mandatory city tax at the Hotel Le Grotte 4*: €2.00 per person per night, to be paid on spot
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the stay and during the whole itinerary
- Earphones (mandatory during guided visits)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and everything not mentioned under “the quote is inclusive of “
IMPORTANT NOTES TO THIS PROGRAMME:
- The Cathedral of San Ciriaco can be reached either on foot or by car or coach. Please note that although the path is easy and equipped with sidewalks, it involves an uphill walk, which may be challenging for guests with low physical endurance or mobility difficulties.
- The Temple of Valadier can be reached on foot ONLY. Please consider that the path is well maintained and free of obstacles, yet it may be challenging for guests with low physical endurance or with mobility difficulties.
- The day in Genga does not include a local guide for each visit: the experience at the Temple of Valadier is self-guided, allowing to fully enjoy the visit at your own pace. During the time at the Grotte di Frassassi, instead, the group will be followed by one of the site’s expert guides.
- On the day of the visit, it is mandatory to arrive at the Grotte di Frasassi parking and ticket office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to collect entrance tickets.
