Unforgettable escapes are a just short trip from your Appassionata home

Owning an Appassionata property in Le Marche gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of rural Italy, while also having the the perfect base to explore some of the country’s most iconic destinations.

And when you’re ready to venture beyond the rolling hills and turquoise waters of Le Marche, world-famous cities like Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice are all within easy reach.

Whether you’re seeking history, culture or culinary delights, these five must-visit places offer unforgettable experiences, all just a short journey from your home in Le Marche.

Rome is a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern life. With its iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican, every corner holds a piece of the past and offers a rich cultural experience that makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Italy.

How to get there from Le Marche 🚆

Travel by train from Ancona in approximately three hours, autobus from Pedaso in about 3 hours or by car in around two and a half hours.

Must-see attractions 👀

Visit the Colosseum, an awe-inspiring amphitheatre that once hosted gladiator battles.
Explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
Follow tradition and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.

Hidden gems 💎

Wander through Quartiere Coppedè, a whimsical neighbourhood filled with fairytale architecture.
Look through the Aventine Keyhole, a secret peephole revealing a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Discover the underground layers of history at San Clemente, a fascinating basilica with ancient ruins beneath.

Local delights 🍴

Try Cacio e Pepe, a simple yet indulgent pasta made with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
Pair it with a glass of Frascati, a crisp and refreshing white wine from the nearby hills.

Best time to visit 📅

Spring (March to April) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its influence on art, architecture, and culture is evident at every turn. The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most famous works of art, while the Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio stand as symbols of the city’s architectural beauty.

How to get there from Le Marche 🚆

Travel by train from Ancona in approximately three hours or by car in around three and a half hours.

Must-see attractions 👀

Admire the masterpieces of Botticelli and da Vinci at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery.
Marvel at the Florence Duomo, with its striking red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi.
See Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world.

Hidden gems 💎

Stroll through the Bardini Garden, a peaceful retreat offering breathtaking views over the city.
Visit San Miniato al Monte, a stunning hilltop church with an incredible panoramic terrace.

Local delights 🍴

Savour Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut, perfectly grilled T-bone steak. La Giostra is one of our favourites for this delicacy.
Enjoy a glass of Chianti, a bold red wine from the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Best time to visit 📅

March to May and September to October bring warm days and fewer tourists.

Venice is a city like no other, built on a network of canals instead of streets. Exploring its winding lanes, finding hidden squares and enjoying a slower pace of life on the water offers a completely different perspective of Italy’s vibrant culture.

How to get there from Le Marche 🚆

Travel by train from Ancona in approximately four hours or by car in around three and a half hours.

Must-see attractions 👀

Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, a dazzling masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Cruise along the Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway lined with opulent palaces.
Cross the historic Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Hidden gems 💎

Explore the quiet Dorsoduro district, home to charming cafés and hidden art galleries.
Visit Libreria Acqua Alta, a quirky bookshop where books are stored in bathtubs and gondolas.
Climb Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a beautiful spiral staircase with panoramic views over Venice.

Local delights 🍴

Sample Cicchetti, Venetian-style tapas often featuring fresh seafood and local cheeses.
Sip on an Aperol Spritz, the city’s signature bright-orange aperitif.

Best time to visit 📅

Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September/October) are ideal for avoiding summer crowds.

Bologna is known for its exceptional food, which makes it a food lover’s dream destination. But beyond its renowned cuisine, the city is rich in medieval history and architecture. As the home of the oldest university in the world, Bologna has a youthful and vibrant energy, with a mix of historic sites and modern culture.

How to get there from Le Marche 🚆

Travel by train from Ancona in approximately two hours or by car in around two and a half hours.

Must-see attractions 👀

Experience the lively atmosphere of Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city.
Climb the Two Towers (Due Torri) for breathtaking views over Bologna’s rooftops.
Visit the historic University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world.

Hidden gems 💎

Step inside the Archiginnasio, a grand library featuring an ornately carved anatomical theatre.
Peek through the Finestrella, a small window revealing Bologna’s secret canal system.

Local delights 🍴

Enjoy Tagliatelle al Ragù, the real, slow-cooked version of what many know as Bolognese sauce.
Try a glass of Lambrusco, a lightly sparkling red wine that pairs beautifully with rich pasta dishes.

Best time to visit 📅

September to November is perfect for food festivals and truffle season.

Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, offers a perfect blend of history, culture and romance. The city is home to impressive landmarks such as the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheatre that still hosts some of the world's most impressive operatic performances. Its charming streets, beautiful piazzas, and well-preserved historical sites make it a perfect destination for those seeking to experience a more relaxed, yet culturally rich, side of Italy.

How to get there from Le Marche 🚆

Travel by train from Ancona in approximately four hours or by car in around three and a half hours.

Must-see attractions 👀

Stand beneath Juliet’s Balcony, the famous setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Experience a live performance at the Verona Arena, a grand Roman amphitheatre.
Walk across Castelvecchio Bridge, a striking medieval bridge with scenic river views.

Hidden gems 💎

Wander through Giardino Giusti, a beautifully landscaped Renaissance garden.
Admire the frescoes inside Sant’Anastasia Church, one of Verona’s hidden architectural gems.

Local delights 🍴

Indulge in Risotto all’Amarone, a rich risotto made with local Amarone wine.
Taste Amarone and Valpolicella wines, bold and complex reds from the surrounding vineyards. One of our favourite wine varieties and never ceases to amaze.

Best time to visit 📅

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September/October) offer ideal sightseeing conditions. For the opera season the peak summer months are the ebay time to visit.