Discover the most evocative parks of the Marches, from Mount Conero overlooking the sea, through the interior to Sassi Simone and Simoncello in the ancient lands of Montefeltro, and the peaks of the Sibylline Mountains, an enchanted reign of legend.
Day 1
Conero Nature Park
Arrival at Ancona. Meeting with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Illustration of the tour programme and departure for Conero Nature Park and mountain of that name - the only summit overlooking the sea between Trieste and Gargano in Apulia. This protected area includes some places of great beauty, such as the bay of Portonovo, the beach of the “two sisters”, the north belvedere, Pian Grande, and Pian dei Raggetti. The walks offer an opportunity to see arbutus, broom, ilex, and many species of bird, including some rare types that share the Mediterranean brush with numerous other animals. There are also several places of artistic interest to visit: Santa Maria di Portonovo, San Pietro al Conero, the Numana Antiquarian dedicated to the Piceno civilization. Picnic lunch. Late return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
2
Nature Park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Urbino and a short visit of Rocca di Gradara. Excursion to the Nature Park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello, part of the ancient lands of Montefeltro. The hilly landscape is broken by the two peaks of Sassi Simone and Simoncello, Mount Canale and Mount Palazzolo ranging from 670 metres above sea level to the 1415 metres of Mount Carpegna, the highest summit in the park and watershed between the Foglia Valley and Val Marecchia. Picnic lunch on grasslands covered with wild orchids in spring, then continue to Ascoli Piceno. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
3
Sibylline Mountains National Park
After breakfast, departure for the Sibylline Mountains National Park. The highest peak in this chain of mountains is Mount Vettore at 2476 metres. This is where the mythical Sibyl lived, in a land inhabited bywolves, eagles, peregrine falcons and many other local species, against a background of ancient abbeys, monasteries, churches, towers, castles, fortifications, mills and mediaeval centres spread at the foot of the mountain range. In the middle ages, the Sibylline Mountains were reputed to be the home of demons, necromancers and fairies. One egend tells of the Sibyl that lived in a cave in the mountain and another that the lifeless body of Pilate, the famous Roman procurator, was dragged by buffaloes through the waters of the lake on Mount Vettore. Picnic lunch. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, free time. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
4
Return
Departure after breakfast.
