Le Marche Holiday Magic

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Celebrate the rare 2025 Jubilee in Rome before escaping to Le Marche’s medieval hill towns for an unforgettable New Year’s feast in Sarnano. Wander ancient streets, sample regional specialties at Mercato Centrale, and explore Ancona’s Adriatic charms. Discover prehistoric treasures at the National Archaeological Museum, marvel at Raphael’s Urbino and Federico da Montefeltro’s palace, then join Urbania’s whimsical La Befana festival. With first-class trains, expert guides, and authentic Italian hospitality, this 10-day journey blends timeless art, history, and traditions into an immersive cultural celebration.

Friday December 29th

Arrive in the Eternal City 

We start our Journey in Rome. 2025 is a Jubilee year, an important Catholic event only celebrated every 25 years, so Rome has been bustling with even more tourists than usual. Take the afternoon to stroll around town and take in a few sights before a traditional Roman dinner. We will have a brief orientation along with aperitivi, cocktails with a light snack. Dinner provided.

Saturday December 30th

Roman Morning, Medieval Afternoon

After we check out of our hotel we will have a culinary experience only Rome can deliver at Mercato Centrale located conveniently in Roma Termini station. Have some handmade pasta, a Roman-style pizza, artisan gelato or a panino with local cured meat and cheese. We will then board our first class train to the mountains of Le Marche. A bus picks us up in Foligno, and we check into Hotel Terme in the picturesque medieval hill town of Sarnano. 

Sunday December 31st

La Festa di San Silvestro

Sarnano is designated as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, I Borghì più Belli d’Italia. It has a perfectly preserved centro storico or historical center. Wander around its circular castrum, and see what urban planning looked like when you had to worry about invading armies of Saracens or Vikings! In the evening you will have an unforgettable grand New Years feast. “Il cenone” brings together family and friends for a deeply symbolic meal meant to bring good luck for the coming year. We have reservations at one of my favorite restaurants in Marche, La Marchigiana. From my own experience, I suggest you either eat light during the day or skip lunch entirely. We will experience a hometown fireworks extravaganza to ring in the New Year.

Monday January 1st

Buon Anno!

Today is New Years Day or “Capodanno.” Take a morning stroll, reflect on the year, and if weather permits I will take you for a walk to the “Via Delle Cascate Perdute,” or “Path of Lost Waterfalls.” The natural beauty of Sarnano equals the historical richness of its ancient city center. Dinner provided.

Tuesday January 2nd

Andiamo ad Ancona

One of my fondest memories of Ancona is driving around with my family with the windows rolled down, smelling an amazing restaurant and pulling over for an incredible meal. Anchovies, mullet, turbot, octopus, clams and mussels are all at their best during the winter. Ancona blends ancient Roman heritage with the energy of a college town and port city all at once. Explore the Cathedral of San Ciriaco and take in stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Check out the Arch of Trajan, a beacon for sailors for nearly two millennia. Dinner provided.

Wednesday January 3rd

Le Marche History

In the morning we will explore the National Archaeological Museum of Le Marche. Explore regional history from Paleolithic times to the Middle Ages. See the Venus of Frasassi, which is somewhere between 20,000 and 27,000 years old, and learn about the history of the Picene, Roman and Celtic people who made their mark on the region. The afternoon is free to explore Ancona on your own. Dinner provided.

Thursday January 4th

Urbino-The Cradle of the Renaissance

Today we travel to Urbino, a magnificent hilltop Renaissance city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Raphael was born there in 1483, and you can visit his house. Take a stroll through town and pass by the University of Urbino’s campus scattered throughout the city. Have a cappuccino or aperitivo at a charming local bar and immerse yourself in Urbino's youthful energy and ancient architecture. Dinner provided. 

Friday January 5th

Duke Federico’s Palace

Urbino became a hub of Renaissance culture through the virtù of Federico da Montefeltro. He had a vision of Urbino as a living embodiment of Renaissance ideals, and his palace still stands as a testament to his vision of a cultural meeting point with towers to “open dialog with the Divine.” We will spend our morning exploring their amazing collection of art and learning about the palace’s brilliant architecture. See Renaissance treasures such as Piero della Francesco’s “Flagellation of Christ,” Raphael’s “La Muta” and the mysterious “Ideal City” paintings. The afternoon is free to keep exploring the museum, visit Raphael’s house or relax in one of the bars scattered through town. Dinner provided. 

Saturday January 6th

Introducing La Befana

Similar to Santa Claus, La Befana is a witch who flies down chimneys to deliver candy to good children and lumps of coal to bad ones. We’ll take a short trip to nearby Urbania, the official home of La Befana for the National Befana Festival. A parade of Befanas, the world’s longest stocking, and costumed Befanas descending from a high bell tower via broomstick are all part of the program. Lunch provided before our departure to Urbania, dinner can be found at food stalls throughout the festival. Be sure to buy some souvenirs that you can’t find anywhere else! 

Sunday January 7th

Rome, then home

Our trip winds down on Sunday as we head back to Rome via bus and train. Flights back to the United States are typically in the morning, so accommodations will be provided close to Fiumicino airport. Dinner provided.