"The new Tuscany" one way of describing Le Marche - but Le Marche has a history and character of it's own, equal to and often surpassing that of Tuscany.  A region of outstanding scenery and hidden treasures, all waiting to be explored and enjoyed by anyone wanting to experience Italy at its best.  There are mountains, there are beaches, there is culture, art, history, tranquil villages, busy towns, exciting cities. 

A holiday here can be peaceful and chilled or hectic and busy.  Le Marche really does have something for everyone.  We hope the information we're giving will help you to find your way around the area with ease, choosing the things you'd most like to see and do without lots of "surfing" or referring to guide books, though of course we have lots of info in the house of places we've been to as a reference to help you plan your itinerary, which you can browse while sitting round the pool before deciding.

Casa Carlo is situated approximately 1.5 km outside the historic medieval hilltop town of Penna San Giovanni, with Monte San Martino, Falerone, Sarnano, Smerillo, Santa Vittoria, Sant Angelo in Pontano, Amandola with their wide selection of restaurants are all within easy driving distance.

There's great walking, trekking, horseriding, even skiing and other outdoor activities in the Sibillini National Park which is about 45 minutes away. This includes Lago di Fiastra which is wonderful for swimming, particularly June and early September, when the beaches at weekends can be crowded and the Lago is a quiet and refreshing change.  As with the rest of Italy,  July and August are busy months, whether you're near water or not.

45 minutes in the opposite direction is the seaside resort of Porto San Giorgio with it fabulous seafood restaurants and great beaches,  safe swimming and bicycle hire - a wonderful "off-season" activity cycling along the handy promenade - where the Italians like to "fare una passeggiata" anytime from 5.30pm onwards. Hire your bikes at Grottomare and cycle all the way to San Benedetto - it's flat and purpose built, intend to cycle all the way, but get waylaid by one of the lovely seafood restaurants along the route, chill; have a swim; chill some more then cycle back - it's what holidays are all about!

Le Marche is a part of Italy where history, culture and countryside have helped create a unique and extraordinary region well worth visiting.

Some links which may be useful:

www.lavitalemarche.com          www.le-marche.com           www.sibillini-walks.com        www.italy-weather-and-maps.com/weather/MAR/