Uncover the Alternative Side of Italy with Albatross Tours

When you think of Italy you'll usually picture historic monuments telling stories of ancient Roman times, the characteristic maze of canals in Venice, and pizza lathered in rich tomato sauce and fresh herbs. Sounds pretty good, and yet, there is more to Italy waiting to be discovered.

Between the rocky summits of the Italian Apennines and the Adriatic coast lies the historic Le Marche region. Nestled in a lesser-known part of Italy, this area is home to hidden gems and unique experiences that are showcased by an incredible tour with Albatross. Here are some highlights you can expect on Alternative Italy!

Uncover Urbino

This new tour allows you to get under Italy's skin and really discover this beautiful part of world. Visit the UNESCO Heritage listed city of Urbino, once home to Duke Federico da Montefeltro. In the early Renaissance times he amassed such wealth and power that he was able to leave his mark on his hometown, building the monumental Ducal Palace. Traces of his love of the arts and sciences can be found all over town and particularly in his private study, where the walls and ceilings are ornamented with inlaid wood creating an illusion to play on your perspective. You'll be enchanted with this beautiful and charismatic city.

Sit in Mussolini's Chair

Forget walking in his footsteps, you can sit in Mussolini's chair at Bar Furlo. Travel into the countryside to visit Mussolini's favourite watering hole that he frequented on his journeys north in the 1930s. Take some time out amongst black and white photos of his visits and walls adorned in post-war anti-fascist graffiti. There is plenty of time to enjoy the scenery nearby and, if you choose, take a walk along River Candigliano into the gorge.

Stay in Romeo and Juliet style accommodation

Albatross have hand picked unique properties for you to stay in throughout your journey. Stay in lovely Italian villas, atop vine covered hills, and in properties reminiscent of a Shakespearean romance story. A standout is the 500-year-old Palazzo Guiderocchi in Ascoli Piceno with its colonnaded staircase and beautiful courtyard reflecting the pretty town that it calls home. Claiming its place in the top five squares in all of Italy, the main square of Ascoli is flanked by historic buildings and bustling cafes. The town's skyline is pierced by cathedral spires and the blue-hued interior of the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio is a must see!

Get a taste of the Le Marche region

Italy is known for its food, and the Le Marche region is no exception. Enjoy dinner on the 2nd floor terrace of the ‘timepiece’ Caffé Meletti while drinking in views of the Piazza del Popolo lit up at night. Perhaps give the olive all'ascolana a try (a local dish of fried, stuffed olives) while you enjoy the scenery here, and sample the locally made pecorino in Mondaino as you tour further north. You'll get the chance to uncover an underground cheese maturing chamber and be guided through town by the 'lord and lady' of the pecorino house dressed in medieval costumes. Something for the memory books!

Visit the Theatre of the Golden Serpent in Offida

In the little town of Offida sits the Teatro Serpente Aureo di Offida – the Theatre of the Golden Serpent. The antique theatre is reminiscent of regional old time opera with red velvet chairs nestled in the hall and pale green and golden private boxes working their way up the walls. The wooden stage still hosts performances today and whisks its audience back in time. Outside the theatre on the streets of Offida you will see ladies weaving intricate designs onto lace cloths, a craft the town is famous for. A town true to its roots, this one is definitely a highlight.

Walk in Clooney's footsteps in Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Devastated by poverty and earthquakes, the hilltop village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio became deserted at the end of the 19th century. The town is now slowly being revived with lovely artisan shops and charming cafes but the cobbled streets still feel like you are wandering through a forgotten era. The characterful stone houses with flower pots overflowing into the street are starting to draw people back, and George Clooney even called it home while filming 'The American'.

With so much to offer it is quite extraordinary the Le Marche area of Italy is still a truly hidden gem. Join Albatross Tours to unearth it on the Italian 'Alternativo'.