Pesaro + Urbino
A quaint beach town, a renaissance town steeped in history and culture: the best of the Marche region of Italy.
Pesaro
Pesaro is an elegant Adriatic destination where summer unfolds at a relaxed yet vibrant pace. Known for its long, sandy beaches and calm, swimmable sea, Pesaro is ideal for travelers seeking both seaside comfort and cultural depth. Mornings begin with a walk or bike ride along the waterfront, afternoons drift between beach clubs and shaded cafés, and evenings stretch into open-air dinners by the sea.
Pesaro is the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini, and music remains central to the city’s identity. Throughout the summer, concerts, festivals, and performances animate historic theaters, piazzas, and seaside venues, creating a lively cultural calendar without overwhelming the city’s laid-back atmosphere. The historic center reveals Renaissance palaces, quiet courtyards, and elegant streets, all easily explored on foot.
What sets Pesaro apart is its balance. It is lively but never chaotic, refined yet welcoming. The city is famously bike-friendly, with extensive cycling paths connecting beaches, parks, and nearby nature reserves, including the scenic Monte San Bartolo coastal park just minutes away.
Food is an essential part of the experience: fresh seafood, traditional Marche dishes, local wines, and gelato enjoyed at sunset become daily rituals rather than special occasions. With its clean beaches, strong cultural identity, and relaxed summer lifestyle, Pesaro offers an authentic Italian seaside holiday—unhurried, enriching, and effortlessly enjoyable.
Urbino
Urbino is a timeless hill town and one of Italy’s most complete Renaissance cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Urbino offers an immersive cultural experience defined by intellectual legacy, architectural harmony, and a profound sense of place.
At the heart of the city stands the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Renaissance urban vision and home to the National Gallery of the Marche, housing works by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, and other masters. Urbino is also the birthplace of Raphael, and its streets, churches, and museums reflect the artistic and humanist ideals that shaped European culture.
The historic center is remarkably intact and walkable, unfolding through cobbled streets, quiet courtyards, and sudden panoramic viewpoints over the Apennine landscape. The city’s vertical layout encourages slow exploration, rewarding visitors with intimate discoveries rather than grand spectacle.
A long-standing university tradition infuses the city with intellectual energy, sustaining a vibrant cultural life year-round. Bookshops, lectures, exhibitions, and small cafés create an atmosphere where learning and daily life naturally intersect. Despite its historical gravitas, Urbino remains approachable and lived-in.
Surrounding countryside enhances the experience, offering serene landscapes, that inspired Piero della Francesca, and walking paths just beyond the city walls. Local cuisine reflects the territory with simple, seasonal dishes rooted in Marche tradition, made with first class ingredients locally produced.
Urbino is not merely a destination to visit, but an experience of authentic Italian culture.
