The name Le Marche literally means 'The Borders' as for centuries this region has been the uneasy border between the Papal state and the various peoples dominating Northern Italy. But the local municipalities always affirmed their own independence and went pretty much their own way. This rich past is now witnessed by perfectly preserved medieval towns sprouting on about any hilltop. Most of the modern development has taken place on the Adriatic coast so our tour will indulge in the colorful patchwork of hills covered by fields, olive trees and vineyards. But by no means we will neglect Marche's fierce mountains recently discovered also by the Giro d'Italia.

On arrival day we pick you up at Roma Airport and drive you to Ascoli Piceno. Here we stay for 3 days in an hotel right in the center of the old town.

The 1st stage we ride in the Park of Laga mountains. Riding on the old national road we cross the border of Abruzzo and get to Civitella del Tronto where we stop for a visit and a coffee break. After a brief descent the road starts rising in steep switchbacks up to the Laga massif. The different views offered at any turn and the smell of flowers (and, in season, of manure!) are a welcome distraction. The second part of the climb, in the woods, is easier and after the summit (1100mts) the way home is mostly downhill. We stop for lunch in the charming hamlet of Castel Trosino. Dinners in Ascoli Piceno are not in the hotel but we try different restaurants in the heart of the old town.

The 2nd stage is set in the Park of Sibillini mountains. We leave Ascoli on the old Salaria road, one of the main originally build by the Romans. We follow the twisted course of the Tronto River to Arquata where the climb begins. The 15k climb summits at Forca di Presta (1545mts). The landscapes along the climb are unforgettable but the real wonder awaits you at the top. Encircled by peaks the Piana of Castelluccio is a patchwork quilt of bright flowers. TV troupes from all over Europe come here to film this wonder. After crossing the highland we climb into the village of Castelluccio where we have lunch. We leave from the other side of the highland and we must get over Forche Canapine (1550mts), the highest pass of the tour, before the long, twisted descent back to Ascoli.

On the 3th stage we head north climbing out of Ascoli up to the 750mts of Force. We descend in the Aso River Valley. Only a few miles of flat road before hitting the rollercoaster of short hills. On top of each one charming medieval villages greet us: Monte Vidon Combatte, Petritoli (where we stop for refreshment), Monterubbiano, Fermo and Montegranaro, capital of the shoe district where some of most famed Italian shoemakers have their production. We cross the Chienti River Valley and tackle the last hill to Recanati. Recanati is an exquisite town, rich of history and architecture, birthplace of illustrious artists like the poet Giacomo Leopardi and the tenor Beniamino Gigli, and adopted town of the great Venetian painter Lorenzo Lotto whose masterpieces can be seen at the local museum. We stay here for 3 nights in a newly renovated hotel perfect mix of modern comfort and the ambiance of a XVII century Palace.

In the 4th stage we touch the nicest stretch of Marche's Adriatic coast. On the way we ride through Osimo and Offagna with its amazing castle. We enter the Natural Reserve of Monte Conero with spectacular views of the mountain dipping into the sea. After the descent we ride along the coast crossing the beach resort of Sirolo and Numana. Turning inland we climb to Loreto where we stop for lunch in the shade of its famous Sanctuary. Only 10k to get back to Recanati so we can indulge with a glass or two of the white Verdicchio or the red Rosso Piceno.

In the 5th stage we descend into the Potenza River Valley. We ride the flat road for a while and then we turn and climb to Pollenza. A beautiful stretch of crest rolling road leads us to Tolentino and to S.Severino. A longer climb awaits us on the way to Cingoli (630mts). The cobbled plaza of this walled town is home to our lunch. After a long descent we are back to rolling hills all the way to Recanati.

It's time now for a well deserved rest day. On this day we drive by van to our next destination Cagli. On the way we stop for a visit to Urbino. Built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Montefeltro this now largely university town is one of the finest Renaissance town in Italy. Not to be missed is a visit to the art museum that displays works by its great son Raffaello Sanzio. 
The less traveled Cagli is nonetheless rich of fine 'palazzi', monuments and pleasant bars in the main piazzas. But the real treat is the crown of moutains that surrounded it. For our 3 nights here we stay in an Agriturismo out of town devoted interpreter of the local traditional cuisine and wine making. The Giro d'Italia 2009 has set its most difficult stage on the mountains around Cagli. We repeat that itinerary but in 2 rides.

In the 6th stage we face Monte Nerone (13k avg 6% max 12%) and Monte Petrano (10k avg 7.5% max 13%). 

In the last stage we tackle the lunar summit of Monte Catria (11k avg 8% max 13%). This is also the tour's shortest stage to leaves us time and strength for toasting in Cagli and for an unforgettable farewell dinner in our Agriturismo. 

Next day we drive you back to Roma Airport.