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This page contains information on the regions we currently offer. Please scroll down for more information.
To visit our page of frequently asked questions Click HERE
Le Marche
Although bordered by Umbria and Tuscany, Le Marche is still surprisingly unknown. With a coastline running 180km along the Adriatic, an abundance of natural parks and many interesting historical centres Le Marche has so much to offer. Few tourists venture far from the beaches yet it is inland where the region’s true gems are to be found. We recommend visiting the area in May, June and September although it is still possible to find a cool, breezy mountain retreat even in July and August.
In the southwest of the region is the beautiful Monte Sibillini park which boasts a wealth of flora and fauna. Just north of the park is the Torricchio Riserva Naturale, a World Wildlife Reserve with many species of butterfly and orchids. The parks are home to deer, badgers, wild boar, wildcats and even wolves. Ornithologists should look out for buzzards, kestrels, wood peckers and the occasional peregrine falcon and golden eagle. Not to be missed are the Frasassi caves, a network of caverns and tunnels deep underground. The central chamber is said to be large enough to hold Milan cathedral with room to spare !
The best way to explore the natural parks is on foot but we can also arrange horse riding, mountain biking, cycling and even hang gliding !
As well as natural beauty, Le Marche is rich in architecture and culture. The main attraction is Urbino with its stunning centro storico which is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sights. The city owes much to Duke Federico da Montefaltro who in the latter part of the 15th century assembled the greatest artists and architects to build and decorate his Palazzo Ducale. A visit to the birthplace of Raphael is also worthwhile.
Ascoli Piceno lies in the south of the region and fully deserves at least a day trip. As well as one of the most beautiful piazzas in the whole of Italy there is the thirteenth century Palazzo del Popolo, the gothic church of San Francesco and the Duomo with its wonderful art gallery. On the first Sunday of August there is a jousting tournament “La Quintana” which takes place in the main square. People dress up in costumes typical of the fifteenth century and there is a large procession which should not be missed.
Macerata is famous for its annual July opera festival. We are able to purchase tickets for our customers to attend an opera. Visitors should try to see the 7,000 seater Sferisterio, the Renaissance Loggia dei Mercanti and the city’s splendid art gallery. The remains of the Roman city Helvia Ricina, just north of Macerata, including an amphitheatre are worth a visit.
Recanati is a small town best known as the birthplace of the Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. A guided tour around Leopardi’s birthplace is recommended. Recanati was also the home of the tenor Beniamino Gigli and there is an interesting museum devoted to him.
Every year thousands of people make pilgrimages to the impressive town of Loreto. The basilicata holds the holy house of Loreto, a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The bricks of the shrine are said to be the original bricks of Mary’s house in Nazareth.
We also recommend visiting Cagli for its medieval town hall and church frescoes and the hill top town of Cingoli, "the Balcony of the Marche", with fantastic panoramic views. Between Cagli and Urbino is Urbania a town rarely frequented by tourists which has a spectacular castle/palace on the river and the peculiar Church of the Dead an exposition of 18 naturally preserved mummies.
The food in Le Marche is very good. Try local specialities such as olive ascolane (olives stuffed with meat and fried) and formaggio di fossa (a strong cheese which is aged by being preserved in limestone caves ). The food like the region is a mixture of terra and mare – excellent seafood by the coast and traditional mountain dishes inland. Make sure you try the excellent Verdicchio wine; a white wine which is fast gaining recognition around the world.
We love Le Marche and we are sure you will too. It has something for everyone and will provide you with an unforgettable holiday with plenty to see and do.
For information on activities and services we can offer within Le Marche Click HERE
Puglia
The heel of Italy, Puglia also knonw as Apulia stretches over 400km from north to south and is currently being proclaimed as the new Tuscany. While so very different from Tuscany the comparison is fully justified as there is just as much to see and do while the water is much cleaner, the beaches are better and the climate much hotter. We have travelled the area extensively and have fallen in love with this beautiful region and its amicable people. Puglia (Apulia) has it all :- splendid beaches, marvellous architecture, beautiful countryside and we believe the finest food and wine in Italy.
Puglia (Apulia) enjoys a warm climate all year round and the best time to visit is between March and mid July and September to November. In August the temperature can soar to over 40º and rain is unusual.
Puglia has been influenced greatly by over 2000 years of turbulent history. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards have all occupied the region and this is apparent in the Apulian architecture, culture and food. Indeed Greek is still spoken in certain parts of the region.
The regional capital is Bari and it is here that you are most likely to arrive unless you fly into Brindisi some 115km further down the coast. While Bari is not the prettiest of cities the Basilica di San Nicola and the Cattedrale di San Sabino do justify a trip into the centre. 20 km south of the city is the famous Castel del Monte.
We have a delightful property in the charming town of Conversano. The town has yet to be discovered by tourists and has a spectacular castle, cathedral and monastery which are open to the public. Tucked away inside the castle is an impressive art gallery which few people know about. We fully recommend dining in the castle restaurant; al fresco and lit up by authentic flame torches – a very special evening.
In the nearby Valle d’ Itria are the famous trulli. Unique to Puglia, these round white washed houses with grey conical roofs were originally used for grain and wine storage as well as being homes for poor farm workers. Many trulli have since been beautifully restored and made into luxury homes. We offer holiday accommodation in trulli some even with swimming pools ! To fully discover the mystery of the trulli, visit Alberobello where there are some 1500 trulli. Alberobello is now a UNESCO heritage site. The nearby towns of Cisternino, Martina Franca and Locorotondo are also worthy of a visit. Locorotondo is an excellent place to sample the local wine and regional dishes. Useless fact : Locorotondo appears in the Guiness Book of Records as the only town in the world with a name containing five Os !
Ostuni, 40km north of Brindisi and close to some fine beaches has come to be known as La citta bianca or white city due to its white washed buildings which can be seen from miles away. Explore the narrow winding streets and be sure to see the Chiesa delle Monacelle. There are some excellent bars and restaurants throughout the town.
A holiday in Puglia would not be complete without visiting the city of Lecce 40km south of Brindisi. Lecce is renowned for its architecture and the Baroque churches are stunning. There is also a large amphitheatre. We can arrange a guided tour of the city and provide transfers into the centre. We have a villa close to the city with a lovely swimming pool and tennis courts.
Travelling south of Lecce we reach the Salento area of Puglia. Few tourists venture this far south but we are offering our customers the chance to be among the first to experience the warm hospitality, superb food and stunning coastline that the area offers.
Otranto is a small town with a pretty little harbour. The cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata with its extravagant mosaic floor and the Aragonese castle are the highlights of the town and we recommend exploring the town at night when the buildings are lit up. The restaurants serve delicious seafood and the pasta dishes are excellent.
Capo d’Otranto is the easternmost point of Italy and on a clear day it is possible to see the Albanian coastline. Further down the coast from the Cape you arrive at the lovely fishing village of Castro. Make sure you try the seafood here but don’t expect to be dining with any tourists ! Further inland is the quaint settlement of Spongano. We have a wonderful property here, an ancient palazzo originally home to a wealthy baron. Spongano makes an excellent base for exploring the Salento area. The busy port of Gallipoli has a lovely centro storico with a Greek feel. Take time to explore the maze of white washed streets, watch the fishermen emptying their nets and you’ll find it hard to believe that you are still in Italy !
As mentioned already Puglia is the place to come if you enjoy good food and quality wines. Try the Orecchiete ( little ears ) pasta and the Primitivo wine which are both unique to the region. The Greek influence means that lamb is often on the menu and cheese lovers will be in their element with ricotta and mozzarella produced here not to mention a variety of hard goat cheeses. Puglia produces more olive oil than the rest of the Italian regions put together and produces 80% of Europe’s pasta. It is fast gaining a reputation for its wine and vineyards exist all over the region many of which can be visited and offer wine sampling.
Puglia is a wonderful region, in fact it’s our favourite. Visit it now and you’ll see why.
For information on activities and services we can offer within Puglia Click HERE
Tuscany
Tuscany has been popular with UK tourists for well over two decades. Discovery Travel selects properties only in areas untouched by mass tourism and while this has proven to be a little harder in Tuscany than in other regions, we are delighted with our efforts. Our Tuscan properties are a little of the beaten tourist track and a stay in any of the accomodation is truly a stay in the Hidden Italy.
Let us introduce you to the undiscovered parts of Tuscany. Our properties south of Siena are in unspoiled countryside, well away from the average tourist. Enjoy exploring the surrounding local villages where time seems to have stood still. A landscape of endless rolling hills, vineyards, open meadows and wooded hillsides.
Be sure to visit the lovely, old towns such as Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino where the famous Brunello di Montalcino is produced. Magnificent monastic architecture can be savoured in the tranquil settings of San Galgano.
Further south the sheer beauty of the natural landscape will astonish you. The ancient spa town of San Casciano dei Bagni and the remarkable sulphur springs of Saturnia are well worth seeing as are the "Città dei tufi" ( the volcanic towns of Pittigliano and Sorano ) which sit precariously on the slopes.
A stay in the undiscovered parts of Tuscany does not mean you have to compromise on sight seeing. We offer a selection of fine properties within a short drive of the main cities of Lucca, Pisa and Florence. We have selected our properties for their location and their charm. Our guests enjoy staying in the peace and quiet of the rural countryside and yet are never far from the historic centres.
Casa Al Torre, in the hills north of Lucca, is immersed in greenery and the only sounds you can hear are the birds chattering and the occasional rustle of leaves as a welcome breeze passes. You have to remind yourself that Lucca, Pisa and Florence are less than one hour away.
Borgo Elena is one of our favourite properties close to the pretty town of Cortona. The American author Frances Mayes wrote a book and made a film about her new life in Cortona. Arezzo is a short drive away. The antiques market is fascinating and film lovers may recall the main piazza and side streets as the setting for the excellent Academy Award Winning "La Vita e bella".
For information on activities and services we can offer within Tuscany Click HERE
Umbria
Umbria is the green heart of Italy with peaceful rolling hills, tranquil valleys, historic towns and outstanding works of art. We have chosen properties within easy reach of the magical towns such as Assisi, Perugia and Spoleto.
Visit the buzzing city of Perugia with its fine collection of Renaissance and Etruscan architecture, imposing palazzi and exquisite piazzas. In July the city really comes alive with the beats of the international jazz festival. For a touch of romance stroll along the cobbled streets and quiet piazzas of the elegant town of Todi. There is a wonderful flower festival in June in the little town of Spello.
Spoleto is a charming town with much to see despite being rather small. The cathedral is beautiful and the imposing castle provides breath taking views. The amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in Italy.
We feature properties in areas of natural beauty such as the Tiber valley, a haven for wildlife and many species of birds. Here you will discover ancient hill villages full of mystery and intrigue. It is a relatively unknown area which can only be reached by car and boasts medieval castles. It is known as the museum valley. Some of the best art galleries and museums in Umbria can be found here.
Experience the typical, lively medieval festival at the “Mercato delle Gaiete” in Bevagna in June. Visit the countryside near Trevi and Montefalco in October and you will see the locals collecting olives to be pressed.
Follow the trails of Saint Benedict and St Francis, starting at Assisi and visit monasteries, cathedrals and Abbeys. The Basillica of San Francesco in Assisi is a true gem but the town offers much more on top of this including a castle, several impressive churches and the birthplace of St Francis.
The cuisine of Umbria is dominated by meat and beans. Truffles are found throughout the region and are often used to flavour dishes. Perugia is renowned for its chocolate. Two excellent white wines spring to mind - Orvieto and Grechetto.
For information on activities and services we can offer within Umbria Click HERE
Abruzzo
In Abruzzo we have chosen properties in the gentle hills which overlook the sea. Travelling just two hours inland and you will encounter high mountain peaks which reach 10,000 feet making them the highest peninsular in Italy. The protected parkland provides a home for many endangered animals such as the Marsican brown bear. In the Maiella national park there are wonderful, quaint spa towns, such as Caramanico Terme where you will experience an age-old Italian lifestyle that has not changed for centuries. This little town is bursting with priceless treasures such as 16th century wooden sculptures and 13th century frescoes. In the heart of Abruzzo don’t miss the historical town of Sulmona, the birthplace of the latin poet Ovid. Surrounded by the austere slopes of the Monte Morrone, the main piazza Garibaldi boasts beautiful palaces in a sublime setting. The Abruzzo coast line has 125km of sandy beaches, ideal for children. A great day trip for children is a ride on the cable car to the highest mountain in central Italy, the Gran Sasso .
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about discovery travel
holiday
villas in Apulia, Italy
The Regions
