Welcome to Ancona
Often brushed aside as being just another of Italy's bolshie, gritty port towns, Ancona is no beauty at first glance from the ferry, it's true. But there's more to Ancona than meets the superficial eye, and to simply bypass it is to miss much. In the old town, crowned by the duomo, you can peel back layers of history of the city founded by Greek settlers from Syracuse around 387 BC, admiring Roman ruins, the rich stash of its archaeological museum and its Renaissance palazzi, which glow softly in the evening light. Linger long enough in its hilltop parks overlooking the Adriatic and lively boulevards and cafe-rimmed piazzas and you'll see a more likeable side to Le Marche's seafront capital, promise.
Top experiences in Ancona
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Ancona activities
APERITIFS ON THE BALCONY
Vertical tastings of D.O.C. (Denomination of Controlled Origin) wines in partnership with Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela ViniThe year was 1967. While the opera season was once again underway at the Arena Sferisterio, restoring it to its former glory of the years 1921 and 1922, the Marche region celebrated its D.O.C. wine Verdicchio di Jesi. Fifty years later, the Arena Sferisterio opens its doors and makes a to toast to Music. In the marvellous setting of its balcony , glasses overflowing with these two excellent wines are, in the words of the poet Leopardi, “watching endless spaces…”.Vertical tastings available in Italian and English with a professional sommelier .
Monte Conero, Riviera del Conero trek
The Conero Natural Park is a park full of facets, on a peak overlooking the sea and a hill that wedges into the hinterland. Here there are some points from where you can enjoy breath-taking panoramas stretching on the whole Conero Coast, but also visit historical sites very charming.The trek will start in the parking of "Piazza Brodolini". Difficulty E (Easy). Distance: 8 km Drop: 200mt Time: 3.30h Materials: waterproof cape, hiking boots or shoes with sculpted sole, layered clothing, anorak, hat. Front lamp or flashlight (in case of night excursion). Water 1.5 liters, fruit, dried fruit or energizing bars, packed lunch. Transfers: on own The program is subject to change at the discretion of the guides.
Private guide Jesi and Frederick II museum, Holy Roman Emperor, here where it all began
Highlights:Discover the ancient "Royal town" in the heart of the Marche region Follow the ancient alleyways bordered by huge walls and noble palaces Explore the interactive museum dedicated to Frederick II of Swabia, an unmissable jewelTour details:Jesi is an ancient city, founded by the Greeks and has become important under Roman and medieval rule. Jesi became "Royal town" at the behest of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia who was born here in 1194 by Costanza D'Altavilla who gave birth in the public forum (today Piazza Federico II).Our tour will go to discover the beauties of the city starting from the walls, the best preserved in the Marche region. The route will continue in the historic center and you will visit the main churches: San Pietro Apostolo, sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, San Giovanni Battista, San Nicolò church and the Duomo dedicated to San Settimio. You will also visit the many noble palaces of which Jesi is rich: Palazzo della Signoria, Balleani, Ripanti, Ricci and the Pergolesi theater.The second part of the tour will be dedicated exclusively to Frederick II, going to visit the bronze monument next to the Bersaglieri gate and finally Piazza Federico II, the most important historical square, former Roman forum, where the day of St. Stephen in 1194 was born " Stupor Mundi ". On one side of the square a round bench that recalls this event, as well as the longitudinal stone paving on the floor. At the center of the square is a large fountain with an obelisk.The visit continues inside the Museum dedicated to the Emperor, a real unmissable jewel for all fans, The Federico II Museum is an absolute unicum that recalls the life and works of Emperor Stupor Mundi, 16 rooms where you can see , interact and relive the life of the Emperor "Puer Apuliae" through interactive installations, three-dimensional animations, multimedia contents, architectural and sartorial reconstructions. A multi-sensory experience that will really let you experience the history that has changed history.
Ancona private walking tour with a local guide
Join this private walking tour led by a local guide to discover the - still partially unknown - city of Ancona. The capital of the Marche region, situated on the central coast of the Adriatic Sea, hides some very interesting monuments and attractions, remarkable both from an historic and an architectural point of view. During this 2.5-hour guided tour your professional guide will take you to see the most important sites in the city. You'll walk up the hill of San Ciriaco Cathedral, from where you can admire the Arch of Trajan, whose construction dates back to 115 BC during the Roman time, and the "Mole Vanvitelliana", designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1732 for Pope Clementine. You'll also visit the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Piazza. You wil walk through the central Piazza del Plebiscito and then Corso Mazzini to see the 16th-century Fontana del Calamo, its 13 masked spouts supposedly representing effigies of those who have been beheaded! Just one tip: don't forget to bring your camera with you!
Marche walking holiday between Mounts and sea
Day 1: Sirolo – Conero Riviera Arrival in Sirolo, a beautiful medieval town situated between the green of the mountain and the blue sea, is considered ” the pearl of the Adriatic”. The scenario is the one of the Conero Riviera, at the foot of a mountain that rises suddenly overlooking the sea, with white pebble beaches and azure sea. After settling on a farmhouse /guesthouse, free time for a visit before dinner at leisure and overnight. Day 2: Trekking to Natural Park of Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi After breakfast, ready for a full-day guided walking itinerary from Pierosara to the Gola di Frasassi and the Gola della Rossa awaits you. On this beautiful trek you may sight a golden eagle or wolf, and will visit the Cave of Frasassi which houses the hermitage of Infra Saxa and small temple of Valadier. Enjoy the view of the Gorge of Frassis through the curious Foro degli Occhialoni and from atop Mount Murano where you will reach the Cave of Vernino. Finally, visit the quaint village of Serra San Quirico and the Cave of Frasassi, home to the famous Nativity Scene of Genga. Accommodation, dinner at leisure and overnight in your B&B. Day 3: Trekking on Conero Natural Park & Wine Tasting After breakfast, departure for Mount Conero where you and your guide will hike from the former convent of the Camaldoli monks up to the beach of Sassi Neri (Black Rocks), one of the most beautiful stretches of the Adriatic coast. The trail passes through perfumed Mediterrenean brush where you can taste the native Corbezzolo fruits and admire the many hues of the mountain’s indigenous plants such as Lentisco and Cisto. For the grand finale you will visit the fascinating Caves of Camerano, a mysterious underground village whose ancient tunnels reveal epic tales, and enjoy a tasting of regional Rosso Conero wines in the cellar. Accommodation, dinner at leisure and overnight in your B&B. Day 4: Departure Breakfast. Check out. Private transfer to Ancona airport and departure.
Italy to Croatia Highlights
Spend an unforgettable 14 days among some of the most beautiful cities and landscapes anywhere. Begin in Italy with loads of free time for walking the perfectly old-world streets of Florence and drinking espresso in Venice's Piazza San Marco. Explore the stately ruins, temples, and churches of times past in Rome, before catching a ferry to the stunning Dalmatian Coast. Enjoy a boat trip and some much-needed beach time before heading on to Split and Dubrovnik. All this and some of the finest food you'll ever eat, too!