The Italian On Tour

ONE OF ITALY'S LARGEST PILGRIMAGE SITES . The Santa Casa di Loreto has been a pilgrimage destination since the 14th century . It has been visited by over 200 saints and many popes. . Welcoming travellers for hundreds of years, it's one of the few places in Le Marche where you'll find typical souvenir shops . Pilgrims flock here to visit what legends say is the house that the Holy family lived in . Many take the 26 km pilgrimage route from Macerata to Loreto that has been in existence since 1978 . It's quite a moving sight... . Thousands walking through the Italian countryside illuminating the passage with candlelight as the sun goes down . Whether you're a pilgrim or a lover of architecture & art, Loreto is a must see site on your trip to Le Marche . It's prized marble panels, designed by Bramante, on the Santa Casa's walls, are considered one for the greatest sculptural masterpieces from the Renaissance . You can also visit it's museum which houses some lovely works by Lorenzo Lotto . Loreto also makes for an easy day trip from Ancona or the Coast of Conero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #travelmoreoften #wanderluster #yallersmarche #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #italiantrips #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #prettylittletrips #suitcasetravels #theitalianontour #glutenfreeitaly #renaissanceart #pilgrimage #catholictravel #italytravel #loveitaly #italian_city #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #memoriesforlife #packyourbags #travelitalywithme #italyphoto #mymarche #italyoffthebeatenpath #travelitalydeeper

PEOPLE WATCHING IN THE PIAZZA . As things have slowly reopened, so has life slowly returned to the piazza . Stepping inside Piazza del Popolo on a picture perfect June day is like stepping right onto a movie set . You’ll walk right into a slice of everyday genuine Italian life and get to be Italian for a week when you join us on tour . Even after all these years I still find myself enchanted by the magical atmosphere of Ascoli's most beautiful square . So enchanted that Giovanni and I took our wedding vows inside the Palace of the Captains . Piazza del Popolo it's a place full of life's biggest moments & memories . It's also the place I had my very first caffe corretto (and where I'll take you on tour to have your first as well 😉) . A coffee laced with one of Ascoli's most iconic liqueurs, Anisetta meletti . Have you tried @caffemeletti's anisetta? . PS. It also comes in candy form and little dark chocolates filled with anisetta meletti. Usually served when you sit down for a cappuccino at the cafe. . They also make easy & light souvenirs to bring back home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #italyismytherapy #theitalianontour #glutenfreeitaly #mycornerofitaly #ascolidavivere #yallersmarche #italian_vacation #italianlifestyle #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #italyrightnow #memoriesforlife #traveldreamseekers #prettylittletrips #suitcasetravels #italiancoffee #coffeeitaly #espressobar #caffeinecouture #travelitalywithus #prettylittleitaly #everydayitalian #seemyitaly #visititaly #vacationinitaly #springinitaly

SUNDAY IN UMBRIA . Just an hours drive from Ascoli Piceno (your homebase on your tour with us) you'll find yourself in the fairytale land of Umbria's Castelluccio . Located at 1452 metres it's the highest settlement in all of Italy’s Appennine Mountain range . Founded by a Jewish community that was exiled from Rome during the reign of Vespasiano, it also happens to be home to an unique microclimate where lentils grow . Every year from late May to the middle of July you can experience the "Fioritura" - Flowering of the lentils . Not an exact science but one of the mysteries of nature.... . There's no guarantee or precise date of when the flowering will be at it's prime . But a visit is well worth it anytime of year and is a great way to extend your trip to Italy after your tour with us . Lentils, as well as pecorino cheese, wild boar and cicerchia (another local legume) are popular in the local cuisine . The lentils of Castelluccio are protected and only grown in Le Marche's province of Macerata and Umbria's province of Perugia . Castelluccio and the Appennines mountain villages in Le Marche & Umbria were hit hard during the seismic events that occurred in 2016 . One of the ways you can support this local community from abroad is by purchasing "Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia" . Easy to make and no soaking required they're a great addition to your vegetarian recipe repertoire and they also happen to be naturally gluten free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #italiantrips #exploringitaly #italyrightnow #memoriesforlife #traveldreamseekers #italianfood #italiantrip #yallersumbria #mycornerofitaly #italianvillages #ItalyTravelTips #travelitalydeeper #castellucciodinorcia #glutenfreeitaly #glutenfreelife #glutenfreegirl #prettylittleitalytrips #livelikealocal #travelforlife #roamtheworld #besttimeever #creatememories #tinymoments #sundayinitaly

REOPENING DAY . Today marks the reopening of Italy's borders to EU members, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City . Quarantine is no longer required for these countries when entering Italy 🇮🇹 . Italians can finally travel freely between regions, reunite with family living in other regions, and we can finally come to Rome to pick you up for your tour with us . Unfortunately quarantine is still required for our American, Canadian, Australian and friends from all other nations outside the one mentioned above . Currently the EU-USA flight ban is set to expire June 15th . Once we receive an update we will be sure to share more news. . Xo . Chantelle & Giovanni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #italiansummer #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #glutenfreeitaly #vacationmode #mycornerofitaly #italianvillages #ItalyTravelTips #travelitalydeeper #travelmoreoften #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #prettylittleitalytrips #livelikealocal #travelforlife #roamtheworld #besttimeever #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #scenesofitaly #dreamingofitaly #italytravel

BEACH SEASON STARTS NOW . Sunshine and endless white sandy beaches... . There's nothing quite like an Italian summer on Le Marche's Coast of Conero . From Portonovo to Numana there's the perfect beach for you . Escape the crowds for secluded seashores with a hike or boat ride to the Due Sorelle . Head to Numana Alta for soft sand and beach resorts . Dine in style right on the water in the Bay of Portonovo (you can even eat in a fort built by Napoleon!) . Or try all three, because one day of soaking up the summer sun in Italy just won't do . Who's dreaming of fun under the sun Italian style? . PS. Don't forget the sound! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #likealocal #loveitaly #italiansummer #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #beachvacay #italiansun #italian_vacation #italianlifestyle #soakingupthesunshine #glutenfreeitaly #vacationmode #beachlifevibes #italianbeach #italyfortheholidays #nothinglikeanitaliansummer #fununderthesun #italytravel #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #prettylittletrips #traveladventure #italyiloveyou #travelmoreoften #seemyparidise #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #scenesofitaly #dreamingofitaly

THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF THEATRES IN THE WORLD . Where?... . Le Marche! . Just in the city if Ascoli alone there is 3 historic theatres. . Kicking off Ascoli's reopening of it's museums to the public, guided visits to the Teatro Ventido Basso were for free! . Throughout the winter you can visit the theatre to watch a play or the opera . A unique fact about this theatre is it has a flat ceiling. This affects the acoustics. . When you join us on tour you'll have to test out the acoustics in both Ventido Basso & Teatro Serpente Aureo... . And let us know which one you think has the better acoustics 😉 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #italyrightnow #memoriesforlife #traveldreamseekers #prettylittletrips #theitalianontour #theatresofitaly #glutenfreeitaly #travelaftercovid #italian_vacation #mycornerofitaly #ascolidavivere #yallersmarche #travelitalydeeper #dreamingofitaly #italian_city #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #prettylittleitalytrips #livelikealocal #travelforlife #roamtheworld

TOMORROW IS THE DAY . No more dreaming about aperitivo time in the piazza (although it won't quite be business as usual) . May 18th marks the reopening of restaurants (as well as hairdressers) . But I am most excited about the food 😉 . (For now a haircut is on hold) . When restaurants reopen in your town, what is the first meal you'll have out? . PS. I am dreaming of risotto & a glass of bubbly... . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #travelmoreoften #wanderluster #italianfood #italianfoodlovers #postcorona #aftercovid19 #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #igersmarche #aperolspritz #piazzalife #glutenfreeitaly #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #italian_vacation #italianlifestyle #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #prettylittletrips #italyrightnow #memoriesforlife #traveldreamseekers #aperitivotime #italianfinedining

SUNSETS DURING SPRING . There's something special about the city at sunset . And how it lights up Ascoli with a golden glow . It's also one of the most beautiful times during May to head to the piazza for an Aperitivo . Starting Monday restaurants will start to reopen in our region and soon enjoying golden hour with an aperol spritz in hand will no longer be a thing of past. . What are you looking forward to as lockdown lifts? . . . PS. Mostly I am looking forward to being able to travel and take guests, like you, on tours of Italy's hidden regions. . But for now I will celebrate with cocktail hour in the piazza and finally being able to see friends again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #italian_city #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #aperitivotime #happyhourallday #italyatsunset #glutenfreeitaly #glutenfreelife #glutenfreegirl #prettylittletrips #traveladventure #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #theitalianontour #myhappyplace #italian_vacation #travelmoreoften #seemyparidise #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #igersmarche #aperolspritz #italyrightnow

CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH OF ITALY’S BEAUTY . And Le Marche is no exception. . Even after 5 years of living here full time, Le Marche's landscape is still full of surprises. . So many charming villages and unique towns, they just can't all be fit into one itinerary or tour. . That's why the Italian Truffle Adventure is debuting soon. . A foodie filled itinerary filled with new experiences and places that showcase the best of Le Marche's territory during Truffle season. . You’ll head to the forest with an expert truffle hunter that used supply Jamie Oliver with Le Marche's finest truffles. . Dig into exclusive truffle tasting menus designed just for our guests. . All while visiting some of the most spectacular sites in Le Marche that you won't find on any other tour. . Thinking about joining us for an Italian Truffle Adventure? . Send us a direct message with your email and you'll be the first to know about our new itinerary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #italyismytherapy #theitalianontour #glutenfreeitaly #trufflecountry #truffleseason #mycornerofitaly #italianvillages #loveitalianlife #italianfoodandwine #foodietoursinitaly #ineedavacay #ineedatriptoitaly #postcorona #aftercovid19 #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #italian_vacation #travelmoreoften #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #glutenfreelife #prettylittletrips #italyrightnow #beautifulitaliandestinations

TRUFFLE COUNTRY IN SPRING . Long gone is truffle season . Black & white are best eaten during the late fall & winter months . And that's the beauty about Italian cuisine: every ingredient has it's perfect time and place. . Just like every season brings the opportunity to enjoy Italy in a new light . Summer time brings long days and warm evenings filled with strolls to the piazza or walks along the lungomare . Fall is harvest season and marks the vendemmia of wine & olives, followed by chestnuts and truffles. . Winter is magical as the city squares fill with Christmas markets and skating rinks . Spring it is the season of new beginnings, growth and its when Le Marche's countryside is emerald green. . Each season so unique you just can't pick one, but you can pick what you want to experience. . What's your favourite season to experience Italy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #authenticItaly #traveladventure #italyiloveyou #travelmoreoften #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #glutenfreeitaly #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #prettylittletrips #visititaly #postponedontcancel #postcorona #aftercovid19 #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #igersmarche #italian_vacation #glutenfreelife #glutenfreegirl #loveitaly #italian_city

CITY OF 100 TOWERS . Ascoli Piceno is known as the city of 100 towers and travertine. . Many of ths towers still remain. . Symbolic of the powerful families that owned them. . Each and every tower is flanked by a golden to white stone called travertine . Mined from the nearby hills surrounding Ascoli, travertine is a symbol of the city and it's main square Piazza del Popolo which is 5 minutes from your boutique stay on tour. . The square owes its golden glow to this unique stone, and is at the height of its beauty when the sun slips away behind the city's 100 towers and... . Enters into the #goldenhour . Timed just right for a roof top aperitivo @caffemeletti . 🤞That soon cocktail hour will be alive again . When we can all apericena (ie. Cocktails & italian tapas) again, what will be your cocktail of choice? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #foodfantasy #wanderluster #italyrightnow #memoriesforlife #traveldreamseekers #prettylittletrips #visititaly #postponedontcancel #postcorona #aftercovid19 #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #scenesofitaly #madeinitaly #supportsmallbusiness #glutenfreeitaly #glutenfreelife #glutenfreegirl #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #travelitalydeeper #travelitalylikealocal

IT'S A NEW DAY . The first day of phase 2 and the return of our evening ritual of walking to the piazza. . Such a simple thing . And it's these simple things you learn not to take for guaranteed after 55 days in lockdown. . Like the freedom to walk outside . Take a impromptu trip to wine country . Call up your friends to catch up over an aperitivo . Welcome guests from all over the world for an epic adventure of Italy’s hidden regions . Drive from Le Marche to Abruzzo, just to cure a craving for Maccheroncini with tasty little meat balls and a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo . What do miss the most during these times? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #italian_city #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #glutenfreeitaly #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #italyrightnow #memoriesforlife #traveldreamseekers #prettylittletrips #traveladventure #italyiloveyou #travelmoreoften #aftercovid19 #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #igersmarche #italian_vacation #italyforlife #italianspring #italytravelblogger #myitaly

NOT YOUR USUAL WEDNESDAY . Or Saturday morning either. . Piazza Arringo is usually bustling with vendors on a Wednesday or Saturday morning . Selling everything from housewares to Italian made leather shoes. . With the weather warming up, I am currently dreaming of the days when we can meet at the market and browse the stalls for a new pair of summer sandals or two. . As Spring turns to Summer, what do you miss most about this transitional time of year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #italian_city #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #mycornerofitaly #italianvillages #springinitaly #springtimeinitaly #italianspring #italytravelblogger #myitaly #igersmarche #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #scenesofitaly #travelitalydeeper #travelmoreoften #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #italyrightnow #dreamingofmynexttriptoitaly #alwaysdreamingofitaly #glutenfreeitaly

THIS HAPPENS ALL TOO OFTEN . You only find tours with cooking classes of pizza and pasta. . Nothing more than traditional cuisine is on the menu . And you end up missing out on trying and tasting modern Italian cuisine. . In short, you skip a whole side of the local culture is deserving of its own place under the Italian sun. . Innovative Italian chefs, bringing a new spin to Italy's food scene is just as important as Nonna rolling up her sleeves and teaching you to make pasta all'uovo. . And this is one of the reasons why your tour with us doesn't miss a beat on culture & cuisine . When you join us on tour you get a 360 degree view of cucina italiana (Italian Cuisine) . From digging into Maccheroncini at Italy's Top Slowfood restaurant for traditional cuisine to... . Preparing a meal with a local chef and enjoying the fruits of your labor with a private dining experience . Today in the stories you can join in on a virtual tour of good cooking, modern italian style . Stay tuned tomorrow as your virtual weekend getaway takes you from a local chef's Italian kitchen to dining on a 5 course menu of beautifully plated and carefully curated dishes . An experience designed for The Italian On Tour guests just like you! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #coronavirusitaly #coronacooking #italian_city #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #glutenfreeitaly #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #discoveryitaly #italiancooking #cookingclassy #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere #igersmarche #mycornerofitaly #foodfantasy #wanderluster #ineedavacationasap #italykeepscooking #eatingwell #italyeats #morethanpasta #pastalovers

DREAMS DO COME TRUE... . Once in a lifetime (or once a year) trips to Italy . Best meal of your life moments while being surrounded by locals who become friends . Finally tasting a slice (or whole pizza pie) of pizza napoletana and meeting a Master Pizzaiolo . Dipping your toes in the blue adriatic and soaking up every last drop of summer under the Italian sun. . Cooling off with real Italian gelato made from this seasons most flavourful ingredients . . When this is all over what do you dream about for your next Italian vacation? . . . PS. I am dreaming about the piazza, visiting the market vendors, and savouring every last spoonful of foam from my post lockdown cappuccino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #italytravel #likealocal #loveitaly #foodfantasy #italianfood #winelovers #gelatomania #italiansummer #theitalianontour #italyismytherapy #bestitaliansites #exploringitaly #beautifulitaly #prettylittletrips #traveladventure #italyiloveyou #travelmoreoften #italian_hidden_gems #creatememories #tinymoments #livethelittlethings #glutenfreeitaly #postponedontcancel #postcorona #aftercovid19 #wineandtravel #yallersmarche #ascolidavivere