Montefeltro & Urbino – Independent
Locked between the Apennines and the Adriatic coast, the region of Le Marche has remained unchanged over the centuries. This was formerly the seat of Federico da Montefeltro, who presided over one of the most influential courts of Renaissance Europe.
The walk sweeps across the northernmost corner of the region, following in the footsteps of the Dukes of Montefeltro. From their beginnings as the Counts of Carpegna near San Leo in the 10th century, pass through their former strongholds and battlefields, culminating in their greatest achievement, the glorious court of Urbino. The grand ducal palace houses an impressive gallery containing some of the most important Renaissance artworks in the world.
The route takes you along ridges with wide views and a profusion of flowers and butterflies in spring.
Duration: 8 or 9 days
Itinerary
A scenic walk from the valley, along strade bianche, leads up to the fortified medieval village of San Leo, with its 9th century church, 12th century Romanesque cathedral and impressive castle (2.9 or 5.3 miles, 1.5 or 3 hours). Family-run hotel accommodation in town centre.
NB: The taxi driver can drop you at the start of this optional walk en route to San Leo and take your luggage on to the first hotel.
Perched on a seemingly impregnable precipice, San Leo is best known for its medieval citadel and fortifications. Visit the fortress (where Cagliostro, the 18th-century Italian occultist was imprisoned), the civic museum, the cathedral and the 9th century parish church. In San Leo, you can buy pecorino cheese wrapped in walnut leaves, handmade maiolica ceramics and salami.
Hotel ‘Diffuso’ – accommodation spread over several dwellings in the town centre
Small lanes and tracks through farmland and woods with fine views over the Marecchia Valley lead to Pennabilli. This delightful village is set in the heart of Sasso Simone and Simoncello Natural Park. It has a charming historical centre, wonderful views and a Michelin-star restaurant (11.8 miles, 6.5 hours). Stay in a 4-star central hotel with pool and spa.
A peaceful town with a number of interesting museums and a lively international performing arts festival in June with street performers, craft markets and food stalls.
Centrally located, modern hotel with pool and spa
Farm tracks through woods and pastures ascend towards high meadows on top of Monte Carpegna (4,634 ft), with spectacular views, before descending through pine woods to the village of Carpegna. Continue to your country hotel near Frontino (12.6 miles, 7 hours).
A quaint and unspoilt cluster of houses with a small modern art museum. The convent of Montefiorentino is nearby, with its delightful cloister and Madonna by Giovanni Santi, father of Raphael.
Converted farmhouse in lovely setting, with pool
Optional circular walk through oak woods to the ‘floating rocks’ of Sasso Simone and Simoncello on top of which, enjoying panoramic views, are remains of a fortified town, ‘City of the Sun’, commissioned by Cosimo I de
Medici, first Grand Duke of Tuscany (10/12 mile option, 5/6 hours)
Converted farmhouse in lovely setting, with pool
Tracks lead to the fortified medieval village of Frontino and the monastery of Montefiorentino with its cloister and Madonna by Giovanni Santi, father of Raphael. Continue along farm and forest tracks down to the small town of Piandimeleto, distinguished by its fine castle complex (10.3 miles, 5 hours). Simple but friendly 2-star hotel.
A village with an interesting old centre focused around the 15th-century castle of the Counts of Oliva. The castle can be visited upon request and houses several interesting museums on farming and natural history.
Simple, friendly, family-run hotel
Follow farm tracks up into the hills, enjoying panoramic views. Beyond a ridge (1,602ft), follow tracks and small gravel lanes through open farmland and down to Urbania (917ft) and your farmhouse accommodation with lovely views (12.3 miles, 6 hours).
This unpretentious market town was formerly the seat of the Dukes of Montefeltro. Tour the Ducal Palace, which has countless regal rooms, collections of ceramics and paintings. There is also a museum on the agricultural history of the region and a large number of churches, one housing a collection of mummies!
Agriturismo: Farmhouse with lovely views
Visit Urbania with its arcaded streets, fine 15th century Ducal Palace, ceramics museum and many interesting churches. Quiet gravel lanes then lead across hills, past farms and isolated churches, to Urbino (1,575ft). Centrally located 3-star hotel or upgrade to a 4-star hotel opposite the Ducal Palace (12.6 miles, 6.5 hours).
This hilltop city has a powerful history and was once one of the most prestigious courts in Europe. There are several delicatessens in Urbino selling truffles, oils and many of the local wines that you may have tried over the week. Urbino also prides itself on its ceramics.
Comfortable hotel in historic centre
Restored 15th century convent opposite the Palazzo Ducale
Visit the superb palace built by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, with paintings by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Paolo Uccello, etc.
Urbino's historic centre, a UNESCO world heritage site is rich in history and Renaissance art. Visit the magnificent Ducal Palace of Federico da Montefeltro, which now houses an impressive museum and national gallery, renowned for its fabulous architectural features and remarkable collection of Renaissance paintings, including works by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Uccello and Gentile da Fabriano.
Comfortable hotel in historic centre
Restored 15th century convent opposite the Palazzo Ducale
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to challenging. Walk lengths vary from 1.5 hours to a maximum of 6.5 hours of walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means
hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.
This trip offers ridge walks and some challenging climbs and descents. Monte Carpegna is the highest point, reaching 1,400 metres above sea level. The descent is initially a little exposed with a good but narrow path that zig-zags down a steep hillside. There is an alternative low-level route on this day.
Terrain: Follow a variety of paths including farm and forest tracks, rocky mule trails, grassy ridges and small, gravel roads (strade bianche). On certain days the terrain is more rugged, including rougher walking across fields – please make sure that your foot wear provides sufficient ankle support.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to challenging. Walk lengths vary from 1.5 hours to a maximum of 6.5 hours of walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means
hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.
This trip offers ridge walks and some challenging climbs and descents. Monte Carpegna is the highest point, reaching 1,400 metres above sea level. The descent is initially a little exposed with a good but narrow path that zig-zags down a steep hillside. There is an alternative low-level route on this day.
Terrain: Follow a variety of paths including farm and forest tracks, rocky mule trails, grassy ridges and small, gravel roads (strade bianche). On certain days the terrain is more rugged, including rougher walking across fields – please make sure that your foot wear provides sufficient ankle support.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure, however, we would recommend contacting the office sooner to book experiences at the Agriturismo Locanda Le Querce.
Additional walking:
Pennabilli – enjoy a circular walk in the surrounding countryside (6 miles)
Bike Hire / E-bike Hire in Le Querce. The area is famous for a cycle loop via Il Cippo, on Monte Carpegna with scenic and steep ascent / descent on asphalted lanes. Costs from 40€/person for half day (4 hours) or from 55€/person for a full day. Helmet hire costs 5€/person. (Bikes can be delivered to Locanda Le Querce)
The Agriturismo Locanda Le Querce offers the following experiences (prices vary depending on numbers of guests attending the workshops):
- Foraging for plants– walk with an expert who will explain the medical and culinary use the plants you find. Then, at dinner, taste the dishes prepared with local herbs / ingredients you have collected.
- A clothes dying experience(usually a scarf) using the pigments and leaves of local plants (plants provided or you have the option to forage for plants yourself earlier in the day).
Rust Printing Experience - from Le Querce – a visit to La Pieve in Carpegna and workshop with a local artisan who uses the typical local technique of 'Stampa a Ruggine' (prices vary depending on numbers)
''Rust printing, also known as traditional Romagna printing, is an ancient craft technique used to decorate fabrics, characterized by motifs inspired by peasant life and a reddish-brown color obtained from the reaction of iron with vinegar and flour. This technique, widespread in Romagna, involves the use of hand-carved wooden stamps, which are impressed on the fabric and fixed with a special wash."
Spa and wellness treatments at Palazzo Giusti Spa, Urbino. Spa entrance from 55€/person excluding treatments
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
My name is Paolo, and I live in Pennabilli, a picturesque village near Rimini, Italy. Although I’ve always lived here, my passion for languages and cultures has taken me across Europe and the United States. When not looking after ATG clients I work as an interpreter and translator, and in recent years, I have also been teaching English and German at high schools in Rimini. Since 2022, I have been part of the ATG team—a role I find deeply fulfilling. I truly enjoy meeting new people through this work, and I especially appreciate the chance to explore the natural beauty around my home while on assignments. Hiking through the hills and paths of my region has become a favourite aspect of my job. I am married and have a daughter, who sometimes helps me with my ATG tasks, we look forward to welcoming you!
"Paolo was exceptionally good really did go the extra mile in all matters."
"Paolo was terrific. He went out of his way to make everything as pleasurable as possible"
"Paolo was very professional and very welcoming. We enjoyed meeting up with him and he was very helpful booking restaurants for us. He is very enthusiastic and passionate about the area- which we loved."
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’. Much of this itinerary is ‘off the beaten tourist track’ so expect something different on occasions – and we think you may be delighted!
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
Ideally situated between the coast and the mountains, Le Marche brings together all the produce of both sea and land. It also merges cooking styles borrowed from its neighbouring provinces: simple, rustic techniques from Emilia Romagna united with the more intense southern flavours of Umbria. The result is an extremely varied cuisine. The most notable local wine is the white Verdicchio, although no less important are the red wines Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
Flora & Fauna
Springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers, both alpine and Mediterranean. The huge variety of orchids are a particular treat. The woodlands are predominantly beech and oak. In autumn, look out for mushrooms and truffles – you might spot locals out picking them. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to San Leo: There are regular trains from the central station in Bologna (reached via shuttle bus from the airport) to Rimini (approx. 1 to 1.5 hrs), from where you can take a taxi to San Leo (approx. 50 mins).
From Ancona airport there are indirect trains to Rimini via Ancona or Falconara Marittima, from where you can take a taxi to San Leo (approx. 50 mins).
Return travel from Urbino: For either Bologna or Ancona airport, you will need to take a taxi from Urbino to Pesaro station, from where you can catch a train back to either Ancona airport or Bologna Centrale (then shuttle bus back to Bologna airport).
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in The Marche starts in the spectacularly situated San Leo and offers 5 days walking culminating in two nights in Unesco listed Urbino with its Renaissance Ducal Palace and art treasures. Enjoy a week of scenic walking and discovery as you follow in the footsteps of Federico Duke of Montefeltro (please note the 8 day itinerary includes 1 night in Le Querce).
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San Leo
Day 2: San Leo to Pennabilli
Day 3: Pennabilli to Locanda Le Querce (near Frontino)
Day 4: Locanda Le Querce to Piandimeleto
Day 5: Piandimeleto to Urbania
Day 6: Urbania to Urbino*
Day 7: Urbino* - free day
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Urbino
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 9 day independent walking tour in the Marche includes everything on the 8 day itinerary plus a second night in Le Querce. Keen walkers will enjoy an additional walk through the regional park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello which offers fine views or alternatively there are a number of other local activities available in Le Querce (see add-ons).
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San Leo
Day 2: San Leo to Pennabilli
Day 3: Pennabilli to Locanda Le Querce (near Frontino)
Day 4: Le Quere - free day
Day 5: Locanda Le Querce to Piandimeleto
Day 6: Piandimeleto to Urbania
Day 7: Urbania to Urbino*
Day 8: Urbino* - free day
Day 9: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Urbino
Prices (per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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