Discover Italy's Untouristed Marches in Style

"You know where Tuscany is but do you know what there is east of Tuscany, The Marche…it appears the Marche's time has come, it's the best of central Italy without the crowds.

In fact, Urbino, birthplace of Renaissance master Rafaello and long-considered the gem of the region as well as one of the most fetching hill towns in all of Italy, isn't even reachable by train, which cuts down drastically on the Eurail crowd. So Le Marche rarely makes tourists' must-see list, since even those who stay in Italy for an extended period of time usually base themselves out of centrally located transportation hubs like Rome or Florence. 

The historic centers of towns such as Ascoli Piceno and Macerata offer the same charm and views one would find in the Tuscan and Umbrian hill towns. Le Marche has a beauty all its own and from the mountains to the sea is only 70 kilometers. In between, travelers encounter hills, lakes and countryside, which all eventually give way to coastline."

From the Wall Street Journal in an article written on October 20, 2003 by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese

Italy is a magical country - rich with art, history, gastronomic delights and incredible shopping; but it may just be the warm and generous spirit of the Italian people that make it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Imagine how your trip to Italy would be enhanced by the guidance and hospitality of a prestigious yet unpretentious local family. For those without close personal friends with villas on offer, Crystal Tours can offer the next best thing - a luxurious Italian adventure in the beautiful Marches region, hosted by a distinguished family that has had ties to the area for over 800 years.

We chose the Marches for the region's great central location and its proximity to the mountains and the sea, natural beauty and natural wonders, varied cultural attractions and most importantly, its charming lack of a tourist presence. Savvy travelers looking for an alternative to Tuscany and Umbria will appreciate the region, where the Baldeschi-Balleanis , descendants of Italian aristocrats who count lawyers, writers, art collectors, bishops and even a saint among their ancestors, have owned land in the region since the 12 th century.   For Crystal Tours' most discerning clients, this fascinating family has agreed to host small exclusive groups for luxurious personalized adventures. They will open up their meticulously restored villa, Fontedamo to you, their guests, share their favorite restaurants and wineries as well as their fascinating family history, while escorting you in inimitable style throughout the magnificent Marches.

The Marches offer everything imaginable in a holiday destination. Situated between the Apennine Mountains on the west and the Adriatic Sea on the east, the region is dotted with rolling hills, picturesque farmlands and vineyards, medieval and renaissance cities and villages and countless forts, castles, villas and monasteries with priceless artwork and breathtaking architecture. The history of the region is rich - and comes alive to you when recounted by a knowledgeable guide who can drop family names in retelling the tales.

With luxurious accommodations in small boutique hotels and villas, visits to private restaurants, forays to see art collections not usually available to the public, personalized cooking classes and on call chauffeured transportation, this is a tour for the very special traveler, someone who is looking for an exclusive completely custom designed travel program with the benefit of distinguished local contacts. There is always at least one member of the Baldeschi-Balleani family on hand to entertain, guide and oversee your dream vacation.   Traveling with the family offers unprecedented entrée to the most exclusive places as private doors open for their guests - to intimate wine tasting, private homes and other places not found in published tourist guides.

As this will be your dream vacation, we want to assure you that we understand the importance of flexibility.   All of our tours are personalized, making sure you are able to experience exactly what you desire.

Your exclusive itinerary