Living the Real Italy: A Grateful Return to Le Marche

Following the tremendous success of Journeys UK in London and Journeys North America, both of which were supported in such a generous and meaningful way by Regione Marche, I felt it was time for a more personal gesture of thanks. So, I travelled to Le Marche—to visit the team at their headquarters, say grazie face-to-face, and spend a few days soaking in the soul of this extraordinary region.

A view of Ascoli Piceno in the evening

Le Marche is where authenticity meets peace and tranquillity. It is a place of understated elegance, sincere hospitality, and timeless beauty. This is the real Italy—and being there reminded me exactly why I do what I do.

A Warm Welcome in Ancona

The very first stop on my trip—together with the wonderful Matteo Troiani of Be in Italy—was the Regione Marche headquarters in Ancona. There, I had the pleasure of catching up with Stefania Bussoletti and Massimo Catinari, and meeting the newly appointed director, Marina Santucci.

It was a truly heartfelt reunion. We reminisced about the incredible Journeys Italy 2024 event, which had left such a lasting impression on everyone involved. I was also excited to bring them up to speed on our recent events in London and Houston, sharing our latest promotional videos hot off the press—a vivid reflection of the continued momentum and global enthusiasm around Journeys.

A Journey Through Ascoli Piceno

I was warmly welcomed and graciously hosted by Matteo, whose thoughtful hospitality made each moment special. Matteo’s understanding of the region and ability to curate experiences is truly impressive.

Our first major stop was the stunning city of Ascoli Piceno, a treasure trove of culture and history. Among the highlights:

• Teatro Ventidio Basso – This grand 19th-century theatre, named after a Roman general, continues to dazzle with its ornate architecture and performances.

• Pinacoteca Civica – Housed in the beautiful Palazzo Arengo, the gallery features masterpieces from Crivelli to Titian.

• Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio – A Romanesque cathedral filled with history, dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

• 1920s Bar in Piazza del Popolo – Caffe’ Meletti - A charming spot for an aperitivo, where time seems to pause amid Renaissance splendour.

• Fortezza Malatesta – A 16th-century fortress with a commanding view over the city, currently home to a fascinating exhibition that brought the city’s past to life.

I stayed at the gorgeous Palazzo dei Mercanti, lovingly run by Matteo Di Sabatino an dSimona Dalmazio . It offered a perfect balance of luxury and warmth. I made time to enjoy their spa every day and—true to my recent commitment—never missed my morning Pilates class!

A delight from Paglia’' restaurant

One evening, we dined at a delightful little place called Paglia’, where the gourmet pizza was nothing short of a revelation. A perfect mix of local tradition and culinary creativity.

Discovering the Wonders of Fermo

We continued our adventure in Fermo, joined by Massimo Catinari from Regione Marche. This town amazed me at every turn:

• Teatro dell’Aquila – One of the largest theatres in the region, steeped in baroque beauty and history.

• Palazzo dei Priori – Overlooking the main square, this stately building now serves as the town hall and cultural hub.

• Biblioteca Spezioli – This ancient library left me speechless. With its centuries-old books, wood-panelled walls, and hushed reverence, it’s a true sanctuary for knowledge and wonder.

To our great surprise, we even bumped into the Mayor of Fermo while having lunch—just one of those serendipitous moments that makes Italy so magical.

We were also joined by the lovely Michela Carbonari and Giulia Tonti from CuriousItalia. It was such a joy to see them again and to share part of this special journey together. Their enthusiasm, local insight, and kind energy brought such a joyful dimension to our visit.

From left to right: Matteo Troiani of Be In Italy, Masssimo Catinari of ATIM, Le Marche Region, Micaela Giacobbe of Journeys, Michela Carbonari and Giulia Tonti of CuriousItalia

Be in Italy: A Masterclass in Hospitality

Throughout my visit, Matteo Troiani’s hospitality was exceptional—discreet, thoughtful, and always attentive. His company, Be in Italy, is a reflection of his passion for curating meaningful Italian experiences. Whether you’re a traveller seeking immersion or a business looking to create unforgettable moments, Matteo’s expertise ensures every detail is handled with care and finesse.

A Region That Stays With You

Le Marche has a unique way of getting under your skin. It’s full of heritage and heart, elegance and ease. I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and more connected than ever to this beautiful region.

I cannot wait to return—this time with my family—to dive even deeper into the life and rhythms of la vera Italia.

Grazie, Le Marche. A presto.

Micaela