We have a few open days between Easter in Assisi, and the Palio Della Rana near Urbino. I know next to nothing about the Marche and Abruzzo region
Does anyone have suggestions for this area? What about a loop like L' Aquila - Pescara - Rimini?
Thanks much
I know nothing about Pescara and am not sure what shape L'Aquila is in after the earthquake a few years ago. I personally would skip Rimini - just a monster beach scene in my opinion (though not so much in April!). Ascoli Piceno is at the top of my "next time" list for Le Marche. Gubbio is also worth a visit, as is Sansepolcro.
L'Aquila may still be in the early stages of recovery, I was there two years ago and stayed at Hotel 99 Canelle, at the base of the old city which was largely destroyed. The castle was closed but you could walk around it, the churches were covered in scaffolding, and I think the only people there were the army, police, engineers, architects and restorers. There were handmade memorials to the earthquake victims. It changed my sense of travel, I will never forget it. I plan to go back next year.
Sulmona might be of interest - google some images to see what to expect.
Official Marche Region Dept of Tourism Website:
http://en.turismo.marche.it/
Regarding Umbria, don't miss Gubbio, Spello and Spoleto while in Assisi.
I wouldn't bother with Pescara or Rimini. If you want to see a nice coastal area, the best in that area is the Riviera of Mt. Conero (e.g. Sirolo), just south of Ancona.
Thanks everyone!
