Le Marche?

Urbino was the first place we ever went in Europe (1999). We were there for two weeks (college/adult "music camp") and fell in love. In Pesaro, we were lucky enough to have a private tour of the Rossini Conservatory so it was definitely worth it for us. There's a Rossini opera festival there in August, I believe, so staying there would definitely be worth it if that's when you're there. Otherwise, I'm not sure it's worth a three-night stay. One frequent traveler on this forum highly recommends Senigallia, and I've heard great things about Sirolo and Benedetto del Tronto as well as Ascoli Piceno and Macerata. This way-less-touristed part of Italy is so lovely, I'm guessing you will enjoy it wherever you go. We are public transportation travelers as well. Expect to spend time getting from place to place but consider that part of the adventure. Happy planning!

Your stay in Urbino and visit to Pesaro sound wonderful and unique.

Thank you Janet!

Many skip Ancona in favor of smaller hill towns. I imagine you might be passing through if using public transport, if so, I would look up the archaeology museum if that is of interest to you. Similarly, Pesaro is a place to go if you have a special interest in something about the small city, not in and of itself, if that makes sense.
What month? Sirolo will be quite seasonal--it's a gorgeous coast. You can get your hiking fix there. I love a hike to a spectacular beach!
I would add Senigallia for sure, and especially since it is along the train line.
If you like nature things like caves, Frasassi was extraordinary. Perhaps you could find a day tour to get you there (we had a car).
I see Urbania mentioned in some itineraries, but I did not make it there. The bus and train schedule will determine a lot.

We travelled through this region using public transportation and found Senigallia to be a good base for 3-4 nights. We visited Frassasi via train and the little hill town of Corinaldo (with its 14th century walls) via bus. The train station is conveniently located near the beach, where many of the hotels are, so it’s easy to get around.

Our favorite restaurant was La Tartana, with tables right on the sand, where we’d stop for apertivos at the end of the day. Good fresh pasta for dinner too.

The beach is miles long — wonderful for early morning walks. We were there late September & had the place to ourselves. I hear that July and August are busy but not crowded.

You may find some inspiration by reading our late beloved Zoe’s trip reports

Zoe traveled to Le Marche in 2016.

I will be following your post for future reference.

Enjoy your trip and please report back!

I appreciate your suggestions valadelphia, Charlene, Priscilla (and Zoe)! I am reworking our original plan and will consider your ideas and post an updated itinerary.

We have decided to rent a car for some of the trip and will pick up and drop off in Ancona - I am very interested in visiting the archeological museum there.

It sounds like it would be ok to skip Pesaro and I'll plan to add that time to Senigallia.

Thanks all!

That opens a lot up--the train zips along the coast, and there is some bus service, but for some of the smaller inland villages, a car will be handy.
If you explore north of Pesaro, Monte San Bartolo park was beautiful. Near Ascoli Piceno, there is Monte Sibillini park (the Gola dell'Infernaccio hike was impressive). I wanted to hike Gola del Furlo, but did not have enough time. It's a wonderful area, can't say enough good things about it!

Alex Polizzi has a whole episode for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alfma3cVkzk

Grazie pfred!

Hello! I’m excited to find this thread. I was in Urbino and Pesaro back in the 70s for an Italian summer class. My husband and I plan to take Ricks’s heart of Italy tour after Easter 2023 and follow that with 8-10 days in the Marche. Your info will help me get started. Thanks, Mary Ann

Fano is vey nice.

When is your trip?

Please report back as I’m interested in traveling to this region in the future.

Enjoy your trip!

We're about 2 weeks from our departure date - this is the time when I second-guess the itinerary but we've done quite a lot of research and think we have a reasonable plan. Most of the hotels are booked. We are always open to restaurant suggestions.
We'll explore smaller villages from these bases. We're still waiting for our Carta Freecia (Senior Discount Rail Pass) - we applied July 14.

Flying into Bologna - 4 nights

Train to Urbino - 3 nights

Train to Senigallia - 3 nights (I considered Fano but Senigallia gets us a little further along the coast - perhaps we'll do a daytrip to check out Fano). Then we'll train to the Ancona Airport to pick up a rental car.

Drive to Ascoli Piceno - 4 nights

Drive to Fermo - 3 nights

Leaving 2 nights open for options - interested in Fabriano and the Paper Museum but not sure it will make the cut.

Drive to Ancona Airport to drop off rental car - then, 3 nights in Ancona.

Train to Orvieto - 3 nights.

Train to Rome - 4 nights.

Home from Rome.

I'll post a trip report when we return!

You may want to look at le Logge in Urbisaglia for a meal. It is about 55 km south, southwest of Ancona airport. They have excellent meals. It is located in a charming village. Have a wonderful trip!

Your itinerary looks great to me. I also look forward to the trip report!

There are evidently three Michelin starred restaurants in Senigallia now — there were two when we were there. We tried to get into Uliassi but had not reserved in advance. Pricey, but could be a great experience if you’re into food. Do a Google search for details & menus.

Thanks for sharing your itinerary, I think it looks great! I too look forward to your trip report.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!