Urbino: how to get there and what to do/see there

We visited Urbino several years ago. It is a very charming hilltown. We traveled through the Lamarche region by train, but we reached Urbino by bus from Pesaro on the coast, by bus. The bus runs frequently and takes about 1 hour. We enjoyed walking around and seeing several churches and a great outdoor market. We stayed 2 nights and had good meals and apertivi.

Urbino is a gem. The bus leaves from right beside the train station in Pesaro - easy-peasy. Don't miss visiting the Ducal Palace, and climb the steep street (Raffaello) to reach the fortress park for great views. If the weather's good, walking out to the church of San Bernardino, where the Montefeltro dukes are buried, is pleasant (near the cemetery).

thanks Becky and Janet. Urbino sounds like its worth a 1-2 night stay, not just a day trip from Pesaro. Did I read it right somewhere, that there is a Bologna-Lecce train line? That would be a great trip, Bologna to Lecce, getting off for a night or two iniplaces like Urbino and Bari along the way.

I've not been there, but understand the woodcarved panels in the palace there are worth seeing. The photos I have seen are incredible.

Trains do run from Bologna to Lecce, but they don't serve the hill town of Urbino, so you still need a connection by bus. I've only visited for a half day (while driving) and found the Palazzo Ducale's wooden inlaid rooms very impressive. One night would probably be fine to see more of the town, depending on long you have to travel on arrival and departure days.

We did a day trip from Pesaro last fall, using same trans as Becky mentions. Not sure I would overnight there but I am glad we visited. Frankly, as much as I abhor having a car, Le Marche is a place I wish we had rented one.