Montefeltro & Urbino

Day 1 • Arrive in San Leo

A scenic walk from the valley, along strade bianche leads up to the dramatically situated fortified medieval village of San Leo, with its 9th century proto-Romanesque Pieve, 12th century Romanesque ‘cathedral’ and impressive castle (short route 2 9 or 5 3 miles, 1 5 or 3 hrs) NB: taxi driver can drop you at the start of the optional walk en route to San Leo and take your luggage on to the first hotel

HH Il Castello – Albergo Diffuso

Day 2 • San Leo to Pennabilli

Small lanes and tracks through far mland and woods with fine views over the Marecchia Valley lead to Pennabilli, a delightful village in a picturesque setting at the heart of a national park, with char ming historical centre, wonderful viewpoints, and MichelinH restaurant (11.7 miles, 6 hrs).

HHHH Hotel Il Duca del Montefeltro

Day 3 • Pennabilli to Locanda Le Querce (Near Frontino)

Far m tracks through woods and pastures ascend towards high meadows on top of Monte Carpegna (4,634ft), with spectacular views, before descending through pine woods to the village of Carpegna, and continue to your country hotel Locanda Le Querce (11 7 miles, 6 5 hrs)

Country House ‘Locanda Le Querce’

Day 4 • Locanda Le Querce to Piandimeleto

From far mhouse Le Querce, tracks lead towards the fortified medieval village of Frontino and onto the Monastery of Montefiorentino, with its cloister and Madonna by Giovanni Santi, father of Raphael Then, far m and forest tracks descend to the small town of Piandimeleto, distinguished by its fine castle complex (10 3 miles, 5 hrs)

HH Hotel Ester

Day 5 • Piandimeleto to Urbania a grit uris mo La Caputa

We follow far m tracks up into the hills, enjoying panoramic views Beyond a ridge (1,602ft) we follow tracks and small gravel lanes through open far mland and down to Urbania (917ft) (12.3 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 6 • Urbania to Urbino

Visit Urbania, its arcaded streets, fine 15th century Ducal Palace, ceramics museum, many interesting churches then quiet gravel lanes lead across hills, past far ms and isolated churches, to Urbino (1,575ft) (12.6 miles, 6.5 hrs).

HHH Hotel Italia (std) HHHH San Domenico (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Urbino

Visit the superb palace built by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, with paintings by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Paolo Uccello, etc

HHH Hotel Italia (std) HHHH San Domenico (sup)

Day 8

• Departure day

Route open: April-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Bologna (84 miles)

Bus/train/taxi: 2 5 hrs - ~€90

Taxi: 1 hr 45 - ~€220 u Ancona (76 miles)

Train/taxi: 2 15 hrs - €100

Taxi: 1 5 hrs - ~€220 u Rimini (23 miles)

Taxi: 50 mins - ~€75

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English and Italian.

Route Book: 111 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 3 – 4) See p 8

Terrain: Walking on small gravel roads, grassy meadow paths, and woodland/far m tracks along ridges with superb views