Magical Marche - A New Year Adventure!

What's in Store 

From the coastal beauty of Ancona to the hilltop fortress of Urbino, to the breath-taking underground world of Frasassi, your adventure will be filled with awe-inspiring sights and captivating stories.

Ancona – On the Adriatic Coast

Ancona, the bustling port city on the Adriatic coast. With its rich maritime history, Ancona becomes a festive wonderland during the Christmas season. Wander through the historic centre adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, roasting chestnuts fill the air and traditional markets offer handmade gifts and local treats, all overlooked by the magnificent Ancona Cathedral, with its stunning views of the port and the sea.

Loreto - this small town transforms into a festive hub

The town's centrepiece, the Basilica della Santa Casa, stands as a focal point during this period. Loreto wil have a series of festive events which will be announced nearer the time it is renowned for its rich tradition of Nativity scenes, known locally as "presepi." It is a integral part of the town's cultural heritage.

Urbino – A UNESCO World Heritage Site  

Renaissance splendour and festive magic, Urbino, the jewel of the Renaissance, where the stunning Palazzo Ducale and Raffaello Sanzio's birthplace awaits you. During the festive season, Urbino becomes even more magical with its beautifully decorated streets, and the charm of its medieval architecture wrapped in festive cheer. Stroll through the cobbled streets, where the ambiance and panoramic views of the surrounding hills create a picture-perfect setting. Christmas markets filled with handmade crafts, local cheeses, and truffles!

Frasassi Caves – Nature’s Hidden Christmas Wonderland

No trip to Marche is complete without visiting the stunning Frasassi Caves, one of Italy's most impressive natural wonders. As you descend into the world beneath the earth, you’ll be amazed by the stalactites and stalagmites, which create a dramatic, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. During Christmas, the caves take on a magical air, with special lighting making the formations appear even more otherworldly. Our exclusive guided tour will take you deep into the caverns, telling the story of how these incredible formations were created. 

The Castle of Dante – "Nel Castello di Paolo e Francesca"

Who else but Dante!!! No adventure to Italy can escape Dante's Castello di Gradara, the medieval castle famous for its connection to Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. The tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca is brought to life in this dramatic setting. Walk in the footsteps of Dante's characters as you explore the castle, with breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. During the Christmas season, the castle is decorated, creating a truly atmospheric and romantic backdrop. "Nel Castello di Paolo e Francesca" your private guided tour, which delves into the legend of Dante's lovers, immersing you in the captivating history and romance of the castle.

Domus Stella Maris https://www.domusstellamaris.it/sito/en/domus-stella-maris/

The Domus Stella Maris in Ancona is deeply rooted in the region's religious and cultural heritage. Named "Star of the Sea”, while maintaining its spiritual significance, the residence has been modernized to function as a hotel, offering amenities like a reception, bar, and ensuite facilities and we have exclusivity of the residence.

Situated near Ancona's coastline, the hotel provides easy access to the sea, approx. 10-to-15-minute walk, it is believed that Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed at the residence.

The Domus Stella Maris offers two room categories -

Piano Nobile: Rooms that blend comfort with beauty, offering a spacious and sophisticated ambiance. 

Piano Rustico: Practical and charming rooms, combining functional design with aesthetic appeal.

Each room category is unique and you can enjoy the warmth and hospitality of this unique location. All rooms are ensuite and all rooms have been priced the same so it pays to book early as the Piano Nobile rooms will be allocated on a first come basis so early booking is a definite benefit.

There are a mixture of room types in both the Nobile and Rustico rooms -

Nobile - combination of double, twin and single rooms. Some of the double and twins rooms are being used as sole occupancy and will be allocated on a first come basis.

Rustico - combination of twin and single rooms. some of the twins are being used as sole occupancy. Four rooms are mezzanine style with the beds up some steps.

Accommodation is across three levels with lift access to all floors but some rooms may have additional steps to access them.

Provisional flight information

28/12/2025 London Heathrow to Bologna Dep: 0805 Arr: 1120

02/01/2026 Bologna to London Heathrow Dep: 1240 Arr: 1410

28/12/2025 Manchester to Amsterdam Dep: 0555 Arr: 0815

28/12/2025 Amsterdam to Bologna Dep: 1035 Arr: 1220

02/01/2026 Bologna to Amsterdam Dep: 1300 Arr: 1505

02/01/2026 Amsterdam to Manchester Dep: 1620 Arr: 1635

28/12/2025 Birmingham to Amsterdam Dep: 0615 Arr: 0840

28/12/2025 Amsterdam to Bologna Dep: 1035 Arr: 1220

02/01/2026 Bologna to Amsterdam Dep: 1300 Arr: 1505

02/01/2026 Amsterdam to Birmingham Dep: 1640 Arr: 1650

28/12/2025 Edinburgh to Amsterdam Dep: 0645 Arr: 0820

28/12/2025 Amsterdam to Bolgna Dep: 1035 Arr: 1220

02/01/2026 Bologna to Zurich Dep: 1500 Arr: 1510

02/01/2026 Zurich to Edinburgh Dep: 1750 Arr: 1910

Included Luggage Allowance

London Heathrow - One cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm (22x18x10in) - includes wheels and handles and up to 23kg (51lb), plus small bag up to 40x30x15cm (16x12x6in) up to 23kg (51lb) – must be placed under the seat in front. Additional 23kg checked in luggage is available to pre book for an additional cost.

Manchester - One item of hand baggage with a maximum size of 55x35x25cm including handles and wheels; plus one accessory (such as a small handbag or laptop bag) with a maximum size of 40x30x15cm (must be placed under the seat in front). Your hand baggage can have a combined weight of up to 12 kg. Additional 23kg checked in luggage is available to pre book for an additional cost.

Birmingham - One item of hand baggage with a maximum size of 55x35x25cm including handles and wheels; plus one accessory (such as a small handbag or laptop bag) with a maximum size of 40x30x15cm (must be placed under the seat in front). Your hand baggage can have a combined weight of up to 12 kg. Additional 23kg checked in luggage is available to pre book for an additional cost.

Edinburgh - One item of hand baggage with a maximum size of 55x40x23cm including handles and wheels max weight 8kg. plus 23kg checked in luggage

Transfers - it is approx 2 1/2/ hours transfer from Bologna Airport to the accommodation and all flights will be transfered together.

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in mid 2025 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to a number of European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport (and other documents if required) and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

 Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.  

Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!

The latest FCO travel guidance for Italy

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy