Just back from Giulia's

[Valerie]

I can't imagine why we never made it up to the Urbino area during the years we lived in Le Marche, but finally went and stayed at Giulia's fantastic Valle Nuova. What a beautiful place! The farm has gorgeous views and such utter peace that we slept far later than we've done in years! It was fun to see Giulia again and the apartment was the best equipped we've seen. She thought of everything you could possibly want and included it in the amenities - even a soft cooler bag to take picnics or keep drinks cold while touring around! Truly, it was a joy to spend a few days there. The little dog and the sweet kitties welcomed us warmly, too!

 

[Pauline]

We met Giulia at the Assisi get-together (GTG) in 2007 when we were at Villa Rosy. I was happy to see her add two vacation rentals to her B&B (because I am much happier spending a week in a vacation rental than staying in a B&B) and have been planning to go there. Thanks for testing it out Valerie - now I need to get something booked.

What day trips did you do in the area? How far is Valle Nuova from Urbino?

Link to Giulia's Valle Nuova.

 

[Pauline]

Valerie, don't forget to submit a review to Slow Europe. We have one now:

Review of Valle Nuova.

 

[Valerie]

She has three apartments, I think. We were in Casina dei Cavalli, a cozy cottage-like one, really cute. She did a nice job of making a small space really comfortable and not feel cramped. It was great to sit out on the deck and watch the sunset, and was just a couple steps from the pool.

It's in the country, of course, but just a few minutes from Fermignano and about 20 minutes from the prettier town of Urbania, where we went for dinner one night. Urbino is only about a half-hour (or less) and we spent a day there. We went up to San Marino for a day, too, stopping first in San Leo as Giulia recommended (stunning sight). We didn't go to the beach, but I think lots of guests do go to the coast for a day as it's less than hour away.

We wanted to visit some wineries so she set us up with a local guide who did a nice tour and took us to see how the local acclaimed formaggio di fossa is made. Giulia and her parents are very sweet, and we had literally everything we could think of available right there, and they told us which shops in Fermignano were best for organic items, etc. We stalked around the weekly market one morning.

It's a beautiful area, less populated than southern Marche, at least in these hills, and still very rural feeling, yet Urbino is kind of upscale and artsy. A fun time!

 

[ItalophileNJ]

I loved Urbania (which my friend Ellen and I visited with Giulia), and Fermignano. As for the formaggio di fossa, (aka pecorino di fossa) I love it! For a while, we could get it here in the US, at Fairway anyway, but not for the past couple of years. Also loved Urbino, of course.

 

[Pauline]

Valerie's review is posted. Thanks!

 

[Jim Zurer]

Another enthusiastic vote for Giulia's establishment....we stayed there for a couple of nights a number of years ago and I have sent at least one client there and would be happy to send more--if I could convince them to go Le Marche.

Lots to do in the area and the food and wine is great....

 

[Giulia da Urbino]

Oh! I missed this... Been very busy with guests since Valerie left.
Thank you very much Valerie! I'm glad that you liked the Casina dei Cavalli.
I'm always glad to help with suggestions about Northern Le Marche and surroundings, even if, as Jim points out this is not the most popular region in Italy.. still wondering why.
Pauline I'll be waiting for you!!

 

[PokeyMindy]

I want to go! Giulia, your place looks and sounds idyllic! I loved my visit to Le Marche and plan to return. Definitely bookmarking your apartments

Mindy

 

[Valerie]

even if, as Jim points out this is not the most popular region in Italy.. still wondering why.

Giulia - that's a question we've always wondered since we lived in Ascoli. It's beautiful landscapes, wonderful towns, art, beaches....unbelievable that it's not more popular!