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Paradise Possible’s Itineraries
The Suitcase of Dreams
Organic
Oil, Bread and Cicerchia
‘Sacred is the bread on the table, fragrant are the aromas and sweet is our cicerchia from Marca di Ancona’
Sometimes we risk not fully appreciating the flavours of those authentic foods that are part of our local gastronomic tradition, but for many years have been considered ‘poor’ and therefore not worthy of being served upon our tables. Fortunately some people continue to produce ingredients for local specialities in an organic, natural and healthy way.
Not to be missed
Every year in Serra de’ Conti - the heartland of the Verdicchio grape - a food and wine festival takes place that is one of a kind: the Festa della Cicerchia. It’s a gluttonous affair for those who want to taste a vegetable that is very much part of Le Marche’s culinary tradition. It’s a chance to learn how to cook it and, at the same time, an opportunity to discover the region it’s produced in and the beautiful villages.
The event is not the only occasion when it’s possible to taste the cicerchia. Even though the flavour of this ancient vegetable was at risk of being forgotten about, fortunately today the cicerchia from Serra de’ Conti has been recognised for protection by the slow food movement. Recipes from memory have been rediscovered and it’s possible to taste the authentic cicerchia soup, served piping hot in a loaf of bread with a drizzle of golden, fragrant extra virgin olive oil.
The best place to try this appetising organic dish is where it’s produced: Serra de’ Conti, a beautiful medieval village that still has intact its historic centre and defensive wall. Whilst there, we also suggest a visit to the Museum of Monastic Art and a stop off in Fornace.
If you’re curious and you intend to discover the secrets of other organic ingredients for your cicerchia soup, then you should pay a visit to the town of Monte San Vito, with its beautiful theatre, its olive tree groves and its view of the Adriatic.
Finally to Senigallia, a marvellous city on the Adriatic coast where every year Pane Nostrum - a festival dedicated to quality bread - takes place. During the event free bread-making courses are organised. The organisers say that ‘to make bread is like immerging ones hands into the mystery of life itself and the different cultural expressions, seen as the infinite variants of existence’.
All that remains is to set out on a discovery of ingredients and Le Marche’s territory. Have a good journey and buon appetito.
How to get there
By car:
If you’re coming from the north or south then take the A14 and exit at the tollgate at Ancona Nord. You can find the entire route here.
By plane:
The nearest airport is the Ancona-Falconara. It’s advisable to hire a car or request a car rental with a driver by writing to us at travel@paradisepossible.com
By boat:
The closest port is at Ancona. It’s advisable to hire a car or request a car rental with a driver by writing to us at travel@paradisepossible.com
By train:
The closest stations are Ancona, Senigallia and Jesi. The smaller villages are generally connected by a regional train service. For information and timetables visit www.trenitalia.it
Where to stay
Coquus Fornacis B&B – Serra de’ Conti
Coquus Fornacis, an old brick kiln that has been completely renovated, rises up out of the splendid countryside of Le Marche. A welcoming structure that is one of a kind. It unites the delight of a refined restoration with the possibility of staying in an elegant and homely environment.
Shanty House – Morro d’Alba
Shanty House is sweetly set on one of the hills that surround Morro d’Alba. From here, you can admire the profile of the medieval village whilst enjoying the intense tranquillity of the Le Marche countryside, the olive groves and vineyards. You can live life to the full after a rich breakfast consisting of fresh homemade produce, marmalade and seasonal juices; what’s more you can enjoy it all on the beautiful panoramic terrace.
Finis Africae – Senigallia
Finis Africae is enveloped by green slopes, a short distance from one of the most beautiful beaches in Le Marche: the velvety beach of Senigallia. To satisfy your need for attention and pampering you can choose between five different treatments: including the simplicity of the ‘smile’ to the ‘nights of dreams’ and the ‘luxury’ of the ‘fairytale’.
Where to eat
Coquus Fornacis B&B – Serra de’ Conti
The chef will know how to astound you with a quality menu based on traditional Le Marche ingredients - many of which are slow food protected - combined in an innovative and sophisticated way. The particular attention to detail and the presentation of the dish are outstanding. The rooms at Coquus Fornacis are created out the structure of an old brick factory, which has been wisely renovated and restored. It’s one of a kind with an elegant and refined atmosphere.
All the Benefits of Booking through Paradise Possible
• 10% discount on all accommodations recommended by Paradise Possible
• possibility of visiting historical assets that are not usually available and not opened to the public
• assistance of experienced guides in art history with interpreter
• availability of the municipalities where the property is located
• availability of tourist reception at the farm contracted
• quality of courses tailor-made by experts for every itinerary
• assistance of experienced guides to adventure sports on the nature parks
• flexibility to take advantage of the itinerary with the same services for arrangement in group or in pairs.
Costs and methods of Payment :
• Each itinerary will be priced individually;
• For every booking of the itinerary it will be required a pay contribution for the number of people who will benefit of the Itinerary (*) to Paradise Possible and the 30% deposit for booking of accommodation at the selected facility.
• The methods of payment will be indicated by Paradise Possible, while the facility itself will show its own.
For more details on Marche Itineraries or to book, contact us us
now at travel@paradisepossible.com !
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