The  minute you arrive in Le Marche you just might be telling yourself you’ve reached the Garden of Eden. No need to pinch your arm though. Where crystal blue waters meet green rolling hills, and the air is perfumed with the earthiness of olive groves and vineyards, the idea seems less far fetched. To travel to Italy and not visit Le Marche is like standing in line at the Louvre and never seeing the Mona Lisa.

In no particular order, five things we love about Le Marche…

1. The studiolo of the Duke of Montefeltro (the Duke’s private study), inside the Palazzo Ducale di Urbino (The royal palace of Urbino).

2. The Palazzo Ricci modern art museum in Macerata. Discover modern Italian masterpieces by such artists as Balla, Di  Chirico and Crivelli, without the hordes of usual museum-goers, housed in this 17th century hidden gem.

3. Decadently rich Olive Ascolane (fried, stuffed olives). You definitely can’t have just one.

4. The ambiance, delicious local pastries and elegant signature drinks at Caffe Meletti in Ascoli Piceno. Try a Caffe Piazza del Popolo or if you’re in the mood for something with a little spirit, the Anisetta Meletti.

5. The golden sunflowers that carpet the hills of Le Marche.