Cultural Activities: The Macerata area has been inhabited for 10000 years so there is plenty of history to enjoy. Urbs Salvia is the largest Roman era excavation in the area. Casa Carotondo is surrounded by medieval hilltop towns with architectural and artistic treasures of interest. In the Middle Ages Castles were built around the Calderola area, some have been restored and are worth visiting.The works of Carlo Crivelli are exhibited throughout the Marche, the nearest to Casa Carotondo being at Monte San Martino. Paintings by Lorenzo, Lotto, Titian and others are to be seen at various locations. For modern art head to Ripe San Ginesio. Visit the home of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi who was born and lived in the Marche in Recanati. Religion has played an important role in the Marche history find out more and visit the beautiful Basilica of Tolentino and Loretto. For a day trip head to famous Umbrian towns such as Assissi and Perugia.

Outdoors: Around Casa Carotondo you can take short strolls or mountainbike through woodland. There are routes in the surrounding countryside for walking or cycling from Sarnano or you can head into the Sibillini mountains. There are guidebooks for walking and cycling and we can help with route planning. Other possibilities include horse riding - the experienced can trek in the mountains. Paragliding is possible as are balloon flights over the area. You can swim or fish in Lago di Fiastra surrounded by mountains. If you just want to relax, drive to the top of the mountains, have a picnic and take in the views. In winter there is the possibility of downhill or cross country skiing. Further afield the Adriatic coast beckons with its sandy beaches and excellent fish restaurants. The Conero regional park is a rocky but beautiful stretch of coastline. Alternatively head north to the caves of Frassasi and the Gola della Rosa regional park.

Other: Sarnano, the nearest town, has a wide range of shops and three supermarkets. There is a weekly market for fresh produce and a number of shops selling specialty foods such as locally made Pecorino cheese. Alternatively you can try out 'la cucina marchigiana' at the many reasonably priced restaurants in the area. For those in need of more retail therapy outlet shopping is a possibility with names such as Armani and Hogans. Every summer each town puts on a number of festas to attract tourists. These generally involve live music and food. A number of the medieval towns also stage Palios. Every year San Ginesio reenacts a battle it fought with Fermo in 1377. There are numerous historical theaters in the area, which regularly have performances. There are a number of music festivals during the summer for blues, jazz and most famously the Sferisterio opera in Macerata. All too hectic? Then sit on your apartment terrace, enjoy a glass of wine, the cool evening breeze and listen to the cicadas