Mercatello sul Metauro is a walled medieval village of approximately 1500 inhabitants set in the midst of the lush Metauro river valley. Situated at 1600’ (490 meters) and surrounded by mountains, Mercatello is in the Italian Marche region 30 km from Urbino. The valleys and hills are dotted with buildings and farmhouses reflecting the neighboring Tuscan and Umbrian regions. Urbino’s notable cultural and artistic influences can be seen in the wealth of monuments and works of art in Mercatello’s museums, palazzi and churches dating back to the 12th c. with an invaluable collection of objects, furniture and frescoes.
The picturesque countryside offers innumerable trekking and biking possibilities in a refreshing mountain climate. Tuscan style farmhouses and agriturismi offer typical hearty Italian cuisine and the local people will welcome and encourage you to practice your Italian in a friendly, non-intimidating environment! Our participants loved Piobbico last year, and Mercatello provides the same small town friendly atmosphere with the addition of a piazza for impromptu get-togethers!
For more information and photos of Mercatello and its tourist attractions:
www.proloco-mercatello.it
www.comune.mercatellosulmetauro.pu.it
http://musicaemusica.proloco-mercatello.it/luoghi/palazzogasparini/palazzogasparini.html
www.altometauro.com
How to get to Mercatello sul Metauro
The most direct connection is to arrive at the Bologna airport (accessible from all major European hub airports, and nonstop from JFK on EuroFly) and then take the train to Pesaro, where there are numerous motor coach connections to Mercatello. Another option is to fly into one of the smaller airports of Rimini, Forli or Ancona served by low-cost European airlines and then take the train to Pesaro. The Professional Advantage Program will arrange bus service from Pesaro to Mercatello for participants on Saturday, July 4th and return service on Sunday, August 2nd. For participants arriving from other Italian airports, contact Trenitalia and Bucci bus for their timetables.
www.orari.trasporti.marche.it
www.trenitalia.it
www.amibus.it
www.autolineebucci.com
www.euroflyusa.com
