Ancona is located in central Italy, on the Adriatic coast. The town is situated in region of Le Marche, much-touted as the 'new Tuscany'. Inland from the beach resorts and busy ports of the Adriatic coastline, Le Marche is renowned for its unspoilt beauty and excellent cuisine. Ancona is mostly known as a modern port, not a tourist town, but it also has an appealing historic town on a hill.

From the 11th-century duomo you can enjoy a wonderful sea view. The art gallery (Pinacoteca Communale), situated in a historic palazzo, contains works by artists including Titian. Ancona is also the home of the region's archeological museum, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche, with exhibits including impressive Roman bronze statues. Your holiday options also include the beach; you can take a bus from the railway station to stretches of beach outside town.