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The Gardiner Review · Aug 14, 2026

My Ultimate Italian Guide

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Hazel Gardiner · The Gardiner Review

Last month, my husband and I took a little reset to one of our favourite places in Italy, Le Marche - a hidden gem within the eastern Italian region.

Sometimes the best trips aren’t about seeing everything. They’re about slowing down enough to really notice what’s around you. Long lunches that become even longer dinners. Mornings with nowhere to be. Beautiful gardens, rolling hills and golden evening light that makes everything feel a little softer.

I switched my phone off for most of the trip, giving me time to just read, wander, eat well and return home feeling rested in the truest sense of the word.

Here’s everything I ate, did and wore whilst in Le Marche.

This Yellow dress from Jigsaw is the perfect way to wear colour - it’s bold, yet muted tones give the perfect chic feeling. Paired with the belt and sandals, this really was a favourite of my trip.

The perfect effortless, comfortable look - whilst making no compromises in style. I loved the pop of colour on top, against the muted, flowing feel of the skirt. Finishing off the outfit with my trusted Teva’s for that added practicality and this chic belt to elevate the outfit nicely.

This outfit got multiple wears on this trip and for good reason. This black dress was from Nobody's Child and paired these sandals that have made an appearance multiple times during the trip. This is one of those dresses you can dress up or down, wear to dinner or the beach. The options really are endless and that’s why I love it so much.

Unfortunately this exact Reformation dress is sold out, so instead, I have linked the perfect dupe. A good, white, linen dress is a staple of any summer wardrobe.

It wasn’t until I pulled together these looks that I clocked they were all linen. I’m a huge fan of wearing natural fabrics and linen is one of the best - so wearable, versatile and can be both dressed up or down.

There are almost too many to mention as all the food and wine in this region is impeccable - and not to mention, really affordable. These are just a few of the places we loved during our trip.

Il Coccaro

This is somewhere we have been coming for years - I think it’s 10 years now - and actually, where we hosted our pre-wedding dinner. Serving the most delicious pasta you've ever tried, it’s a real local gem that you simply must try.

Ristorante Emilia

Nestled right on the shore and views of the picture-perfect sea, there are not many better places to dine than here. Recently being featured on season 2 of Tucci in Italy - you know if Stanley Tucci recommends it, then it’s going to be good!

Langhi Santarelli

This is another place we come back to time and time again. This lakeside restaurant is the perfect place to come for a drink, antipasti and to enjoy the relaxed charm.

Palazzo La Torre

With unmatched views of the rolling hills of Italy, this might just be one of the most incredibly placed restaurants we visited. Hidden away in the hillside, this wine bar and hotel is a must-visit if you’re heading to this part of Italy.

As much as this was a holiday for unwinding, relaxing and switching off - it wouldn’t be a true holiday if I didn’t discover some great places. From beaches, to shopping hot spots, we managed to tick a few things off the list.

Sorbatti

I’ve loved this brand for the longest time and have been lucky enough to wear one of their designs. Sorbatti is a historic Panama Hat maker with an outlet in the region. This is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the brand and really discover the true craftsmanship of Sorbatti.

Santa Maria della Rocca, Offida

One of the places we stumbled across on our trip was Offida, a beautiful little hilltop town that feels like it’s been left wonderfully untouched by time.

At the edge of the town sits Santa Maria della Rocca, a striking medieval church built from warm red brick, overlooking the rolling countryside beyond. It’s the sort of place that makes you stop for a while - not necessarily because you’ve planned to, but because the setting is simply too beautiful to rush past.

Montefiore dell’Aso

Another little place we love in Le Marche was Montefiore dell’Aso, a beautiful hilltop village tucked away in the rolling countryside - and where I actually got married.

It’s the kind of place that feels wonderfully untouched. Narrow streets, old stone buildings, little piazzas and views stretching out across the surrounding hills towards the Adriatic. There’s no real need for an itinerary here - the joy is simply wandering, stopping for a coffee and seeing where the streets take you.

What’s more special about the place, is each year they host a flower festival. This is something I would truly love to experience in the future.

I’ve said it many times before but Italy has a very special place in my heart and will be somewhere I visit for many years to come. From the places, the people and the food - it remains to be one of the most magical places on earth.

If you have any recommendations for my next trip, do let me know - I’m always looking to add to my travel bucket list!

Thanks for reading!

Hazel

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