Le Marche by caravan: the Adriatic, the Sibillini and old ducal towns

This is where your trip begins. You set off gently heading south, since it's several stages to Le Marche, which you deliberately keep short with the caravan in tow.

Easily accessible campsite on the edge of Nürnberg, ideal for the first night of the journey. Comfortable to reach with the caravan, with decent facilities for families. If you fancy it, you can pop over to the nearby Dutzendteich in the evening.

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From Nürnberg you continue towards the Alps. The Brenner is the most caravan-friendly Alpine crossing, well developed and without any narrow mountain roads.

Family-friendly site south of Bolzano in the Adige valley, well connected via the Brenner motorway. A pool and playground provide a welcome change after the long drive. A good stopover before continuing towards the Adriatic.

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The final leg of the outward journey: the motorway takes you down to the Adriatic and into Le Marche, your actual destination.

Large coastal site near Sirolo right on the edge of the Conero park, your base for the Adriatic days. Direct access to the sea and a pool make it ideal for families. The caravan stays put here while you explore the surrounding area by car.

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Sirolo is the pretty balcony above the Conero, with a small historic centre and views over the turquoise sea. Paths lead down from the town to the Spiaggia San Michele and Urbani beaches. Park level with the ground at the edge of town by car; the lanes are only accessible on foot.

The neighbouring town of Numana has a small harbour and gently sloping beaches that are great for children. In summer, boats also depart from here to the coves beneath Monte Conero. Ice cream sellers and beach bars make for a relaxed afternoon.

The Grotte di Frasassi rank among Europe's most impressive dripstone caves, with enormous chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. The guided tour lasts around an hour in cool temperatures, a great experience especially for children. Parking at the large visitor car park is straightforward.

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Tucked into a rock niche above the Frasassi gorge sits the octagonal Tempietto del Valadier, a small chapel half-embedded in the cave. A short but steep footpath leads up and rewards you with an impressive view. A great addition to the cave visit on the same day.

Loreto is one of Italy's most significant pilgrimage sites, dominated by the mighty Basilica that encloses the Holy House of Nazareth. The dome and richly decorated chapels are impressive even if you're not visiting as a pilgrim. Park at ground level on the edge of town; the centre is only a few minutes away.

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Recanati is the home town of the poet Giacomo Leopardi and a peaceful hilltop town with wide views over Le Marche. Families enjoy the sweeping outlook from the Torre del Passero Solitario and the small museums. A good spot for a relaxed afternoon with gelato on the piazza.

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You pack up and drive into the southern hinterland of Le Marche, to the edge of the Monti Sibillini. The route stays on well-developed roads, avoiding narrow mountain passes.

Peaceful campsite on the Lago di Fiastra in the heart of the Sibillini, your base for the mountain days. The turquoise-green mountain lake invites swimming and paddling. The approach remains caravan-friendly; the caravan stays put here for your excursions.

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The Lame Rosse are bizarre reddish erosion towers reminiscent of a miniature canyon. The easy circular walk from the Lago di Fiastra dam takes a good two hours there and back and is well manageable with children. A highlight of the Sibillini away from the major peaks.

After the walk, the Lago di Fiastra beckons with clear, turquoise water for swimming and cooling off. The small pebble beaches make for a relaxed way to wind down the afternoon. SUPs or pedal boats can be hired on site.

Ascoli Piceno is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Le Marche, built entirely from pale travertine. Its heart is the elegant Piazza del Popolo with the historic Caffè Meletti; narrow lanes and towers invite you to wander. Park at ground level by car outside the ZTL and walk into the centre.

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You leave the hills and drive into the north of Le Marche, near Urbino and Gradara. The route follows valley roads and the coastal motorway.

Coastal campsite near Fano, well positioned as a base for the last days in Le Marche. From here you can reach both the sea and Urbino and Gradara by car. The caravan stays put for your excursions.

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Urbino is the high-walled Renaissance town of the Dukes of Montefeltro and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its centrepiece is the magnificent Palazzo Ducale with the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche and its masterpieces. Park at ground level in one of the car parks outside the walls and walk up.

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The Rocca di Gradara is one of Italy's best-preserved castles, linked to the legend of Paolo and Francesca from Dante's Divine Comedy. The walkable battlements and the view over the rolling hills delight children especially. Ground-level car parks lie below the town, with the lanes accessible on foot.

To finish, a relaxed afternoon at the sandy beach of Fano, which slopes gently into the water and is well suited to children. Beach bars and ice-cream parlours line the promenade. A peaceful way to wind down before the long journey home.

You pack up and set off for home. As the distance to Leipzig is too long for one day with a caravan, you plan an overnight stop along the way over the Brenner Pass.

A stopover in the Adige valley on the return leg, tried and tested and easily reached via the motorway. After the long drive you can use the pool and settle in at leisure. The next morning you continue over the Brenner towards Leipzig.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here