Italy Off the Beaten Path

Italy’s been written about so much that we sometimes feel like we’ve seen everything there is to see and that the famous boot has nothing left to surprise us. Kind of like the well-known saying, “See Venice and die”. Of course, there are the mythical regions of Veneto, Tuscany, Campania, Rome and Lazio. They’ve all been admired, praised and even filmed on many occasions for cinema. That’s why today, we’ve decided to explore other undeniably charming regions that probably don’t sound as familiar.

Lombardy

The Italian lake district is a natural wonder that has seduced many. Each one of these lakes located at the bottom of the Alps has its own distinct character. Surrounded by high peaks, Lake Como is particularly appreciated by aristocrats. On the other hand, Lake Maggiore stretches all the way to Switzerland and stands out thanks to its romantic and laid-back atmosphere. To discover this majestic body of water, choose a boat tour that will take you to Isola Bella in the Borromean Islands. There, you can see the extravagant Borromeo family palace, a luxurious Baroque residence from the 17^th century surrounded by statues, fountains and exotic-plant gardens. Lake Garda, the largest in the country, is bordered by three regions. The deeper into the mountains, the more impressive the panorama. Combine this to a mild climate and you’ve got the ingredients to make it an ideal resort location.

On the urban side, discover Milan, the city of fashion and finance. Ever since its foundation, this elegant city has played a leading role in business. You’ll be able to admire La Scala as well as the Duomo, one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral with 135 arrows and 2,000 statues. The Vittorio Emanuele II gallery is famous for its top designer boutiques and impresses with its stunning glass windows.

Emilia-Romagna

This region between the Alps and the Mediterranean is a mandatory stop. It’s renowned worldwide thanks to Po Valley’s agricultural richness. Simply think of Parma’s famous ham and all the Italian cold cuts, parmesan or Bolognese sauce… It was actually in Ravenna that a traveller once said, “Mamamiaaaa! This is the best lasagna I’ve ever had…”. So, needless to say the food won’t disappoint. When in Ravenna—the former Roman imperial capital—take some time to discover the city centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Because yes, Italians do more than just incredible food! The World Heritage site includes buildings dressed in beautiful Byzantine mosaics characterized by both ancient and oriental influences, a unique style in Europe. The Basilica of San Vitale is another great treasure of Byzantine art. 

Take advantage of your time there to stop in Bologna, which is also called “the Red City” because of its clay tile-covered roofs. You can admire this beautiful shade of red from the top of the Asinelli Tower. The Two Towers of Bologna are the symbol of this city which is also home to the oldest western university. Located in the heart of the city and featuring about a hundred arcades, Piazza Maggiore is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. There, you can contemplate the Fountain of Neptune, the Basilica of San Petronio and the Palazzo del Podesta. 

Liguria

Liguria’s greatest resource is the sea. Located on the steep and jagged Mediterranean coastline of the Italian Riviera, this region offers breathtaking views. A spectacular itinerary will take you to Cinque Terre, an absolute favourite for all travellers. These small coastal towns with pastel-coloured houses are set on cliffs overlooking the turquoise water. It’s a true gift for the sight! Long defined by traditional activities such as fishing, winegrowing and lemon farming, the five villages were previously only accessible by train or boat. Having the chance to explore these exceptional places is a bit like going back in time, getting closer to traditional Italy and enjoying stunning landscapes.

Umbria

Also known as “the country’s green heart”, the lands of Umbria are a mix of hills and valleys. Beyond the pastoral landscapes, the region stands out thanks to old towns and medieval architecture. Standing on hilltops, they are exceptionally well preserved. Corciano is a small Italian commune guarded by a majestic medieval castle. The houses are made of silt and travertine stones and are connected by tiny streets and stairways. 

Not too far from there, the charming city of Perugia will surely surprise you. With Etruscan ramparts that surround the historic medieval centre, the Sant’Angelo church that was built on a former Roman temple and the Gothic and Renaissance cathedral, this student city will amaze you with its charm and beauty. It’s also where the Canadian filmmaker Richard Trogi shot 1991. You’ll conclude your tour of the area with a stop in the city of Assisi to discover its basilica. This important pilgrimage site that witnessed the birth and death of Saint Francis was able to preserve its medieval architecture throughout the centuries, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Apulia

Finally, Apulia. Beyond the mountains, discover beautiful towns and villages located in the heel of Italy’s boot that dives into the Mediterranean. First, there’s Bari with its historical centre, whitewashed houses and Orecchiette Street—a typical Apulian pasta. In Trani, you’ll find the wonderful Roman cathedral built right by the water while in Lecce—the ultimate Baroque city—you’ll discover churches and palaces built with the same limestone that harmonizes the entire city. 

As for Alberobello, this city is full of traditional houses with cone-shaped roofs. These houses are called trulli and there are approximately 1,500 of them in the village. The charming city of Matera is also famous for its troglodytic houses called the sassi. These caves dating back to the Paleolithic era were inhabited by humans until the 1950s. Once again, this historical treasure is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Are you dreaming of discovering Italy and exploring its lesser-known regions? No matter the itinerary you’ll go for, you’ll notice that Italy has a rich heritage of places to visit. It’s up to you to decide what you’d like to see because in Italy, “La vita è bella”!