I just returned from Italy where I visited Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucca and the Cinque Terra. I had the best time ever. There was so much to see that it was a bit overwhelming.
I am planning to return and was wondering if anyone could give me some wise advise as to what cities off the beaten path I could visit that would give me a taste of authentic Italy.
I love to visit with locals and hear and learn about life for them. It was a little hard to do in the areas I was in with so many tourist.
Thank you so much for any suggestions.
Kristine
Posted by
5250 posts
Just a suggestion: there are thousands of books available about the myriad different regions of Italy. Why not tailor your trip to your own interests? That just seems more efficient to me than an internet poll of strangers. Just about anywhere that you have not already visited will feel off the beaten path in comparison. Do note that some areas have better public transport than others, if that is a consideration.
If you can spare the time, spending enough time to take a language class in Italy might be a great way to accomplish your goal.
Posted by
Washington DC
28436 posts
And time of year would affect my choices. I love Puglia and Sicily, but I wouldn't recommend them for a mid-summer trip until the possibilities elsewhere had been covered.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
72 posts
Thank you both for your recommendations.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
I have visited Italy several times in February. I don't mind chilly weather or a little rain and I've had pretty good luck with quite a bit of mild, sunny days. There are two big advantages, relatively few tourists and low season prices. My experience is that Rome's major sights are always crowded, Florence can be crowded on the weekends and Venice during Carnival season. About 5 years ago, I was in Bologna, Assisi and Orvieto in mid-May and none was overcrowded with tourists. So I'd say it's more going in real off-season than going off the beaten path.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
72 posts
Thank you so much for your suggestions. I don't mind the cooler temperatures if there is some sunshine. I think off season will work well for me as I am not a fan of large crowds. Not being an expert at Italy yet and I think I need to just go to different areas at different seasons to get a good sense of what works well for me.
I really appreciate your input.
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2213 posts
Kristine,
We were in Tuscany two weeks before Christmas a couple of years ago. Traveling on the off season will really help. We had our agriturismo all to ourselves. Marco, who served us breakfast each morning, was keen to practice his English and we got to know one another well over the stay. We even exchanged Christmas gifts. Alessandro and Mama Lorena at La Cantina in Greve were very gracious and he enjoyed teaching us Italian phrases. We were the only non-locals there the two times we dined.
We visited the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore near Asciano. It was very peaceful and uncrowded. We came back for Vespers in the evening which are celebrated in Gregorian chant. There was a lady from an nearby village, the two of us and the monks in the gorgeous church.
There were no other tourists the morning we visited Radda and Volterra was uncrowded. Even driving on the famed SR222, the Chiantigiana was peaceful and free of traffic.
There's much more to Italy than the usual suspects. They may not have the big attractions, but that doesn't mean they aren't steeped in history. I want to explore the Piedmont region and some more northern towns like Cremona.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
72 posts
This information was very helpful to me. I read about staying in an agrituriso as it sounds so delightful. It sounds like your experience was really good.
I did not drive there yet but am interested in doing so. I think if I stay away from the major cities I should be fine.
Your visit with Alessandro, Mama Lorena and Marco are sweet stories you will never forget. That is just what I am wanting to experience.
Thank you so much for you time and valuable information.