Where to go when in Italy: Beyond the standard Rome–Florence–Venice trio
Where to go when in Italy is a question that most people answer using a template. But the real Italy is not hidden in the tourist charts, but in those places where life goes on as usual. In 2026, more and more travelers are choosing conscious routes — for the sake of depth, not the number of points on the map.
Below are seven locations that are rarely mentioned, but which are remembered for a long time.
Mantova (Lombardy): A palace city without crowds
– The former residence of the Gonzaga family, where Rafael and Andrea Mantegna created their masterpieces.
– The Palazzo Ducale is the second largest in Europe, but there are no queues even in May.
– Every September, the Festivaletteratura festival, one of the main literary events in Europe, takes place here.
It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Milan to Mantua, but it feels like you’re in another century.
→ For those who want to see the Renaissance without noise, an individual vacation design from Italiatut is suitable.
Picenarum (Marche): an ancient city underground
– A Roman city buried under a layer of river gravel in the 1st century A.D.
– Today — an archaeological park with interactive exhibitions and 3D reconstructions.
– Entrance is 8 €, no advance booking is required, guided tours in Russian are available on request.
It is located 20 km from Ancona, in a region almost untouched by mass tourism.
→ You can find a place nearby through the rental service from Italiatut.
Civitela del Tronto (Abruzzo): fortress at the top
– The largest mountain fortress of the Apennines, built in the 12th century.
– The terrace offers views of three regions: Abruzzo, Marche and Lazio.
– In June, the Sagra del Fagiolo festival takes place here, with tasting of local beans and ancient crafts.
You can get there by bus from Teramo, but it’s better to rent a car.
Gradara (Marche): a castle from a courtly novel
– The castle where, according to legend, the love of Paolo and Francesca inspired Dante’s “Divine Comedy”.
– Every year in July, the play Inferno d’amore is staged here — actors in costumes of the 14th century, live music.
– Around are the vineyards of Marche, where they produce Verdicchio, one of the best white wines in Italy.
From Rimini — 45 minutes by car, from the A14 motorway — Cattolica exit.
Sassari (Sardinia): The overlooked capital
– Sardinia’s second largest city, but without the crowds of Costa Smeralda.
– They speak Sardinian dialect here, cook culurgiones (dumplings with mint and cheese) and dance ballo sardo.
– The Museo Nazionale holds nuragic bronze statuettes, unique to the Mediterranean.
– Ideal as a base for exploring the northwest of the island: Alghero, Stintino, Nepenthe.
Fermo (Marche): a city with a “suspended” square
– The Piazza del Popolo is built on the arches of a medieval market and seems to float in the air.
– The cathedral houses the Madonna and Child of Pisanello, a rare work by the master that has not been exported to major museums.
– Every October, the Festival del Brodetto takes place, a fish soup competition from local housewives.
It takes 1 hour by train from Ancona and 3 hours from Rome.
Ercolano (Campania): an alternative to Pompeii without queues
– A city buried during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, but better preserved than Pompeii.
– Wooden objects, frescoes in pristine color, and even leftovers were found here.
– Admission is 13 €, e—tickets are available online, waiting at the ticket office is no more than 10 minutes.
Naples is 20 minutes away by Circumvesuviana commuter train.
How to plan a route without mistakes
1. Do not try to visit more than four locations in 10 days — this will turn the trip into a hectic one.
2. Choose one region and explore it — this way you will understand Italy, not just see it.
3. Avoid trips to southern cities in August — cafes and shops are closed on ferie.
4. Book your accommodation in advance in small towns: there are few options, and the best apartments are dismantled in 2-3 months.
→ Complete plan for your trip from Italiatut.
If you don’t know where to go when in Italy to suit your style, don’t guess.
Write to us on Telegram and we will prepare a personal itinerary for you.
We take into account everything: interest in history, gastronomy, photography, architecture or crafts.
For those who want not just to see, but to live Italy, the GIDtut team creates author’s programs.
