Which cities to visit in Italy: beyond the standard route
Which cities to visit in Italy is a question to which there is no single answer. Many people limit themselves to Rome, Florence and Venice, but they miss the point: Italy is not three points on the map, but hundreds of local worlds.
In 2026, more and more travelers are choosing non—tourist routes – for the sake of authenticity, not a photo as a keepsake. Below are seven cities that are rarely written about, but which are remembered for a long time.
Assisi (Umbria): spirituality without pathos
– The city of St. Francis, but without a commercial touch: they don’t sell “Franciscan souvenirs” here.
– The basilica is decorated with frescoes by Giotto, but admission is free, and there are no queues.
– The narrow streets and stone houses create a feeling of total immersion in the 13th century.
– The best time is May or September: it is warm, but without pilgrimage flows.
→ For those who want to experience spiritual Italy, the Italiatut team can develop unique routes.
Alberobello (Puglia): Not a fairy tale, but reality
– Trulli — conical houses made of white stone are not decorations, but residential buildings.
– Car traffic is prohibited in the city center, so the atmosphere is especially peaceful.
– Local farmers sell olive oil and almond liqueurs right at the entrance to trulli.
– Avoid July — the stone walls heat up in the heat, and it’s uncomfortable to walk.
→ You can find accommodation in Trulli or nearby through the rental service from Italiatut.
Orvieto (Umbria): The city on the rock
– Located on a tuff plateau overlooking the Tiber Valley.
– The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque style, but there are many times fewer tourists in it than in Milan Cathedral.
– There are kilometers of ancient tunnels carved by the Etruscans under the city. They can be visited with a guide without booking.
– In November, the Sagra del Tartufo Nero festival takes place here — without stages, just food and music around the campfire.
Treviso (Veneto): a quiet alternative to Venice
– 30 km from Venice, but without the crowds and high prices.
– Canals, ancient bridges and frescoes on the facades — without the feeling of a “staged performance”.
– Known as the birthplace of Bombay Sapphire gin and Asiago cheese.
– In summer, the old center hosts open-air night film screenings.
Matera (Basilicata): Cave City Museum
– The city carved into the rock is a UNESCO site, but without the “do not photograph” signs.
– Families still live in sassi (cave houses), not just museums.
– At night, the squares are illuminated so that the effect of the “starry sky on earth” is created.
– It is best to come in April or October — 22°C in the afternoon, cool in the evening, ideal for walking.
Todi (Umbria): The perfect city for a first visit
– Located on a hill, surrounded on three sides by cypress groves.
– The main square of Piazza del Popolo is considered an example of medieval urbanism — without restoration, in its original form.
– Local cafes serve torta al testo, a flatbread with ham and herbs, the recipe of which has not changed for 200 years.
– In June, the Incontri di Todi festival takes place — theater, music and philosophy on the streets of the city.
Castelfidardo (Marche): The city of harmonics
– Few people know, but more than 60% of the world’s accordions are made here.
– In the Museo Internazionale della Fisarmonica, you can not only watch, but also play instruments of the 19th century.
– Every September, the Fisarmonica Festival takes place with street parades and workshops.
– Housing prices are 2-3 times lower than in neighboring Rimini.
How to plan a route without mistakes
1. Do not try to visit more than three cities in 10 days — this will turn the trip into a marathon.
2. Choose a base city and make field trips — this way you will immerse yourself deeper into the region.
3. Avoid trips to southern cities in August because of the heat and closed cafes due to vacations.
3. Book your accommodation in advance in small towns: there are few options, and the best apartments are dismantled in 2-3 months.
If you don’t know which cities to visit 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 original programs!
