Beyond the highlights · Europe
Italy's quieter places
Three worthwhile detours for travellers with time to look beyond the familiar route.
Go a little further
Leave room for the less obvious
The headline sights earn their reputation, but Italy becomes more personal when you stay longer and add one place that is not on every first itinerary.
Bologna
Come for portico walks, lively food markets and a deeply local evening passeggiata.
Matera
Sleep among ancient cave dwellings and see the stone city glow at dusk.
Val d’Orcia
Take the Tuscan back roads for hill towns, thermal pools and unhurried farm lunches.
Travel thoughtfully
Keep quiet places rewarding
Stay locally, travel at an unhurried pace and avoid treating smaller communities as photo stops. Check transport in advance, carry out what you bring in and respect signs, paths and private land.
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Read guide →Beyond the highlightsItaly's Quieter Places
Three rewarding places to add when you want to travel beyond the most familiar route.
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