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Italy has many well-loved cities, but this year consider bypassing Rome, Venice and Milan to discover one of these lesser-known destinations. Each offers a fresh experience and the chance to find a new favorite—places filled with history, culture and local character. © Flaviu Boerescu | Dreamstime.com -
Just a short trip from Milan, Bergamo charms with medieval streets and intimate squares. The town’s 16th-century defensive walls, a 12th-century basilica and the ornate Cappella Colleoni with its 18th-century frescoes showcase Bergamo’s layered history and elegant architecture. © Slowcentury | Dreamstime.com
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Trieste blends Italian, Austrian and Hungarian influences from its Austro-Hungarian past. Visitors enjoy elegant architecture, historic ruins, castles and café culture. The city was a favorite of James Joyce and is known for Illy coffee, reflecting its rich cultural mix. © Flaviu Boerescu | Dreamstime.com
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Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage town famed for its trulli—white, conical stone houses that cluster across the hills. Stroll the Rione Monti district to wander among hundreds of these unique dwellings, a distinctive architectural tradition of the region. © Daniel M. Cisilino | Dreamstime.com
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Perched on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello offers refined hotels set in historic surroundings and dining that can rival larger Italian culinary centers. With panoramic views and Michelin-starred options, it’s a serene, luxurious escape often overlooked by travelers. © Anna Podekova | Dreamstime.com
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Parma is a destination for food lovers—home to Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. Beyond its culinary fame, the city rewards visitors with beautiful architecture, important art and easy access to the surrounding countryside. © Jozef Sedmak | Dreamstime.com
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Bolzano sits at the crossroads of Italian and German cultures near the Dolomites. Medieval streets, nearby vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery define the city. The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology there houses Ötzi the Iceman, a notable archaeological treasure. © Arseniy Rogov | Dreamstime.com
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Verona combines romance and classical architecture without the heavy crowds of bigger tourist centers. Famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city also hosts performances in its Roman amphitheater and offers a lively arts scene amid historic streets. © Castenoid | Dreamstime.com
