Seeing another side to Italy: Q&A with a local expert

There’s a whole other side to Italy, far removed from the well-trodden trail and eclipsed by the icons which many (justifiably) choose to visit on their first great journey into this European big-hitter. As the highlights become all the more crowded, you may prefer to go in search of authentic experiences in untouched regions, where locals offer a warm welcome and you get to savor each moment in a slower, more mindful manner. We speak to our local expert Jean-Pierre for his tips and advice on how exactly to do so, so that you can uncover Italy off the beaten path on your tailor-made journey.

Going off the beaten path in Italy: tips from a local expert

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and the types of trips you specialize in?

My name is Jean-Pierre, and I run a boutique tour operator dedicated to creating tailor-made journeys across Italy. I work mostly with North American travelers who want more than a standard itinerary—they’re looking for authenticity, comfort, and a real connection to the places they visit.

My trips blend iconic highlights with slow travel, food, nature, small villages, and genuine local encounters. Every itinerary is designed from scratch based on the traveler’s personality, interests, and rhythm.

What do you love most about exploring Italy off the beaten path?

Italy is at its most fascinating when you leave the crowds behind. Every valley has its own identity—different recipes, dialects, traditions, and stories. In Italy off the beaten path you meet artisans in their workshops, farmers still following old rhythms, and families who welcome you with the kind of warmth that stays with you long after you return home. It’s a deeper, more intimate Italy, and that’s the one I love sharing with travelers.

What are your personal favorite places in Italy that nobody knows about yet?

While places like Venice, Florence, and Rome are undeniably beautiful, they can become overwhelmingly busy and, in some corners, have lost a bit of their original soul. Fortunately, Italy still offers countless areas where you can experience the “true Italy”: warm encounters with locals, ancient traditions that survive untouched, and landscapes that haven’t changed in generations.

A few of my favorites include Isola del Giglio, a small Tuscan island with turquoise coves and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere; and the towns of Tuscania and Viterbo, where Etruscan heritage and medieval streets create a peaceful, timeless charm.

I’m also deeply attached to the countryside around Locorotondo and Cisternino in Apulia—whitewashed villages surrounded by olive groves and trulli, perfect for slow, sun-soaked days. And on the western tip of Sicily, the stretch between Trapani and Marsala feels like a world of its own, with salt pans, windmills, island sunsets, and a rhythm of life that remains beautifully authentic.

There are dozens of places like these, and revealing them to travelers is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

What are some underrated regions or attractions you recommend for those looking to get away from the tourist hotspots?

Umbria is always my first suggestion. Villages like Spello, Bevagna, Narni, and Montone offer a perfect blend of outstanding food, medieval beauty, and soft rolling landscapes. It’s peaceful, soulful, and incredibly welcoming.

Abruzzo is another treasure (actually, it’s where I was born). Inland, you’ll find stone villages, mountain ridges, dramatic gorges, and castles with extraordinary views. There lies the Trabocchi Coast, famous for its traditional wooden fishing platforms built over the sea—some now serve as tiny restaurants. A panoramic cycling path lets you discover the coast slowly, with the sound of waves beside you.

Then there’s the Etruscan area between Lazio and Tuscany: Sovana, Sorano, and Pitigliano rise dramatically on tufo cliffs. Exploring them by e-bike or on foot along the Vie Cave—ancient sunken roads carved deep into the stone—is a unique experience. You can even stay in a restored medieval castle turned into a charming boutique hotel.

Southern Lazio also hides wonders: Tivoli with its Renaissance villas, Anagni with its medieval cathedral, the romantic Gardens of Ninfa, and the crystal-clear waters of the Ponza archipelago, where foreign tourism barely exists. The nice part is that many of these places are very close to Rome, making them easy to combine with the must-see highlights.

In Sicily, a discerning traveler can explore the Aeolian Islands—a volcanic archipelago with whitewashed houses on black lava rock, best explored by boat. You can even climb an active volcano at night and watch sparks and lava bursts against the stars.

What are some unique experiences travelers can enjoy off the beaten path?

Food is often the most meaningful doorway into local life. In Puglia, guests can learn how olive oil is made at a tiny family farm. In Tuscany, they can follow truffle hunters through quiet forests. In Siracusa, visiting the lively market with a local cook and then sharing lunch at a Sicilian family’s home is always a highlight. In Emilia-Romagna, discovering how families produce true traditional balsamic vinegar in their own acetaia is unforgettable.

For active travelers, hikes along the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, cycling or horseback riding the Appian Way in Rome, walking the Via Francigena pilgrimage route in southern Tuscany, or trailing among Dolomite peaks, all give the perfect mix of adventure and authenticity.

What advice do you have for those looking to combine popular highlights with hidden gems in Italy?

The secret is balance. Enjoy the classics, but give yourself the freedom to step into the quieter, more intimate Italy.

After Rome, for example, you can visit Tivoli with its spectacular gardens, Anagni with its medieval charm, and Orvieto, perched high on volcanic stone and full of artisans’ workshops and underground caves. They’re all close to the city, yet each offers a completely different atmosphere.

Even in the most touristy places, there are hidden wonders. In Venice, Torcello island feels like stepping back 10 centuries, and locals still go there for long Sunday lunches. Nearby Chioggia is a fishing town where time seems to have stopped 50 years ago.

Combining the iconic with the unexpected is what makes a trip feel complete—famous sights for the wonder, hidden corners for the soul.

Make it happen

Get to know another side to Italy on a personalized journey planned with help from one of our local experts: on the ground and ready to inspire your next trip, they’ll build your itinerary entirely around your interests and budget. Reach out to them now to get started.