7 tips to discover authentic Italy

Planning a trip to Italy that steers clear of overcrowded tourist hotspots requires strategic thinking, a whole lot of research, and a mind open to alternative (but less expensive) accommodations and transportation. Here's my guide to discovering the country's hidden gems, based on more than 20 years' experience traveling Italy with small groups.

Timing Is Everything

Start by choosing travel dates wisely. Visit during the "shoulder season" – April to mid-June or September to October, or even November in the south. These periods offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists than the peak summer months. To enjoy local culture, plan visits during local festivals in smaller towns you want to visit, where you'll experience authentic Italian culture alongside residents.

Choose a Lesser-Known Homebase

Instead of staying in Rome, Florence, Naples or Venice, select charming smaller cities as your home base. Consider Sorrento instead of Naples; Treviso instead of Venice; Prato instead of Florence. And just skip overcrowded Rome, unless the Vatican is a must-see.

Pick Slow Travel: Trains, Scooters, Walks

While most tourists flock to high-speed trains between major cities, consider Italy's comprehensive regional train network. These slower trains stop at picturesque towns rarely featured in guidebooks. Purchase a regional rail pass. If you're up for it, rent a Vespa for day trips – many towns offer rentals at reasonable rates. It's daunting at first, but the best way to get around. No chance? Then just take some walks.

Dine Like a Local

Avoid restaurants with “tourist” menus – and especially, steer clear of those English-speaking hosts stationed outside beckoning you to visit. Instead, look for establishments away from main squares. Check if locals are dining there (particularly after 8 p.m., when so many Italians take their dinners out). Seek out places that have closed during the afternoon – a sign they're following traditional Italian dining customs.

Find Hidden Cultural Experiences

Skip the crowded museums. Seek out artisan workshops, sign up for olive harvesting during autumn, or join a truffle hunter and his dogs for a day. See and learn about traditional crafts like the unique hand-painted ceramics of Deruta or glass-blowing done in Murano's smaller studios.

Avoid Hotel Chains in Cities

Consider agriturismo (working farms that offer accommodations) in regions like Tuscany or Puglia, and smaller hotels in other regions. These provide authentic experiences, home-cooked meals, and opportunities to participate in seasonal activities like grape harvesting or cheese-making. Scrutinize AirBNB and VRBO offers: Bargains can be found but make sure terms don't allow the owner to cancel your paid reservation for any reason, any time.

Takeaways

Planning this type of travel can be challenging. Researching accommodations and experiences directly through Italian websites is getting a little easier with Google translation, but, where to start? You'll want to download offline maps of smaller towns due to limited Internet. And it's a great idea to learn basic Italian phrases – off the beaten path, even locals who speak English appreciate your effort and will be more likely to share information.

Or, you can simply join one of our small groups or plan a custom trip with us: We make all the arrangements, and you'll discover an Italy that exists beyond tourist brochures – where centuries-old traditions thrive, where meals are three-hour social experiences, and where daily life moves at a relaxed pace.