Lucca

Lucca is surrounded by Renaissance walls and has the charm of a Tuscan town, while also offering enough art, culture, and food to rival many large cities. Simply ride your bike along the walls to get your bearings before finally heading into the city center to enjoy an Aperol or coffee at the oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, which sits atop an ancient amphitheater. Lucca is a hub for events and festivals, including the Lucca Summer Festival featuring popular Italian and international bands. It is also just a 30-minute train ride from Pisa if you want to take a photo of the Leaning Tower.

Bozen

When you enter Bolzano, you may feel at home in Germany: this elegant city is part of the autonomous region of South Tyrol, an area with Italian, German, and Ladin influences, and German is the main language spoken here. Bolzano is one of the gateways to the Italian Alps, making it perfect for breathtaking mountain views, cozy bistros serving local specialties like dumplings, goulash, and polenta. Stroll through the medieval streets of the old town before finally taking the cable car to Oberbozen, a mountain town and region where you can enjoy wonderful hiking, cycling, and fresh air.

Ferrara

Known as the birthplace of tortellini, lasagna, and tagliatelle, the region of Emilia-Romagna is often considered one of the cradles of Italian cuisine. Many travelers are drawn to the capital, Bologna, but trust us, Ferrara is just as good (maybe even better). The bike-friendly university town attracts visitors with inviting trattorias, magnificent Renaissance palaces, and winding medieval alleys. The historic center of the city is dominated by the Este Castle: a noble residence and fortress from the 14th century, surrounded by a moat. It's best to plan your visit for New Year's Day to experience a grand traditional festival where every family in the city takes to the streets to eat, dance, and watch the fireworks over the castle.

Bari

Currently, it seems everyone is traveling to Apulia, and Bari serves as a natural entry point to this trendy region. The bustling port city is a vibrant mix of enticing markets, delicious street food, and winding alleys, where you can still find locals skillfully making Orecchiette pasta by hand. The best part? Compared to the most popular cities in Italy, Bari is quite affordable and only a short drive away from charming coastal towns like Polignano a Mare, Giovinazzo, and Monopoli.

Triest

Trieste, located between the Adriatic Sea and the nearby Slovenia and Austria, is a coastal city at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. For centuries, Trieste has been an important trading center and boasts a cosmopolitan flair with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. It is just a two-hour train ride from Venice and feels worlds away from the crowds of the lagoon. During your stay, make sure not to miss Miramare Castle, a majestic coastal castle from the 19th century that offers a glimpse into the city's aristocratic past. Stroll along the elegant promenade of Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of the largest coastal squares in Europe, and enjoy Trieste's famous coffee culture in historic cafés.

Matera

A history full of poverty and social problems led to Matera once being regarded as the "shame" of Italy, but this ancient cave city has since become a must-visit destination in Italy. The city has over 3,000 "Sassi" (cave dwellings), many of which have been transformed into boutique hotels and charming restaurants, while others house churches and chapels, and some still exhibit frescoes and elaborate carvings. This almost otherworldly aesthetic has made Matera a popular filming location for movies – the city is featured in "James Bond: No Time to Die" (2021), "Wonder Woman" (2017), and "Ben-Hur" (2016), for example. Although Matera technically belongs to the region of Basilicata, many people take a road trip from Puglia as the city is just a short drive away.