10 Dec Off the Beaten Track – Italy beyond the Ordinary

Posted at 05:28h in Europe Travel Blogs by

Italy with its fabulous cuisine, stunning landscapes, charming cities and an ancient historical site has long lured travelers to it. However, when it comes to Travel Packages to Italy, a discerning traveler has long treaded along the same path. Beginning from ancient and majestic Rome to the beautiful seaside Amalfi, from the rolling hills of Tuscan country-side to the ever popular Venice and finally ending at the metropolitan Milan. However, Italy is so much more, each place appealing to the traveler’s inner history buff, the curious gastronome, the desire for adventure or a simply to relax by the lake.

Going off the beaten track in Italy is extremely rewarding. Here are some places you must consider adding onto your next Italian sojourn, if you really want to go away from the mainstream! 

   1. Sicily: 

The boot of Italy, Sicily is perhaps to me a mini-version of Italy. There are beaches, vineyards, mountains, active volcanoes, cities and ancient history all in one area. Over 2,700 years old, Palermo is full or culture and architecture. Take a walk in its old city, full of times past while you take in the local sites and enjoy delicious street food. In the south of Palermo lies the Valley of Temples, one of the most outstanding examples of Greek Architecture standing today. Two hours away from there is Noto and Syracuse famed for its baroque style architecture and fascinating old towns. And to the north lies Taormina, located on a hilltop by the city and famed for its stunning amphitheatre. And towering it all is the majestic Mount Etna, looking down on Sicily. 

2. Lake Grada:

Lake Como perhaps is the more popular choice, but Lake Grada holds its own very easily. Lake Grada is Italy’s largest lake and home to some of its most picturesque towns with colorful buildings and gorgeous waterfront areas that seem right out of a postcard. It also has some of the finest lakeside resorts in Italy, making it ideal for those who looking to indulge in watersports, scenic waterside drives or simply to lay back with some great food and a drink! For a glimpse of Lake Grada look at the opening shot of “007 Quantum of Solace”, it captures the scenic drive across the western coast of the lake. Moreover, it is ideally suited for day trips to Verona, Mantua, Sirmione etc. 

3. the dolomites:

A UNESCO world heritage site since 2009, the Dolomites are today heralded as one of the most stunning mountain ranges across Europe. It encompasses an area of 41,903 hectares with 18 peaks all of them dramatic, raw and breathtaking. Along with the mountain backdrops there are quaint Italian villages, cable cars that reach the top of the peaks to provide stunning views and an atmosphere quite unlike what one would find anywhere else in Italy. In the summers it is a hiker’s paradise while in winter’s ideal for Ski Lovers. 
Dolomites

   4.puglia region:

The south east coast of Italy brings the unique and charming Puglia region.  Sun-Drenched with long-sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and wonderful towns. Its capital is Bari, and its two sides- the modern Murat district and the older Barivecchia. From there you can make your way to the historic town of Alberobello with its UNESCO world heritage status and delightful trullis, moving towards the whitewashed city of Ostuni. Then there is coastal town of Gallipoli and Monopoli, perfect to soak up the sun but avoid the tourists of the Amalfi. And to top it all off is the Matera a magical hilltop town with its cave like houses and churches. The Puglia region is distinctive in terms architecture, baroque masterpieces and above all its cuisine. Dine in cave in Polignano a Mare, taste the famous  Altamura bread fresh out of oven or simply enjoy slow food movement in Trani. 

Moving away from the mainstream itineraries in Italy, will allow you to experience the magic that lies at the core of Italy but at the same time also escape the ordinary and see something completely unique and different! With us at Original Senses, you will find a Travel Agent in Ahmedabad, who has the experience, knowledge and the right tools to help you not only create your bespoke itinerary but also get the best deal!  

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