Italy Dreams

Category: Italy Tours

  • Discover Your Italy Helps You Get Off-the-Beaten Path

    Steps seen in the Umbria region of Italy, a lesser known destination you may get to know on a tour with Discover Your Italy. Photo shared by Aurelio V.

    Want to watch art restoration in progress behind the scenes in Florence? How about trying freshly pressed olive oil in southern Italy? Or taking a trek on top of the expansive Dolomites with a mountain guide?

    If you’re looking to discover Italy beyond the tourism check-off list like these activities, then get in touch with Discover Your Italy: Fuori Itinerario.

    Their name says it all. “Fuori Itinerario” means off-the-beaten path in Italian, and that says a lot about the types of travel that they offer.

    Discover Your Italy is based in Umbria, which itself is a region of Italy off-the-beaten path and less touristy than many other areas of the country. The tourism company also has an office in Milan, says Sara Caligiuri, a marketing specialist with the firm.

    The company was started by Matteo Della Grazia and Daniella Mencarelli, a husband-and-wife team who are passionate travelers and want to share the authentic beauty of Italy.

    A quiet view of Italy’s Lake Como, in northern Italy.

    Going Off-the-Beaten Path

    Discover Your Italy works with clients to find out their preferences so they can craft a custom itinerary for them, Caligiuri says.

    “It’s not just about the beautiful landmarks that everyone knows, but also the hidden gems,” Caligiuri says. “We are experts in Italy. Having a lot of connections is key for us. It’s important to know the suppliers and to have contacts with artisans and locals so we can craft authentic experiences.”

    The company specializes only in Italy so the knowledge of their country is deep.

    “Every itinerary is designed by the people who live in Italy, and everything that we recommend is because we personally know it. We don’t sell pre-packaged tours; everything that we sell is tailor -made and completely customized to the precise needs of the client,” Caligiuri explains.

    Discover Your Italy has many English-speaking/American clients, including many multigenerational travelers. What they’re looking for is comfort and expertise. “They don’t want to have a complication, they just want to enjoy their experience,” she says.

    Some, but not all, may have already seen the big cities like Florence or Rome or Venice and want something more in-depth. “We’ll combine cultural highlights with hands-on local experiences,” Caligiuri says.

    The famous Galleria in Milan.

    Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

    Just where will a travel itinerary with Discover Your Italy take you? You can go where your heart desires, but here are a few examples of regions you might visit with the company’s assistance:

    • Umbria, located right in the heart of Italy and close to Tuscany. Although it’s similar to Tuscany, it doesn’t have the crowds or fame. In fact, Umbria has many hidden gems. Perugia, the Umbria-based hometown for Discover Your italy, is famous for its Eurochocolate Festival in November (yum).
    • Abruzzo, about 2 hours from Rome and filled with national parks and coastline.
    • Basilicata, which is home to Matera, the oldest city in Europe.
    • Le Marche, famous for mountains, beaches, history, and art but lesser known than other regions.

    Yet if you’re looking to visit one of Italy’s more famous cities or regions, you’re still in luck when you work with Discover Your Italy. A private guide can take you and your travel companion through highlights in Florence, Rome, Venice, Sicily, the Dolomites, and lots more.

    Rome’s famous Colloseum. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    In addition to customizable travel plans, other advantages of traveling with Discover Your Italy include:

    • Stays in boutique hotels
    • A private meet-and-greet when you arrive in Italy
    • Restaurant suggestions
    • Exclusive amenities
    • Pre-departure tips
    A restaurant view in Florence, Italy.

    Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy

    Ready to buy that flight ticket to Italia now? Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your Italy trip and once you’re onsite, as shared by Caligiuri:

    • Consider working with a tour company like Discover Your Italy to plan your trip. Italy has so much to offer, it can be overwhelming to plan. It also can be time-consuming. Planning on your own could cost you more and put you in danger of falling for tourist traps. Even planning transportation to different cities can get complex at times. “It’s important to know the behind the scenes, where the real Italian experiences are,” she explains.
    • Add less, not more. Tours to Europe/Italy often involve packing in many cities in just 10 to 14 days. Yet traveling at this rhythm can make it harder to really get to know each place. That’s why Discover Your Italy advocates for taking your time in just a handful of regions per trip, or even remaining in just one region. “You can really get to see a lot without getting stressed,” Caligiuri says.
    • Book six or seven months in advance. As you likely know, Italy is a popular travel destination. Booking in advance within a six- or seven-month timeframe helps you find the accomodations and travel plans you want.
    • Focus on understanding the culture from a local perspective. This will broaden your experience of Italy and help you appreciate how much the country differs even region by region.
    • Stay curious and stay open. “Italy has a lot of layers. We have history, art, food, nature, and landscapes. We have a lot of offerings for different kinds of people and interests,” Caligiuri says. By staying curious and open, you can experience the country’s different layers.
    • If you decide to work with Discover Your Italy for your Italy trip, let them know if you have any niche interests. Those special interests may become a part of your visit. If you or someone in your group enjoys fishing, for example, you may find yourself fishing while on your trip.

    For more information on Discover Your Italy, visit their website.

    You also can discover more about Discover Your Italy’s travel expertise in our article “Here’s Why to Visit Italy in the Winter and Off-Season.”

    Happy travels/buon viaggio!

  • Byways of Italy Brings You Closer to the Good Life in Italy

    Enjoy views of the Coliseum in Rome or any other sights you wish with a Byways of Italy tour. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of getting to know Italy up close and personal but you’re not sure where to start, then the Rome-based company Byways of Italy is a great place to start.

    Byways of Italy is a tour operator and destination marketing company (DMC) that creates customized travel itineraries and provides experiences at Italy’s iconic destinations as well as lesser-known gems, says founder Manuela Mocci.

    The company began in 2021 in response to a growing demand from travelers looking to rediscover Italy after the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses most frequently on cultural and food and wine experiences along with a commitment to conscious, responsible travel, Mocci says.

    Florence, Italy.

    What Makes Byways of Italy Different?

    Byways of Italy’s travel advisors work closely with clients to create a customized travel experience.

    “I would say that clients choose us because of the balanced mix in our proposals, combining the most well-known spots with off-the-radar day trips offered at the right pace, and the dedication we bring from the start,” Mocci says.

    The company’s typical client will be a couple or family that’s from Australia, the U.S., Canada, or Latin America. Although Byways doesn’t usually work with large groups, they make an exception for multigenerational families.

    “Our correspondence with clients sometimes lasts months or even over a year, allowing us to get to know their preferences, build trust, and carefully curate every detail of their journey,” Mocci explains.

    A view of Lake Como in northern Italy.

    Although travel options abound online, many people still want the value of working with local experts.

    “Younger travelers often want unique experiences that are hard to find online, and they don’t have much time to dedicate to planning,” Mocci says. “Older travelers can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available on the web and are looking for someone they can trust to provide guidance and support when needed.”

    A classic view of Venice, Italy. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    Where Can You Go With Byways of Italy?

    Instead of asking, “Where can you go with Byways of Italy?”, perhaps the better question to ask is, “Where do you want to go?”

    Do you want to take a relaxing bike ride along Lake Garda? Live the luxe life on a yacht cruise on Sardinia’s coastline and enjoy an onboard fish lunch? Or, do you just want to meander in the countryside of the region of Marche and sample authentic food and wine while you stay at a local agriturismo (a farm-based home that usually offers activities like tours or cooking classes)?

    All of this and more are possible with the help of Byways of Italy. That’s because it specializes in customized tours.

    “We add special touches to make each trip one-of-a-kind, especially for occasions such as honeymoons and anniversaries,” Mocci says.

    Mercato Centrale in Florence, italy.

    However, Byways also offers classic tours to help you get to know Italy better. Here are a few popular highlights:

    ––The 10-Day Italy Tour features Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Activities you can enjoy include a guided tour of Milan’s Duomo (cathedral), a private boat tour on famous Lake Como, a sightseeing tour of Venice with a Venetian apertif, a visit to a glass factory in Murano, a guided tour of Florence’s famous art museums, and a walking tour of Rome’s main monuments. Of course, no classic Italy tour is complete without wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside!

    ––A Journey of Self-Discovering in Tuscia. Get off the beaten path for this 7-night/8-day tour in Tuscia, located in the Lazio region near the border with Umbria and Tuscany. This remote area helps you enjoy less crowded ancient Italian towns and connect with yourself and your loved ones. Take a guided tour of Tuscania, relish in the thermal baths in the town of Viterbo, spend a day at a family-run winery, and visit the Palazzo Farnese to take in its awe-inspiring frescoes.

    —Northwest Sardinia. For something truly different, book yourself a Byways of Italy tour to Northwest Sardinia. Sardinia is an island off of Italy’s western coast and is one of Italy’s 20 regions. It has famous beaches but still has many parts that are less discovered compared with Italy’s bigger cites. This 10-day/9-night tour includes a visit to Alghero, which has a strong Catalan influence; a panoramic road trip to the colorful and historica town of Bosa, featuring the area’s vineyards; and a visit to the small village of Castelsardo.

    Some of the other tours via Byways of Italy include:

    –Milan and the lakes of North Italy

    –Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast

    –3 Days in the Tuscany Countryside

    –Procida, a fishing island in the Gulf of Naples

    Rome’s Coliseum. Picture shared by Jessica Caceres.

    Tips for Planning Your Trip to Italy

    As you plan your trip to Italy, there are some general travel tips you should follow, Mocci recommends:

    —Begin to plan your trip 6 to 8 months in advance so you have more options and better prices.

    —Keep a running list of useful information and points of interest about your destination, such as attractions, museums, bars/restaurants, streets, etc.

    —Buy those museum tickets ahead of time. “During high season, tickets for the most famous museums sell out quickly and need
    to be booked in advance. This will help you save some time,” Mocci says.

    —Double check schedules in advance. Some museums and cultural sites may be closed when you least expect it, especially in small towns or outside of peak season.

    —Don’t overplan. “Leave space for unexpected discoveries and improvisation, and make sure to leave time to rest, enjoy a coffee in a nice bar, or take a leisurely walk through the center,” Mocci says.

    Mocci shares some final wise thoughts: “Travel isn’t about ticking
    boxes, it’s about finding experiences that feel meaningful to you,” Mocci says. “What one traveler enjoys might not suit another, and that’s what makes every trip personal.”

    To contact Byways of Italy about your Italian trip, find them online at BywaysofItaly.com. You can also message them through the following contact form on their website.

    Beautiful Bellagio in Lake Como, Italy.

  • Here Are 5 Places Where Italians Go on Vacation in Italy

    Beautiful Matera in the Basilicata region of south Italy. It’s one of the oldest continuously occupied cities of the world.

    Did you know that 70% of tourists to Italy go to just 1% of the country–namely, Florence, Rome, and Venice? Of course, these cities have a wealth of history, food, and culture (we even shared some foodie facts from our Florence visit in this post).

    Yet let’s face it, getting stuck in the heat and crowds is NOT fun.

    So, in the spirit of Italy Dreams’ mission, we share here five destinations in Italy that are popular among Italians themselves. That’s not to say you won’t find other U.S., British, or other foreign tourists in these beautiful places–but there will be far fewer compared to places like Florence, Rome and Venice.

    Andiamo! Let’s go!

    A nighttime view of the historic town of Matera, Italy.

    Matera

    If you like history, the town of Matera will take you in the way back machine–as in waaaaaayyyyy back. It’s the oldest city in Europe, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas of the world–we’re talking history that goes back to 7500 B.C. The 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ” used Matera as a backdrop.

    This history and the city’s unique look naturally drives visitors to this Southern Italian town, located in the region of Basilicata. Matera is about 2 hours from Naples, depending on how you get there.

    Here are just some of the things that native Italian visitors do in Matera–and that you can do, too:

    —Visit the Sassi di Matera, or stones of Matera, which are declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an ancient settlement area with alleyways, caves (providing great views of the town itself), gardens, and tunnels.

    —Check out The Bread Museum (I Segreti del Pane di Matera). Discover what makes bread from Matera so special and how it ties into the area’s history. It will make you hungry–good thing you’re in Italy!

    —Get a stunning view of Matera’s caves from the Pascoli Square Belvedere (Pascoli Square Belvedere). Named for the 19th-century Matera poet Giuseppe Pascoli, you’ll find a balcony that provides a lovely view of the Matero Cathedral, Civita Caves, and part of the stone districts of Matera.

    A beautiful beach in Sardinia, Italy.

    Sardinia

    We’re sure you’ve heard of Sicily, but have you heard of Sardinia? Think of this island region of Italy as Sicily’s wilder sister. It’s located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the French island of Corsica and west of Italy’s mainland.

    Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, second only to Sicily, and has a population of 1.7 million. That may sound like a lot, but it’s actually one of the most sparsely populated regions of Italy.

    Life’s just a little different in Sardinia, Italy.

    So, just what can you do in Sardinia? Here’s the scoop:

    —Eat a lot of Pecorino cheese. Despite its many kilometers/miles of coastline, Sardinia is actually better known for sheep farming than it is for fishing. All of that sheep farming leads to a lot of Pecorino cheese, made from sheep. Other foods you might enjoy in Sardinia include malloreddus, a type of Sardinian gnocchi; pane carasau, a crispy bread; and seadas, a fried pastry with cheese and honey.

    —Go to the beach. With about 1,200 miles (yes!) of coastline, Sardinia is a natural choice if you consider yourself a beachgoer. Spiaggia di Maria Pia (hailed as a family-friendly choice), Golfo di Orosei (with gorgeous coves), and Spiaggia della Pelosa are just a few possible choices.

    —Take a wine tasting tour in Sardinia. After all, wine is just one factor in what makes Sardinia one of the Blue Zone areas of the world–areas with longer longevity and good health. In Sardinia, that’s due to a healthy diet, physical activity that’s a part of daily life, social connections, and of course, some vino.

    A stunning beach on Isola d’Elba/Elba Island.

    Isola d’Elba

    This beautiful-sounding name translates to Elba Island in English. It’s located off the coast of the Tuscany region, which is already well-known for wine, Florence, and Pisa. Visitors typically get there by taking a ferry from the town of Piombino (about an hour, depending on where you’re going on the island).

    Isola d’Elba is a great choice if you want a quiet destination with history, says Alessandro N. of Brescia, Italy, who was there earlier this year (he also provided the island photos with this article and the photos of Sardinia). He says the mix of history along with natural landscape made it a laidback destination.

    The town of Portoferraio on Isola d’Elba.

    Here are some other things you can do in Isola d’Elba:

    —Follow Napoleon’s footsteps on the island. Napoleon was exiled to Isola d’Elba for 9 months in 1814, but he left a big mark on the island. Visit the Mercy and Napoleon Relics Museum and the Villa Dei Mulini, for instance–the latter of which was his primary residence while spending time there.

    —Take a bike ride, buy yourself some bread and fresh fruit, and check out a few of the seaside towns. This lovely-sounding plan is recommended by the website Italy Segreta (Italy Secret), in its article “A Local’s Guide to Elba Island.” You may want to check out their site for a few more tips.

    San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily, Italy (picture used from Wikimedia Commons).

    San Vito Lo Capo

    Sicily has many idyllic beach areas, but one local favorite is San Vito Lo Capo. Located about 2 hours from Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo features stunning beaches and lots of nature. We read that it gets busy in the summer, so we’re not billing it as a complete escape from tourism (including in August, when many Italians take off for a few weeks). However, a little bit of crowding may be worth the visit.

    A chess match in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily (picture taken from Wikimedia Commons).

    Here are just some of the things you can do in San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily:

    —Take part in all types of water activities, like boating, snorkeling, or, of course, just lounging on the beach.

    —Indulge in typical Sicilian dishes. One cool thing about Sicily is that it blends together different cultural influences from around the world. This is especially clear in its food, where you can enjoy dishes like couscous, tuna, and caldo freddo (a type of Sicilian ice cream) during your visit.

    —Visit the San Vito Sanctuary, a monument and symbol of the town The site WeArePalermo provides more background about the sanctuary’s history–and a well-written, amusing guide to San Vito Lo Capo.

    Seaside views at San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy.

    San Benedetto del Tronto

    If you want a mix of seaside views, seaside cuisine, and an artsy feel, your next destination should be the underrated San Benedetto del Tronto, located in the Italian region of Marche on the country’s eastern coast.

    Find this and other sculptures and artwork in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy.

    Here are a few things to do when you’re in SBT:

    —Visit the Museum of Art on the Sea (Museo del Mare), an open-air museum on the pier with sculptures and paintings. Take pics, and talk with your travel partners about which artworks are your faves.

    —Explore the boardwalk by foot or bike. It’s nearly 6 kilometers (nearly 3.7 miles), so you’ll have plenty to see and do.

    —Enjoy a meal! San Benedetto del Tronto has some great seafood, according to Verena, a resident of Val Badia, Italy. She was in SBT recently and recommends the Brodetto alla sambenedettese, a type of fish stew that’s typical of the region. (Verena also provided the photos we’re sharing of San Benedetto del Tronto).

    For any of these places, do your homework in advance. These towns and regions may not be bombarded with tourists like the big cities, but they can still get busy, especially in the summer. Check online for best times to visit and any other tips.

    Buon viaggio!

  • Target Travel Wows the World With Italian Custom Tours

    Stunning Matera in the Italian region of Basilicata. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for caves and ancient history. All pictures with this story are shared by Target Travel.

    How would you like to see the historical sights of Rome, Italy, at sunrise—where you can beat the crowds and capture some amazing pictures?

    Or, what about a food-focused tour of Italy where you literally follow a food from where it’s grown or produced to where it’s ultimately enjoyed on someone’s table?

    Or, take a local market tour and cooking class with an Italian chef?

    Those types of unique ideas and many more are what Target Travel offers.

    The team at Target Travel.

    Target Travel is a family-run, Venice-based DMC (Destination Management Company) that’s been tailoring tours and experiences since 1985, founded by CEO Daniele Panzarin.

    What sets Target Travel apart from many other DMCs is the feeling of being at home when working with them. You can truly sense the pride they take in helping people discover the most authentic and unique side of Italy.

    With a team of 26 professionals, the company proudly retains the spirit of a boutique destination management company—with deep experience and a warm, family-like atmosphere, where strong interpersonal relationships are always the foundation of everything they do.

    The Bridge of Sighs, Venice Italy.

    2025 is a special year because Target Travel is celebrating its 40th anniversary—a significant milestone that adds even more prestige to the company.

    Target Travel focuses on bespoke tours (tailored tours for couples or families, for instance) and custom small groups (12 to 15 people) looking for unique tourism experiences around Italy. The type of traveler interested in Target Travel tours is usually a U.S.-based premium or luxury traveler wanting to visit Italy. In all situations, the experience is tailor-made for the visitors.

    Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

    What Makes Target Travel Different

    If you’ve visited Italy already, then you’re acutely aware of the large crowds in the country’s popular tourist destinations, such as Florence, Rome, and Venice. These crowds are present even outside of the summer, when tourism reaches its peak in Europe.

    While you may still visit these larger cities on a tour with Target Travel, you’ll have the chance to see lesser known parts of these popular destinations. This could include a private viewing of paintings, a cooking class and a visit to a local market with a chef, or a tour to historic sights at sunrise before the crowds gather.

    Of course, Target Travel also can take you to smaller cities and towns for unique experiences and fewer crowds.

    Alberobello in the Puglia region of Italy. The town of Alberobello is famous for its white buildings.

    “There are so many wonderful regions in Italy and nowadays, everybody says, ‘I want to go off the beaten path. I want to eat and travel like a local,’” says Lisa Zennaro, sales manager at Target Travel. “It’s fancy and trendy right now. But this is something that Target Travel has been doing since the beginning, when the company was founded.”

    That long history also gives reassurance to travelers that Target Travel has the right expertise under its belt, both for its Italy knowledge but also for its administrative acumen. They’ll handle the small details so you as a traveler don’t need to worry about them.

    Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy.

    Where Will You Travel in Italy With Target Travel?

    Although Target Travel can tailor experiences and itineraries for free independent travelers (like couples and families) and small groups, it also has typical tours that it offers to popular destinations. Here’s a sampling of what Target offers from around Italy:

    • Italy’s Vibrant South tour covers Sicily and the region of Calabria in 13 days. You’ll fly into Palermo in Sicily and then make your way all around the country’s well-known island, including Marsala (famous for its wine), the Valley of the Temples, the luxe town of Taormina, and Calabrian coastal towns.
    • The Reign of Art and Gastronomy in Milan and Turin guides you in nine days to Milan’s famous Fashion District, the Turin Cathedral with the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, and the Truffle Fair, among other highlights.
    • The Experiential Women’s Journey traverses north Italy and Florence over 13 days. You’ll try wines in the Chianti region of Tuscany and take a bike tour from Siena to Montalcino, explore the highlights of Florence, learn all about cheese-making at the Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano (trying some delicious cheese), and see close up how Venetian masks are made in Venice!
    • Discovering Puglia takes a nine-day tour around south Italy’s beautiful Puglia region, starting in the Baroque city of Lecce (often called the Florence of the south), the fishing village of Gallipoli, Ostuni (famous for its white houses), Matera (one of the world’s oldest cities), and much more before flying out of Rome.
    • Umbria You Didn’t Expect offers a five-day tour around central Italy’s Umbria region, including the olive groves of Panicale, the medieval gates and buildings (and chocolate!) of Perugia, the 15th century paintings in Foligno, and a tour of one of Umbria’s finest farmhouses, specializing in cattle.
    Vieste, Puglia, in south Italy. All pictures provided by Target Travel.

    Of course, you can use these itineraries for inspiration and work with your travel agent to tailor your wonderful trips to Italy.

    Target Travel works with travel agencies and independent travel advisors. Those in the travel industry who want to work with the company can find them online at Target.Travel.

    Buon viaggio!

    The Colosseum in Rome, Italy.