We went to Italy this summer!

Are we saying Kim & Kourtney copied us by going to Italy this summer? 

We embraced La Dolce Vita and are in no mood to come out of it anytime soon, so we figured why not bring you along? Now, we might not do Italy like the Kardashians but honestly, who can? So let us show you the non-touristy spots of Italy – the ‘land of love’.

a water way with boats and buildings in the background with Grand Canal in the background
Photo by Dan Novac on Unsplash

Here are a few places we recommend that take you off the beaten path and away from the bustling tourists. Let us help you to dive into the rich tapestry of the ‘Italian lifestyle’ by exploring a whole different side to this enchanting country, like a local.

picture looking up at a building with blue skies
Photo by Luca Franzoi on Unsplash

Take it slow in Siena, instead of Florence

A place where time stands still, where history meets culture, a real-life medieval fairy-tale come to life. Siena’s center is a maze of narrow alleys, grand piazzas, and intricate Gothic architecture. In the middle of it all is the stunning Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square that hosts the renowned Palio – a thrilling horse race that dates back centuries. As you walk through the city, you’ll come across unforgettable sights like the Duomo, an architectural masterpiece with a breathtaking interior. If you’re an art lover, you will appreciate the Pinacoteca Nazionale, home to remarkable works by local Sienese artists. 

Siena seamlessly captures Tuscany’s timeless charm, making it a destination that appeals to history enthusiasts, art aficionados, & anyone who’s seeking an authentic Italian experience.

Explore the magic of Siena on our trip ‘Tuscan Dreams’. Click here to know more.

A large building with many windows with Milan Cathedral in the background
Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash

Skip Rome, try Milan

(we know, controversial)

Rome might be all over your Instagram, but we urge you, a picture near the Trevi fountain isn’t worth it. Despite what you’ve heard about it being grey & urban, Milan is where you should instead. A city with well-dressed locals commuting by rent-a-bikes and ordering spritzes every chance they get. Milan is home to the famous ‘The Last Supper’ and if that is too touristy for you, let us show you where the locals hang out. 

The Navigli canals are frequented by the residents. The canal side bars and cafes are the perfect setting for an evening aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks accompanied by snacks) The historic square of Colonne di San Lorenzo is where the local ‘youth’ hangs out. It’s surrounded by bars and pizzerias and is the perfect way to give you a taste of Milan’s vibrant nightlife on a bustling Friday night. If that wasn’t enough, Milan was the original city of fashion. Let your hair down, (or up!) to watch how the locals bring cutting-edge fashion to life. While if you’re looking for some retail therapy the Citylife district might be the place for you, if you want to know where the locals are shopping, explore neighbourhoods like Brera, Moscova and Corso di Porta Ticinese.

Explore the magic of Milan on our trip ‘Tales of Three Cities: Milan, Paris, Berlin’. Click here to know more.

A few other spots in Italy, that fit the tag of ‘non-touristy’ & just happen to be covered during our trips

(we know, subtle right?)

Lucca

Go back in time to the Renaissance, with a walk through a medieval town.

a city with many rooftops visible
Photo by Cristina Gottardi on Unsplash

Trieste

A city & a seaport that lives up to the boasts of its coastal elegance

a castle off a cliff with alot of greenery around

Monopoli

A small fisher-town that takes you away from the busy beaches and bustle of the city

A group of boats in a harbour
Photo by Luca Dimola on Unsplash

 Bergamo

Cobbled streets, Venetian walls and a chance to get around in a funicular, what else could we want?

A group of buildings on a hill
Photo by Mattia Bericchia on Unsplash

Alberobello

Known for its famous Trulli white washed huts that add character to every sunset

a row of white houses with pointed roofs
Photo by Urban Peklar on Unsplash

Tropea

Home of the centuries-old Santa Maria dell’Isola Church that resides on a cliff with a view that will be sure to take your breath away

A building on a cliff above the water
Photo by Nemanja Peric on Unsplash

While you might not be in Italy with Kim & Kourtney but, come along on our PSB Group trips & make some new friends for a lifetime (and when we say ‘non-touristy’, we mean it!). We specialize in group trips for people like us, the explorers looking to immerse themselves in the fabric of a destination. Are you one of them?

Get in touch with us on www.psbtravel.ca, or come down to our Travel HQ, at 100, Confederation Parkway, Mississauga to meet your travel experts and for some free coffee.