Colourful vespas zipping away, hand gestures getting more and more pronounced in conversations and eateries sending an aroma of dreamy of pizzas into the air, where else could you be but Italy. Now this is a country that leaves your every wish fulfilled. Whether you are visiting to walk through the pages of history for yourself or going to pay your respects at places of religious significance, whether you want to sun yourself on a beachy destination or be smitten by the mist of greener vineyards, there is something in store for everyone when they head to Italy. Now there is so much that has been said and romanticized about Italy, that a number of places pop up in every individual’s itinerary. But if you want yours to stand out and lead you to paths that are more offbeat, then here’s what you need to add to your personal travel plan:
Alberobello, Puglia
How to reach: Take a flight to Bari or Brandisi and from there you can catch a train till Alberobello.
Best time to visit: April to June, September and October
Alberobello screams dreaminess. Puglia is home to a number of trulli which are conical shaped white-washed structures. And in Alberobello you can find the thickest cluster of them one after the other together. So, if walking around foreign towns is your idea of an ideal escape, then strap on your footwear companion and head here. Walk upon the stone paved paths and take in its artistic aura with paintings hanging on the walls, flowers and leaves creeping up and down them. But how did this unique structure come into existence? The story dates back to the 1500s back when the Acquaviva family ruled over the area. Under the feudal system, they were required to pay considerable property tax. In order to avoid this, they asked the peasants to build these structures with limestone so that they could be broken down easily. As a result, the trulli were born! I wonder if the family had ever fathomed that it become such a charming destination?
Bolzano
How to reach: Fly down to Innsbruck or Verona and from their hop on a shuttle to reach Bolzano.
Best time to visit: April to August
Quaint local villages, architectural delights from ancient years and a sprawling stretch of nature wait for you in the town of Bolzano. Due to the influence of Austria and Tyrol, there are parts of Bolzano which speak only German. The medieval villages have retained their language and culture from that time. Then as it falls within the lap of the Dolomites, our mountain loving friends can be sure to see nice green rows of trees towered above by rocky mountains looming over them. To dip into the laidback way of life to explore this place, you can rent a cycle and go slowly around their well-made path to see the sights at your own pace.
Treviso
How to reach: You can fly down to Treviso directly or fly down to Venice and then board a bus from there till Treviso.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to October
If you have heard way too many complaints about how Venice has gotten too touristy or overcrowded through the years but your heart pines to see a town living with a system of water canals, then do not worry. Venice away from Venice, welcome to Treviso, the solution to fulfilling that dream without finding yourself lost within the bustle of business. The water flowing within comes from the Rive Sile in this former pre-Roman village. It witnessed involvement in wars, in modern day archaeological digs and today is complete within an old-time theatre, cathedral, public baths and other places of historical significance. To observe its beauty, walk around through its array of canals and the wooden bridges standing on top.
Genoa
How to reach: You can easily catch a train to Genoa from Milan, Rome or Tuscany.
Best time to visit: May and June
Well, hello there, water babies! Get ready for your eyes to stare away into what can only be bet described as a scenery out of an artist’s canvas. You will be surprised by the Mediterranean architecture that you will witness here. You will be mesmerized by sunsets as you see remnants from the 12th century basking in the glow of the dipping Sun. This town is an amalgamation of ancient and rustic meets modern-day existence. Tread into marks of the Enlightenment left being over here. And for the foodies, there is even an annual Focaccia Festival held here. Dig into their goodies and let them melt away in your mouth as you melt away into the view.
Castelluccio
Best time to visit: May to September
This is a village upon a hillock surrounded by other hills all around. And in this village in the spring months come to bloom flowers in almost every colour out of a painter’s palate. This happens in the blooming season between the month of May to July where flowers in red, yellow and purple come out to greet each other upon the piana (which is Italian for plateau). This is for the nature lover’s who want to be lost in their freshness, click pictures to survive till eternity, interact with the locals, get a bottle of local wine and bite into the Italian cheese.
What does your Italian dream look like? What do you want to paint it with?
Have you read Neeraj Narayanan’s book – This Guy’s On His Own Trip yet? It’s right now #1 bestseller in the travel books category on Amazon. Click here to buy your copy!
