
This summer, Italy is poised to welcome an unprecedented wave of American travelers, drawn by its timelessness, charm and the allure of a year-long celebration honoring the Jubilee of Mercy, centered in Rome. While the Eternal City bustles with pilgrims and sightseers converging on its holy sites, those of us seeking a quieter, more exclusive taste of Italy might consider skipping Rome (unless, of course, you are on a spiritual journey) and exploring the country’s hidden gems.
Italy’s quieter corners offer a wealth of opportunities to connect with its culture, cuisine, and landscapes—all while savoring the luxury and refinement that define the country’s hospitality and wonderful people.
Practical Tips for 2025 Travelers
Skip Rome, Opt for Tranquility. While Rome is dazzling, the Jubilee of Mercy will draw record crowds.
Book Early- Luxury accommodations in smaller towns fill up quickly during peak travel months. Secure your reservations well in advance.
Hire Local Guides- To deepen your understanding of Italy’s history and traditions, enlist the expertise of local guides. Many of the hotels below offer daily adventures/ guided activities, as well.
IDEAS for less touristy activities:

Piedmonte’s Alta Langa region is a haven for oenophiles and food enthusiasts seeking something beyond Barolo. This rugged area produces sparkling wines made from native grape varieties, perfect for those eager to discover new terroirs.
Tour boutique wineries, indulge in truffle hunts, or savor artisanal cheeses. The region’s small villages, such as Cravanzana and Bossolasco, offer an unhurried glimpse into authentic Italian life. For accommodations, consider Relais San Maurizio, a former monastery turned five-star retreat with an acclaimed spa and gourmet dining. (Perks through Viewfinder Travel)
In the far north of Italy, South Tyrol combines alpine majesty with Mediterranean warmth. The region is home to the Gewürztraminer grape, producing aromatic white wines unique to this area. Tour family-run wineries in villages like Termeno and Caldaro, where tastings are often paired with locally made speck and cheeses. Beyond wine, explore pristine trails, thermal spas, and castles. For a base, consider Forestis, an ultra-modern retreat perched on the Plose mountain, offering sweeping views, cutting-edge spa treatments, and organic cuisine. . (Perks through Viewfinder Travel)

In the rolling hills of Umbria, Gubbio oozes medieval charm with cobblestone streets and a dramatic mountainous backdrop. The highlight here is the Corsa dei Ceri, a fervent festival held annually on May 15th, when locals race through the town carrying towering wooden “candles,” a testament to their devotion to Saint Ubaldo. For those seeking an exclusive experience, private balconies and guided tours of Gubbio’s historic sites can elevate your visit. Travelers with an appreciation for history, pageantry, and a sense of community will find themselves utterly captivated.
From late May to early July, the Umbrian Sibillini Mountains transform into an ethereal landscape of vibrant blooms during the fioritura or flowering season. The plateau surrounding Castelluccio di Norcia becomes a kaleidoscope of red poppies, yellow rapeseed, and blue cornflowers. For the ultimate indulgence, plan a picnic amid the blooms with local delicacies like lentils from Castelluccio and Umbrian wines. Photographers and nature lovers alike will revel in the unparalleled beauty.

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Italy, offer breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled alpine experiences. Adventurers can embark on rifugio to rifugio (hut to hut) hikes, where trails connect charming mountain huts serving hearty regional fare. For a more indulgent stay, luxury lodges such as Rosa Alpina, an Aman partner in San Cassiano, provide sumptuous spa treatments and Michelin-starred dining. Book quickly if you are considering summer or Fall 25 (Perks through Viewfinder Travel).
Sardinia’s shimmering turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and rugged interior make it a perfect destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural intrigue. Beyond its famed Costa Smeralda, explore the island’s Nuragic ruins, including Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the island’s ancient Bronze Age culture.

For those craving coastal relaxation, the coves of Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé are stunning. Stay at Petra Segreta Resort & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property near San Pantaleo, where luxury villas blend in with the landscape, offering panoramic views and Mediterranean cuisine. (Perks through Viewfinder Travel)
For history enthusiasts, Sicily’s archaeological sites rival even Athens. Skip the crowds at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and head to Selinunte, an ancient Greek city overlooking the sea. Pair this with a stay at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte property offering impeccable service, Sicilian cuisine, and oceanfront access. (Perks through Viewfinder Travel)

For travelers seeking coastal escapes, the Pontine Islands are a revelation. Often overshadowed by Capri, islands like Ponza and Ventotene feature crystalline waters, dramatic cliffs, and secluded coves perfect for private boat excursions.
While Siena is definitively NOT off the beaten path, for travelers seeking an adrenaline-fueled cultural experience, the Palio di Siena, held twice annually in July and August, is unmissable. This fiercely competitive horse race, set in the Piazza del Campo, is steeped in tradition and spectacle. The medieval city itself is a trove of art and architecture, with highlights including the Siena Cathedral and Torre del Mangia.
Luxury Accommodations :

Castello di Reschio
This exclusive SLH estate near Cortona is set in a quintessential Italian landscape of rolling hills, fragrant olive groves, flourishing vineyards, and a quiet private lake. At its heart lies a restored 500-year-old farmhouse, a masterpiece of heritage architecture. For those seeking adventure, Castello di Reschio offers hiking trails, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
100 USD equivalent Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
Bookings in Grand Suites or Towtaller will also receive a complimentary Nature-related experience, once during stay (foraging, animal habitat discovering)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Il Falconiere Relais & Spa
This Relais & Châteaux property near Cortona is a 26-room estate, surrounded by vineyards. It features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a wine academy, and a spa specializing in vinotherapy. It is ideal for oenophiles and gourmands who appreciate the finer things.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Hotel Fontanelle
Located in the heart of Chianti, this elegant countryside retreat is perfect for travelers eager to immerse themselves in Tuscany’s renowned wine region. The hotel’s refined spa and infinity pool provide a 360 view of the vineyards.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Castello del Nero
Situated near Siena, in the heart of the Chianti wine region, this 12th-century castle combines historical grandeur with modern indulgences such as spa, sauna, ice bath, and a Michelin starred restaurant. Opt for their Palio package, which includes exclusive access to Siena’s legendary horse race.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
$100USD equivalent Resort Credit to be utilized during stay
Bookings in our Villa San Luigi will also receive complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers to Peretola Airport (FLR)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Andiamo!!
Viewfinder Travel company is a boutique travel agency that designs unique, life enhancing experiences, and provides exceptional service. Whether you are in search of cultural sustenance, a relaxing island unwind, a gourmet escape, a picturesque countryside or the invigoration of a city, Viewfinder Travel will find your recipe for travel magic. We are reliable, detail-oriented, and have a flare for finding the beautiful, off the beaten path, “boutique” experiences so you can put your efforts into finding the fun and not into the logistics.
Our trips are curated with love, as if they were our own. Let our experience inform your discovery!
Copyright 2025 Viewfinder Travel
© 2025 HolmanPhotography, LLC
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