Few destinations capture the North American imagination quite like Italy. But there’s got to be more to this country than the Colosseum, the canals of Venice, and the artworks of Florence. Where should you go if you want to experience the authentic corners of this great nation? We chatted with Destination Specialist and native of Italy Jacqueline Fagioli to find out.
What is your favourite place to visit?
Urbino is definitely at the top of my list. It sits on a steep hill with winding cobbled streets and breathtaking views of the Marche countryside. What I love most is the mix of past and present: small local shops where you can try pastries and charcuterie, cozy spots for aperitivo in the piazza, and an unexpectedly lively atmosphere thanks to the students.
What’s a great place to eat?
Italy is full of hidden culinary gems, but one place that really stands out is Trattoria di Via Serra in Bologna. It’s beloved by locals for its authentic Emilian dishes like handmade tortellini in brodo and rich tagliatelle al ragù.
What’s a unique way to experience Italy?
Seasonal festivals and sagre (food festivals) across regions like Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche provide vibrant local colour and an authentic taste of Italian community life. Participating in these celebrations—whether it’s a chestnut festival, a wine harvest, or a medieval reenactment—immerses you in centuries old traditions.
What’s a hidden gem that more people should know about?
If you want to explore off the usual tourist trail, go to Ferrara. It’s just a short train ride away from Bologna and offers Renaissance elegance, quiet cobbled streets, and a moated castle right in the city centre.
What’s a famous landmark that people shouldn’t miss?
In Emilia Romagna, Bologna’s porticoes are unmissable. Recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they connect centuries of architecture — from medieval arcades to Renaissance arches—and culminate in the climb to San Luca. Beneath them, osterias serve tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and Lambrusco, blending food and architecture in a way that defines the city.
When’s the best time to visit?
The best times to visit Italy are typically in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Spring is pleasantly warm but not too hot, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. In fall, the temperatures cool down from the summer highs, making it comfortable to explore cities and countryside alike. This season is also harvest time, so food and wine festivals abound.
What's something more travellers should know about Italy?
Most tourists don’t realize just how deeply regional Italy is—not just in food, but in language, traditions, and identity. Italian culture as we imagine it is really a patchwork of local cultures. Even the Italian language shifts—many locals still speak regional dialects that are almost like separate languages.
What’s a common misconception?
A common misconception is that all of Italy is just like Rome, Venice, or Florence. In reality, much of Italy is made up of charming small towns, quiet countryside, and local rhythms that feel worlds away from the big cities. Many travellers also think Italian cuisine is the same everywhere—pasta, pizza, gelato—but Italy’s food is incredibly regional. You won’t find carbonara in Milan the same way you would in Rome, and some dishes don’t even exist outside their hometowns.
What is a great town to visit?
Pesaro and Fano in the Marche region along the Adriatic. Both towns are just a few kilometres apart and offer beautiful beaches, charming historic centres, and a strong local feel.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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