A Quieter Italy

Looking to get away from the noise of cities like Venice and Rome? Looking to spend time in a quieter Italy? We have EXACTLY what you need!

Most people think of Italy as lively, loud, and crowded.

The Italy of big cities and busy towns is often like that, and while I love the energy and excitement, my family and I sometimes feel we need a break.

Thankfully, Italy is full of wonderful escapes. quiet corners of tiny villages and soothing landscapes where the waterfall of thoughts in my head slows to a gentle trickle. Visiting these corners of Italy is like yoga for the soul—without having to twist yourself up in knots. Of course, if you like twisting yourself up in knots, you'll find yoga courses wherever you go. Italians love yoga, pilates, etc., and there is barely a village or town in Italy without a yoga instructor.

After a week of unwinding in this peaceful Italy, I came away invigorated, filled with enthusiasm, and eager to tackle the crazy world we all live in.

So where should you head? These are my recommendations:

The Dolomites

To completely relax I stay in a little town called Alleghe. I use it as a base to head out on the many nearby hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. Many of the walks start from Alleghe, while the start of many other famous hikes, like the hike to Lago di Sorapis, is within an hour's drive.

The lakes around here are something else; the shades of cornflower blue are unique and very special. These are some of the lakes you'll want to visit.

When to Visit?

I prefer visiting in the summer for a number of reasons:

1. The cool, crisp mountain air provides a welcome escape from the heat and humidity of Italian cities in the summer.
2. In winter, the skiing crowds arrive. The quiet calm and sense of peace are lost.
3. Many of the walks are really only possible in the summer.

The Langhe

A dreamy landscape of rolling hills, bedecked with vineyards, and dotted with tiny villages Spend your days wine tasting at some of Italy's most famous wineries, enjoying long lunches with village locals at a traditional trattoria, or joining a truffle hunter as he searches for the white gold of Piedmont, the most valuable of all the world's truffles.

End the day by sipping a glass of Barolo while watching the sun set behind a thousand golden hills and distant mountain spires. Where do I do that, you ask? These are my recommendations and here is a great 10-day itinerary if you'd like to see more of the region.

When to Visit the Langhe

The two best seasons to visit the Langhe are...

Spring (April to June): During spring, the Langhe comes alive with a burst of colors as vineyards and hazelnut orchards bloom. The weather is mild, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. The vineyards start preparing for the upcoming grape harvest, offering a delightful backdrop for exploration.

Autumn (September to November): For wine enthusiasts, autumn is a magical time in the Langhe. The grape harvest takes center stage, and the landscape transforms into a palette of reds and golds. Visitors can participate in grape-picking activities and witness the winemaking process firsthand. The cooler temperatures make it an excellent time for leisurely walks through vineyards and truffle hunting in the wooded areas. For me, the autumn is the best season of all. 

Tuscany

Spending a week walking the country lanes of Tuscany: picnicking in fields of sunflowers, following cypress trees into medieval hilltop villages like San Gimignano, and ending each day with a sumptuous feast in a Tuscan villa.

Does that sound like something you could handle? Get started here!

When to Visit Tuscany

Like with the Langhe, I recommend you visit Tuscany in the spring or autumn. Here's why...

Spring (April to June): This is often considered one of the best times to visit Tuscany. The weather is mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and lush greenery creating a picturesque backdrop. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and enjoying the beauty of Tuscany's countryside. Additionally, spring marks the beginning of the tourist season, but it's not as crowded and nowhere near as hot as the summer months.

Autumn (September to October): Fall is another excellent time to visit Tuscany. The weather remains pleasant, and the landscapes transition into a warm palette of autumn colors. The grape harvest takes place in the vineyards, making it an ideal time for wine enthusiasts. The tourist crowds start to diminish, providing a more relaxed experience.