Exploring Italy Off the Tourist Track

For many Australians, a trip to Italy is the dream of a lifetime. We imagine ourselves soaking in the Tuscan sun, tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, and drifting through Venice on a gondola. And while those iconic experiences are unforgettable, there’s a growing trend among Aussie travellers: going off the tourist track in Italy — and discovering something far more authentic.

If you’re planning your next Italian escape and craving a richer, less crowded, more local experience, it might be time to veer away from the standard Rome–Florence–Venice route. Enter Trieste, Bologna, and Ravenna — three remarkable cities that often fly under the radar, but deliver Italy at its most genuine and surprising.

Trieste: Italy with a Central European Soul

Tucked into the far northeastern corner of the country, Trieste feels like a secret whispered across borders. Once the main port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it carries traces of Vienna, Ljubljana and Venice all at once. Here, Italian warmth meets Central European elegance.

For Australians used to coastal cities, Trieste’s seaside promenade — where the Adriatic sparkles beside grand 19th-century buildings — feels oddly familiar, yet distinctly European. It’s the kind of place where you sip an espresso in a historic café once frequented by James Joyce, before wandering up to the Castello di San Giusto for sweeping views of the sea and Slovenia in the distance.

Bologna: The Underrated Food Capital of Italy

If you’ve ever tasted a proper Bolognese (spoiler: it's called ragù, and it doesn’t come with spaghetti), then you’ve had a bite of Bologna. This vibrant university city in northern Italy is a dream for food lovers — and a refreshing change of pace from more tourist-heavy spots.

What sets Bologna apart for Australian travellers is its genuine, lived-in feel. Students lounge in sun-drenched piazzas, locals shop for fresh tortellini in bustling markets, and the air smells of garlic, wine and slow-cooked meats. The 38 kilometres of arched porticoes offer shelter from summer heat or winter drizzle, making it a pleasure to explore on foot year-round.

And while food is the star here, Bologna’s medieval towers, world-class museums, and progressive energy make it a city that lingers in the memory long after the last plate of pasta.

Ravenna: Mosaics, History and Unexpected Magic

Just over an hour from Bologna by train, Ravenna is a city that often surprises even seasoned travellers. Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, it holds some of the most extraordinary Byzantine mosaics in the world — glittering gold, deep blues and intricate artistry that tell ancient stories in shimmering detail.

For Australians with a passion for history and art, Ravenna feels like stepping into a living museum — but without the queues and selfie sticks. The city's UNESCO-listed churches and mausoleums are awe-inspiring, yet the streets are quiet and the locals friendly.

It’s also close to the Adriatic coast, so you can pair your culture fix with some seaside relaxation — a true Italian holiday blend.

Why Australians Are Choosing the Road Less Travelled in Italy

There’s something deeply appealing about going where fewer tourists tread. For Australian travellers — many of whom are making a long-haul journey and want something truly special — these lesser-known Italian cities offer a more relaxed, immersive experience. No long lines, no overpriced menus in four languages — just real Italy, served up at its own rhythm.

Whether you're after deeper connections with local culture, better value for money, or simply a more peaceful way to travel, cities like Trieste, Bologna, and Ravenna deliver in spades. You’ll still eat incredible food, marvel at world-class art, and soak in centuries of history — but you’ll do it without the crowds.

And best of all? You’ll return home with stories that most tourists haven’t heard, and memories that feel entirely your own.

Ready to do Italy differently?
Pack your curiosity, your appetite, and your walking shoes — and prepare to fall in love with Italy all over again.