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1. Bologna
Bologna is the birthplace of the world-famous Mortadella sausage. Tucked away in the city's narrow alleys are traditional trattoria-style eateries – a family-run style of dining – sure to delight Italian food lovers. If you have the chance to visit, take a food tour at Mercato Di Mezzo or Quadrilatero, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious Bolognese dishes.
After enjoying a sumptuous meal, take some time to stroll around the city and admire its unique architecture. Bologna is an ancient city with many historical buildings, but also features quirky graffiti on its walls. When visiting this city with its Gothic architecture yet modern feel, be sure to visit the two famous landmarks, Abbazia di Santo and Basilica di San Petronio, to explore and learn more about the history and culture of Bologna in particular and Italy in general.
2. Siena
Visitors to Siena will feel like they've stepped back in time to medieval Italy. Peaceful yet vibrant, Siena's streets offer plenty to explore, from traditional restaurants to stunning landmarks like the Duomo and Chiesa di San Domenico. However, the most exciting attraction is Piazza del Campo – the central square where the traditional horse race, The Palio, takes place twice a year during the summer.
Besides exploring the nooks and crannies and landmarks of this heritage city, you can also enjoy Siena's unique traditional cuisine. The city is home to some of the finest wines, including Chianti, Brunello, and Montepulciano. We recommend pairing a glass of wine with two classic dishes: Pappardelle pasta with Ribollita rabbit sauce and Tuscan vegetable soup.
3. Bari
This small but historic port city lies on the southeastern coast of Italy, in the Puglia region, 450 km southeast of Rome and just a ferry ride from Greece. As you wander through this labyrinthine town, you'll encounter Romanesque churches, medieval squares, and the famous Castell Normanno-Svevo. Bari is also home to one of Europe's holiest sites, the Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas.
As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you'll encounter locals preparing fresh pasta on the streets. Bari is known for its classic Italian dishes made with meat, seafood, and vegetables, such as minestrone soup and orecchiete (ear-shaped) pasta. And if you visit, don't forget to end your stay in Bari with a taste of limoncello – a sweet drink with the flavor of lime and spirits, produced locally.
4. Parma
This small but thriving city is well worth a visit if you're curious to see the production of Parmesan and Prosciutto cheeses – two of Italy's most famous and delicious exports. It's an ancient city with virtually no cars; you'll need to walk or bike to get around, which will make the visit even more enjoyable. Visiting Parma is like visiting the birthplace of famous names that have brought glory to Italy – besides ham and cheese, Parma is also home to renowned composers like Verdi and Toscanini. Parma is also only an hour's drive from Sant'Agata Bolognese – the headquarters of Lamborghini.
For sights and landmarks, Parma boasts beautiful gardens, historic castles, and churches. You can also stroll around the campus of the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities in the world. Essentially, the city is like a giant museum.
5. Campobasso
Not often featured on travel destination lists, Campobasso is a small city in the Molise region, with a population of only around 52,000. However, this shouldn't be a reason to overlook Campobasso. Situated right next to the stunning mountains of Sannuo and Matese, Campobasso enjoys ideal temperatures in both winter and summer.
This city offers visitors a diverse range of art forms, a rich history, and delicious food. You can find all the best of Italian cuisine here. Must-see locations include Castello Fortress and Castello di Capua a Gambatesa, two castles built in the mid-15th century and frequently renovated due to earthquakes affecting the area. Other attractions include the charming traditional trattorias, ancient churches, and museums in Galore.
6. Turin
Once the capital of the country, Turin is an ideal place to enjoy Italian art and culture. With its vast number of art galleries and opera houses, you'll find Turin never boring. As you stroll around this famous gem in northern Italy, you'll appreciate the architectural grandeur of places like Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madame, and La Venaria, akin to the Palace of Versailles in France.
Turin is also the birthplace of famous Italian cuisine. The chocolate chips used to create the renowned Nutella chocolate bar are produced here, so it's no surprise that the city frequently hosts chocolate festivals to celebrate the region's signature chocolates. On another note, when it comes to savory dishes, Turin is the ideal place to enjoy homemade bread (grissini) and pasta with local mushrooms and cheeses. Of course, to finish your meal, you should enjoy a traditional Turin sweet drink.
