It’s time to fall in love with Italy again for the first time. Outside of Italy’s spectacular cities, travelers can find some of the planet’s most beautiful scenery. From the pastel hues found along Italy’s dramatic, steep-cliffed coast to the lush green hilltops that envelop medieval, magical villages in the heart of the country, Globus is taking travelers outside of Rome, Florence, Sorrento and Venice to discover the places Italian locals go on holiday.
“The beauty of the less-traveled areas of Italy can offer you more of this picturesque country—more intact ancient architecture, more wide-open views and more local experiences,” said Scott Nisbet, president and CEO of the Globus family of brands. “A tour gets you closer to these dolce discoveries—with more included features and immersive activities— plus plenty of free time to explore the cobblestone streets like a local.”
Here are eight (8) places throughout Italy that boast some of the world’s most spectacular views and the awe-inspiring tours that take you there, showcase the stories behind the scenes and offer an “undiscovered” glimpse of one of Europe’s most popular countries.
Monterosso (10-day Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre)
Part of Italy’s “fabulous five” Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso offers travelers a beautiful beach, village – known for its lemon trees and anchovies – and incredible views for miles.
Portofino (10-day Northern Italy’s Highlights & Cinque Terre)
A fishing village pulled from the pages of a fairytale picture book, Portofino’s small harbor with colorful buildings, rests on the shore of the Italian Riviera.
Erice (NEW! 10-day The Sicilian)
A historic, walled-in medieval town located on top of Mount Eryx (about 2,500 feet above sea level), Erice is situated in the province of Trapani and offers sweeping views of the sea and valley below.
Ragusa (NEW! 10-day The Sicilian)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ragusa is one of the most picturesque hilltop towns in Sicily (or anywhere). Its “modern” Baroque streets, piazzas and homes date back to 1693 (the year an earthquake razed the village).
Volterra (10-day Gems of Umbria & Tuscany)
Enclosed by stone walls sits this mountaintop town in the land of wine. With historical sites that date back to the 7th century BC, Volterra invites travelers to take a step back in time on its medieval, cobblestoned streets.
Spoleto (10-day Gems of Umbria & Tuscany)
Resting in the shadow of mountains and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, this hill-town is stunning in every way. Its beauty and views will leave you breathless.
Ostuni (NEW! 9-day Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy)
A sparkling white gem in a sea of greens (hills) and blues (Adriatic Sea), Ostuni – and its whitewashed houses – is one of the most stunning cities in Southern Italy.
Lecce (NEW! 9-day Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy)
Described as the “Florence of the Baroque” and the “Rome of the South,” Lecce was also deemed the “most beautiful city in Italy” by 18th-century traveler Thomas Ashe.
ABOUT GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS
Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States. Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river- and small-ship cruise options. Considered the world’s largest tour operator, with 90 years of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).