The Italy Most Travelers Miss – Your Guide to Authentic Escapes
Authentic Italy

Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia

See Italy Most Travelers Don’t Reach

If it seems like everyone is in Italy, they probably are. But don’t let concerns about crowds prevent you from enjoying the delights the country has to offer. We have many ideas for creating an Italian adventure that sidesteps the busy spots, opening up corners of the country that welcome visitors with open arms. 

Barolo | Langhe | Barbaresco Piedmont

Top Left: Barolo, Piedmont | Bottom Left: Langhe, Piedmont | Right: Barbaresco, Piedmont

Consider the Piedmont region in the northwest near the borders of France and Switzerland; here, you’ll discover sophisticated cuisine in ancient villages and wander breathtaking vineyards growing full-bodied reds such as Barolo and Barbaresco. In the fall, foodies should also head to the epicurean paradise of Alba to indulge in its white truffle delicacy. 

Masseria Torre Maizza | Matera | Borgo Egnazia Puglia

Left: Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia | Top Right: Matera, Italy | Bottom Right: Borgo Egnazia, Puglia

We also recommend Southern Italy to clients, venturing farther down into the boot than most travelers typically explore. Get your translator app ready – English might not be spoken in some areas, but that only adds to the authenticity of your adventure. On the Adriatic coast, Puglia is renowned for its beautiful beaches and captivating towns, where you can pause for pasta and savor the region’s exquisite olive oil.

Taormina | Villa Sant'Andrea Taormina Sicily

Top Left: Taormina, Sicily | Bottom Left &: Villa Sant’Andrea, Taormina

Explore Sicily and Ischia, two islands where Italy’s heritage and natural beauty are fully alive. Stroll through historic towns like Palermo and Taormina in Sicily, where ancient ruins meet coastal charm. Tucked in the Bay of Naples, Ischia offers a relaxing escape with its natural thermal baths and quiet beaches.

Trattoria da Me | Maggiore Square Bologna

Left & Top Right: Trattoria da Me Restaurant, Bologna | Bottom Right: Maggiore Square, Bologna

Farther north, in the Emilia-Romagna region, the city of Bologna enchants and delights visitors. Admire the city’s miles and miles of porticos, granted UNESCO world heritage status. And the regional traditional foods may be some of the best in the country: fettuccine, tortellini, mortadella, prosciutto di parma, parmigiano reggiano and balsamic vinegar—Bologna truly has it all. 

Sicily, Puglia, Ischia, Matera – spread your wings to escape the crowds in Italy.

Celebrate the Season

Christmas Market | Salzburg, Austria

Last-Minute Escapes and Next Year’s Big Adventures

’Tis the season for Christmas markets. The European markets are one of the best ways to jumpstart the holiday spirit and enjoy all the flavors and feels of the festive season. 

Vienna | Gingerbread | Mulled Wine | Salzburg Austria

Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria | Decorated Gingerbread Heart, Austria | Christmas Market Mulled Wine | Christmas Market, Salzburg, Austria

Feast on everything from stollen cake stuffed with marzipan to mulled wine (each city has its own souvenir mug), from juicy bratwurst to giant salty pretzels, and don’t forget the Lebkucken gingerbread and gooey raclette. Traditionally, Christmas markets are only open during Advent and close just before Christmas Eve. But many countries have markets that stay open longer to extend the fun. 


This season in Austria, Salzburg and Vienna are open until Jan. 1 and Innsbruck till Jan. 6. In Germany, explore Berlin’s market until Dec. 30. Prague’s market serves roasted chestnuts and much more till Jan.6. While the market in Bruges, Belgium closes Jan. 7. In London, Christmas at KEW Gardens runs until Jan. 6.

Pendry Park City | Big Sky Resort Montana | Montage Deer Valley

Dog Sledding, Pendry Park City | Hot Air Balloon, Pendry Park City | Big Sky Resort, Montana | Skiing, Montage Deer Valley

Closer to home, skiers who can’t wait to hit the slopes should consider Big Sky Resort in Montana or Deer Valley Resort in Utah this season. Deer Valley is expanding with 300 more acres of skiable terrain. The new East Village is a skiers-only snow paradise (the snowboarders in your group can catch the shuttle to Park City resort next door). Deer Valley is renowned for its alpine luxury accommodation and dining—don’t miss the exquisite seafood buffet at Snowpark Lodge.

Aosta Valley | L'Apogée Courchevel | Gstaad Palace

Aosta Valley, Italy | L’Apogée Courchevel, France | L’Apogée Courchevel, France | Gstaad Palace, Switzerland

Let’s start planning 2025 trips—those unforgettable family holidays and grand getaways are best booked early. Love the Alps? Switzerland’s Crans-Montana Resort is now on the EPIC pass, allowing unrestricted lift access to U.S. and Canadian pass holders. Apres-ski at Le Refuge, the new rooftop patio at Six Senses Crans-Montana for views across the Rhone Valley to the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. 


Or, consider the legendary slopes of St. Moritz and Courchevel for a luxurious winter escape—these alpine destinations are perfect for making next year’s holidays truly extraordinary.

Cozy chalets and vin chaud await—whether it’s a last-minute escape or a big trip next year, warm up your winter with somewhere new.

Holiday Ready

Menorca, Spain

Why Your 2025 Trips Should Be Booked Now

Here’s a tip to ensure your next big trip is everything you’ve dreamed of: don’t wait until January to book!


The start of the new year is one of the busiest times for us travel advisors. By booking now, you’re not only beating the rush but also locking in the best accommodation and experiences before they’re gone. If you’re celebrating a special occasion next year, like a milestone birthday or graduation, let’s get your plans in motion early.


So why not beat the rush? Claim the best rooms in Vietnam’s beach resorts now, the most incredible Maldives overwater bungalow today, or the breathtaking villa in the rolling hills of Umbria that won’t be available soon. If there’s a special birthday or graduation gift of travel on the horizon—that’s something we should plan very soon.

Dream destinations are worth the extra effort. Let us know your plans.

Happy Travels,

The Team at Savored Moments Travel

Yolanda
Yolanda

Yolanda

Jenn
Jenn

Jenn

Kim
Kim

Kim

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