Most under-rated city breaks in Italy for a long weekend

When you think of a long weekend in Italy, Rome, Milan or Venice may be the first destinations that spring to mind. But the country is full of stunning, historic cities that are just as easy to reach from the UK with direct flights available.

10-time British Travel Awards winner, Travelzoo, bring you their favourite lesser-known locations for an Italian city break.

Palermo

The bustling port of Palermo, Sicily is renowned for its street food and home to stunning architecture, including Palermo Cathedral where you can still see the influences from its time as a mosque. To experience something truly fascinating and macabre, make your way to Capuchin Monastery’s catacombs. There you will find the mummified remains of monks and the aristocracy dating back to the 15th century.

Bari

Situated on the southeast coast, in Puglia, Bari Vecchia (Old Town) is a warren of picturesque lanes filled with opportunities to shop, watch local women make fresh orecchiette in the streets, and enjoy a drink or two. The Basilica di San Nichola is a 12th-century Romanesque church containing tomb of Saint Nicholas – said to inspire the tradition of Father Christmas. Or take a stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade to take in the sublime ocean views.

Pisa

Look beyond the iconic leaning tower on your next trip to Pisa and discover a city full of stunning architecture including the Baptistry of St. John and the Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Head to the Arno River for a more peaceful vibe and cross the river to Piazza della Pera for a coffee, or venture a little further out to woodland trails of the San Rossore natural park.

Bergamo

With the popular city break destination Milan next door, it’s easy to overlook the charming hill-top city of Bergamo. Enjoy a cable car to the upper town for a walk along the 16th and 17th-century Venetian walls, or grab a gelato in Piazza Vecchia. While art enthusiasts can admire the works of Raphael, Botticelli and Rubens at the Accademia Carrara.

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