FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
Wherever Awards

5 Italian Towns for Charm without Crowds

by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

Mar 30, 2023

© Elena Korsukova | Dreamstime.com

Destinations / Europe

Italy is so full of iconic sights — the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Uffizi, St Mark’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica — that it’s easy to focus on trying to see them all. But it would be a shame for your family to travel through Italy without taking time off from the must-see attractions to enjoy the pleasures of the country’s charming small cities.

 

Lucca
Between Florence and Pisa, Medieval Lucca is enclosed by walls so thick the top is lined by trees and a place to stroll or ride a bicycle. Trees also grow on top of the tall Guinigi Tower, from which you can look down onto an oval piazza formed inside a ring of houses built into the walls of a Roman arena. Choose a café in the piazza and enjoy the dolce far niente (sweetness of doing nothing) of an Italian evening.

 

Bergamo
Between Milan and Verona, Bergamo has two centers: the medieval hilltop Citta Alta and the newer town below. Choose the upper, riding the funicular to the top and exploring the narrow, stone-paved lanes. Without the people in 21st-century dress, the scene could be from the Middle Ages. Claim a shaded table in Piazza Vecchia and admire the 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione’s stone staircase and lion fountain.

 

Conegliano
If Bergamo speaks of the Middle Ages, Conegliano is pure Renaissance, with its arcaded streets lined by 15th-century palaces and churches. Follow the cobblestone path to the castle crowning the hilltop and stay to watch the sunset from its restaurant.

 

Treviso
A short train ride from Conegliano and equally close to Venice, Treviso has no grand sights you must see. Unless, of course, you’d like to see some outstanding 14th-century frescoes. Stroll along the picturesque canal, join locals browsing through the market and follow the Venetian walls encircling the town. Be sure to sample some tiramisu, thought to have been invented here.

 

Lecce
At the heel of Italy’s boot, Lecce is a Baroque masterpiece too far off the main tourist routes to be noticed. The churches and palaces are pure eye-candy, covered in a froth of intricate carvings in honey-colored limestone. Stop at a street stand for a panzerotto, similar to a mini fried calzone, to munch on as you admire the architecture.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Hotels
Apr 17, 2025

Orlando World Center Marriott Announces New Family-Focused Offerings

Family travelers, these recent announcements from Orlando World Center Marriott are designed with you in mind. Following its success in 2024, the hotel continues its partnership with Mermaid Elle and her friends to host a Mermaid & Glow Party on select nights at Falls Pool. Here, mermaids splash and swim around the lagoon for meet-and-greets alongside live music, glowing pool inflatables, bubble machines and dance activities — all led by the resort’s recreation team.

Madrid: A Destination for All Ages

However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!

Hotels
Apr 14, 2025

Have a Family Spring Escape in Napa Valley at The Meritage

Napa Valley isn’t just for wine lovers; family travelers will be delighted to find out there is plenty for them to experience, as well. The Meritage Resort and Spa leads that charge by offering experiences the whole family will enjoy every Saturday in April.

Hotels
Apr 14, 2025

Beaches Resorts Announces Nearly $1 Billion in Expansion Plans

Family travelers have reason to celebrate: Family all-inclusive vacation brand Beaches recently announced plans to invest almost $1 billion in expansion in the next five years. New destinations for Beaches locations include Barbados; Exuma, The Bahamas; Jamaica; and Turks and Caicos.

Multigenerational
Apr 11, 2025

Sea Island, The Broadmoor and Windstar Cruises Launch Honeymoon Package

Start your new life as family travelers with this new collaboration from Sea Island, The Broadmoor and Windstar Cruises. Couples who celebrate their wedding at either Sea Island or The Broadmoor have the unique chance to take advantage of significant savings on a seven-night, all-inclusive honeymoon cruise to the islands of French Polynesia with Windstar.

Kids
Apr 11, 2025

Coachella, But Make It Kid-Sized at LEGO Festival in California

Upcoming Coachella weekends might not be on family travelers' radars, but LEGOLAND California is making sure all feel included with its first-ever LEGO Festival, offering California visitors and locals a kid-friendly alternative to Coachella. Little travelers can expect as much excitement, fun and entertainment as a real music festival.