Piazza dei Signori, Treviso

Lonely PlanetSep 28

8 Alternatives to Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Treviso instead of Venice? Lerici instead of Cinque Terre? Explore these neighboring cities that take their own twist on Italy

Dramatic piazza.

20 things in this story

Piazza dei SignoriSightDramatic piazza.
Chiesa di San NicolòPlace of worshipFrescoed and bomb-scarred Gothic church, first built 13th century.
DuomoSightImposing cathedral.
Museo Collezione SalceMuseumFascinating collection of advertising materials.
Museo Luigi BailoMuseum
Elsewhere
Piazza dell’AnfiteatroSightLucca, ItalyRetained elliptical shape of Roman amphitheater.
Cattedrale di San MartinoPlace of worshipLucca, ItalyBuilt between 13th-15th centuries, home to Volto Santo.
Lago d’IseoSightIseo, ItalyLake with Alps backdrop, rich in outdoor opportunities.
Monte IsolaNeighborhoodIseo, ItalyIsland rising out of Lago d’Iseo's center.
FranciacortaNeighborhoodIseo, ItalyWine region producing prestigious sparkling wine.
San TerenzoNeighborhoodLerici, ItalyVillage at Lerici's northern end with waterfront walk.
San Giorgio castleSightLerici, ItalyLooks down on Lerici's main piazza and out to sea.
La CalettaRestaurantLerici, ItalySmall cove fringed by pretty sands, beyond the castle.
Chiesa di San BartolomeoPlace of worshipScicli, ItalyFuses late Baroque and neoclassical styles.
ChiafuraSightScicli, ItalyCave-dwelling complex occupied until the 1950s.
A Rutta ri Ron CarmeloMuseumScicli, ItalyFormer cave dwelling turned museum.
DonnalucataNeighborhoodScicli, ItalyBeach town near Scicli.
SampieriNeighborhoodScicli, ItalyBeach town near Scicli, 10 minutes away.
ModicaNeighborhoodScicli, ItalyNearby town known for its chocolate.
Palazzo BeneventanoSightScicli, Italy

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National GeographicSep 28

6 of the Best Bike Trails in Europe

Across the continent, rail-trail conversions and other greenways offer travelers a way to slow down and immerse themselves in cobblestone squares, historic cathedrals, and other wonders.

Square lined with frescoed palaces.

25 things in this story

Piazza dei SignoriSightSquare lined with frescoed palaces.
Treviso-Ostiglia Cycle RouteTrail68-mile path along a former state-run military railway.
Via CalmaggioreNeighborhoodArcaded thoroughfare bearing traces of an ancient Roman road.
Elsewhere
Carrilet I GreenwayTrailOlot, Spain37-mile path follows a former narrow-gauge railway.
Museu dels VolcansMuseumOlot, SpainLearn details about the region’s geology.
La XiquellaRestaurantSant Esteve d’en Bas, SpainSample scrumptious cheeses at this artisan dairy.
Girona’s Medieval QuarterNeighborhoodGirona, SpainStroll along the city wall for a lovely view.
Southern Burgundy GreenwayTrailChalon-sur-Saone, France47-mile greenway meanders through woodlands and pastures.
Nicéphore Niépce MuseumMuseumChalon-sur-Saone, FranceThousands of cameras and images on display.
Chateau de CormatinAttractionCormatin, France17th-century chateau ringed by a moat and gardens.
Cluny AbbeyMuseumCluny, FranceRemains of a Benedictine monastery; one bell tower stands.
Esplanade LamartineNeighborhoodMacon, FranceCafe-lined promenade fronting the Saone River.
KlaralvsbananTrailKarlstad, Sweden56-mile route along an embankment of a former railway.
Sandgrund Lars LerinMuseumKarlstad, SwedenArt gallery filled with massive watercolors.
Gamla KraftstationenMuseumUddeholm, SwedenContemporary art and a tranquil garden with coffee.
Edeby Nature ReserveSightUddeholm, SwedenPlacid wetland with rich birdlife.
RAVeL 38 and 39TrailLiege, Belgium31 miles through Pays de Herve on disused railway corridors.
Three Borders towerSightGemmenich, BelgiumObservation deck for panoramic views of fertile countryside.
Aubel Artisan Syrup FactoryRestaurantAubel, BelgiumSample handcrafted apple syrup.
Le Herve du Vieux MoulinRestaurantBattice, BelgiumNoted fromagerie selling signature pungent Herve cheese.
Rotonda di BadoereSightBadoere, Italy17th-century colonnaded square with cafes.
Ca’ MarcelloSightMeolo, ItalyGrand Palladian-style villa.
Villa ContariniSightMira, ItalyLuxurious property surrounded by an expansive park.
Danube Cycle PathTrailPassau, GermanyRoute follows the Danube for more than 1700 miles.
St. Stephen’s CathedralPlace of worshipPassau, GermanyHome to the world’s largest church organ.

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Lonely PlanetSep 20

A Guide to Veneto, Italy

Inland from Venice, the Veneto blends Renaissance cities, vine-growing villages and the rugged mountains of the Dolomites. Here

main square in Treviso

19 things in this story

Piazza dei SignoriSightmain square in Treviso
Palazzo dei TrecentoAttractionbuilding behind Piazza dei Signori
Fontana delle TetteSightfountain whose breasts once spouted wine
Piazza San VitoSightlocation of a photogenic bridge
Elsewhere
Cappella degli ScrovegniMuseumPadua, Italyfresco-covered interior rivals the Vatican's Sistine Chapel
DolomitesSightCortina d'Ampezzo, Italyjagged peaks offering world-class wine regions and hiking
ValpolicellaNeighborhoodVerona, ItalyThe hilly agricultural and marble-quarrying region of small holdings north of the Adige is famous for wine production.
veneto.euPlaceVeneto, ItalyVeneto's own tourism site for trip inspiration
TrenitaliaPlaceVeneto, Italytrain services run from across Italy to Veneto cities
Orto BotanicoGardenPadua, Italyworld's first formal botanical garden, planted in 1545
Palazzo Mantua BenavidesHotelPadua, Italy16th-century oasis functioning as an elegant heritage hotel
CRAK BreweryRestaurantPadua, Italytaproom for sampling local craft brews
Anello dei Colli EuganeiTrailMonselice, Italy63km-long cycling route from Monselice to Lozzo Atestino
Complesso Monumentale Rocca di MonseliceSightMonselice, Italymedieval towers and 16th-century Venetian embellishments
Castello Carrarese di EsteSightEste, Italyrobust walls remain of a formidable castle raised in 1050
Museo Nazionale AtestinoMuseumEste, Italyexplore the town's rich history
Prosecco CountryNeighborhoodVeneto, Italy
Colli EuganeiNeighborhoodPadua, Italy
Prosecco HillsNeighborhoodConegliano, Italy

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Piazza dei Signori

In the coverage3 stories

8 Alternatives to Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

6 of the Best Bike Trails in Europe

A Guide to Veneto, Italy