Novara

Novara might not be on every tourist's radar, but that's exactly what makes it special. This Piedmontese city feels like a well-kept secret where you can hear Italian spoken without tourist crowds, where the scent of risotto alla novarese wafts from trattoria kitchens, and where the brick-red dome of the Basilica of San Gaudenzio watches over quiet cobblestone streets. For a couple seeking authentic Italian culture and food, Novara offers intimate discoveries around every corner. You'll find Renaissance courtyards hidden behind unassuming facades, local markets where vendors know their customers by name, and wine bars serving robust Nebbiolo from nearby vineyards. This is Italy without the performance, where you can take your time admiring frescoes, lingering over espresso, and simply enjoying each other's company in a city that moves at its own gentle pace.