After my first few trips I have clearly mastered one thing: visiting most popular places is just a waste of time. Because of endless queues, incredibly high prices, lots of people who want to take the notorious Instagram photo and have no idea how to enjoy the moment..
In Rome I was both here and there. Most of all popular and well-known places are tourist traps. And now I am going to tell you about completely different Italy!
Tivoli
The Temple of the Sibyl dating from the II c BC 
Tiny paved streets with coffee and olive aroma 
Villa d’Este and its 100 Fountains behind 
Villa Adriana that was built in the 2nd century A.D.
I was living here for one month. Usually people prefer to spend here one or two days, but precisely in such a small town (30 min from Rome) you will feel the true spirit of Italy. Its people, smiles, tiny roads, hills, smells and caressing sun rays. It is inexplicable and indescribable, but tourist Rome or Naples will never convey the atmosphere that prevails here.
My being in Tivoli now means for me following:
- having coffee and eating local pizza (tastier than in Rome!)
- visiting central market with fresh vegetables, fruits and enchanting flowers
- cooking delicious dinner with my friends (the owners of the house where I lived)
- and surely breathing pure hill air..
Lake Albano
It is is a small volcanic crater lake in the Alban Hills, at the foot of Monte Cavo (about 20 min from Rome). Also there is the summer residence of Pope nearby! You can easily stroll along the quiet shores of the lake, or rent a kayak and take a boat trip, or eat in small restaurants and cafes located around the coast.
Palombara Sabina
This is a small town located in ten minutes by car from Tivoli. Palombara Sabina has a rich history. For example, up to now most of the streets are dead ends, because several centuries ago it played an important role for defensive purposes. While the enemy was trying to reach and grab the castle (Castello Savelli Torlonia), as a rule failure and defeat overtook him!
Now the city is famous for its wine-making and homemade wine tasting fairs (Wine Gardens). During such events housewives serve homemade snacks, meat, fruits and vegetables. It is really delicious and inexpensive compared to prices in tourist traps.
By the way in Palombara Sabina and in Tivoli (and I think in others small cities) you can buy refined, locally created and hand-painted crockery and porcelain souvenirs.
Gaeta
I was amazed! And amused! Honestly! But Gaeta is approximately one hour and 45 minutes drive from Rome to Naples. It’s far enough, but definitely worth it to see this beauty with your own eyes! Be sure to go for a walk to the central park (behind the warship and marina), where a fantastic view of the whole city and a huge rocky cliff will open (you have to climb up to the top about 20 minutes, but it is not so hard)!
All these places are still untouched (or just a little) by tourist’s crowds. There you can find that particular feeling in your soul and mind that Italy may give. Enjoy your unique and weird Rome and other Italian cities! Breathe that air and try that tastes, ground, sounds!