Beautiful Italy destination is ‘more authentic’ than Tuscany with town dubbed ‘mini Rome’

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better time to take a romantic holiday with your lover.

But if you don’t fancy battling through the crowds of or Venice, then this quieter Italian escape could be perfect.

The Lonely Planet has revealed its top 10 alternative places for Valentine’s Day in 2025 and the region of Umbria has made the list for being a greener and more affordable destination than Tuscany.

Nicknamed the ‘green heart of Italy,’ this region is a remarkable mix of rolling hills full of vineyards, olive groves and captivating university towns with bustling old towns and vibrant markets famous for local black truffles.

It has equally quaint hilltop towns and mouthwatering cuisine, with each town boasting its own pasta and dessert , and the region well known for producing legumes and wild mushrooms.

Umbria is also home to a town known as the ‘mini Rome’ due to its incredible Roman ruins and architecture.

Recognised as one of Italy’s largest and best-preserved medieval towns, Gubbio transports visitors back in time with its rich history dating back to 1000 AD.

Despite being the oldest town in Umbria, it’s stunningly well-preserved and home to what was once the second-largest theatre in the Roman Empire.

Built around 20BC during Emperor Augustus’ reign, the ruins of this incredible theatre can be seen on the outskirts of the town.

You can even get a little bit of thrill seeking in this mediaeval town.The town’s “birdcage” cable car, known as the Funivia, is unmissable.

Adventurers can embark upon this vertical journey starting from the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo up high on Monte Inginoa, a location once immortalised by Dante in his writing dating back to the 11th century.

The two-seater cable cars are always moving so hop on quickly and carefully to start your ride down into the heart of the town.