Turn your trip to Italy into something truly unexpected and meaningful.
Download the Unexpected Italy app and explore the country like a local, with curated digital guides that connect you to authentic people, places, and traditions while supporting ethical, sustainable businesses.
From handpicked artisans and producers to local eateries, accommodations, and one-of-a-kind outdoor routes, everything inside the app is recommended by locals, and trusted by travellers.
Whether you're hiking across natural trails, cycling through scenic routes, or tasting your way through a new region, Unexpected Italy helps you dive deeper, go slower, and travel better.
** KEY FEATURES **
PERSONALIZED EXPLORATION
Discover lesser-known destinations matched to your passions as well as exploring iconic cities through their most authentic and off the beaten path routes, avoiding tourist traps and supporting true local businesses.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IN YOUR POCKET
Uncover the real stories behind each place with rich cultural insights, curious anecdotes, and seasonal recommendations that only locals know.
NO MIDDLEMEN. JUST PEOPLE.
Contact hosts directly - whether they’re artisans, producers, hosts or chefs - and make sure 100% of what you spend goes to the people who welcome you.
CURATED ITINERARIES
Save time and avoid guesswork with thematic routes built around your interests - from slow food to cycling, from crafts to natural parks, filtered by area, weather, and passions.
SEASONAL FOOD & WINE GUIDE
Forget tourist menus. Taste what locals eat. Our province-by-province culinary guide helps you know what’s in season, what to order, where to try it, and the stories behind each traditional dish and wine.
“Unexpected Italy is the Italian antidote to overtourism.”
— The Guardian
Download the app now and let it be your pocket-sized local companion throughout your journey - helping you avoid tourist traps, discover meaningful experiences, and support the communities that make Italy so unexpectedly rich.
Terms & Conditions: https://unexpected-italy.com/terms-and-conditions
Privacy Policy: https://unexpected-italy.com/privacy-policy
Overtourism has been defined as ”impact of tourism on a destination or parts thereof that excessively influences the perceived quality of life of citizens and the quality of visitor experiences.” Having lived in Italy for the past several years, I have seen how overtourism displeases both residents and tourists. So when I discovered Unexpected Italy on Instagram, I immediately downloaded the app to discover some authentic artisans and businesses to support when I travel around my chosen host country. I was thoroughly impressed with Savio who reached out to me directly when a business failed to respond after I had sent an inquiry to them via the app. Unexpected Italy is easy to navigate and the people behind it are clearly passionate about sustainable tourism and providing unique experiences.
TWO PEOPLE SAVING ITALY!
Jen Sue Lee
Savio and Elisabetta became good friends after I attended 3 of their London tours. Savio is a native Italian from Puglia and Elisabetta grew up in the north with an Italian father and British mother. They have a deep love for preserving the unique history and culture of Italy by discovering its quiet talent of artisans, pasta makers, cheese specialists, craftspeople etc. Italy is at risk of losing its identity with over tourism that invades the towns and cities in masses. This way of seeing Italy is ultimately disappointing for the visitor as well as the locals who see hordes of tourists ruining their country. Enter Unexpected Italy! They’ve traveled to every corner of Italy to discover all the individuals who make this country so lovable. And now they have an app to share their discoveries with visitors who long for a unique experience. We are all so fortunate to benefit from these amazing treasures!
Come as a guest, leave as a local with Unexpected Italy. We consistently work on updates and enhancements to make your experience with the app even better.
Version 0.34.2
The developer, Unexpected Italy, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
Contact Info
Identifiers
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
