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
This is exactly what I was waiting for, an app that allows you to discover hidden gems in Italy all while skipping queues and avoiding the usual touristy (and overcrowded) places. I did a few of the itineraries and I have to say I would have never found such wonderful and beautifully authentic places without it. The feeling of not having to bother searching the internet for the same old average but heavily advertised place and instead ending up in an unexpected location that only locals know about made me feel very, very grateful. Thank you Unexpected Italy!
Can’t wait to have the opportunity to use the app
OroPau
Having experienced several walking tours with their previous business, Unexpected London, I know they will have poured their heart and soul into this as that’s what they do. Creating something that is easy to navigate, gives anyone that uses it an experience of Italy that they would be hard pushed to have without paying dearly for it and the ability to tailor it to what they enjoy. I also can’t wait until a London version comes out.
Very Well Done!!!!
Savio Los
Considering that this is a startup founded by young entrepreneurs and that this is the first version of the app, a beta version, a great job has been done both in terms of content, brand identity, and user experience!It’s understandable that there aren’t many destinations yet, but I have to say the mapping is very thorough and precise, and the quality of the content is very high. Also, as you can see when selecting a destination, new ones are already on the way.Great job, guys!
Feel like a local
Wanderlust_ita
Great app, very useful for an alternative way of travelling. Makes you feel like a local!
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 0.50.5
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 based, for example, 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
