Vicenza, Italy
I have to admit I almost neglected to put this Italian city on my list.

I spent a few nights here and loved it so much I went back for another night in the same year.

Another city in the Veneto region, Vicenza is smaller than Verona.

But I absolutely love it.

Here's why: it felt much more authentic and far less touristy than Venice, which is where I had come from.

All around me I heard Italian - not English or German or Chinese.

I saw Italians on bicycles.

I saw Italians greeting each other.

Then there is the whole Palladio architecture thing to admire.

So many beautiful buildings!

The old town of Vicenza is pretty compact so it's easy to get around.

I highly recommend a couple of days in this under-visited European city.

You'll love it!