My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to Italy this summer. We want to avoid the main cities (Rome, Venice, etc.). We'd be willing to spend a few days in Florence, but are really looking to hit smaller cities, hidden gems, and more unique spots in general. We were thinking about Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera area. Maybe some of wine country, or even willing to consider the lakes region. Does anyone have any suggestions of a good itinerary for 10 days?

The Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera areas are hardly hidden gems. In summer months, they will be absolutely packed. There are places in the lakes region that are somewhat less popular, but you need to tell us what you want to do for 10 days. Relax on water (even a pool)? Enjoy the scenery? Make day/driving trips to other towns?

"Wine country" describes the entire country, so you'll have to be more specific.

http://tinyurl.com/cppexde

Are you willing to rent a car, or do you plan to use only public transportation? Have you been anywhere in Italy on previous trips? Have you booked your flights? If so, where are you flying in and out?

I agree with Jean. If you're looking for unique spots, please describe the way that you want them to be unique.

It doesn't sound like you very enthused about Florence so I would skip it. The same with the Lakes as you don't seem very interested in that area either.

Actually, you don't seem very interested in Italy at all. Perhaps you should choose another country. Slovenia?

If you are willing to rent a car what about Puglia, bologna and the Emilia-Romano, Sicily?

Here are 3 of my favorite hidden gems that would make a nice 10 day trip, but would require a car. Flights would be RT into Milan:

Lago Orta
Alba[ Piemonte wine country]
Camogli[ Ligurian coast]

Do some homework on these---a nice tight itinerary.

Many parts of Italy will be hot and humid in the summer, so if that's an issue for you plan accordingly.

<<hidden gems, and more unique spots in general. We were thinking about Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera area>>

That's a total contradiction, as those places are wildly popular and packed with tourists - not hidden, and not gems.

Maybe you should consider someplace like Sardegna.

I think by now you know your post is a little confusing. Suggest you try again.

We spent 3 days each in Cormons and Asolo and loved it. Small towns, great food, wonderful people. You would, however, need a car. You could also squeeze in Alba or Parma.

We drove around parts of le Marche, late last fall. Ascoli Piceno, Loro Piceno, and Macerata, for example, might be areas for you to consider.

We also loved le marche last year!!!