12 Hidden Gems for 2026: Underrated Spots to Visit Before They Go Viral

12. Val d’Orcia — Pienza & Montalcino, Tuscany alternatives

Val d’Orcia’s rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and hilltop villages offer the postcard Tuscan scenery many travelers seek, but the area’s small towns keep things intimate compared with busier cities. Pienza’s Renaissance core and Montalcino’s renowned wineries provide culinary and cultural highlights without the same crowds as Florence. Standout experiences include leisurely wine tastings, slow meals at family-run trattorias, and scenic drives that stop at viewpoints for sunrise or golden-hour light. For North American visitors, renting a car or arranging local transfers gives the most freedom to explore multiple villages and vineyard estates. Traveling in spring or autumn yields comfortable temperatures and harvest-related events. Support local producers by visiting smaller wineries and farm shops; that direct engagement helps preserve the character that keeps these towns feeling like hidden gems.