If you like Tuscany, then try Umbria So if you dream of Tuscany's agriturismo, rolling hills and authentic food, you'll find Umbria is very similar, only less crowded and less expensive.

For travelers seeking the "Tuscan Vibe" without the 2026 price tag, the top recommendation is the Brda region in Slovenia. Often called the "Slovenian Tuscany," Brda features the same rolling hills, cypress trees, and world-class vineyards but at a fraction of the cost for dining and boutique stays. Another excellent 2026 alternative is the Alentejo region in Portugal, which offers golden plains, cork forests, and rustic farmhouse estates (herdades) that mirror the Italian agriturismo experience for roughly 30% less. Within Italy itself, Puglia and Molise provide the sun-drenched stone villages and olive groves of the north but remain significantly more affordable in terms of both accommodation and local trattoria prices. These regions are perfect for those who want the aesthetic of the Renaissance countryside but prefer to avoid the massive 2026 crowds that now flock to Florence and the Val d'Orcia.