Italy without the crowds: Cesena

Cesena, in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna, is ideal for visitors who wish to avoid the hordes of tourists that overwhelm cities such as Venice and Florence.
 
The best way to appreciate this atmospheric town is to stroll through its cobbled streets, sip cappuccino in a cafe and people-watch.

Shopping is one of the town’s main draws. Clients can start with the market in the main piazza, while those with deeper pockets can move on to browse the independent boutiques.

It’s hard to find a bad meal in Cesena, but particularly worth a visit is the Quel Castillo di Diegaro restaurant, which has a stunning setting up in the hills.

Make sure your clients don’t miss out on piedina, a traditional flat bread filled with prosciutto and mozzarella which is a speciality in the region.

In terms of sightseeing, the Biblioteca Malatestiana, a perfectly preserved monastic library with books dating from the 15th century. The picturesque seaside town of Cesenatico is about an hour’s drive away for those wanting to spend a day on the beach.

Cesena’s hotels are quaint and charming rather than large or luxurious. The four-star Hotel Casali is a friendly, good value option, a 10-minute walk from the town centre.

Sample product: Typically Italian offers three nights at a four-star hotel and BA flights from Gatwick to Bologna from £359. 01733 315522