Aren't we all dreaming of discovering the "next Tuscany?" We’re talking wine, a bucolic rolling countryside, olive oil and just a slower pace of life where you know the locals just get it.

We asked luxury travel advisors where they’ve been recently that could be in the running as the “next Tuscany” or at least an amazingly refreshingly authentic destination to try next. Here are five suggestions that fit the bill for all things Tuscany.

The Alentejo, Portugal

Barbara Khan Journeys of Journeys by the Book says the Alentejo always feels like the Tuscany of Portugal when she visits. “Beautiful food and wine. There’s olive oil and cork processing, plus the scenery is gorgeous and there’s an amazing variety of hotels and resorts. And you’ve got Evora, the Roman Temple of Diana right there.”

What: The extensive region of Alentejo, which makes up about a third of Portugal, is set in the southern portion of the country, between the Tagus River and the Algarve. The east borders Spain and the West the Atlantic Ocean.

Getting There: Fly into Lisbon (LIS) and rent a car for an approximately two-hour drive.

Stay: São Lourenço do Barrocal, with its private cottages or guestrooms, is in the heart of an ancient small farming village in Portugal’s foothills of Monsaraz. The 2,000-acre estate was restored to a luxurious hotel and working farm by José António Uva, the eighth generation of the Uva family to have lived on the property.

Amenities: A winery, two farm-to-table restaurants, farm shop with local crafts, and a spa by provide the vacation vibe for guests as do the two outdoor pools.

Immerse: We suggest a walk through the organic vegetable garden and orchard followed by a picnic in the olive groves. Guests can bike through the oaks or stop by the stables to arrange an afternoon of horseback riding.

Cape Winelands in South Africa

Babylonstore, South Africa is a restored Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. Source: Babylonstore

Caroline Brooke Fridley of Five Star Nomad Travel says that Cape Winelands in South Africa, especially Franschhoek, gives her all the Tuscany feelings. “It has the most spectacular winelands in the world – and the opposite best season to Italy for those who want to travel different times of year!”

What: The Cape Winelands region has a Mediterranean climate,  with hot, dry summers are hot and cool, damp winters, with snow on the peaks during August and September. 

Getting There: Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From the airport, major wine regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are located just a 40- to 60-minute drive east, accessible via rental car or private transfer.

Stay: Babylonstore, South Africa is a restored Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. It’s known for its eight-acre garden designed by French architect Patrice Taravella and home to orchards, a healing garden, and the “Succulent and Spice Houses.”

The working farm has 28 traditional guest cottages and the new-build Fynbos cottages overlooking the vineyards. There’s also the exclusive-use Fynbos Family House, which sleeps 10, has a full kitchen and its own pool, available for takeovers.

Immerse: Activities range from guided garden and farm tours to cycling, wine tastings, olive oil sessions, mindful movement classes and time at the Garden Spa with its pool, salt room, hammam and treatment spaces.

Slovenia

Brda is known as Slovenia's "Tuscany." Source: Visit Slovenia

Jill Taylor of Jetset World Travel reports that Slovenia is her new favorite as an option for Tuscany. “It surprises and delights all our clients; it has everything,” she says. “We partner it with Istria for some time on the water.”

What:  Bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia is just a few hours’ drive of major cities like Venice and Vienna.  

Getting There: Slovenia's main gateway is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), abut 16 miles north of the capital. Among just some of the options, travelers can reach Slovenia by train or bus directly from Italy’s Trieste and Venice. The Ljubljana–Trieste rail route takes approximately three hours.
By air,  Venice's Marco Polo and Treviso airports provide a number of international connections. Trieste Airport is just under half an hour from Slovenia and Ljubljana in about an hour and twenty minutes away.

Stay: The Peterc Vineyard Estate in Kojsko, Slovenia has seven rooms and one Michelin Key. It’s set in the region of Brda, dubbed “Slovenia’s Tuscany.” Note: Brda is where the Mediterranean meets the Alps, and it’s also a wine region. The Peterc Vineyard Estate has terraced gardens, olive groves, and 200-year-old vineyards, and a quiet atmosphere. The property, which is an adults-only hotel, is owned and managed by a local husband-and-wife who have an obvious love of food and wine,  art and outdoor living. Rooms have large windows with great views.

Amenities: The hotel has a swimming pool and sun deck, cherry orchards to wander through, and an open-air fire pit (did someone say wine at sunset?).

Immerse: The estate’s bike manager can set up cycling tours with tastings in the surrounding wine country; another option is a private picnic in the vineyards.

Albania’s Berat district

The Berat district of Albania is reminiscent of Tuscany 40 years ago. Source: Shutterstock

The Berat district of Albania offers a landscape reminiscent of Tuscany, says Alberto Dittadi, co-founder and managing director at Leonidas Travel Ltd. “It has rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, but with a far more authentic, untouched feel. It’s what Tuscany might have felt like 40 years ago. It’s not a luxury destination, which brings both its strengths and its limitations,” he advises.

What: Berat County is known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, UNESCO World Heritage status, and the Osum River, which flows through the region’s. Set between rivers and mountains, it’s known for culinary options (think fresh seafood and sweet pastries), cultural attractions and outdoor adventure opportunities. Did we mention the wine tasting that’s available in local vineyards?

Albania, freed just 24 years ago from a Stalinist regime of the Soviet Empire, stands as an authentic bastion of untapped Europe.

Getting There: Fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA). By car, the drive from Tirana (Albania’s capital) to Berat takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours via the SH4. Tour operators such as Ker & Downey, Abercrombie & Kent and Exodus Adventure Travels have programs that visit Berat County.

Immerse: Often called the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat County’s nickname comes from the whitewashed Ottoman houses stacked on hillsides, giving the impression of countless eyes watching over the city. There’s an old town with winding, narrow cobblestone streets opening up to hidden churches, mosques and artisan shops.

Stay: Leonidas Travel has a four-night program focused on Berat and the surrounding area. Accommodations are at Hotel Vila Aleksander, a charming, small hotel in the historic Mangalem quarter of Berat, making it a good base for exploring the UNESCO‑listed old town on foot.

Note: The new-build InterContinental Tirana hotel, set to open in the latter half of 2027, will be a significant opening for Albania’s capital. The 300-room hotel will have meeting space and a spa, plus a rooftop restaurant with great views. It will be in the city’s main Skanderbeg Square, close to key attractions such as the National Historical Museum, Castle of Tirana, Opera House, Art Gallery and the main institutions like the Albanian Parliament, Ministries, National Bank of Albania and Tirana Municipality.

Sardinia, Italy

La Tiara di Cervo opened May 2026 in Sardinia Source: La Tiara di Cervo

David Rosati, global manager of Discover the World, casts his vote as Sardinia is the new frontier of Italy and a viable candidate as the “next Tuscany.”

“It has incredible food and wine a hardly anyone from the USA goes,” he says, although he cautions that could change as Delta launched non-stop service from New York's JFK on May 20.

What: In launching that new service, Delta officials cited the fact that Sardinia has more than just stunning scenery. “Sardinia is one of the world’s five official Blue Zones, where people often live past 100, thanks to a lifestyle that blends good food, active living and strong community ties. It’s a place where history whispers from ancient ruins, coastlines stretch for miles, and every meal feels like a celebration,” according to the airline's officials.

Getting There: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is connected to the main Italian and European destinations with direct flights, alongside a new seasonal Delta Air Lines nonstop from New York JFK to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport

Stay: La Tiara di Cervo opened on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda just this week. The property is set high above Porto Cervo’s marina with 26 Grand Suites, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The Penthouse has 7,700 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Amenities: The resort has pools, yoga classes, a fitness area and in-residence wellness programs. Want to head off property? A courtesy car connects guests to Porto Cervo for everything else.

Immerse: Guests can arrange for a private sailing at sunset, snorkeling  in the archipelago's waters, as well as excursions along one of the Mediterranean's coolest stretches of coastline.

Getting there privately: Those flying in via private aviation will find a helipad within just over half a mile from the property. Private yachts have access to Porto Cervo Marina directly below the hotel.