Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy)

In a river valley hemmed by parallel mountain ranges (the Alpi Apuane and Apennines) this isolated region of northwest Tuscany feels cut off from the rest of the world. Cobblestoned pedestrian-only streets meander through many of Garfagnana’s small hilltop villages. Farmers and artisans, some of whom have never travelled farther than the next village, carry on age-old family traditions to produce pecorino cheese and chestnut flower honey. Although they’re producing renowned Tuscan specialties, many of these locals don’t have cell phones, web sites, or even signs on their farms, says Erica Jarman, director of Sapori & Saperi Adventures, a local gastronomic tour operator. This place that time forgot is only an hour from Pisa and 90 minutes from Florence.