Italian Road Trip / Base City

I'm looking to spend June and July on the mainland Italy. Will be based in Ischia with some side trips for all of May so don't need coast but always nice. Was thinking about road tripping around the South or North but would prefer to base in one place for a month then do day and weekend trips from there. What would be a great base city? Literally open to anywhere! Especially interested in food, art, history, and hiking - initially was thinking somewhere farther north- anywhere in Emilio Romagno, Tuscany, Dolomites + Umbria or somewhere else. Also open to South as I'm interested in less crowds - Maratea, Matera, Puglia, Calabria. ANY guidance is helpful! thank you!!