Italy is full of extraordinary destinations often overlooked by travellers seeking authentic experiences. Beyond the iconic landmarks, just a short journey from major cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Turin, Naples, Palermo, and Catania, you can discover medieval villages, serene lakes, historic abbeys, and coastal retreats. These lesser-known gems offer a deeper, more personal view of Italian culture and landscapes.
Rome: Medieval Villages and Coastal Retreats
Rome is renowned worldwide for its ancient monuments, vibrant piazzas, and historical grandeur. Yet, just beyond the city, a world of charm and tranquillity awaits. Calcata perches atop a cliff with narrow streets and artisan studios, while Civita di Bagnoregio, famously called the “dying town,” offers breathtaking views and timeless medieval lanes.
In Tivoli, both Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) and Villa d’Este showcase Renaissance elegance and beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for reflective strolls. Coastal escapes like Ponza and Ventotene offer peaceful retreats, while Isola del Liri surprises with its dramatic waterfalls. Lake Bolsena is ideal for relaxation, and towns like Anagni, the Riviera di Ulisse, Farfa Abbey, Montecassino Abbey, and Santuario di Greccio offer historic and spiritual discoveries. The whimsical Bomarzo Park invites visitors into a surreal world of imaginative sculptures.
For an enriched experience, join the Roman Basilicas and Secret Underground Catacombs on the Appian Way or explore the Jewish Ghetto of Rome with a guided walking tour. The Rome Audioguide allows you to uncover hidden corners at your own pace. Once your plans are set, you can reserve your currency exchange online, securing your rate and collecting cash at one of our Rome locations—a practical and convenient start to your journey.
Florence: Tuscany’s Countryside and Medieval Towns
Florence is a cultural jewel, but the Tuscan countryside around the city offers equally captivating experiences. A short trip takes you to Fiesole, where panoramic views over Florence provide a perfect start to the day. Arezzo and Pistoia delight with quiet squares, medieval towers, and a sense of authentic daily life, while towns like Certaldo, San Miniato, and San Quirico d’Orcia showcase scenic streets, traditional festivals, and picturesque vineyards. Art enthusiasts can visit Vinci and the Leonardo Museum or explore the tranquil ruins of San Galgano Abbey and the Moorish-inspired Sammezzano Castle.
For a guided experience, travellers can join the Medieval Gems of Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni tour or explore The Duomo Complex of Florence and Its Hidden Terraces. A dedicated Florence audioguide allows for flexible exploration, highlighting details that might otherwise go unnoticed. You can also plan ahead to secure your currency at local collection points throughout the city, making purchases in artisan shops and local markets effortless. These options allow travellers to fully enjoy Tuscany’s countryside, combining art, history, and gastronomy in a relaxed, immersive way.
Milan: Canals, lakes, and historic villages
Beyond the urban energy of Milan, the surrounding region is rich with scenic lakes, charming villages, and historical landmarks. Trezzo sull’Adda enchants visitors with its medieval fortress, while Orta San Giulio on the lake is perfect for a reflective stroll. Nearby towns like Cassinetta di Lugagnano, Pavia, Sirmione, Soncino, Desenzano, Vittoriale degli Italiani, Cremona, Mantova, Stresa, and Morimondo Abbey offer a diverse mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences.
Travellers can enjoy a Boat Tour on the Navigli Canals or a Sightseeing Tour featuring da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. The Milan audioguide enhances your understanding of both the city and its surroundings. By reserving your currency online and collecting it at conveniently located collection points across the city, you can enjoy markets, cafés, and cultural sites without worrying about cash, making every excursion smooth and enjoyable.
Turin: Royal Residences and alpine landscapes
Turin combines refined elegance with the natural beauty of the Piedmont region. Majestic sites such as the Venaria Reale Royal Palace, the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, and the Rivoli Castle showcase aristocratic history, while Borromean Islands and Lake Orta, including Orta San Giulio, provide stunning natural vistas. Surrounding towns such as Alba, Asti, Canelli, Usseaux, Susa, Ivrea, Saluzzo, and Vezzolano Abbey reveal medieval streets, vineyards, and authentic local life.
Travellers can complement their visit with the Turin audioguide, while securing currency in advance at our local branches makes spending on food, souvenirs, or transport effortless. This combination of culture, history, and practical planning ensures a fulfilling and relaxed exploration of Turin and its surroundings.
Naples: Coastal wonders and ancient history
Naples and its surrounding areas are full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Procida and Furore offer picturesque coastal charm, while Caserta, the Padula Charterhouse, and the Cimitile Early Christian Basilicas are perfect for history enthusiasts. Nature lovers can explore the Sorrento Peninsula, hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), or visit Palinuro, Sapri, Salerno, Montesarchio, and Sant’Agata de’ Goti for authentic southern Italian experiences.
Enhance your visit with the Pompeii Guided Walking Tour or a Capri Island and Blue Grotto Tour. The Naples audioguide allows you to explore at your own pace. By reserving currency online and picking it up at convenient local offices, travellers can navigate towns, markets, and cafés without concern, enjoying the region fully and comfortably.
Sicily: Palermo and Catania and more
Sicily is a land of contrasts, where history, culture, and landscapes blend seamlessly. Around Palermo, destinations such as Monreale, Cefalù, Bagheria, Erice, Segesta, and Borgo Parrini offer winding streets, Baroque churches, and stunning coastal views. Using a Palermo audioguide allows visitors to explore at their own rhythm.
In eastern Sicily, Catania and surrounding areas like Capo Mulini, Zafferana Etnea, Calatabiano, Bronte, Caltagirone, Simeto Nature Reserve, and Aci Trezza combine volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and rich traditions.
Pre-booking currency and collecting it at local offices in Palermo and Catania makes paying for excursions, markets, and dining simple and convenient. Sicily’s combination of history, coastal beauty, and natural scenery ensures every traveller experiences a journey full of discovery and unforgettable memories.
Plan your Italian adventure with ease
Exploring Italy’s hidden gems is an opportunity to experience the country in a truly authentic way, discovering medieval villages, serene lakes, historic abbeys, and coastal beauty, all just a short journey from the major cities.
By planning ahead, reserving your currency online and collecting it at local agencies, downloading audioguides, and booking curated tours and experiences, you can enjoy every moment fully and comfortably. From Rome to Florence, Milan, Turin, Naples, and Sicily, these practical preparations allow you to focus on what matters most: immersing yourself in the culture, history, and natural charm that make Italy unforgettable.
