hidden

If you have already been to Italy and seen the famous triangle (Rome, Florence and Venice), it’s time for you to discover what else Italy could offer to those who have already experienced its main sites.

Take a look at this list, and feel free to call us and ask us about the other areas you heard or read of and that you would like to visit: we will be more than glad to help you discover the hidden treasures of Italy!

Have you ever visited the Italian capital of food, where tortellini and lasagna were first created? Have you ever walked under the famous medieval arches of the 2000 European Capital of Culture? If your answer is no, then you should really visit Bologna, famous for its University, founded in 1088, one of the oldest universities in the world. Centrally located, right between Florence and Venice, lively and rich of medieval history, Bologna is the city where John Grisham’s newest novel takes place. Can you resist this incredible mix of food and culture?

This site in the southern region of Puglia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and it has been declared an International Human Resource by Unesco. Why? Because of the unusual rounded houses with gray, cone-shaped roofs called Trulli. In Alberobello there are approximately a hundred Trulli, some of which date back 5,000 years. The origin of the so-called “White cones of Puglia”, which are whitewashed every year, is still unknown. If you want to discover more about this hidden part of Italy, stop in Puglia and take the chance to experience the mysterious town of the Trulli.

If you have already tasted Barolo, Barbera, Nebbiolo and other famous red wines of Piedmont, now is the time for you to try the Gavi , which is one among the few white wines of the region. While driving on the soft hills of the Gavi area, take a look at the beautiful medieval castles that are all around, and don’t forget to visit the town of Alba. Here you can find the authentic regional gastronomy: the white truffle. This little tuber, worth more than its weight in gold, is the key ingredient of amazing Italian specialties. A curiosity: in 2004, the biggest white truffle in the world (2.4 lb) coming from Alba, was sold for more than $40,000 in a New York auction. After this unique food & wine experience, enjoy some great shopping at the largest European fashion outlet, located just few minutes away from Gavi and Alba, in the town of Serravalle Scrivia.

Are you sure you have already seen everything in Tuscany? Are you aware of the existence of a town on the coast named Viareggio? Worldwide renown for its carnival, held between February and March and one of the most important in Europe, Viareggio is also the heart of Versilia. This wonderful coastline of northern Tuscany has long beaches, renowned seafood restaurants and style. Famous artists such as the poets Percy B. Shelley, his wife Mary, the author of Frankenstein and Lord Byron fell in love with Viareggio and spent time there. Just 3 miles East of Viareggio, you can find Torre del Lago, the motherland of the worldwide renown opera composer Giacomo Puccini (among his masterpieces: La Bohemé, Tosca and Madame Butterfly). Every year in the summer, the town organizes an Opera festival to honor its magnificent citizen. How about extending your Tuscan vacation from Florence and Siena to this interesting and charming coastal town?

There are a few places in the world where you can walk down the streets and feel like you could be witnessing a duel between two knights fighting for the love of a princess. Umbria is one of these places, a mix of culture, religion, events and beauty embedded in a medieval surrounding. This is the region of the religious and artistic town of Assisi, where Saint Francis was born and started his Franciscan order. In this area you can find Orvieto, well known for its beautiful cathedral and its worldwide famous wine. This is also the region of one of the largest lakes in Italy, lake Trasimeno. Another natural water attraction of Umbria is the Cascata delle Marmore, Marmore Falls, considered as the “European Niagara Falls”. For the true romantic travelers, the city of Terni is where Saint Valentine is buried. So if you are planning to visit the core of Italy, allow yourself at least a couple of days to experience this beautiful hidden treasure.