Discover 6 Italy Hidden Gems That Make the Amalfi Coast Optional
Italy draws millions each summer, but some of its most rewarding destinations lie just beyond the usual mainstays.
Getting there often means juggling flight and train schedules across too many browser tabs. However, leading multi-modal travel platform Omio has quietly introduced a new way to reach smaller Italian towns by linking flights with onward trains in a single booking.
These connected journeys make lesser-known destinations more accessible than ever. From vineyard towns in Tuscany to cliffside villages in Liguria, here are six Italian spots worth adding to your summer itinerary, along with how to reach them without the usual planning headache – exclusively on Omio.
Varenna, Lombardy
Set on the quieter side of Lake Como, Varenna offers postcard views and classic lakefront charm. Its scenic promenade, medieval alleys and relaxed pace make it one of Italy’s most inviting small towns.
How to get there: Fly into Milan, then take the train with a smooth connection in Lecco – booked as one journey on Omio.
Lucca, Tuscany
Encircled by Renaissance-era walls, Lucca’s cobbled streets, Romanesque churches and tower views make it a favourite among in-the-know travellers. It’s Tuscany, but slower.
How to get there: Fly into Florence for a direct train, or into Rome with a connection in Pisa – all in a single Omio booking.
Orvieto, Umbria
Dramatically perched on a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is known for its striking Gothic cathedral, underground tunnels and sweeping countryside views.
How to get there: Fly into Rome, then take a direct train to Orvieto – easily booked together via Omio.
Castel Gandolfo, Lazio
Overlooking Lake Albano, this hillside town combines papal history with lakeside tranquillity. Once the Pope’s summer retreat, today it’s a peaceful spot with views, villas and just the right amount of quiet.
How to get there: Fly into Rome, then take a direct train to Castel Gandolfo – connected on Omio.
Manarola, Liguria (Cinque Terre)
One of Cinque Terre’s most photogenic villages, Manarola is all sea views, cliffside homes and coastal trails. A car-free zone worth the effort.
How to get there: Fly into Genova, then take the train with a connection in La Spezia or Levanto – available as a single journey on Omio.
Monopoli, Puglia
A working harbour with whitewashed streets and hidden coves, Monopoli is southern Italy at its most authentic, laid-back, local and made for slow days.
How to get there: Fly into Bari, then take a direct train to Monopoli, booked seamlessly with Omio.
“Travellers today are seeking more meaningful journeys, so we need to continually innovate and challenge the status quo,” says Veronica DiQuattro, President B2C and Supply Europe at Omio. “Our exclusive Flight and Train combinations are designed to make multi-modal trips easier and smarter. We bring together different transportation modes into one seamless experience, so travellers can sit back and savour the journey as much as the destination.”
With thousands of multimodal transport options across Europe, North America and Southeast Asia, customer support in multiple languages, 33 currencies and 32 languages, and 80,000 tickets sold per day, Omio continues to radically redefine how people travel and help them elevate their journeys.
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