Tucked away in the far south of the country, in sun-soaked Puglia, Lecce is often referred to as the “Florence of the South”. It’s a city that captivates with its history and strong local identity. Baroque façades glowing in warm golden tones, intimate squares scented with morning espresso, and the close proximity of the dreamy Salento beaches make Lecce an ideal destination for those craving the true spirit of southern Italy without the heavy crowds that now define much of the region. 

For a completely different, yet equally compelling experience, there’s Trieste. Sitting on the edge of the Adriatic, this city has never fully embraced mass tourism and that may be exactly why it has preserved its unique blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Mediterranean influences. Wide-open squares, grand palaces and seaside promenades create an atmosphere that invites you to slow down, settle in for a coffee and simply watch the world go by. Trieste is perfect for a city break where you actually get to unwind. 

Food lovers, in particular, will fall for Bologna, the gastronomic heart of Italy. While popular with students and culinary enthusiasts, it has largely escaped the overwhelming tourist crowds, which is very much part of its charm. Bologna is a city made for wandering beneath its endless arcades, indulging in extraordinary food and soaking up the soul of a place with nearly 3,000 years of history. 

And there’s good news for travellers, too. Getting to all of these destinations is now even easier. Aircash has expanded its partnership with FlixBus to the Italian market, allowing users in Italy to search for, book and pay for bus tickets directly through the Aircash app.