If you’re dreaming of a holiday but you don’t want to battle with the crowds, it’s a good idea to think outside of the box. The most famous places are likely to be the ones overrun by tourists, so it’s always best to look for the hidden gems.

According to travel experts at Iglu Cruise’s list of underrated destinations, there’s a gorgeous Italian city that is perfect for a quieter holiday. Rather than struggling through Florence which is packed with people, or narrowly avoiding being pushed into a canal in Venice by a tour group, why not visit the charming city of Turin?

Turin is the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region, and is famous for its elegant cafes and its stunning Alpine backdrop. 

Its Baroque architecture offers Parisian glam without the people – and it’s recently become an award winner.

Turin was named the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism for its sustainability, accessibility and cultural heritage.

If Turin sounds familiar to you, it might be due to the Shroud of Turin – the burial cloth said to have been wrapped around the body of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion.

Although the shroud was found in France, it has been kept in Turin since 1578. The shroud was named after the city. You cannot usually see the shroud itself, as it is kept in a climate controlled environment inside the cathedral – but you can visit the cathedral, and see the sarcophagus 

One of the unmissable things to do in Turin is visit the National Museum of Cinema inside the stunning Mole Antonelliana. Originally built as a synagogue, this building is now thought to be the tallest museum in the world.

A glass lift will take you up it, offering incredible panoramic views of the Alps. Inside, you can explore the museum which has exhibits from the earliest days of cinema. 

If you want to visit this incredible city, you’re in luck.

Ryanair recently launched a new direct flight from John Lennon Airport in Liverpool to TurinThe route will operate once per week, adding to what Ryanair is calling its “robust UK Winter 2025 schedule”. The flight time from Liverpool to Turin is around two hours and 15 minutes, making it a great option for a quick getaway from the UK

Nestled at the foot of the imposing Yorkshire Dales hills sits Richmond, a  charming market town boasting a winding river and a sinister ghost tale hidden within its castle walls.

The River Swale displays a distinctive bronze tint, caused by natural peat tannins as the water cascades over Yorkshire stone.

Flowing through the town to form the picturesque Richmond Falls, the river offers a delightful walking path along pebbly banks beneath overhanging trees.

It’s also ideal for dogs who enjoy a dip. Richmond’s fascinating heritage can be discovered at its Georgian Theatre, which provides comprehensive tours backstage alongside detailed insights into how our ancestors ran this intimate yet enchanting venue.

One Trip Advisor review says: “Lived in Richmond since being a little girl I don’t know how anyone can give the georgian a bad review it is the best theatre in the area.”, reports Yorkshire Live.

“I’ve been in almost every area of the theatre and it is gorgeous I recommend before you watch plays or musicals ect you do the tour then watch them. I have been to a few of the Richmond Operatic Socitey productions and I keep coming back for more!”.

Like many historic theatres, Richmond’s cultural centrepiece has its share of ghostly rumours. Yet the town’s most notorious supernatural legend resides within its spectacular castle.

Visitors can ascend the keep for breathtaking panoramic views over the castle’s grounds and meander along the well-maintained walls of this Norman structure before soaking in the vistas from the serene Cockpit Garden.

However, be on your guard for the Little Drummer Boy, who is said to haunt this castle built by Alan the Red between 1070 and 1086, as per English Heritage.

According to legend, as recounted by Great Castles, secret underground tunnels between the castle and nearby Easby Abbey are home to the ghost of a “drummer boy still playing his drums surfaced after disappearing in the hidden tunnels long ago, never to be seen again”.

The tale unfolds that in the late 18th century, there were concerns that these secret tunnels could compromise the fortress’s security – so the little drummer boy was sent through the tunnel debris to investigate its destination.

The boy was instructed to drum continuously so that soldiers could trace the tunnel’s path above ground, following the sound of his drumming. However, the legend takes a grim turn.

As The Reluctant Explorers reported: “The plan was a success, until they reached Easby Woods, where the sound abruptly stopped. The soldiers’ conclusion? The ill-fated Drummer Boy was eaten by a monster straight from the chasm of Hell. Logical Conclusion. But this is the reason that no attempt was made to recover the poor boy’s remains.”

It is whispered that on a quiet day, his drum beats can still be heard.