Lucca

Lucca's wonderfully intact historic district makes it a must-stop on any Tuscan itinerary. The medieval city walls are still there—you can walk or bike on top of the walls. The walls around Lucca, in contrast to other walled cities in Europe, were constructed during the Renaissance, in the 16th century. When the walls were no longer required for defense in the 19th century, they created the ideal promenade. They were built wide to hold heavy cannon, and they were planted with trees to assist maintain the earthwork.

Today, they are among the top attractions in this quaint, little city. There is a lot more to see and do in this area, including an oval plaza encircled by tall buildings that were carved out of the walls of a Roman arena, churches with valuable works of art, Giacomo Puccini's former residence, and some of Tuscany's most stunning Romanesque structures. San Michele in Foro is the leading Romanesque church, and you shouldn't miss climbing the lofty Guinigi Tower, which has a little park at the summit shaded by trees.

• Ticket price: N/A
• Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5
• Opening hours: 12:00 - 21:30 daily
• Distance from Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes
• Website: https://www.visittuscany.com/en/destinations/lucca/