Volterra, Italy

Tuscany's medieval hilltop towns are difficult to choose between, and most visitors intend to see more than one. Volterra is a great location to experience local life and take advantage of its top attractions without waiting in line because it is less popular than San Gimignano and some of the other places.

Along with the poetic old stone streets and amiable little squares, you'll find the full range of Tuscan sights, including important Etruscan and Roman ruins, medieval tower houses from the 12th and 13th centuries, Renaissance artwork, and a 19th-century palace adorned in the regional specialty of carved alabaster. It is simple to understand why it is often listed as one of Europe's best old cities. More recently Volterra gained a dose of modern international fame as the fictional home of the “Volturi”, from Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series of vampire books and films. From the tower of the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori is a great view over the rooftops and the rolling Valdicecina countryside beyond.