A true, intact medieval town, Lucca is one of Italy's largest and oldest cities. Set in the hills of Tuscany, it's less traveled than Florence and makes a charming, quiet base for exploring the region. Surrounded by Renaissance walls, Lucca is full of impressive architecture and colorful old buildings with a round city center called Piazza San Michele. Well-preserved and totally walkable, visitors who head to Lucca often find they'd rather linger in the local town than venture far out into the nearby destinations.
