One of the most beautiful historic cities in the world, Lucca has existed as a Latin colony since approximately 180 AD. The city's Roman origins and rich history are recorded in its ancient architecture, which is encased within the city's 4km long medieval walls. Today the walls help to limit car access to the historic centre and serve as a park to the city: here you can walk, cycle, jog or roller blade undisturbed by cars in the shade of trees which were first planted by Napoleon after the city was conquered. Protected by these defences are Lucca's defining medieval buildings, the most well known landmarks are:

The Duomo of San Martino: Lucca's Cathedral dates back to the 6th century, and was rebuilt in a Romanesque style in the 11th century. The cathedral is home to the Volto Santo di Lucca (the holy face of Lucca), a crucifix with the perfect impressions of the facial image on Veronica's veil. Also residing within the Duomo is the spectacular marble sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto.

The Church of San Michele: A beautiful church with an important marble facade built between the 11th and 14th centuries. A statue of the archangel San Michele sits at the top of the Romanesque facade.

Beside the original medieval architecture, Lucca offers beautiful botanic gardens, antique shops and several museums such as the Villa Giunigi National Museum (home of artworks and local artifacts from prehistoric time to the 17th century) and the Puccini House Museum (boasting Puccini memorabilia such as his piano and musical scores). The cities historical wealth provides plenty of education, and wandering the beautiful streets is a perfect way to absorb Tuscany's culture.

Further afield there are the historic cities of Florence, Pisa, Pistoia to visit along with the charming seaside villages of Cinque Terre and the artists' village of Pietrasanta close to the famous marble town of Carrara.

There are the national parks of the Apennine and Apuan mountains with hiking, horse riding, fishing and skiing on offer in the ski resort of Abetone, an hour from Lucca.