Livorno

Wandering into Bolgheri for a wine tasting is like stumbling upon a velvet-lined rock concert for grape lovers-legendary headliners include Sassicaia and Ornellaia, two bottles that wine aficionados mutter about reverentially, as if whispered too loudly the bottles themselves might blush. Nestled along Tuscany's Etruscan Coast, Bolgheri was once the rebellious teenager of Italy's wine scene, audaciously planting French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon alongside proud, indigenous grapes. Flash-forward a few decades, and this audacity has blossomed into epic bottles praised and coveted worldwide. For optimal sipping ambience, arrive in late afternoon, just as the Tuscan light softens and turns russet, and book at least a week or two ahead-such liquid alchemy attracts thirsty pilgrims. Budget generously, because tasting wines that rake in triple-digit scores isn't exactly budget backpacking, but considering you're drinking history, treat it like tickets to your favorite band's farewell tour: splurge a bit. Come armed with humility, sunnies, and a notebook for poetic tasting notes-or irreverent doodles. But whether you're a sommelier-in-training or just love the way "Super Tuscan" rolls off your tongue, tasting wine in Bolgheri is worth it simply for bragging rights-and the right to casually name-drop Sassicaia at future dinner parties, forever cementing your reputation as the worldly rogue whose stories, inevitably, come with hints of blackberry, oak, and just a touch of mischief.

In a country famously full of crumbling walls and collapsing empires, Lucca had the good sense-and, perhaps, good fortune-to keep theirs intact, turning this Renaissance fortification into Italy's most charming elevated promenade. Built during the 16th and 17th centuries, not so much to repel invading barbarians as to politely discourage meddling Florentines, Lucca's walls have witnessed enough intrigue, scandal, and whispered secrets to make Machiavelli blush. Today they're less about warfare and more about gently strolling pensioners, joggers in neon Lycra, and locals pedaling rust-dappled bicycles while clutching fresh pastries. Aim for morning or golden-hour sunset, when light filters through plane trees, and the city below is bathed in a magical Tuscan glow. Budget exactly zero euros-though plan to drop a few on espresso and pistachio gelato at one of the cozy cafes near Porta Santa Maria. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and healthy skepticism toward any advice promising "Italy without tourists" (although Lucca gets refreshingly close). It's a small town, but give yourself at least half a day to amble and explore every quirky nook and cranny atop the 4-kilometer loop. Walk these walls not just because they're picturesque or historically fascinating-though they're certainly both-but because even the most jaded traveler might find their cynicism wobbling atop a 400-year-old rampart, gelato dripping down their fingers, staring out at terracotta rooftops and realizing that, yes, some places really do live up to the hype.

Picture yourself catching the salty spray aboard a boat gently cutting across the shimmering blue of Tuscany's underrated Etruscan Coast-a stretch once ruled by ancient wine-loving, pleasure-seeking, pirate-fearing peoples whose idea of a good time probably also involved plenty of lounging in the sun. Setting sail from the picturesque Port Area early in the day-before tourists descend en masse and the sun becomes a scorching Tuscan furnace-is key. Book at least a week or two in advance, and budget roughly €100-€150 per person, depending on how upmarket or minimalist your nautical ambitions. Pack essentials: sunscreen (you're not Italian yet), sunglasses (the bigger, the better-think Sophia Loren), and a chilled bottle of Vermentino to toast the rugged coastline dotted with cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and water so vividly clear it seems Photoshopped. Sure, you could spend the day sipping Aperol spritzes in Porto's cafes, but being gently rocked by Mediterranean waves along a coastline steeped in Etruscan mystery and pirate lore beats cafe-hopping any day. Trust me-years from now, you'll recount this journey fondly, conveniently leaving out the bit when you nearly capsized trying to achieve the perfect Instagram shot.

If your idea of relaxation involves steeping yourself gently in steamy, sulfur-scented waters while overlooking a landscape straight out of a Renaissance painting, Saturnia's thermal baths will welcome you like a luxurious, if slightly eggy, embrace. These bubbling Tuscan springs have been seducing weary travelers since Etruscan times-yes, even ancient Romans liked a good soak and gossip session. Arrive at the Cascate del Mulino before sunrise, when mist ghosting over turquoise pools creates a scene so ethereal you'll half expect Botticelli's Venus herself to float by on a shell (though, admittedly, she'd probably opt out due to the selfie-taking tourists). Show up early-seriously, beat the tour buses-and don't hesitate to pack extra towels, sturdy sandals, and snacks to nibble post-soak as you lounge smugly, glowing from your mineral makeover. Budget nothing, because these heavenly hot tubs are deliciously (and remarkably) free-though a few euros for espresso afterward never hurt anyone. Sure, you'll leave smelling slightly volcanic and probably with soggy swimwear, but how many times do you get to declare, with feigned casualness at future dinner parties, "Oh, Tuscany? Yes, I soaked no fewer than four hours in its therapeutic sulfur springs."