Lucca, a Tuscan city surrounded by remarkably intact Renaissance walls, offers more than just postcard views. Known for its quiet streets and grand piazzas, Lucca stands apart with its circular street layout, still following the lines of a Roman amphitheater from centuries ago. The walls, now repurposed as a 4-kilometer tree-lined park, are a favorite route for locals and visitors who explore them on foot or by bike, passing old bastions and panoramic viewpoints along the way.

Bergamo, in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is a city of striking contrasts, divided into the historic upper town and the modern lower town. The upper town, perched on a hill and encircled by Venetian walls, offers cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views over the surrounding plains and the distant Alps.

Bar, a coastal town in Montenegro, is known for its scenic beaches and centuries-old landmarks. One of the town’s most significant historical sites is Stari Bar, an ancient fortress settlement set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Rumija.

Set on the Adriatic Sea, Zadar, Croatia, is a major Dalmatia historical center and a tourism magnet. Walk ancient streets, see Roman ruins and enjoy white-sand beaches.

Adara is a small, remote village on Atauro Island in Timor-Leste, known for its quiet charm and deep connection to the sea. Nestled between steep mountain slopes and the turquoise waters of the Wetar Strait, the community lives largely from fishing and small-scale agriculture.