Under $100: Lucca, Italy

The little well-known, but charming town of Lucca is ideal for travelers seeking an easy daytrip from Florence.

Soak in views of the Tuscan countryside during the one-hour and 20-minute bus ride from Florence into the heart of Lucca for less than $10 each way. You will step off the bus inside preserved Renaissance-era walls and on to the cobblestone streets of the fortress city. Lucca is a picturesque Tuscan town, and feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

The vibe in Lucca is relaxed and laid-back, and retains an authentic Italian feel. The best way to get an overview of the city is by renting bikes for the day. Cicli Rai Bike Rental staff speak English well and offer bikes for around $17 per day. Start by leisurely pedaling along the top of the walls and then meander through the narrow stone streets, public squares and tree-lined pathways of Lucca.

When it’s time for lunch, make your merry way to Pizzeria Dal Ciacca for some of the best pizza in town. As soon as your enter the delightful red-and-green interior your mouth may start to water at the freshly made pizza pies on display. A small pizza will be more than enough to feed an empty stomach, and runs $5–8. I recommend getting the pizza “portare via” or “takeaway” and eating it picnic-style on the grassy upper walls of the city.

It’s not a day well spent in Italy without gelato! The family-owned Gelateria Paniko whips up fresh gelato daily in house for around $4 per serving. While they offer some crowd-pleasing, delicious flavors like cheesecake, Nutella and stracciatella, the original flavors are where they really shine. The chocolate-cream mango and apple pie flavors will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Order a triple scoop, sit on a outdoor bench and savor the treat while you listen to the old bell tower chime. Bliss, Italian style.