The "city of the beautiful towers" rises up from Tuscany's Elsa Valley like a medieval dreamscape. Once an Etruscan settlement, it became a town in the 10th century and in its heyday boasted 72 towers. Stroll among the 14 remaining towers, taking in the fresco-covered Collegiate Church and the Civic Museum at the Duomo square, as well as the views from the top of 177-foot Torre Grossa. For a less touristy look, spend the night and enjoy the town without the day-tripping hordes from Florence.