Beautiful, historic cities

Many will be familiar with the Florence, Pisa or Siena and their surrounding Tuscan villages. However less-famous cities are equally lovely, with their own characters and history, and often less busy. All are within 90 minutes' drive or train from Lerici.

Parma

Lucca

Genoa

The capital of Liguria and a great maritime republic for 700 years. A major commercial port and economic hub, the historical centre unravels through the enchanting caruggi, the narrow alleys lined by the high outer walls of the houses.

The palaces, villas, parks and fortresses tell of the charm of the ancient maritime republic. The harbour itself has historic attractions and an excellent aquarium.

Renaissance-era walled city in traditional Tuscan style, situated at the foot of the Apuan Alps. Located on the pilgrim route to Rome, the city grew within its fortifications and offers many places to relax in Tuscan style.

Birthplace of Puccini, Lucca offers regular opportunities to enjoy opera, museums and other cultural exhibits, including many festivals and concerts.

Famous for its cheese and ham, Parma is a university city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Agricultural wealth from the surrounding plains of the River Po built the city, and the food remains world-famous.

Romanesque buildings, including the frescoed Parma Cathedral and the pink marble Baptistery, grace the city center. Classical concerts take place at the Teatro Regio, a 19th-century opera house. The Galleria Nazionale, inside the imposing Palazzo della Pilotta, displays works by painters Correggio and Canaletto.