In Italy, rientro means “the return.” After August’s long pause when much of the country seems to collectively exhale for Ferragosto (August 15, a national holiday marking the peak of summer vacation), I’ve always loved how unapologetic Italians are during this time. Businesses just hang signs: chiuso. Often times for more than a week. That would never fly in the U.S. Imagine the outrage if your favorite restaurant was just closed for a week's vacation.

Italy boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally and several are within a short distance from Lucca. Check out our list!

At the heart of Italian culture lies "la dolce vita"—the sweet life. Italians find joy in simple pleasures...