The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s (and the world’s) most recognisable landmarks—but the tilt that made it famous wasn’t part of the plan. Construction started in the 12th century, and the soft ground caused it to lean almost from the beginning. Up close, it’s oddly striking, almost like a lopsided wedding cake, and yes, you can still climb it.

This masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture is most famous for what it’s missing—a roof. The abbey was built in the late 1100s and has been a dramatic-looking ruin for centuries. It’s open to the sky now, but still feels grand in a stripped-back kind of way. Just up the hill, the Rotonda di Montesiepi is worth a quick stop too—inside you’ll find a sword embedded in stone, tied to the story of Saint Galgano.

Ho'opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill has been in the Haraguchi Family for six generations. It offers weekly public tours of both the rice mill and taro fields, which explore the rich history of the farm and the family running it.

Gulangyu Island, just a quick five-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, is a living museum of 19th-century trade and culture. Once a hub for merchants and diplomats, it became home to grand mansions built by Chinese and foreign traders taking advantage of Xiamen’s open port status. The island’s car-free streets are a joy to wander, weaving through colonial-style villas, leafy gardens, and striking architecture that blends European and Chinese influences. Ferries can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking your ticket two to three days in advance is a smart move. Once you’re there, take your time exploring the quieter corners, enjoying the local seafood, or visiting attractions like the Piano Museum or Sunlight Rock for panoramic views.