TV host and best-selling travel guidebook author Rick Steves openly expresses his deep appreciation for Italy. It's actually his all-time favorite country in Europe. While his favorite Tuscan escape is Volterra, the most underrated hill town in Italy, Steves is also fond of the popular San Gimignano.

On his website, he describes the enchanting San Gimignano as the "epitome of a Tuscan hill town" that deserves a spot on your Italian itinerary. Although the destination will probably be filled with other tourists, Steves acknowledges the unmatched beauty of its historic buildings and delicious cuisine.