This lesser known Italian city is often dubbed the "Florence of the South" for its stunning baroque architecture but remains free from the crowds of tourists.

Outdoor seating sits in the courtyard of Palazzo Zimara in Lecce, Italy.

From Lecce, head to the Salento peninsula, where you'll find some of Italy's most beautiful ... for some insight into the thousand-year-old history of this unique town. To finish off your road ...