Musetta's Waltz

Although this attic apartment involves quite a lot of stairs – fifty-two of them, to be exact – the climb is worth it. Up here, the sunlight streams through the skylights and shuttered windows, creating a bright and inviting space to kick back and relax with a glass of wine or two. This flat is set within an ancient palace in the heart of Lucca, so if Tuscan character is what you're after, you've got it – albeit in a slightly more modern way. Warm orange hues, glossy wood floors, timber ceilings and blue tiles in the kitchen feel very traditional, but the trendy open mezzanine (where you'll find the bedroom) and the floating staircase leading up to are as contemporary as it gets.

Location-wise, this is a spectacular spot close to all of Lucca's must-see sights. Indulge your sweet tooth at the gelato shop across the road (it's the best in town), sip espresso in the sunshine at Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (a four-minute stroll away) or tuck into a delicious Italian feast at the local trattorias and eateries on your doorstep. And you can't visit Lucca without a wander along the city's famous Renaissance walls – the entrance at Porta Santa Maria is just five minutes away on foot.

Home truths:
*While one guest could sleep on the sofa bed, we think this apartment is better suited to a couple
*Unfortunately, the floating staircase makes this apartment unsuitable for children
*There's no parking provided and we don't think you'll need a car – however, if you drive, you can pay to park in an underground lot about 400 metres away
*The entrance and staircase are communal
*As is common in Italy, extra fees apply for electricity and heating – at the end of your stay, you'll need to pay €5 per day for electricity in the high and medium season and €5 per day for heating in the low season