Currency:

Euro (€)

When to go:

Anytime

Known for:

Scenery, picturesque villages

Languages:

Italian--note that English is NOT widely spoken

No matter what, always make reservations when you're travelling in Italy. In the summer, when all the hotels are open, most of them are full.

In low season, when many of the people are gone, many of the hotels are closed.

Always be sure you have a place to stay before arriving.

If you don't reserve in advance, then you'll find that only the more expensive hotels have vacant rooms. Also, English is not as commonly spoken, so a phrase book will get you far.

Rome: Two of history's most powerful dynasties, the Roman Empire and the Christian Church, planted their roots in Rome. The city's been around for thousands of years and has maintained a highly revered place in Western history.

Public transportation in Rome is very good. The only faster, more maneuverable form of transportation in Rome is the vespa, and no matter how hard you try, you won't look as cool as the Romans do. Opt for a 75-minute, roughly $1 ticket that is good for all forms of public transport anywhere in the city. For about $6 you can get a ticket that is valid for a whole day. Both are available at kiosks, tobacco stands, cafes, tourist offices, subway stations, bus stops, and newsstands.

Taxis are expensive and taxi drivers are opportunists. Whenever possible, call ahead, or better yet, have an Italian call ahead for you. It's a little more expensive but much more reliable. Discuss a price before you get in and/or triple-check the meter on your way out. If you have to hail a taxi on the street, look for "official" yellow or white cabs, as these are the legitimate ones.

Florence: Situated almost in the center of Italy, Florence is often picked by travelers as their favorite European city. Filled to the brim with world-class art and architecture, this "Cradle of the Renaissance" is worth as much time as you can devote to it.

If you don't have heavy bags or heavy kids and if you're just too cranky and tired to walk, climb in one of the blue-and-white taxis. All over the city, the taxis are expensive. Just prepare yourself for the worst.

Venice: Located on a salt-water lagoon off the Adriatic Sea, about two and a half miles from the mainland, Venice is situated on more than 100 small islands. Its main waterway is the Grand Canal, which meanders from the famous Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) to the city's outskirts. Along the Grand Canal you'll see some of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, dating from the time of the princely Venetian merchants. Once in the city, either from the airport or if you've just gotten off a train, pick up a city map at the first tourist office or kiosk you can find. Moving around the city is easier than it appears at first glance and most things are in walking distance. Travel on foot is the most popular mode of transportation, but there are water taxis as well.

If you remember nothing else, it's that gondolas are expensive and should be used for fun, not for getting from place to place. There's a difference between a romantic gondola and a utilitarian water taxi. The bottom line is that a gondola ride can break your bank.