Choose an itinerary and a time to travel. A perfect combination of cities is Rome, Florence and Venice. A good time to go is mid-spring or mid-fall. Avoid July and August or you will be overwhelmed by the huge crowds, long lines and hot weather. Begin your trip in Italy's bustling, lively capital, Rome. There is so much to see and do in Rome it's best to go there first while your energy is highest.
When choosing hotels in any Italian city, it's important to keep in mind that European hotels are simpler and more modest than many American hotels. Research online to find hotels with good rates that are clean, friendly and well located. There's no need for luxury when everything you want to see is outside the hotel.
Plan to include time in Rome for checking out the fantastic shopping district near the Spanish steps. Also plan to visit the Colosseum, the forum and the Vatican. Plan a guided tour to the Vatican before you leave so you can avoid the long lines. The Vatican receives thousands of visitors each day, and a guided tour is essential to get in without lengthy delays.
Make arrangements to take a train to Florence. The city and the pace of life are a little slower here, and if you're tired from all the sights in Rome, you can relax a little here. Do make sure you stop at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the best art museums in the world, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, the small museum that houses Michalengelo's David -- it's worth the trip to Florence in itself. Once you arrive at your hotel, arrange with the concierge immediately to get reservations for you at these museums. They are always crowded, and reservations can keep you from waiting hours in line. Try to plan a trip to the countryside for half a day while in Florence to see the wine region and sample some Chianti and fresh olive oil.
To finish your trip, plan to take the train to Venice. Venice is beautiful, slow moving and endlessly romantic, the perfect ending to an exhausting vacation. Spend your last days of vacation walking around on the winding streets and bridges. Sample lots of espresso and gelato. Take a ferry over to the island of Murano and tour the beautiful glass factories. Avoid the pricey gondolas; only tourists would ever spend the $100 that they cost, and the public ferries offer the same enchanting views. Also avoid the cafes in St. Mark's square -- they're some of the most expensive on earth. Instead, stroll through the square to people-watch, but stop for a glass of wine just a few blocks away in one of the countless other, cafe-filled squares.
