Recent travelers recommend hiring a gondolier for a romantic row along the canal. If you're hoping to do this option, plan to fork over between 80 and 120 euros (about $87 to $132) for the ride.

According to many travelers, the best way to view both of these sites is to see them together on a guided tour; consult our list of the best Italy tours to view traveler-approved companies.

I recently visited Sicily, Italy, for the first time ... And while I had the time of my life, there were also plenty of things I'll do differently on my next trip back. Since returning home ...

It’s de rigueur to do the crossing standing up but remember ... Admire Lake Garda from land and by boat. See St Mark's Basilica and the Grand Canal in Venice, and visit "fair Verona".

From browsing the boutiques that line the Ponte Vecchio to boating down the Arno, below our expert lists her favourite things to do in the city ... the scaffolding to see the restorers at work ...