Scenic cruise along the coast of Venice, from the Marco Polo airport to St. Mark’s Square. This is the most direct route to downtown Venice where many hotels are located.

Just outside of Marco Polo airport.

This is the most visited place in Venice. Extraordinary architecture, the church covered with gold, the sun over the lagoon, the gondolas, the pigeons, the high tide, must see sites… everything. At night it’s especially beautiful. There are a number of cafes, bars, eateries, souvineer shops and a great night life here.

• Go there at carnival times. For me it is the most beuatiful times for San Marco.
  
• There are like a million pigons everywhere. Vendors sell food to give to the pigons and the views especially at night are beautiful!
  
• Avoid the morning or the noon if you can. Try to go on late afternoon or early evening

Take a 300-foot elevator ride to the top and hear the ear-shattering bells on the hour! Spectacular views of Venice and the Grand Canal. Admission: $6 (suggested: general $15.50 museum pass)

at the center of St. Mark’s Square, just look up!

• The Bell Tower itself isn’t anything special, but the views from the top are great – especially looking down on the 5 domes of St. Mark’s basilica. It’s better to choose good days to visit the Campanile.

The basilica is absolutely beautiful inside. The byzantine mosaics covering the interior are so intricate. This basilica is all about Byzantine mosaics and architecture. Be sure to check out the main atrium, simply a must see!! Three additional sights are in the Basilica: San Marco Museum, Treasury, and Golden Altarpiece. No Admission.

East of the Campanile in St. Mark’s Square

• It is worth the admission to go upstairs. Not only do you get a much better view of the mosaics, you also get access to the outside loggia (balcony) where the bronze horses are located. The view of Piazza San Marcos from here is stunning, make sure you have your camera. Highly recommended.
  
• I’ve heard there might be Fashion Police requiring semi-formal attire

Simply an architectural masterpiece, truly representing the power and wealth of the Venetian government during it’s prime years. Admission: $11 combo ticket with Correr Museum

Directly next door to St. Mark’s Basilica

The tour which was great and fascinating. We did the Dodge’s Palace Secret Itinerary’s tour since it was the only day to fit it in. One thing that sucked was the additional price they tack on (2.50E) from the reservations made over the phone for the tour. They didn’t list that anywhere on the ticket information sheet nor did they mention it when I had placed the reservation. Since reservations have to be made either 2pm for the next day back at the palace or to call, I found it to be a little shady.

This church was built in 1566 A.D. inside a Benedictine monastery that was constructed in 1000 A.D. It is the only building on the San Giorgio Maggiore island.
Drop-jaw views of Venice can be seen on the charming San Giorgio Maggiore island that is located inside the Venice Lagoon. Admission: free, $3 bell tower elevator

From St. Mark’s Square take a 5-min vaporetto ride. From the San Zaccaria Jolanda stop, take vaporetto #82.

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main “freeway” that runs through the city. Take #1 for the scenic 45-minute joyride cruise, and #82 for a quick 25-minute trip up the canal. This is simply a must for Venice voyagers. At dusk the view of the Grand Canal is breathtaking. Admission: $10.50 (24hour pass), $5 (90min pass), $22(72hour pass), other routes vary

From St. Mark’s Square at the “San Marco/Vallaresso” boat stop, take boat#1 for a relaxing sightfilled 45-minute boat cruise across the Grand Canal.

To get the best seat which is right up front, take the vaporetto to the last stop where everyone gets off then just move to the seat you want instead of getting off. It’s a slow, long ride but lets you soak in the city.

Enjoy local lifestyles, sights, sounds, and smells by taking this 2-mile long walk along the entirety of the Grand Canal. Quick sites to see along the walk: Ca’ d’ Oro, Fish & Produce Market, Rialto Bridge, Ca’ Rezzonico, Palazzo Grassi and much, much more. No Admission.

walk along Grand Canal, 2 miles long

The best Venice has to offer when talking about art, and when you consider the Venetian Renaissance, Venice definitely has a lot to offer. If museums are your thing, this place is a must-see! Admission: $6.50 (suggested: general $15.50 museum pass)

Along the Grand Canal

Some very unique European modern art, the architecture of the building and the artwork is definitely worth seeing. There’s a great pizza shop right by. The museum houses a collection of contemporary art, including works by Bacon, Balla, Brancusi, and &hellip and more. Admission: $10 (suggested: general $15.50 museum pass)

Along the Grand Canal

This sculpture museum has pieces done by the great Michelangelo and Donatello (check out Donatello’s statue of David), as well as parts of the Medici treasure. Be sure to check out the ground floor, simply a must see for those Renaissance lovers! The building which contains the Bargello museum dates back to 1255. Admission: $4

About 6 blocks south-east of Duomo, at the corner of Ghib and Procon-Solo

• This museum certainly wasn’t as impressive as the Uffizi but I would still recomment it. We had limited time, and really enjoyed exploring the 3 floors of sculptures in what was once a prison. Highlights were the Michelangelo and Donatello pieces.

Spend the afternoon walking around, seeing all the major sites of Florence.

Home of the infamous Michelangelo’s David, based upon the Biblical story David and Goliath. His “cool” demeanor definitely shows his confidence in his upcoming battle against the Goliath! Needless to say this is arguably the most well-known sculpture in the world. Admission: $6.50 ($3.00 reservation fee)

North of the Duomo, on the street Via Ricasoli

• to avoid waiting in lines, make a reservation. it makes it a lot easier.

Florence’s main cathedral, displaying neo-Gothic architecture at it’s best, home to the third-longest nave of Christian cathedrals, as well as the super-impressive dome designed by architect Brunelleschi.
Get a eye-popping view of the cathedral by climbing inside and on top of the spectacular dome that Brunelleschi designed: two-domes-in-one. It’s definitely quite a sight, but get your step-climbing shoes on! No Admission for Duomo, Admission $6 for climbing stairs to the top (it’s worth it)

Across the street from the Bell Tower, and between the streets Procon-solo and Calzaiuoli

• Standing in front of it looking up is surpassed only by standing at the top of the dome and looking down. The facade is vibrant with red, green and dazzling white marble, ornamented with larger than life sculptures. Upon entering the cathedral the mood changes to magnificent dignity and grandeur. Walk slowly up the center of the cathedral and look both up to the towering ceiling and down to the intricate floor patterns. Upon arriving at the alter the dome’s artwork shows its luminance. Afterwards, climb the stairs to the top of the dome, for a wonderful insight into the construction of this landmark, and enjoy your reward of a spectacular view of the entire city of Florence.

The bell tower to the right of Santa Maria del Fiore was originally designed by Giotto, but he fell ill and passed away in 1337. Andrea Pisano (who modified part of the design) continued the project and finally, Francesco Talenti completed it in 1359. Call yourself special and climb up Giotto’s 270-foot bell tower. You’ll be rewarded with some photo-fun of the cathedral and the city.
Admission: $6

The Campanile sitting behind the Duomo, just look up!

This is a great museum with some real historical pieces. Be sure to check out artwork done by Donatello, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi and Luca Della Robbia. A great museum that’s open on Mondays.

Across the street of the Duomo, located on the street Proconsolo

The Baptistry construction dates back to the 14th century and the front was designed by Jacopo della Quercia and unconfirmed contribution from Donatello and Ghiberti. Inside you can check out the impressive mosaic ceiling of Jesus being the guardian to the gates of heaven. Admission: $3

Next to the Duomo

Extremely unique design from the 14th century. The structure was originally meant to be used as a large scale grain store wtih marketplace. Nice statues to look at, and if the church is open be sure to go inside. No Admission.

North of the Uffizi Gallery on the street Calzaivoli

Do some shopping and check out the local life at this popular market area.

A few block directly West of Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery

The palazzo’s construction began in 1299 and it was continuously expanded – in 1343, 1495 and lastly in the 16th century by Vasari and Buontalenti. Nice, totally fortified palace with some extraordinary interior artwork on the walls. Admission $5.70

Directly behind the Uffizi Gallery

Must see site in Florence, if you go anywhere, go here. This historical and culturally significant bridge was the only one spared by the retreating Germans in the summer of 1944. Walk across and check out some pretty fancy jewelry shops (husbands watch out!!). At night, the bridge lights give off a warm Italian aura that will not be forgotten. No Admission.

West of the Uffizi Gallery crossing River Arno

• The locks are placed there by lovers locking their love. Legend has it that if lovers place a lock on the Ponte Vecchio and toss the key into the Arno River, their love will last forever.

This is simply a must if you come to Florence. You have to check-out some of the finest artwork humans have ever known, including masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Giotto and much more (Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is located here!) There is a limited number of people allowed in at one time, so it is strongly advised that you call to make reservations in advance, this way you won’t wait 1-2 hours in line. Arguably the best museum in the world. Admission: $6.00 ($3.00 reservation fee)

Directly south of the Duomo resting along the coast of the Arno River

• make sure to make advance reservation from the US before visiting it or suffer the consequence of waiting in a very long line.
  
• Try not to wear or carry anything with much metal because you have to go through a metal detector to get in and it really slows down the line when people keep setting it off.
  
• Make sure to look up at the ceilings as you are walking through the hallways and always look into the small rooms that are roped off of the main gallery rooms.

Pick up a map at the local tour office about two blocks away from the train station. The map will provide you with a pleasant walk over a bridge to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can also get a taste of the Pisa local lifestyle.
On foot:
Out of the main entrance of the Station, head for Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, in front, and from there turn into Via Crispi, go straight ahead as far as Ponte Solferino. Cross the bridge, then go straight ahead, turn into Via Roma and go on until you reach Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Time: approximately 25 minutes

Walk from train station to the Field of Miracles. The Tourist Information center near the train station can provide you a map with the best route to take. It is located at the circular Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, about two blocks away from the train station.

A definite must see for any Pisa visitor, and for anyone who is interested in famous leaning towers, because this place has the most famous leaning tower in the world! The Field of Miracles is home to Pisa’s main religious center, as seen in the four famous large white buildings that comprise of: the cathedral, the cathedral’s bell tower (leaning tower), the Baptistery and the Camposanto Cemetary. Be sure to plan a pleasant picnic on the spacious green lawns. No Admission to visit the general area, but there is admission to go inside the buildings and look around.

1) From Station Pisa Centrale
By bus*:
N. 3 (opposite the main entrance of the station) stop in via Cammeo/Piazza Manin
N. 4 ((opposite the main entrance of the station) stop in via Cammeo
SHUTTLE BUS A (opposite the main entrance of the station) stop in Piazza Manin
By Taxi:
A taxi service is available opposite the main entrance of the station.
On foot:
Out of the main entrance of the Station, head for Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, in front, and from there turn into Via Crispi, go straight ahead as far as Ponte Solferino. Cross the bridge, then go straight ahead, turn into Via Roma and go on until you reach Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Time: approximately 25 minutes
2) From Station Pisa San Rossore
On foot:
Take the subway and get out through Piazza Fancelli. Walk straight on to Via Andrea Pisano. Turn left and go on straight ahead on until you reach Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Time: approximately 5 minutes
By car
1) From the exit Pisa Nord
Through the highway Statale Aurelia to Pisa. At the junction for Parco di S. Rossore, turn left into Viale delle Cascine. Drive along via Contessa Matilde to Largo Cocco Griffi and the Cathedral Square (15-20 minutes)
2) From the exit of the expressway “Fi-Pi-Li” – Pisa Centro
Exit “Aurelia”, drive on along the highway Statale Aurelia to Pisa. After crossing the river Arno through the bridge on the Aurelia, turn into Lungarno Cosimo I° and then into via B. Pisano until you reach the Cathedral Square (15-20 minutes)

The infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take some Superman pictures and hold that leaning tower steady! Finally, the tower has been renovated and structurally reinforced to prevent any further leaning. Climb the tower to the top for a fee and enjoy a priceless moment, but be careful of the windy and crooked steps! Book reservations online at least 14-days in advance to prevent waiting in long lines ($2.00 fee). Admission: $15.00

Located at The Field of Miracles

The artistic Pisan Romanesque church designed by Buschetto in 1603. The intended centerpiece of the Field of Miracles (that is until the Bell Tower started leaning). Admission: $2

The largest Baptistery in Italy, located at the front of the Duomo. The 250-foot wide dome helps make the structure acoustically sound, and by the way this building also leans but in the opposite direction of the Leaning Tower! Admission: $5.00 ($6.00 with Duomo ticket)

Located at The Field of Miracles

Sinopie Museum: temporarily closed

Home to the Raphael rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, this place you simply have to go to, it is one of the top 5 art houses in the world. Expect to spend at least 2 hours, but 3-4 hours for a good visit. Binoculars would be nice to have if you wanna check out some details on Michelangelo’s ceiling! (you can take a quick back-exit that leads to you directly to St. Peter’s to save time.)
Admission: $12.00 (free and crowded last Sun of each month)

Vatican City

for the Vatican, getting there later in the day ensures shorter lines. All the tour buses pull up in the am so the lines are about an hour and half long. same goes for the vatican museum.

Michelangelo’s infamous Last Supper painting, a true masterpiece, that carries some controversy. Many of the colors and the paint have been restored.

Vatican City

This place has to be the most impressive church in the world, bar-none, simply put, a must see!! Strict dress code required, no shorts or sandals. Admission: free ($5 to view the dome)

Vatican City

An AMAZING piece of architecture! This magnificent dome temple is an architectural masterpiece for it’s time. You can enjoy the scenes and have a pleasant bag lunch on the steps of the Pantheon. Also, there are lots of shops and little cafes to go to. Nearby are other sights like Piazza Navona, Piazza della Minerva, Piazza Spagna and La Fontana di Trevi where No Admission.

• The Pantheon, Capitol Hill, Roman Forum and Collosseum are all within close walking distance of eachother, and located in the heart of ancient Rome.
  
• The Pantheon in the moonlight is amazing. One of my favorite restaurants called El Presidente is located nearby.

In ancient times this place served as the central political and religious center for Rome, and still remains the capitol of Rome today. Michelangelo designed the square to make it look magnificent! The Capitol Hill Museum is worth checking out if you have time. No Admission.

The Pantheon, Capitol Hill, Roman Forum and Collosseum are all within close walking distance of eachother, and located in the heart of ancient Rome.

The downtown area and birthplace of ancient Rome. This place used to be the main hub of the most powerful city in the world and it will literally take you back to ancient Rome. Significant remains can be seen everywhere, including the arch of Emperor Septimius Severus, the base of the Temple of Saturn and more. To think that the Ceasars of Rome walked where you walked. No Admission.

The Pantheon, Capitol Hill, Roman Forum and Collosseum are all within close walking distance of eachother, and located in the heart of ancient Rome.

This enormous stadium is over 2,000 years old and can hold over 50,000 people. It’s an icon of Rome, and a great example of Roman engineering. Scene’s from The Gladiator movie were depicted here. Be sure to also check out the Arch of Constantine right next door. Admission: $8.00 ($20.00 combo ticket available)
For truly impressive views it’s enough to wander around the exterior, but if you really want to see the remains of what ancient Roman spectators saw, buy your tickets on Via di Gregorio VII (just behind the Arch of Constantine) in the Palatine ticket office. You’ll avoid any long lines that have formed in front of the Colosseum itself. Keep your eyes open for the roaming modern-day gladiators who might approach you for a picture – fine if you want to take one with them, but just know that it costs around €5!

The Pantheon, Capitol Hill, Roman Forum and Collosseum are all within close walking distance of eachother, and located in the heart of ancient Rome.

• Avoid the hour+ wait in line for a ticket by buying one at the entrance to the Palatine, inside the Imperial Fora. Then, you can enjoy feeling smug as you bypass everyone who didn’t know this!
  
• Bring a hat and lots of sunscreen, the sun will come blazing down on you.
  
• Each visitor should get their own audioguide, sharing one is not recommended.

In the center of the square there is a simply gorgeous fountain with four bronze statues of the Najadi by artist Mario Rutelli. Check out some nearby sites like the National Museum of Rome, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the Baths of the Diocletian. No Admission.

Next to the Baths of Diocletian about a 10 min walk East of the train station.

• Have a quick lunch here?

The National Museum of Rome that possesses one of the world’s most important archaeological collections, is housed in three different facilities: the Baths of Diocletian, which include the Octagonal Hall, the Palazzo Massimo, and the Palazzo Altemps. Truly a must see for anyone with an interest in history or art. This place is home to the greatest collection of ancient Roman art, having original statues dating back to the 2nd century B.C.! Admission: $6.00

A few blocks North-West of the Train Station on Giolitti St.