Italy watch out for the pickpockets as well as the over-friendly types esp in/around the tourist landmarks..(the coloured-thread on finger trick, card games, etc)... don't presume that anyone is David Blane Street Magician
Also take note that Italy tends to have more strikes and stoppages than most and most trains are not on time.
Florence has lotsa narrow streets so watch out for the numerous scooters and mad compact cars. Leather products and belts etc are a speciality in the bazaar around the Dome but buy only what you want as much of the stuff is not much different from the stuff you can by at the pasar malam downstairs...other than the "Made-in-Italia" stamp
The historical bridge Ponte Vecchio has a concentration of gold and jewellery shops. Art buffs must visit the Uffizi Galleries near the bridge but be prepared to queue for hours to get in and even enter each of the many galleries within. The Academicca (sp?) is another art treasure trove. The sculptures of David and Batistuta
are two of the city treasures.
There is this castle or villa on the hill overlooking the city that is a photo-taking spot too.
Venice is very safe... when we strolled in darkness in the pedestrian streets, most of the people were fellow tourists. The fabled canals stinks though. The main concentrations will be the Piazza St Marco and the Rialto bridge. Photo opportunities everywhere! Day and night! Murano Island nearby is accessible by watertaxi/bus for Venitian glassware but get only what you will wear/use. One of my friends actually considered buying a big Venitian glass chandalier(they provide shipping rates as well) Most of the glass-blowing factories provide a basic demonstration but will ask for tips/small fee at the end...worth it for the insights. Burano for lace etc.
Rome can stink from smoke pollution and also watch for the notorious mad drivers. The Vatican is one of the many photogenic attractions and a good place to send your postcard (postmark from Vatican etc).. a must visit for Catholics so don't be surprised by a sense of "Lucky Plaza" hor
. The Olympico is also a good visit (Roma, Lazio
) Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Colosseo, Palace, etc...
Again, be extra vigilent... one of the biggest pickpocket places around.