Just back from our first trip!

First off, a big thank you to Rick and everyone who posts on this site. This proved to be the most valuable source. 1. We stayed 2 days in Venice, should have done 3. Best thing: Taking everyone's advice and getting lost! I had the best date with my wife of 25 years by buying a bottle of Chianti at a local grocery, fresh meats and cheese and just sitting in St. Marks Square listening to the orchestra! Yes, do the gondola at least once if you are going. 3 days in Florence. For us, we realized we are not huge fans of the Renaissance period of art so the Uffizi was a little too much for us 1 day in Siena. Best part of our trip hands down. Saw the Palio, took a day tour to Tuscany with Franco Fradda who I highly recommend as a tour guide. 4 days in Rome. Great time, could spend a month there. Worst thing about the trip. Annoying, assertive, but not aggressive street vendors. Nothing loses the charm that 800 year old architecture holds then a guy trying to sell you a 1 Euro toy that sling shots up into the air. I know they are trying to make a living, but I could have been happier without. Now that I have experience, I look forward to contributing to the forum!