In my humble opinion...

... tips for the future traveler!!

Greece:
-if you go to Santorini, rent a scooter or a 4-wheeler.
-Oia Youth Hostel was great, if un-airconditioned.
-watch out for sea urchins.

Rome:
-Old Bridge Gelateria (right near the Vatican) is fabulous and cheap!
-go to the Vatican a little bit before it opens for no line!

Florence:
-www.tuscany-biketours.com – do it.
-don’t stay at Locanda Starlight by yourself.

Venice:
-take the vaparetto down the canal… it’s long, but it’s fun and you get to see everything!
-go to the Guggenheim! And then take a look next door at the Wake House!!

Transportation:
-don’t get a Eurail pass unless you are going to be traveling between countries a lot. I got one for the 3 inter-city trips, and it was definitely more expensive and no easier than just buying individual tickets the day of.
-if you have a choice, take a plane. They’re much more user-friendly.
-if you are in a big city and you’re by yourself, just suck it up and take a taxi to where you’re staying. You can figure out public transportation when you don’t have your luggage.