Florence
Yes, it’s true that a group I was staying with during one of my many visits was robbed in Florence yet it did not distort my view of this magnificent city and region---how can anyone be disillusioned by the Cradle of the Renaissance? Impossibile! From Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s tower, Dante Alighieri’s true inspiration, Ghiberti’s golden face on the gates of Paradise, Michelangelo’s David to the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio, Santa Maria del Fiore and the Tuscan countryside there is no possible way that Florence can be a disappointment. A must see, indeed!
https://www.visitflorence.com
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/florence
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Florence.aspx
What I will say about Venice is brief—why wouldn’t you see Venice when in Italy!? Venice is one of the most unique, intriguingly mysterious cities in the world and it’s sinking—so, hurry. From Piazza San Marco, Bridge of Sighs, gondolas, it’s over 100 bridges and canals to its islands of Murano and Burano, Venice will entice and engross you with its charm and charisma--La Serenissima is a must see for sure!!!
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/venice
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa43
http://www.livescience.com/39979-venice-gradual-sinking-charted-by-satellites.html
Some Public Domain photos used