@Gefn Italy has so much to offer -- architecture, history and just plain beauty. You don't see people throwing trash all over the sidewalks and streets like I see in the US. Europeans in general love to keep their cities looking nice. Tourism is a major industry and they want to make a good impression; otherwise, the tourists will go elsewhere.
I loved Florence -- if you like leather goods such as handbags, that is THE place to buy them. Milan is a more modern city -- looked like most of our major downtown cities used to look. My favorite city was Sorrento. Very picturesque. In fact, if you ever go back to Italy, take a drive/bus tour down the Amalfi Coast. Gorgeous view of the Bay of Naples and the picturesque houses built into the mountains, one on top of the other.
My first trip to Italy was at a time when the dollar was exceptionally strong and Italy had the lira which was practically worthless. My traveling companion and I bought a package from the old TWA Airlines for some ridiculously low price of $700 or so each. Spent 5 days in Rome, then took a guided bus tour of a number of cities and regions. Airfare and hotels were included. It was cheaper than traveling around the US. Not sure how much it costs now with the Euro, but if you can find a reasonably priced package, I'd say, go for it.
