Quote Originally Posted by BHildreth3 View Post
For those who have been here, looking for recommendations for great stuff to see/experience/eat that isn't just the norm ( Spanish Steps, etc)

Thanks in advance
I've never been to Venice, but I have been to Rome. My advice, unless you have been there before and have done all the tourist stuff you need to go ahead and do it. There is a reason that stuff is touristy. You will regret not seeing it if you skip it just to have a "different" experience. As was pointed out above, hire a guide. We used Miles and Miles in Rome. They will save you a LOT of time you would otherwise spend standing in lines. Don't even THINK about driving in Rome. Traffic laws are considered a challenge there. That goes for all of Italy but Rome takes it to another level entirely.