One of the top places to see in Venice is the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, on Saint Mark's Square. For centuries the Doge's Palace was the home of Venice's ruler, or Doge, and the government headquarters of the Venice Republic.

Because of its popularity, the Doge's Palace can be very crowded during the day so the best time to visit is usually at opening time, 8:30 (or 9:00 in winter), before it's filled with tour groups. Early morning is also a nice time to see Saint Mark's Square without the huge crowds.

The Saint Mark's Museum Pass includes admission to the Doge's Palace, the Correr Museum , the Archeology Museum, and Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. To save time, you can buy the museum pass before your trip through Select Italy.

For those age 65 or older: A reduced ticket price is available for seniors, so be sure to ask at the ticket window.

For a more in-depth look at the palace, book the Secret Itineraries Tour. It includes secret passageways, prisons, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Doge's Palace: What to See | History | Information

The northen Italy town of Cremona is often overlooked by tourists but well worth a visit. Famous for its high-quality violins, Cremona has been a music town since the 16th century and its Civic Museum has a good display dedicated to Stradivarius violins.

Cremona's Cathedral, whose bell tower is the second tallest brick tower in Europe and Europe's oldest surviving tower over 100 meters tall, sits on the picturesque main square. The bell tower houses the world's largest astronomical clock. You can climb to the tower's top for great views.

My friends recently visited Cremona and recommend staying at Albergo Visconti. Although the hotel is outside the historic center, the hotel provides bicycles so you can easily ride to the sights. Cremona is a great town for cycling and you'll fit right in with the locals. My friends also said the hotel breakfast is great.

Cremona: Travel Guide | Pictures | Bell Tower Photos

Cremona Cathedral and Baptistery Photo © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com

Rapallo is one of my favorite places on the Italian Riviera because of the funicular that carries you high above the coast. After a walk around the pedestrian area and along the coast, where you'll see Rapallo's tiny but picturesque castle in the sea, take the tram up the hill to Monteallegra, where there are spectacular views. Visit the pilgrimage church, Santuario Basilica Nostra Signora di Montallegro, then enjoy a lunch on the terrace of the Casa del Pellegrino Restaurant while gazing at the sea far below. If you feel like walking, there's a hiking trail at the top or you can walk back down to Rapallo. You can also have a swim in the sea when you return.

For a look at one of our rides up the tram, see Above Rapallo Video and take a look at the town itself with our Rapallo Pictures.

Rapallo Photo © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com

Parts of southern Italy and Sicily were settled by the Greeks starting in the 8th century BC. Today there are several important Greek sites that can be visited, including some very well-preserved temples and a 3rd century BC Greek theater that's still used for outdoor performances. Here are top places to see Greek Sites and Towns in Italy.

Sicily Greek Temple photo © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com