Tuscany's beautiful Orcia Valley or Val d'Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, chosen for its Renaissance planning and design. The valley, south of Siena, includes several charming hill towns and the Renaissance town of Pienza, designed in the 15th century to be the ideal city. (see Tuscany map for location). Take a look at the Orcia Valley with our Val d'Orcia pictures.

Hotel Il Chiostro di Pienza Relais (book direct), right in Pienza, is a highly rated hotel in a former 15th century convent with a pool and views of the valley. 4km outside Pienza is Agriturismo Cretaiole, recommended by a reader. He said, "Included in the weekly stay was a guided tour of the Romitorio (an ancient Etruscan site) just outside the walls of Pienza, a guided tour of Siena, a pici making class and dinner, and an olive oil tasting evening..." Read more about it on our Italy Travel Forum and recommend your favorite Tuscany hotel or agriturismo (see agriturismo definition).

_{Photo of Val d'Orcia © by Joe Palisi}

Venice is one of the top spots in Italy for carnevale, carnival celebrations. If you're going to Venice during Carnevale, you'll need to make reservations well in advance. 2009 carnevale date is February 24 but festivities begin at least two weeks before. Read more about Carnevale in Venice and celebrations in other parts of Italy.

Many invitation-only costume parties are held in Venice during carnevale season. Palio Tours offers a Venice Carnival Tour that includes a costume fitting and rental, costume concert receptions, and dinner dance costume parties.

Venice Travel Planning: Venice Travel Guide | Top Rated Venice Hotels | Top Rated Hotels in San Marco Sestiere

Last year we voted to make the Roman Colosseum one of the new seven wonders of the world. Today the new Hasbro Monopoly Here and Now World Edition was released and Rome is included as one of the cities. Take a virtual tour of the new game's 22 cities on New Monopoly World Edition Released, at About.com's Spain Travel site.

Rome Travel: Rome Visitors Guide | Top Ancient Rome Sites | Rome Picture Gallery

_{Photo of Roman Colosseum © 2006 by Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com}

As tourist crowds thin out and temperatures start cooling down, September makes a nice time to travel in Italy. Marking the end of summer vacation, many festivals are held in Italy the first weekend of September. You'll find events ranging from medieval festivals and donkey races to Venice's historic regatta and film festival. September 7 is the Feast of Rificolona in Tuscany, said to be one of the oldest festivals in Florence.

Festivals later in September include Juliette's birthday, a celebration of the liquefying of San Gennaro's blood in Naples, and the popular Feast Day of San Michele, celebrated many places in Italy.

Find out more about these and other festivals in September Festivals in Italy or plan ahead for festivals during your Italy vacation with our Italian Festivals and Holidays by Month.