What are your favorite nontraditional, nontouristy, alternative, culturally-insightful things to do in or near Venice, Florence, and Rome? I mean the deeper anthropological kind of culture, not museums, opera, etc. I'm not looking for the usual must-see tourist destinations or the things that epitomize a city. I want the fascinating little finds you accidentally stumbled on and loved, but which few or no tours would have found because they aren't "sights". If it can give me a glimpse of how contemporary Italians see the world, to appreciate a bit more what it's like to be them, that's a turbo bonus. No points off for plain old fun activities either. [more inside]
posted by Askr on Nov 6, 2007 - 12 answers

The boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Italy in late October. We are still struggling with one thing, though: what to do during planned day trips to Florence and Venice. If you had to recommend one or two destinations or experiences that really epitomize the spirit of these two cities, what would they be? [more inside]
posted by warble on Aug 20, 2007 - 25 answers

Going to Italy - Stay in Rome the whole trip or take a tour to several cities? [more inside]
posted by atmu on Sep 14, 2006 - 18 answers

Travelling to Italy in May - looking for advice on Venice, Bologna, and Florence. [more inside]
posted by ersatzkat on Mar 8, 2006 - 23 answers