The epic city of Rome, once known as the world's capital, is a glorious city with a reputation of hooking its tourists. The 'Eternal City' is home to numerous ancient ruins, churches, monuments and its center is a UNESCO Heritage Site. 

Rome - Trevi Fountain (Source: MJ-Davies)

The major tourist hub of this city is without doubt is the heart of Ancient Rome - the Colosseo district. Here lies the legendary Colosseum - the largest building of its era, a massive and immense Amphitheater, the most impressive structure of the mighty Roman Empire.

Colosseum (Source: dungodung)

Well, you might have probably visited this place already as you have said that you've been here before - this place is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and is still a must-visit.

It is located, as said, in the IV Templum Pacis in the Colosseo district. You can also contact the authorities - +39 06 700 4261 .

There is another astonishing building in Rome - the Pantheon, in the Piazza della Rotonda. Standing tall for almost two millenia, this temple is for every God in the Roman culture.

Pantheon (Source: dungodung)

The mighty doors of the Pantheon leaves its visitors in awe. It is a tourist site but also a church, where weddings and festivals are celebrated regularly.  You can contact the authorities at 0668300 230. 

Your spouse loves history, you say? The legendary sculptor Michelangelo has built the base of just that kind of place, filled with history - the National Museum of Rome. It is actually a collection of some museums littered across the city  and it has one of the largest archaeological collections including sculptures from the Renaissance, Egyptian items, ancient coins - hey, there's an entire Wiki page dedicated to the most famous items here!

National Museum of Rome (Source: Joye~)

It consists of four museums - the Baths of Diocletian , the Octagonal Hall , the Palazzo Massimo and the Palazzo Altemps.

Of course, one of the best ways to admire Rome is to simply walk around in the right places. The old city is the best place to do it -paintings, sculptures and roof gardens are there for your visual pleasure in numerous spaces. Piazzas frequent the city, mostly containing fountains or churches.  Do not miss the Modern Center, which contains the ever popular Trevi Fountain - forever filled with tourists. Nearby, at the Piazza Barberini, is the Bernini Fountain - also a nice place to be.

" All roads indeed lead to Rome, but theirs also is a more mystical destination, some bourne of which no traveller knows the name, some city, they all seem to hint, even more eternal. "
- Richard Le Gallienne 

Yet another world-famous tourist spot, lovely and historic, is the proud city of Venice. It's architecture and artworks are stunning and beauitful - no wonder it is also called La Serenissima, or 'very serene' . 

The Grand Canal, Venice (Source: Sue Elias)

Venice is on a lagoon, which means boats can be your primary mode of transport all day - if you wish it. The city is quite small, so walking could be great too. 

The Grand Canal is the main thoroughfare of the city - being lined up with Renaissance treats, you just should not miss a lovely water taxi ride through it! Not only it is the quickest mode of transport, it is also the quickest way to see all the sights in this lovely city. 

Then there is the Saint Mark's Basilica, the reflection of the greatness of Venice. The most famous church of Venice, it is located in San Marco 328, 30124 Venice. 

View of Saint Mark's Square from the Campanile of the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore (Source: lostajy)

The Rialto Market is another place to visit - it is a haven for shoppers. It is located on the Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous icons of Venice. 

Then there is the Correr Museum - an interesting museum with a collection of globes ever since the 16th century. There is also Roman antiques and paintings here. It is located on the San Marco Square.

Florence is another historically famous city - it was the richest city of Medieval Europe. It was the birthplace of the historical Renaissance era, and also said to be the home of Italian fashion. At its season, the population of tourists is said to grow more than the local population !

Florence (Source: ChrisYunker)

This beautiful city has a huge concentration of art works in its area - one of the greatest in the world. Its international appeal can be proven by the fact that only one-third of the visitors are said to be Italian - the rest are foreigners like Americans or Japanese. 

Coming to the attractions - the major place to visit here is the Galleria degli Uffiz , the Uffizi gallery - one of the world's most famous art museums. The place is so popular that people queue up even before it opens, like cinema halls - be sure to book in advance for your own comfort. 

Galleria degli Uffizi (Source: cfwee)

Art lovers would adore this place. There's also a cafe here, and street performers can be seen performing around the area. Works of legends like Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Titian and Michelangelo can be found here.  You can contact them at +39 055 294883 and the gallery itself is located at Piazza degli Uffizi 6. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am-6.50pm. 

Next on your list should be the Florence Cathedral - the symbol of the city. The cathedral complex is yet another UNESCO Heritage Site, with a vast interior that's Gothic. Numerous stunning decorations fill the interior.

Florence Cathedral (Source: interbeat)

This place is the largest brick and mortar dome in the entire world, till existence. It's epic nature should be seen to be believed. The timings vary - 10am-5pm from  Monday to Wednesday and Friday, upto 3.30pm on Thursday and till 4.45pm on Saturday.  It is located in the Piazza del Duomo. You can contact them at 055 21 53 80.

For the best view of Florence, you need not trudge all the way up a tall tower - you just need to nip by the Piazzale Michelangelo! This historic observation center is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy- it overlooks the pretty city and provides a panoramic view of Florence's skyline. 

piazzale michelangelo 3.22.11 - 60 (Source: laura padgett)

The impressive Romaneque San Miniato Church is nearby, a little way uphill. Downhill you could visit a nice restaurant and a lovely rose garden. There is a replica of the Statue of David here - an ode to Michelangelo.

Other than that, you cannot miss the Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze, for the sole reason that it contains Michelangelo's David. There's also the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge. 

London needs no introduction - the largest urban hub in Europe, one of the leading global cities, said to be the world's cultural capital. It is also one of the biggest tourist magnets of the world, with attractions and monuments of every kind. 

London Skyline from Primrose Hill (Source: damo1977)

The British Museum is a must visit for all tourists to London. This is one of the greatest museums in human history. With an astounding collection of almost eight million items, this giant is one of the finest and largest, too. 

British Museum (Source: moria)

With over 100,00 Egyptian antiquities, another 100,000 from Greek and Roman history, and many many more from the middle east, from prehistory and pretty much every time and place around the world, any human being would be blown over by this must-visit place. It is located at the Great Russell Street, London. You can contact them at 020 7323 8990.

The National History Museum is another unmissable spot in Britain. Do not overlook this place because it is overshadowed by the monster above! This museum houses an astounding dinosaur exhibition and an equally awe-inspiring model of a blue whale. 

National History Museum, London (Source: Andrew_979)

Do not miss it - go to Cromwell Road, London, for an amazing experience - for free entry. Doubts? Call them at +44 (0)20 7942 5000 . Or of course, you could ask us!

Heard of the EDF Energy London Eye ? It is only the world's most largest observation wheel, and it is right here at London. It provides the most spectacular views of London - indeed, one of the most spectacular views you can have of any city. 

London Eye (Source: Jim Bahn)

You can find them at the Riverside Building , County Hall . Book tickets online by calling them - +44 (0)871 781 3000 - or click here to do it online. 

Also do not miss the Science Museum - it takes you to the future soon as you enter. Its interactive shows and hands-on learning experiences are pretty brilliant. Find them at the Exhibition Road or call them - 0870 8704868 . 

Too many museums for your liking? Hop into the famous Madame Tussauds' and meet all your celebrity stars! I mean, their wax replicas. But then, wax replicas are enough to have photos of them with. Also, these wax replicas are life-like enough for you to fool anyone - even the original stars might go, "Hey, when did I pose with you?"

Don't believe me? Check this out:

Madame Tussauds (Source: Silveira Neto)

Maybe if you avoid close ups you'll get better results, though.

Do not miss the parks! There's the 58 acre St. James's Park, a perfect place for romantic picnics. There's the Regent's Park, a royal park in the center of the city. 

London's a great place for live music shows, theater plays, football and skating. If you are interested, do write back and we shall give you an individual answer just for that.

Il Convivio is one of the most famous restaurants in Rome. It is well known for being one of the few with the coveted Michelin star - it serves International as well as Roman cuisine, so there's something for everyone. The quality is of the highest class . Do try out the fresh pasta,  caramelized tuna fish or spaghetti with a ragout of sole.

Fresh Pasta with Favas, Tomatoes, and Sausage (Source: thebittenword.com)

Here's a diner's review :

My wife and I had a lovely, mid-week romantic meal here on a quick trip to London. The sea bass ravioli was excellent and my wife enjoyed her pasta. The service was also top knotch and we felt well taken care of. Also, I must give them a lot of credit as my wife left her wallet there and we had returned to the States before we realized it. they actually mailed us the wallet . Certainly above and beyond what I would expect from an eatery. Overall, a very nice place for some reasonably priced (for London!), tasty Italian food.

 (Source: Il Convivio)

Address : Vicolo dei Soldati 31, 00186 Rome, Italy

Telephone : +39 06 6869432

E Mail : info@ilconviviotroiani.com

Cuisine : International, Roman

Timings : Mon-Sat 8-11pm

Another place not to miss in Rome is the Cavalluccio Marino, a restaurant of Sardinian origin. They provide numerous varieties of seafood- all of superb quality.

Oysters (Source: The Next Web)

Here's a diner's thoughts :

This was a very nice experience while on vacation with the family, very nice atmosphere and wonderful all around experience.We will return when vacationing next time in the area. Visited March 2012

 (Source:  TripAdvisor)

Address : Via Antonino Pagliaro, 19/21, 00133 Rome, Italy

Telephone : +39 (06) 72630056 347/6991085

Cuisine : Mediterranean

Another place you could consider is the Il Palazzetto - a highly recommended and praised restaurant near the Piazza del Popolo. Its pure Roman cuisine gives you a good taste of the local flavor. 

asparagus (Source: foto.bulle)

Here's the Frommer's review :

The finest of ingredients go into the carefully crafted dishes, including such starters as an asparagus and pea soup with poached egg or veal and octopus in a green sauce. For your main, sample thin spaghetti with dried tuna roe and red prawns or pork belly roll with soy sauce, spinach, and eggplant. Desserts are luscious, perhaps lemon cheese cake with strawberry and balsamic ice cream.

 (Source:Frommer's)

Location : Vicolo del Bottino, 8  00187 Rome, Italy

Telephone : 06-699341000

Cuisine : Roman

Timings : Tues-Sun noon-2:30pm and 7:30-10:30pm

Florence , a city of exotic nature, also has some exotic restaurants with fiery flavor. One of those is the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano. With old style cooking combined with new age presentation, along with wines from the Castle Di Verrazzano, this restaurant is a great eatery.

cucciolo pastries (Source: thepinkpeppercorn)

Here's a review :

We liked this place so much we ate for lunch two days in a row! The atmostphere is great and we had a wonderful waitress (the same one both days). We ate a combination taster platter of various foccacia sandwhiches that were out of this world especially paired with a good glass of afternoon Italian wine! The desserts were worth saving room for as well. There was a chocolate/pear pie of sorts that was unbelievable, especially if you are a chocolatarian. Loved all aspects about this place- even the lovely round and colorful paper placemats! Worth the wait for a table.

 (Source: Cantinetta dei Verrazzano Restaurant Reviews, Florence, Italy - TripAdvisor)

Address : Via dei Tavolini 18-20r, 50122 Florence, Italy

Telephone : 055-268-590

Baldovino is the next restaurant that must be on your list. A freshly renovated restaurant, this 'fresh' restaurant has a great collection of wines, charming staff and great food and dessert. 

zuppa volterrana (Source: Francesco Bartaloni)

Here's a visitor's review :

Was in Florence for 3 nights with my mum and this was probably the best food we had during our time there. For starters we had different humous style dips with lovely toasted bread. For mains, I had chicken and my mum had beef stew. The chicken was great but the beef stew was out of this world! So soft, the meat just fell under the knife. Was really really good. Dessert was a nice tiramisu. The service was excellent, helping us choose the dishes. They also had an English menu which was useful.

 (Source: Baldovino Restaurant Reviews, Florence, Italy - TripAdvisor)

Address : Via San Giuseppe 22/r, Florence, Italy

Telephone : +39 055 241773

E Mail : info@baldovino.com

Cuisine : European, Italian

TImings : Lunch 11.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

The Sant'Agostino 23 is another acclaimed and popular restaurant in Florence. With a great atmosphere and surprisingly high- quality food, the Sant'Agostino 23 should be on your list of eateries to visit in Florence.

AlatiCaserta Cannoli (Source: snowpea&bokchoi)

Here's a diner's thoughts :

What a great restaurant ! A series of medium size rooms with small tables and one room with an extra large table, large enough to fit us all in together. We loved the modern touch that the chef gives to the typical Florentine cuisine blended with the great young atmosphere. Definitely a restaurant to visit while in Florence, both lunch or dinner. Visited December 2011

 (Source: Trattoria Sant'Agostino 23 Restaurant Reviews, Florence, Italy - TripAdvisor)

Address : Via Sant'Agostino 23, 50123 Florence, Italy

Telephone : 055210208

E Mail : buonappetito@santagostino.fi.it

Cuisine : Italian

Timings : Every day 12:30pm to 2pm and 7:30pm to 11pm

One of Venice's best restaurants is the Gran Caffè Quadri -  a high class restaurant and a true gourmet stop. This is one of Venice's oldest coffee shops. The professional staff make you feel right at home. 

Gran Caffè Ristorante Quadri (Source: brianandjaclyn)

Here's a review :

Outstanding food, impeccable service. We had the tasting menu of 7 courses and 5 different wines. Each course was perfection on a plate, displaying cuisine of the highest standards. Our waiter and sommelier were gracious and attentive one could not have asked for better service. The atmosphere was seductive and opulent, rich in colour suiting the fine food and wine. Each dish unique and impeccably plated. This displayed the venetian cuisine to its highest standards.

 (Source: Gran Caffe & Ristorante Quadri Restaurant Reviews, Venice, Italy - TripAdvisor)

Address : Piazza San Marco 121, 30124 Venice, Italy

Telephone : +39 041 528 9299

E Mail : info@caffequadri.it

Cuisine : Italian

Timings : 12.30-2.30pm, 7.30-10.30pm Tue-Sun. Closed Monday

Another very popular eatery, located near the San Giacomo square is the La Zucca, a welcoming and modern place some delicious food of local flavor. One interesting aspect of this place is its opening towards the canal, allowing direct entry via boat. Pumpkin flan and potatoes cake are their self-proclaimed specialties.

Gulyas, Beans, Potato Cake (Source: erix!)

Here's a diner's feelings :

Great food! INCREDIBLE!! Good Prices! Very cute place. The staff were super friendly and helpful! Visited March 2012

 (Source: La Zucca Restaurant Reviews, Venice, Italy - TripAdvisor)

Address : Calle del Tintor | Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venice, Italy

Telephone : +39 (041) 5241570

Cuisine : Vegetarian, Italian

Timings : From monday to saturday

Lunch: from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
Dinner: from 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm

The Algiubagio is another highly recommended restaurant in Venice - it is well located and has a great atmosphere. The food and wines are top-notch as is the service and ambiance.

Spaghetti al chitarra (Source: adactio)

Here's a diner's feelings :

Situated in the Fondamente Nove this restaurant is first class. Delicious food, great wines and a fantastic selection-try the Valpolicella Classico Primo Ripasso 2008! Staff are extremely helpful, friendly and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. We went with friends then returned for a second evening! Off the beaten track so you need to use a map to find this one but only 10mins walk from San Marco-don't take a water taxi at 60 euros- just walk....such lovely surroundings-would definately recommend! Visited April 2012

 (Source: Algiubagio Restaurant Reviews, Venice, Italy - TripAdvisor)

Address : Fundamente Nuove | Cannareggio 5039, 30125 Venice, Italy

Telephone : +39 041 5236084

E Mail : jj@algiubagio.net

Cuisine : Italian 

In London, pretty much every restaurant you find in this amazing city is bound to be first class! Still, I shall try and give you some of the most highly recommended options .

Out of about 6,000 well-known restaurants in the city, one of the best is said to be Petrus a seemingly simple, but almost perfect restaurant. Almost 100 % of the diners here would give it a positive review. The ambiance is amazing, with the attention to detail given to the design simply perfect.

Beef Carpaccio (Source: Nick J Webb)

Here's a diner's thoughts :

My friend and I ate lunch at Petrus and what a wonderful experience. When we arrived we were made to feel very welcome and were shown to our table straight away. We were given an amuse- bouche to start which was delicious and it just kept getting better. Although difficult to chose, my favourite was the pudding which was a chocolate sphere which was then covered by warm chocolate sauce and everything melted into a wonderful gooey mess with honeycomb in the centre. We cannot wait to return to Petrus as they have everything just right, the restaurant is beautiful, the staff are fantastic and the food the best. Visited March 2012

 (Source: Petrus Restaurant Reviews, London, United Kingdom - TripAdvisor)

Address : 1 Kinnerton Street | Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8EA, England

Telephone : 020 7592 1609

E Mail : petrus@gordonramsay.com 

Timings : Monday-Saturday

Lunch 12.00pm - 2.30pm
Dinner 6.30pm - 10.30pm

Another jewel of a restaurant is The Ledbury  - a Michelin starred eatery with numerous accolades. Everything is almost perfect about this place - the ambiance , the food, the staff.

At The Ledbury (Source: L-plate big cheese)

Here's a diner's feelings :

What a great place. The food is wonderful, but it is the friendly and relaxed attitude of the staff that made it. For a Michelin starred rest it is so welcoming and makes you feel right at home, unlike many others. Visited September 2011

 (Source: The Ledbury Restaurant Reviews, London, United Kingdom - TripAdvisor)

Address : 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ, England

Telephone : +44 (0)20 7792 9090 

E Mail : info@theledbury.com

Cuisine : European, French

Timings : Tue 12:00 - 15:00 , 19:00 - 22:00

                 Wed - Mon 12:00 - 14:30  ,  18:30 - 22:45

To round it off, I recommend the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay - a winner of 3 Michelin stars! The interiors are stylish, the restaurant is elegant and the service is unparalleled - do not give this place a miss !

Scallops & pearl couscous (Source: prayitno)

Address : 68 - 69 Royal Hospital Road | Chelsea, London SW3 4HP, England

Telephone : 020 7352 4441

E Mail : royalhospitalroad@gordonramsay.com

Cuisine : French

Timings : Monday-Friday

Lunch 12.00pm – 2.30pm
Dinner 6.30pm – 11.00pm