OT - Trip to Italy Reccomendations - OT

Sleep on the plane. Kick back and relax and enjoy yourself. Get off the beaten path and away from crowds every chance you get. That’s where my fondest memories are in Europe. 

Agreed that the Italians are very friendly, with the exception of Rome, where this was not our experience. They seem to tire of the tourists. Rome is my favourite city I have ever been to. Recognizing that you will be on a group tour and may not be able to dictate the activities and schedule, I will mention that it is very worthwhile visiting the catacombs below Saint Peter’s church (in the Vatican) - partly just because they are interesting but mostly because those taking the tour are then ushered directly into the church, thereby bypassing the massive lines to get in. The church is like nothing I have ever seen. So ornate and grandiose that it is almost impossible to believe that it was done by humans over centuries. There is nothing I have seen that is quite as impressive. The other obvious sights in Rome would include the Colosseum, the Vatican museum (and Sisteen Chapel), the Jewish Ghetto, Borghese Park, etc. 

Florence is certainly impressive, but I was content spending more time in Rome. Florence has its own charms (Ponte Vecchio and of course, David), as well as many beautiful churches. 

Have not not been to Venice, but hope to get there one day.

All over Europe, churches are both architectural marvels in their own right and serve as repositories for some of the world’s most impressive art. Many are still free to visit. Take full advantage if you can. 

be sure to try and not eat on the main drags where all the tourist are. the best food I have had in italy is from where the kids were out front playing and it was a small family run place. Also I second on try talking in Italian it goes a long way. 
In Florence I ate at a little restaurant called Il Grillo in the Piazza di Santa Maria and I had the Bistecca and it was out of this world but much of the other food at il grillo was average, that was the only main drag place I ate at in Florence every place else i couldn't even tell you the names of the places.

In Rome my favorite was Ristorante Santa Cristina al Quirinale, and Metamorfosi from memory its been a few years.

In Venice, I never found anything really great as for food but had some great speak easy's where they were I can not tell you except over this bridge then that bridge I was lost the whole week I was in venice I never really new where I was but it was fun, plus everything is over the top expensive in Venice so try not to buy anything there as you will find it much more affordable in Rome or Florence.
As for sight your with a group so Im sure they will have all of that laid out for you. Just enjoy it and relax and eat as much gelato as you possibly can

In Venice Gato Negro is good but make reservations (its on Burano).  If going the espresso route don't feed the joke (old Italian joke: Q:How do you tell the Americans? A: They're the ones ordering cappuccinos and lattes after 10am).

The crowds in Venice will suck.  If you want to visit Harrys Bar (Bellini came from there) you'll need to be wearing pants (no shorts).  

I didn't have a bad meal in the country.  A little effort at using the local language went a long way.  

You might want to try and find an Olive Garden.  I heard they honor their all you can eat breadsticks in Italy.