Check Mark 35: Go to Firenze (Florence, Italy)

Ever since I saw the movie 'While You Were Sleeping' as a little girl, I wanted to go to Florence, Italy.  I wanted that stamp in my passport too!  However, at that time, I had no idea what there even was to do or see in Florence.  I just wanted to be like Sandra Bullock.

I've now had two opportunities to visit Florence, Italy and both were just incredible.  We wandered around the city.  Got a $20 gelato (by mistake).  Visited the famous museums.  Went inside the duomo and climbed to the top of the bell tower.  Walked across Ponte Vecchio.  Dined at fabulous restaurants.  We saw a lot of what Florence had to offer, but not everything.  Unfortunately, both trips to Florence were only day trips.

If given the chance, go!  Go and consider staying in the hills of Tuscany outside the city and driving into the city of Florence a couple days or evenings.  It is beautiful and well worth it!

Check Mark 34: Get Lost in Venice, Italy

What's the number one thing to do while in Venice, you ask?  Well, to get lost, of course!  With the winding streets and allies and canals of Venice, it's incredibly easy to just get lost, but it's also one of the best things that can happen!  You get to see so much and take in all parts of the city, not just the super touristy parts, though those are nice too.

Take a day and just wander.  Just walk around popping in and out of shops and cafes.  When it's time to go back, get a map, get a water taxi, follow the "street" signs posted on the buildings, or ask a local.  You may not have even ventured as far as you thought.  You won't regret a day of just roaming around.

Check Mark 33: Ride a Gondola in Venice

Another check mark off the bucket list is being able to go to Venice 3 times, but 2 of those 3 times, I have gotten to ride a gondola - once at night and once during the day.  The night trip was romantic and full of historical facts from our guide, but we got to see so much more during the day (plus it's cheaper to go during the day)!

On one of the trips, I was blessed to be able to take my parents with me.  It was such an amazing time and to be able to share a ride on the gondola was just awesome!  It was an experience none of us will ever forget.

While in Venice, this is something you absolutely have to do regardless of how "touristy" it is.  You get a completely different view of the city and the lagoon that is just breathtaking.  You go through the ins and outs of the tiny canals between buildings and get to hear about the history of Venice and its architecture.