Dreaming of Italy

I am making plans for a two week vacation with my friend Harmony to Italy in October 2011. It's so far away but I can't wait to ride a gondola through the canals of Venice, to look out at the Mediterranean, to take silly pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to see beautiful old ancient buildings & great landscapes. I think by the time it comes around my mind will explode from all the waiting. If you've ever been, please feel free to offer some suggestions on things to see, places to go, etc. I'm still in the planning stages.