Planning a trip to Italy? My newest guidebook, "Rick Steves Rome, Florence & Venice," hits the shelves today! I've spent a lifetime exploring these cities, and this book includes all my favorite tips and discoveries, carefully designed so you can turn your travel dreams into smooth and affordable reality. If you're dreaming of Rome, Florence, and Venice, this is the book to get: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/rome-florence-venice-guidebook Happy travels! | Rick Steves

6,000 households joined me and my producer Simon last night for Monday Night Travel — and together, we went behind the scenes on the shoot of our Milan and Lake Como episode, witnessing the creative process that turns a script into a finished show. Stowing away on the shoot together to learn tricks of the TV production trade was a lot of fun — but even if you missed the live event, you can watch the recording now, right here on Facebook or at www.ricksteves.com/mnt. We’ve got lots more in store

Join me and Lorenza Scorti (my favorite Milan guide for 20 years) atop the city’s beloved cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. | Rick Steves

Florence: www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/florence | Rick Steves