Travels

Podscope

Podscope is a podcast search engine utilizing voice recognition technology.  Pretty cool at first glance.

IPod Cool Tools

an BrothersCool new tool which lets you add shopping lists to your iPod (thanks ipodlounge)

Audioscrobbler makes music recommendations based on what's in your iTunes library.

Last.FM creates personalized radio stations based on what those with similar musical tastes like.  Use the Audioscrobbler plug in from above to integrate iTunes.

Uffizi Tours

fAdventure Bellissime
Artiva -- plus some other tours of Florence that look good
Mercurio Tours - Also some other good ones of Florence
Select Italy -- Plus other good Florence tours and sites

Rome and Florence Tours

Enjoy Rome
Through Eternity (Rome)
Rome Walks
Frommers - Rome
See Tuscany
La Donce Vita Tours - Rome - Florence
My Roma

Rome Side Trips

Ostia
Palestrina

Recommended Restaurants in Italy

including ones the locals like.... Italy Heaven

The Roman Empire

Wikipedia has a complete run down with lots of links on the history of the Roman Empire.

Wikipedia Does Art!

Byzantine art
Medieval art
Art history
Renaissance
European Art History

Understanding Art

Art Composition

History

Overview of Italian Painters from 1200 to 1750
Art of the Middle Ages (guided tour)

History of the Middle Ages
Renaissance Science
Math & Science in the Renaissance
Institute and Museum of the History of Science (in Florence)

Chianti

Where we're staying in Chianti ....

Chianti Wineries

Costello D'Albola
Azienda Agricola Colle Bereto
Castello di Meleto
Verranzzo

The History of Italy: Sites and Books

The
Holy Roman Empire
Mediaval
History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The House of Medici:  Its Rise and Fall
Michelangelo
Rome: The Biography of a City
Galileo
A Handbook of Roman Art

The Da Vinci Code in Rome

Fodors sites in the Da Vinci Code.....

More Travel Blogs

From the Washington Post.

Hotel Reviews:

Trip Advisor:

Rome:
Regina Hotel Baglioni

Hotel Bernini Bristol

Hotel Splendide Royal

Florence:
Grand Hotel Minerva

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Hotel Brunellschi

Hotel Plaza Lucchesi*

Hotels

Discounts through work available on these.

Yahoo Rome

Yahoo's guide to Rome.......

Rome Hotels

Slow Travel reviews
Frommers Recommendations
Full Frommers List

Frommers Accomodation Maps:
Accommodations Near Stazione Termini, Via Veneto & Piazza Barberni
Accommodations Near Camp de' Fiori & Piazza Novona
Accommodations Near Piazza del Popolo & the Spanish Steps
Accommodations & Dining Near the Vatican

Where to Stay in Rome (recommended sections of town w/ descriptions)
More on Recommended Areas to Stay in Rome

NY Times Hotel Guide - including areas of Rome

Link: Italy Travel Blog