Never personally encountered pickpockets in Italy, but it is a problem in crowded tourist areas. There's even a citizen's group in Venice that goes about nabbing pickpockets.

The only problem we had was in Florence where a companion's necklace was torn from her neck. Fortunately it was cheap costume jewelry and didn't have a strong clasp.

I think the big three are a good intro to Italy and I would do Rome 5 days, Florence 4 days and Venice 3 days. Do a day trip to Siena from Florence and possibly a day trip car ride into the hill towns or a day trip to Pisa/Lucca. November is a good time for Italy as the crowds are gone and your costs much lower as it is off season. Weather can be cool/rainy and the acqua alta in Venice can be an issue but if you layer the weather tends to be quite reasonable. Mid September to October would be better for weather but with higher costs and more tourists. I do not think it matters much whether you do Rome to Venice open jaw or the reverse. I have a small preference to doing Rome first as I tend to relax the first day in Europe and just wander around and I like to do the high energy stuff early in my vacation when I am fresh. Also Venice is a nice place (in the off season) to relax after a long trip and actually it is easier to get to the airport in Venice than in Rome as you do not have to worry about traffic and the trip is shorter. The flights back to the US from Venice or Rome leave early but you can just take a water taxi that you arrange the night before with your hotel.

Does anyone know any information about getting blessed by the pope in Vatican City for our new marriage?

try
http://www.vatican.va/faq/index_en.htm

We've been to Italy in early November and twice in late November. Early November is GREAT, late November is much colder, but OK. I agree September or October is much preferred, but possible savings for EARLY November is worth this time period. Late November is a little too cold especially north of Rome, Florence, Siena, etc., and not worth the savings. to me.

Ok so Venice is in.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best hotels in Venice, Florence, and Rome? I would like to overlook the Grand Canal in Venice, and be close to Vatican City in Rome. Price is very flexible. We've been saving for awhile and are willing to splurge!

Any particular reason you want to be near the Vatican? Also I might add that a splurge for the "best" hotels in these cities might be in the $800/night range.

A very nice hotel with very affordable rates a stone's throw from the Vatican is the Le Rovere. The top floors have terraces and views of the Tiber and they are 200 euro per night.

From there, it is actually only about a 25 minute walk to Piazza Navona, 20 minutes to the Jewish Quarter, and 15 minutes to the heart of Trastevere. I quite enjoyed staying there -- although there are fewer neighborhood restaurants (typical of the Vatican area) if that's important to you.

Sorry -- it's LA Rovere

http://www.romeby.com/larovere/index.html

Al Ponte Antico is a beautiful hotel on the grand canal near the Realto Bridge. Try this web site: www.alponteantico.com also you can find more pictures on veniceby.com. Tell it you want mid to high prices. For a room with a view 250 euro or a room without a view 180 euro.