Last night's dinner was even more spectacular than I imagined.  The food, the music - we were greeted outside by musicians playing Italian music.  An amazing evening, home and fabulous hosts.  Was talking with a friend and learned she is taking a European cruise;  I am so excited for her and I made this list of suggestions:

Dinner in Venice Pricey but amazing view - make the reservations ahead of time.  I highly recommend the tour of the Dodges Palace - book it ahead of time and you wont' have to stand in a VERY long line. The masks in Venice are works of art and a beautiful souvenir. 

Corfu Jewelry Lazari Konstantinos Lazaris
40 evg. Voulgareos str Corfu Telephone (0661) 20112
I have had good luck with Konstantinos, however last year a friend of ours ordered something custom made - didn't negotiate the price at the time and then had major difficulty with the return upon his receipt. 

Malta Beautiful beaches. I bought my daughter a tiara in one of the stores for about $90 would cost about $800 here.  She loved the tiara (she was in a Deb Ball for George's church).

Sicily We always go to the Hotel Timeo and have a Bellini on their outdoor patio - it is a ritual, Taormina has the most exquisite pottery but our dollar is currently so low and the pottery is expensive.

Capri
As you get off the Hydrofoil walk down the dock, you will see the funicular but you need a ticket - turn right @ the end of the dock & purchase the ticket. Take the funicular to the top (inexpensive & quick) don't take a cab as it is about 45 minutes and expensive.   As you exit the funicular go straight about 50 feet.... Maybe less there is a piazza go to the left and walk down a hill (alley) and I think that is where the Marconi outlet is located. A division of Russo Capri If I remember correctly as you exit the funicular go down the hill to the right there is a sandal shop that makes custom made sandals... around $100 Euro (last time I was there) they are gorgeous.  Perfume  - I can't remember the name of the perfume, "it smells like summer in a bottle" and is 40-50 Euros. Makes a fabulous gift.

Restaurant Da Luigi- see if you can contact him I know there is an easier way to get there than walking down the hill and try to arrange a boat ride (last time it was $10 Euro each for two of us) and you won't have to climb at least 1000 steps to get back up the hill. If you go, bring a bathing suit, there is a small beach; Luigi's will be the best meal you have on your cruise. 

Split - there is a beautiful women's store with very unusual & unique pieces... interesting evening ware.   Bozena Martincevic Address and phone I have is: Marmontova 8 Split, Hrvatska
Telephone 385 21 348848. Croatia is beautiful and clean, you will love it. 

Rome, my girlfriend Pam gives tours -you can email her @ pajasy2@yahoo.com - she can take you on a shopping tour (the inexpensive places) or Vatican, or wherever.  I loved the Coliseum tour.

Monte Carlo - everyone goes to the Grand Casino... you need to pay admission to get upstairs and you need your passport.  It is beautiful, but I find the staff rude and I don't care for Monte Carlo... I found a beach there once, but unfortunately  can't remember the name of it....they have a restaurant, rent chaises and umbrellas -  an amazing day.  Take a helicopter  to the airport - quick and beautiful and comparable in price to a cab or driver. 

This is her itinerary - she is going to have such a good time!!!
Venice, Italy
Ravenna, Italy
Split, Croatia
Kotor, Montenegro
Corfu, Greece (we are planning on taking a cooking class at a restaurant for a couple hours)
Valletta, Malta
Sicily, Italy
Capri, Italy
Ajaccio, Corsica
Monte Carlo, France
Portofino, Italy
Rome, Italy