With Valentine's Day just a month away, it's a good time to plan a romantic vacation. My colleague on Honeymoons and Romantic Travel has put together a Valentine's Day blog carnival featuring the best romantic vacations around the world to help you plan your Valentine's Day getaway.

Although Valentine's Day isn't widely celebrated in Italy, Italy is one of the world's most romantic destinations. Use our guide to Top Romantic Places in Italy to plan a romantic Italian vacation any time of year.

Venice Photo © by Barbara Molini, used by permission

Sometimes a small tip can make a big difference in getting the most out of a vacation. Do you have a tip or advice for others planning a vacation in Italy? If you've traveled in Italy, share a tip with our readers in Italy Vacation Tips or tell us about your Favorite Place to Go in Italy.

Palazzo Farnese, currently the French Embassy in Rome, is open to the public for a special art exhibit through April 2011. Inside the 16th century palazzo are beautiful frescoes, some of which were created under the direction of Michelangelo. I've admired the frescoes through the windows from Piazza Farnese, one of my favorite squares in Rome, but I've never been inside. It's on my list of things to do in Italy in 2011. See Get Inside the Palazzo Farnese for more information. You can buy Palazzo Farnese tickets on Select Italy. I recommend staying in Hotel Residenza in Farnese (read review or check prices and book), just around the corner.

Palazzo Farnese photo © 2006 by James Martin, Europe Travel

Carnival, carnevale in Italian, is celebrated in many parts of Italy with lively and unusual festivals. One that has always intrigued me is Sa Sartiglia, held in Oristano on the island of Sardinia. This year we'll be experiencing Sa Sartiglia for ourselves. According to Sardinia Guide Paola Loi:

Oristano's carnival is very unique and interesting since they have been running a horse race called La Sartiglia at least since the 16th century. La Sartiglia is a sort of Medieval Tournament with knights wearing fabulous costumes and masks.

Read more about Sa Sartiglia and other carnival festivals on Sardinia. This year carnival falls in March (see carnevale dates); if you're going to one of the bigger festivals be sure to book your hotel room soon. Find out more in where to celebrate Carnevale in Italy.