Peaches, This is what my Italian lover recommends. He is really sweet and wouldn't feed you some bull. I sent this to your ICQ, but posted here just in case you don't turn that on today.
About Italy I think that one only week is not too much.
The best period to visit Italy is probably May/June or September.
It is not so Hot as in July and August.
Among the cities to be visited in ANY CASE are ROME (Roma) and VENICE (Venezia)
and then FLORENCE (Firenze). I personally don't like MILAN (Milano) or NAPLES (Napoli).
I would recommend a stay of at least 3 days in Rome, 2 Days in Florence and 2 days
in Venice that is one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Rome is Unique !! (It is my birth city) and Florence is full of Arts, museums and monuments too.
If you need some more info just let me know and I will do my best to help you.
If you need anything else let me know, or if you want to go somewhere else let me know, I have a lot of "connections". LOL