What are 3 best cities in Italy to visit (8 day trip) and where to stay in each city?

Venice is definitely the number one must. It's very touristy but you still feel like you're in authentic Italy. I also liked Verona... where Romeo and Juliet was set. I saw her balcony and grave. For hotels what I like is just finding one that has a room that looks nice and interesting and being spontaneous. It's more fun for me that way.