Why spend the money to cross the Atlantic when you can get a decent taste of Italy right in Vegas? Nestled along the Strip, The Venetian replicates the highlights of Venice, complete with gondola rides along the Grand Canal. Visitors can get a taste of what life is like in the Queen of the Adriatic thanks to The Venetian's Streetmosphere program: singers, stilt walkers and "living statues" recreate the typical scene you'd likely encounter in the real Venice for those who opt to spend the day perusing the wares in the Grand Canal Shoppes.

For $29 per person, you can take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; on Friday and Saturday, gondola rides are offered until midnight. Some recent visitors said they found the rides to be overpriced, but said the atmosphere was romantic. 

If you'd rather spend your money on chance, recent visitors said that The Venetian's casino is one of the best on the Strip thanks to its size, decor and its variety of games (including poker, slots and blackjack). You'll also find a brand of Madame Tussauds wax museum, a Canyon Ranch Spa, 10 pools, the TAO nightclub and several shows ranging from comedy and theater. 

As far as dining goes, you shouldn't be surprised to know that you'll have access to gourmet Italian eats here, not to mention a long list of restaurants serving everything from burgers to noodles. 

The Venetian sits across the street from The Mirage in the central of the Strip. You won't have to pay to go in and walk around, but the on-site attractions will cost you. To learn more about The Venetian and the Grand Canal, visit the hotel and casino's website. If you're thinking of staying in The Venetian's hotel, you can learn about that experience here.