The city of Venice is like an outdoor museum, and guests staying at villas in Italy only have to look around them to take in centuries of architectural history. If you're looking for a unique experience and have already walked through Doge's Palace and the Galleria dell'Accademia, squeeze in a few hours at some of the lesser-known but no-less fascinating museums of this floating city.

Fashionistas will be in textile heaven at Museo Fortuny, which was restored to its former glory in the early 20th century by Spain's Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, an artist and clothing designer. Today, the expansive collection of lighting, sculptures, paintings and, of course, Italian fashion represent Fortuny's eclectic personality.

If you want to see one of the most impressive painting collections in Venice, walk over to Fondazione Querini Stampalia. With more than 400 original works by Tiepolo, Bellini and numerous other Italian painters, art enthusiasts who rent luxury villas may have a hard time leaving the lavishly decorated hallways brimming with beautiful pieces.