How many leave the Big Dog (D700/D800) at home while traveling and take a smaller camera instead?

Be clear - a profesional photographer with better (MF, LF) equipment will have already taken better photos than you are likely to ever get - buy a coffee table photo book for spectacular shots...

Many interior locations in Italy will not allow cameras - or even a bag to be carried around with you - you'll have to check them at the door. Are you comfortable taking a claim slip for your gear?

Most to travel don't travel alone - think your family / travel companions will be pleased while you angst over the perfect photo? - it's their vacation too.

Italy / Turkey are all about the history which surrounds you - don't limit your time in those places to focusing (literally) on what you see through your viewfinder - you're missing the greater experience.

IMO - all you need is a P&S to remind you of the places you visited (together) once you are back. Having said that, the last time in Italy was with a D5100 and before that a D40x, leaving D3/D700 back in the states. Next time I'll go even smaller (G15, Rx100, ?).

In Italy you're walking - everywhere. ANY extra weight / bulk gets tiresome after many hours.

Again why are you there? Anyone paying you for photos? If not, review top sentence...