Some very experienced travelers I know (like 100 countries type) tend to hire private guides. They make their own hotel, etc, arrangements, but then have a guide that tailors things for their interests, often has great suggestions for restaurants, etc, and they dont have to be part of a group. I'm sure its not cheap, but maybe worth it for some of the cities.

OP, not sure how much money you want to spend, but some of the travel companies offer bespoke trips. Look at Butterfield & Robinson. We used them for the Dolomites, and it was the most fantastic trip.

Anonymous wrote:I think this is mostly about how you like to travel. If you want a trip where someone else makes most of the decisions for you and you spend time with the same group then I’d go for it. I’ve heard Gate 1 is another good option (and I’ve also heard they have different kinds of trips— some more guided than others).

My parents have done several Gate 1 tours (although not Italy) and they have been very pleased.

We did the Tauck version of this tour. I did it for the same reason you did — I didn’t want the hassle of planning and being in charge. It was fabulous. The only downside is that you don’t have any free mornings, which would be nice to sleep in at least once. Tauck takes care of everything.

Anonymous wrote:I think both gave plusses and minusses. Did a tour for the first time last year. It was super easy! We liked meeting new people and having different people to talk to. We did not have to do the driving. We learned a lot from the tour guide. Our tour gave lots of free time at each place so we could choose our own activities.

Sounds perfect! What tour company?

I think both gave plusses and minusses. Did a tour for the first time last year. It was super easy! We liked meeting new people and having different people to talk to. We did not have to do the driving. We learned a lot from the tour guide. Our tour gave lots of free time at each place so we could choose our own activities.