[quote=Vick]2007
Haven't decided when yet but looks like you have a good idea about September, less tourtist,
Why do American tourist wear bad hats?
Its a bit of joke, actually. There are tons of tours each consisting of 50 or more tourists. The tour guide usually carries an umbrella that they raise for all of their flock to follow. The flock wear hats, badges, or some such identifying marking so the tour guide doesn't lose them. There are lots of headcounts along the way. There are, however, much better ways to see stuff.
You can do it on your own and most interesting sites have little recorders that you can rent for cheap. They guide you along and at different points, they tell you the history of what you are looking at. Combined with eavesdropping on the tours, you can get a very satisfying tour, at your own pace...you know stop for coffee, take a leak, nod off for a bit, or whatever. If there is something really special you want to see and do, budget a few bucks more and get a personal registered guide. Often they are also drivers and that takes care of transport problems. If you are around Sienna and Firenze, there are a ton of Frattoria (sp) wineries where you can stay. The food is usually good and they are in little villages usually twenty or so minutes from major centres. A great way to go. Personally, I think the brochure tours are not necessarily the best way to go.
But you won't believe the herds of Americans in Firenze and Sieanna. I have been to Rome and the Vatican a few times and last time I wanted to take my wife down south, but we bailed and went back to Monte Carlo, the Cote D'azure, and Provence.
Here are a couple of helpful links for any kind of travel. Read what real travellers have to say:
http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/
http://www.virtualtourist.com/