If you don't like to travel in crowds, but your Italian isn't good enough to make hotel and train bookings directly, try using an Italy travel agent. They are hard to find--at least, those who really know about getting around in Italy.

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1. Eco Italia, based out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. May seem a little odd, but the owner, Carlo Odevaine, is Italian and partners with people, hotels, and guides in Italy and can plan a custom trip for individuals and small groups, depending on what you want to do. Think car/driver in the wine country, train travel among cities, guided walking tours (small groups), etc.

2. Context Rome: Context:Rome is a network of architects, historians, and art historians who came to Rome to study and eventually made this city their life. They design and lead walking seminars for discerning travelers in order to share their love for the city. Private tours and small group tours ar etheir speciallty. I recommend the Vatican Museum/St. Peter's tour (they can help negotiate the crowds) and the Ancient Rome tour of the Palatine Hill, Forum, and coliseum.


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