Reply #12: There are tours, and then there are tours...

[trof]

I don't like those that have every minute regimented.
But I do like to have some plan when I travel overseas.
Like where I'm gonna lay my head at night.
And I recommend a local hotel, not a Holiday Inn or other chain.

Some sights are best seen by guided tours. Especially by a native.
You can usually sign up for them locally through the concierge.

And there are some organized tours that get you from airport to hotel, and between hotels, and hit the important sights, but leave you quite a bit of free time to explore on your own.

Good luck and I wish I could go with you.
Italy is one of my favorite places.