A second thought is to hire a guide for the museums/cities -- can I get some recommendations for persons used in Florence/Tuscany and Rome? I am pursuing several resources mentioned on the site and on the bulletin board, but am interested in what you all may have to add...

In Florence - use Ann Reavis - www.TuscanTraveler.com

She is the only guide we would consider.

Hi dave-- If you search on "Florence tour guide", "Rome tour guide", etc, you'll locate the many past threads where people have shared their experiences with guides. Doing this will draw upon years of past threads, giving you a lot of feedback. Do you have a specific interest or focus?

Dave, I intend no slight to Bill & Patty, but Amy's point is key. This is not a simple "Who is best?" question. "I've never been to Florence and I'd like somebody to show me the city" requires a very different guide from "I'd like to spend several days in the Uffizi and I'd like someone to instruct me on the development in painting techniques from 1200 through the Renaissance." For a more common example, some people think any tour of Italy must include visits to wineries, others would consider that a waste of time. You will have to browse through people's experiences to judge whether a particular tour or guide is right for you.

I, too am looking for a guide in Rome,Seina, and Florence, but my goodness, with all the recommedations on the tour guides page, how in the world do you ever narrow it down? I am overwhelmed.
Cindy

Amy -- First off thanks so much for moderating this forum...Slow Trav is GREAT. I will search the board for those threads now...
Bill -- You are correct, but we are looking for "generalists" ... as first time visitors, with three children in tow... (14, 11, and 7)
Bill& Patty -- Thanks for your reco -- I had already sent an email to Ann and am awaiting a response...

Consider the Original Florance walk with ArtViva as a good introduction to Florence. Scroll down to the list of tours -- the Original Florence Walk is at the top left: ArtViva

It's a group tour, but a nice introduction.