After researching the many different Italian tours that our offered, we kept coming back to the Rick Steves tours.   

We chose this organization because they offer:

-Smaller tours (they are limited to 28 people).  Although they have a smaller group, they still travel in style on a large bus.  You also have a chance to get to know everyone on the tour (they become friends very quickly).

-No tips.   Rick pays his staff (including the bus drivers) very well so there isn't a need to tip.   This was a cost-savings to us.

-Travel Resources.  The amount of travel resources is mind-blowing!   You are given access to his videos, travel advice, other tour guests feedback on his website.   This alone is worth it!  

-Tour Previews. You can follow along on his videos and see what you would like to add-on or explore on your trip.   For example, the Borghese Gallery was one of our Rome trip highlights and we would have missed it without his video recommendation.

 -Local Tour Guides.  He hires the BEST locals that lead and participate throughout the tour.   This creates such a great atmosphere and        resource as you explore a new country.  Our group leader, Alfio, was the best and kept us entertained on the bus rides and was a treasure chest of info for our free time.

-Family.  You feel like you are part of a family, not just a numbered tourist.   This makes the tours fun and familiar.