Rome

Rome is my favorite cities in Italy. If you are planning a trip there the biggest challenge can be getting around. Apart from walking everywhere, transportation can be a very frustrating. Taxis are super expensive - and are known to overcharge to American tourists. The Metro is no picnic - there are only 2 overcrowded lines, and strikes seem to be hitting all the time limiting the coverage even more! I would go for a private driver. You'll be driven around in a Mercedes, and it will cost less than most other options. The rates are worked out ahead of time - so they'll be no surprises at the end of the ride. My friend is putting a site together: www.1stinrome.com, where one can find the best car services in Rome. The site is pretty bare at the moment - but if you e-mail him I'm sure he'll be a big help. He's been living there for a while now and knows the ins and outs of the city.