Travel

It's just too easy to get around by train (particularly if you plan travel dates in advance). In a few cases (e.g., Venice down to the heel of the boot) there are overnight trains with sleeper cabins for about the price you would spend on a hotel). For the primary destinations, there are high-speed trains that are remarkably comfortable... then rent a car for excursions away from the beaten path.

Cruises targeted at just Italian ports can get pricey. But if you decide on that, try looking for a new mass-market ship constructed in Fincantieri. They usually take a couple 2-week shakedown cruises around the boot before crossing the Atlantic for Caribbean duty. We did that with the Carnival Dream several years back and saved a bundle.