Booking a tour

Never too early...I'd start looking and booking now.

If you are looking for day tours (~2-6 hours), there is a fantastic company--Context Rome (and Context Florence). They are on the web. They take no more than 6 people (and will go with fewer), and the guides are academics working in their area of expertise. I took several of their tours in both Florence and Rome. They are a little more expensive, but it is so worth it. Even when I knew a fair amount about the subject of the tour, I learned so much!

Why book a tour? Why be restricted on where, when, and with whom you will be traveling with. The two places you mentioned are very easy to get around. Do some preplanning. By a few guide books, I use Frommers, Steves, DK, and Lonely Planet. Each will give you a different perspective on the same sights/destinations. You can book the hotel and flights directly or use an agent for assistance. I use a consoladator: gotoday.com

Assuming you're talking about day tours thru the Collosseum, Vatican, Uffizi, etc -- May isn't crush season. Two or three weeks in advance would be plenty. I did a twilight tour with one of the guides recommended in Ricks book and it was great!

Yes, I am talking about day tours. Thanks!

Hi Gina, Also going to Italy in May. I booked a couple of weeks ago with Angel Tours for the Vatican. They are very reasonable and were wonderful to work with. They get outstanding reviews no matter where I read about them. With the Florence tours, I just had my hotel book them and that also went wonderfully.

I am also going to rome/florence in May - just wondering if anyone knows of any good walking tours?

Karyn, take a look at Ricks books. He has several recommended tour companies.