Just got back from the Globus Italian Treaures tour June 24th, 2008. My husband and two boys ages 18 and 12 took this trip. It was a small tour group. There was only 11 of us. I did some research on the internet before and Globus had the best reviews. We had no bad hotels. Stayed in the Cicerone in Rome. It was located within walking distance from the piazza. We went out walking with the kids at night with no problems. Our tour director Allesandro was the greatest. He was a total asset to the trip. He could tell you where to go and what to see when you had free time. All the hotels were nice. Venice was also very safe. Our hotel was within walking distance of St. Mark's square. we hung out in St. Mark's square till late at night. It was breath taking. My 18 year old son and another girl on the tour walked around at night in Venice with no problems. The food on the tour was good. The excursions are a bit pricy esp for a family of 4 but worth it. We did the Roman highlights and dinner, the Tuscan dinner-- this was unbelievable -great food beautiful setting and the lagoon cruise in Burano.. we recommend all of them. Some suggestions.. public restrooms that are free are hard to find. Have eruo change with you. When you purchase food in a shop you can then use the restrooms. The gelato- Italian ice cream is a must. If you purchase bottled water from the small shops it is cheaper. Look for the large bottles they are usually the best buy. Off the beaten path you can find cheaper food and pizza where the locals eat. go.. enjoy!! it will be a trip to remember.