Hello all,
I am going on the Italian Mosaic tour in a few weeks and wanted to share some tips I found helpful from a friend of mine who just returned from Italy:
(1) Little hand-held fans that are sold at the dollar stores here are apparently a life-saver on hot Italian days or in non-air-conditioned buildings, and they aren't readily available there.
(2) In Venice, grab a "Rolling Venice" card if you're 29 or under for 3Euros and get lots of savings around town. Also, avoid taking water taxis unless you've got money to burn (take water taxis instead). .
(3) If you don't do the optional guided tour to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and go on your own, avoid waiting in huge admission line-up by buying a reservation to the Uffizi at the relatively deserted booth for St. Mark's Gallery across the road. This allows you to go into a preferred line-up and walk pass all the people who are now glaring at you and wondering why you're special.
(4) Laundromats are extremely expensive (11-12Euros a load). .
(5) Eat gelato every day.
I can't wait for Italy! Former travellers to Italy (Italian Mosaic tour or otherwise), please let me know if you have more helpful hints!
Lindsay

Sorry, meant to say in #2 to take the water buses instead!