For Italy, I highly recommend you invest in a copy of Fred Plotkin's "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," which includes precisely the information you are looking for regarding where to buy quality kitchenware and kitchen gadgets in Rome and other places you are going, plus where to find excellent "gastronomia" (high quality food stores) as well as truly interesting (not touristy) fresh food markets, cheesemongers, bakers, pasta makers, etc. It is a huge book but absolutely beautifully written -- you will find yourself reading about kitchenware stores in Sardegna just for the pleasure of it -- plus it also has restaurant recommendations that have stood the test of time.

You can xerox just the pages of Fred Plotkin's book that you need and pack them into your bags.

I believe there is more than one coppersmith working in Montepulicano, but if so, I am not sure who is considered the best for real cookware for use on American stoves, not just decorative.

Thanks so much for the suggestion. Just ordered the book!! It looks to have all the information that I need for this type of shopping (and eating). Great idea about xeroxing pages. Really appreciate your help.

Montepulciano-

http://www.rameria.com/englhome.html

This shop has the most beautiful copper kitchen products, all made locally. The owner has a studio in town where you can watch him create.