It has been suggested that we book organized, structured walking tours in Venice, Rome and Florence, and "www.tours-italy.com" has been recommended. Has anyone had experience with these type of tours, and this site in particular ?

Taking a walking tour depends on what you want to see, experience, and how comfortable you are on your own. Many tours travel fast and just hit the highlites of the spot. I do not like them, I like to set my own speed, see what I want, and save money. Some sights have audeo guides for rent, and these work pretty good.

Tours can be nice for day trips to areas that are a little harder to get to on your own.

I used www.caftours.com for a day trip to Sienna and San G from Florence

We booked through Vatican Tours and Beyond for Rome and Florence and were very happy. You can google them. Taking tours with experts will make your trip twice as valuable.

also topping for Monica, and myself for that matter. any other info? thanks.

WIth a properly structured walking tour, you should be able to see exactly what you want. They are a good way to learn about the monuments you are visiting without having to be part of a large escorted tour group. It's like ordering a la carte at a restaurant instead of going with the fixed tourist menu. For Rome try this small company: http://www.wheninrometours.com/tours.php

There's been so much written here about walking tours.If you use the search feature,you'll find lots of information.I'm a fan of www.contextrome.com.They have branches also in Florence and Naples.My walks with them have been some of the best experiences I've had in Italy.