We are making our first trip to Italy, at a bit of the last minute.
I have learned so, so much from these boards and while it all still seems like a new discovery I want to put some of it here--in one post--for future traveler reference. Because once you've done it, it seems so obvious, but when you are doing it the first time it is so time consuming.

Please feel free to add your own thoughts and resources!

Hotel Booking Sites:
Venere.com
ReservationItaly.com

Apartment Booking Sites:
SleepinItaly.com
HomeSweetRome.com
Romeby.com

Lodging Reviews:
TripAdvisor.com
SlowTrav.com
Venere.com

Car Rental:
AutoEurope.com

Driving Info:
SlowTrav.com--where to return car etc

Maps:
GlobeCorner.com (Touring Club Italiano recommended)

Mapquest type sites:
Mappy.com

Marci --

Here is the helpful information thread for Italy. It contains nearly every bit of knowledge a visitor could need:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34443340

Enjoy! -- h.

Thanks for topping that for me. After all the searching I've done I can't believe I missed that one.

and the sequel

Helpful Information Italy
the later years

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596