With the internet and the wealth of information available, we get to our destination airport, rent a car, and off we go at our own pace.  We mingle with Italians, talk to Italians, linger at caffes, and get a feel for what they do.  Just the time getting on and off buses with tours can add up to hours in a day!  And all you know is the tourist group you are with, and the places the tour company made a deal with.  NOT.