Rome
Patrice Salezze, Papavero Villa Rentals, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
33 properties (low season, $1,385-$8,265; high season $1,800-$8,265).
Overall portfolio: $$
Salezze has stayed in each and every one of her 33 Rome apartments over her multiple visits to the city every year, so she knows them all from a guest's perspective. Her centrally located flats (many near the Spanish Steps) are a great base for sightseeing, and their friendly, welcoming (owners are the icing on the torta. A chat with Salezze provides a valuable introduction to Rome, but for a more up-close look, she can arrange sightseeing tours with her handpicked guides (866-737-0000; patrice@papaverorentals.com; (pvillarentals.com).

Tuscany
Carol and David Ross, (Sophisticated Italy, Milan
45 properties (low season, $1,900-$40,000; high season, $3,500-$40,000).
Overall portfolio: $$
Former American diplomats who served in Italy, the Rosses have lived there for (30 years now—long enough to become not only friends with local villa owners (but also award-winning travel agents specializing in Italy. You might hear from (them several times during your stay (they check in to answer questions and make sure you have everything you need). Headed through Milan? The Rosses often meet up with clients there, taking them to the opera or for a round of golf (39-02-3652-1621; cr@sophisticateditaly.com; (sophisticateditaly.com).

Venice
Denise Corsile, Venice Rentals, Quincy, Massachusetts
60 properties (low and high season, $850-$6,500).
Overall portfolio: $ Based in Venice eight months of the year and married to a Venetian, Corsile knows her properties—and the local culture. She'll share tips on shopping protocol at fruit vendors and how to drink espresso like a native. Many of her properties are apartments in old palazzi. Early-morning noise from boats isn't a worry: Corsile (selects waterside apartments on canals (too narrow for large boats to pass through. You won't find info about individual apartments on her Web site; after (an initial consultation over the phone, she'll send links to the Web pages of (the properties she deems most suitable (617-472-5392; mail@venicerentals.com; venicerentals.com).

SPAIN
Mary Vaira, El Sol Villas, (Wayne, Pennsylvania
200 properties (low season, $2,000-$32,000; high season, $2,500-$85,000).
Overall portfolio: $$
With accommodations ranging from casitas to castles, Vaira has something for everyone and will also book day tours and, for a fee, entire itineraries. She sends foodies to San Sebastián or Barcelona, and suggests that traditionalists consider her cortijos near Andalusia's historic white towns (610-687-9066; info@elsolvillas(.com; elsolvillas.com).