I used a "Living Language" set of CD's before my Italy trip. I don't recall how far I went into the series of (six?) CD's. But it was enough that I could more or less order in a restaurant (Italian restaurant menus are pretty easy to decipher), ask for and receive directions ("Excuse me, where is Hotel Sant'Anna?"), and function in non-tourist stores (such as Co-op grocery stores). Basic sign language ("down the street and second left") and helpful Italians also came in handy.

I think I paid around $50 for the CD's; I probably got that much out of it. Not sure you would need a $200 course for a few weeks touring.