Fodor's Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between (Full-color Travel Guide)

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My husband and I used this guide on our honeymoon in Florence, Siena and Rome. Overall it was pretty good - helpful orientation to cities and sights, good advice helping us use our time well, up-to-date and accurate info on opening times etc. There were good maps (both in the text and a separate fold-out map of city centres enclosed) and some excellent restaurant recommendations. The weakness is that it is light on historical context and background - even major sights get only a few paragraphs - there is very little general background about the cities, and the organziation of material on major sights is confusingly organized. Boxed sections on major sights/artworks were sparse and left me wanting more. I would advise people to pair this book with a Blue Guide or other guide focused on the substance of what you want to see, and use this one mainly for orientation and restaurants!

I knew the book was used but in very good condition when I bought it. The travel guide is in good shape (just one turned corner and lightly worn cover); it's from this year, too, which is great. However, it has a big "New York Public Library" sticker on the back, and the library scan code on the spine. That's not the end of the world, but I would have liked to have known (the stickers and scan code will be too difficult to remove without damaging the book). That being said, I still would have bought the book, but I wish I had known in advance. Otherwise, great-looking book and will be very helpful on my trip this fall.

I bought this book while preparing for a trip to Rome, Florence and Venice. Some helpful things included:- Maps- Traveling tips (currency, cultural customs, etc...)- Museum and attraction information- Hotels- Restaurants- Contact information for all places mentionedThe only criticism I had of it was on it's section regarding getting to and from Venice. The only options it gives is water taxi! Look into the regular bus line that leaves from the plaza west of the train station. Less than 5 euros to go to the airport (a lot better than 90 euros on a water taxi). Or, like we did, you can take a regular taxi for 35 euros.This is definitely a great place to start and a great tool to use on your trip.

We are considering a trip to Italy soon and this guide book gives some good information about best times of year, best areas to visit, and local customs and protocols. It has been a good supplement to my online research.

Bought this for my bf as he is traveling to Italy to visit. He told me this was a great purchase as it has everything he was looking for even a bit of history of certain places. this book got him more excited about his trip and planned around it with the map that was included

so far so good, wish it had some lesser expensive restaurants and places to stay, and no I am not talking hostels

I also got the Rick Steve's book on Italy - it was much better - not only does Rick Steves have a description of sites, he also gives nice subjective thoughts about sites and areas that helped me decide what to do and visit. I returned the Fodor's because it was more about individual sites without giving an overall feel for places.

very good for information on cultural and historical background of famous Italian cities as well as the other necessary infotmation

Very detailed and current. Could have been reduced to half the size. Perhaps more maps would have been helpful. Book arrived faster than promised.

Very well written. Great information! Perfect size for travel.

Great travel book.

great product!