Customer Reviews

Rick Steves Italy's Countryside, 2000-2007

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You really can't beat Rick Steves for travel expertise presented in a "down home" fashion where the reader (or viewer, in this case) feels like he or she is there and that everything Rick does is replicatable. I liked this DVD so much that I bought several copies for friends who are meeting me in Tuscany this fall. Ideally, this DVD would have included coverage of more Tuscany and Umbria towns. The Amalfi Coast should have its own DVD, as should Sicily (with Sardinia and Corsica). But, all in all, if you're interested in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Cinque Terre and want something more visual than guidebooks, this DVD is what you need.

Particularly valuable are the travel videos to small "Hill Towns" not covered by other travelogues.

Has there ever been another travel guide more amiable, more informative, more eclectic and just plain likeable than Rick Steves? This somewhat nerdish but pleasant looking fellow will immediately win the viewer over with his charm, humor and smoothing, layback manner. However what will keep you watching program after program is his consummate knowledge of the sites and people he visits.

While each journey is only 30 minutes in length Rick has a unique talent of synthesizing the many facets that make up a people and place. He leaves no stone unturned in his analysis; historical background, spiritual heritage, cultural underpinnings and political legacy are all equally touched upon to give the audience a fuller understanding of the rural and urban landscape.

However not not an individual to dwell too much on the past, he provides a delightful tour of the markets, music, restaurants and nightlife. The kind of information would really want to know if you're out for a good time.

The production values are also wonderful offering fanstastic visuals that are worth watching even if there where no commentary. Traveling with Rick Steves' is the next best thing to being there.

This particular DVD contains six episodes, thirty minutes in length. Imagine three hours in some of the most scenic countryside in the world; Assisi, Siena, Tuscany and more, better get started!

Paying a few bucks to download a lo-fi DRM-enabled video file that requires a custom player program...what's the point?

This is not for me. I'm a 33-year-old computer programmer and I simply see money spent on these downloads as money wasted. I'd much rather preview and purchase a DVD. You know, that format that you can back up and convert to play on any device you happen to own.

These DRM-protected videos? Pfft. I'd rather watch Rick's re-runs on CPTV with no commercials.

Rick Steeves is a dork, however his recommendations are great. Keep em coming Rick.

I love watching Rick Steve's on PBS and when I was searching for informational books online, I found this. I got his books and DVD when we were planning our trip to Italy. It had wonderful information that made our trip so enjoyable! Great product!