Rome the Second Time: 15 Itineraries That Don't Go to the Coliseum [Paperback]

Dianne Bennett (Author), William Graebner (Author), Walter Veltroni (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2009

Designed for the tourist seeking a fresh, authentic, Roman experience, this intimate, stimulating guide explores Rome's splendid modern architecture, its bustling close-in neighborhoods, and its rivers, magnificent fountains, and aqueducts. Itineraries take the reader to Fascist and occupied Rome of World War II, the nearby Alban Hills, and the Eternal City's lesser-known green spaces. Innovative chapters feature cultural and artistic Rome, including art galleries, jazz clubs, film locations, and rooftop bars--even places that offer a sumptuous (and free) "vernissage" of wine and hors d'oeuvres. With Bill and Dianne as guides-their voices part of the experience-the curious traveler will discover a housing project built under Mussolini; ascend a little-known holy Roman road on the city's outskirts; spend an evening in the out-of-the-way, artsy neighborhood of Pigneto; enjoy a trattoria where only Italians eat; and, among the book's many informative, creative "sidebars," find in one the troubling story of Rome's Jewish community, and in another locate sites in "Angels & Demons." 16 maps, 70 photos, an index, and detailed directions and instructions (including websites) make this "new" Rome easily accessible. For the frugally-minded, at times adventurous (at times armchair) traveler. Foreword by Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The fact that Walter Veltroni, the highly respected mayor of Rome until 2008 has written a foreword to this guidebook should inspire confidence in the Transitions Abroad reader eager to see the Rome behind the "Disneyland" itineraries, jammed with exhausted tourists that countless other guidebooks describe...The authors take the reader through a number of itineraries, carefully explained and annotated with excellent maps." --Transitions Abroad(www.transitionsabroad.com)

"This book is geared to the traveler who has already seen the big sights - the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City and so on - and is ready to experience the less traveled, quirkier and definitely cheaper side of Rome. In other words, the Rome of ordinary people." --Chicago Tribune, June Sawyers

"...if you're planning on staying in Rome for a while, or if you're coming back, there's a good argument that ROME THE SECOND TIME is the second guidebook you should buy....If you're going to be in Rome for long enough, or regularly enough, to get past those first fevered days between the Colosseum and the Vatican, you may well want to dip into ROME THE SECOND TIME, and see what it has to offer. It's also supported by their Website, called, well, Rome The Second Time." --www.romefile.com

"Most guidebooks are outdated by the time they reach the stores, but this one is different. Beautifully written, with an enthusiasm for the Eternal City that warms every page, it takes readers far off the beaten path, into neighborhoods where tourists seldom tread." --www.inromenow.com

"This book gives you a new insight into Rome. Itineraries and directions are well-written with interesting sidebars and stories about the sights. I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to using it next time I'm in Rome." --About.com, Martha Bakerjian (goitaly.com)

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Curious Traveler Press (March 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615279988
• ISBN-13: 978-0615279985
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #371,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Travel > Europe > Italy > Rome

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, entertaining, and enjoyable new guide to Rome, Italy, October 15, 2009

By 

Michael Paperweights "Movie And Travel Guy" (Amherst, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rome the Second Time: 15 Itineraries That Don't Go to the Coliseum (Paperback)

I have traveled to Rome, Italy many times and have used various guidebooks, all of which offer pretty much the same information, photographs, and maps. After so many visits, I consider myself knowledgeable about the wonderful city of Rome.

When I first saw the title of this book, I got quite excited. As I began reading Rome The Second Time, I actually gave out a little cheer. I started sending emails to friends to tell them about the book. The authors have written a terrifically entertaining and fact-filled travel work about what to do in Rome after you've seen the major tourist sites. The book is a must-have for those making their second, third, fourth, fifth (etc.) trip to Rome. Even those on their first trip to the Eternal City will get a lot out of it.

The authors detail their visits to interesting Roman neighborhoods, churches, museums, restaurants (trattoria), wine bars (enoteca) that might be off-the-beaten path, but are all worth a visit for any tourist. What's also a pleasure is that they occasionally write about each other's reaction to the place they're visiting - it's as if you're eavesdropping on their private conversations. There are photographs as well as precise neighborhood maps for each interesting chapter, and there are clear and concise directions to their favorite places from the Rome Metro (subway) or bus or trolley stops. The authors write about favorite and unusual cinemas and museums; there's even a section on aqueducts, which still bring Rome its cold, delicious, drinkable water, which is often flowing out of centuries-old fountains on hundreds of street corners

I have been to some of the places about which they write, and I can attest that their information is spot-on. Very few, if any guidebooks, direct you to the giant Sunday flea market on the Tiber, or to Mussolini's haunts, or to family-owned restaurants on quaint streets where real Romans eat. If on your first visit, tourist Rome is too crowded for you, some of the places in Rome The Second Time will have fabulous, sometimes quiet, often uncrowded appeal, too. (Except for the flea market, which is crowded and absolutely amazing.)

This very affordable book has become my favorite guide to Rome. It's obvious that the authors, Americans who love Rome and have been going there for years (renting apartments during their stays), take great joy in sharing their experiences. It's pleasurable just reading the book, but I can't wait to use it in Rome.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for people who want to see the "real" Rome, December 20, 2009

By 

Jessica V. Stewart (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rome the Second Time: 15 Itineraries That Don't Go to the Coliseum (Paperback)

I've lived in Rome for a few years and was curious to read this book to see if it could really deliver on its promise to give readers the insight into spaces normally not visited by travelers. The authors have done an amazing job at giving readers itineraries that really speak to the Rome that most people live in and speak to the fact that the city is so rich in history that one could avoid all the "major" monuments and still get a full history lesson. In fact, there are a few itineraries I'll be walking myself, as they cover areas I don't know as well. Bravo for breaking away from the normal pack and delivering a guidebook that is perfect for people who really want to get a different viewpoint or who have been a few times and want to go beyond the usual tourist sites.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a fresh take on Rome, May 28, 2009

By 

Sally Polzin "always reading" (Lawarence, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Rome the Second Time: 15 Itineraries That Don't Go to the Coliseum (Paperback)

Although I have visited Rome a few times and still have many sites I want to visit and revisit that are in the usual guidebooks, I will certainly flag some of the sites in this book to get off the beaten track. I think this book would be particularly helpful if you visit Rome during peak tourist season, as the book will give you areas to visit that most likely won't be overrun with buses and umbrella toting guides. Good guide for those who have been to Rome before and are looking for something fresh and equally good for those who are new to Rome but want to stray off the usual tourist paths.