Are you longing to meander through the back streets of Rome and sip cappuccino as the sun rises in Venice? Fodor's upClose Italy, written for world wanderers traveling on the cheap, does its best to help you experience the heart of this awe-inspiring country. You'll want to visit the must-see sights--the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel--but you might also hope to encounter some of the country's lesser-known charms, such as the Casa di Colombo, in Genoa, where the old men will "tell you all about Columbus, according to them, the first explorer who didn't fall off the edge of the earth." It's experiences such as these that make a journey memorable--not the laundry list of museums you breezed through. In each of the book's 14 geographic sections, you'll find countless morsels pointing the way to picturesque piazze, buildings once frequented by famous figures, and glimpses of Italy's everyday beauty.
When it comes to practical matters--where to eat, sleep, and catch the train--Fodors upClose Italy, though not exhaustive, is a solid resource. If you do find yourself in Venice, for example, you might consider staying at the Locanda Sant'Anna: "Way out in the popolare (working-class) section of Castello past the Arsenale, this is more like a strange old apartment than a hotel. The worn, grandmotherly furniture and backyardish courtyard enhance the effect." Useful features, such as a quickie Italian language glossary and pronunciation reference; clear, but not overly detailed maps; and minutiae-filled sidebars round out Fodor's upClose guide to this impassioned country.
Product Description
THE GUIDE THAT GETS YOU TO THE heart & soul OF ITALY
upCLOSE Italy is smart, fun, and informative. It gives you
quirky never-obvious facts about major sights, as well as the lowdown on
the minor ones. It's in-the-know about what's going on. It reveals the
essence of the Eternal City and Birthplace of the Renaissance and helps
you get the most Italy for your travel dollar. In short, it's the best
of all possible travel companions.
All the places to go, from Parma to Palermo
Castles and gardens, crumbling monasteries, and ancient ruins
Venetian glass and lace, leather, funky fashion, and marbleized paper
See the pope, or catch a frenzied Fiorentina soccer match
Seaside and mountain hikes, wine-country biking, and the best beaches
Tell-all reviews of small hotels, cozy pensions
Where to stay that's charming (and doesn't cost an arm and a leg)
Antiques-filled pensions, rooms in private homes, and farm stays
City finds: palazzi with terraces, high ceilings, and mosaic floors
Squeaky-clean hostels with sea views and home-cooked meals
The buzz on trattorias, the club and music scene, and opera
Lowdown on local specialties: hearty pasta, cheap wine, and fresh seafood
Where to find opera tickets and techno, hip-hop, and jazz joints
Best bets for gelato and pizza
Wine bars, pubs, and beer halls
When to watch (or join) the passeggiata from a piazza café
Practical info, great maps
Airfare deals and how to get around
Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds
Clear, easy-to-read maps
See all Editorial Reviews
