The Independent Walker's Guide to Italy: 35 Breathtaking Walks in Italy's Captivating Landscape (The Independent Walker Series) (Paperback)

~ Frank Booth (Author) "Although this is a walkers' guide, it is also about escaping and avoiding the DROPS..." (more)
Key Phrases: General Description, Getting There, Toilet Facilities (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

At first glance, this book looks like a trail guide to 35 fabulous (they sound fabulous anyway) walks throughout Italy. In fact, it's a country guide that happens to focus on walks. The first walk is not described until page 64, after loads of advice on what to pack, where to stay and even what other travel guides are worth consulting. Booth injects humor throughout, starting with his explanation of how these walks help travelers avoid DROPS (Dreaded Other People). He includes walks between and around some of Italy's most popular tourist sites, demonstrating that one need not be a hearty mountaineer to avoid DROPS. The walks vary from two to nine miles so any steady walker can follow in Booth's footsteps and he claims even couch potatoes will be ready after a couple of months of home strolls. The guide richly details every walk and provides practical tips on length, transit time, and where to find toilets. For those with limited interests or time, Booth lists walks thematically (must-see walks, ancient ruins, fabulous forests, etc.) Any traveler who yearns to trod Italy's unbeaten paths should pack this witty and informative book. -- From Independent Publisher

Product Description

Thirty-five breathtaking walks are highlighted, along with a variety of distinctive regional and thematic itineraries, essential information about Italy, and how to best organize valuable time. Photos and maps.

Product Details

• Paperback: 183 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Books; illustrated edition edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566562104
• ISBN-13: 978-1566562102
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #606,488 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful and amusing, September 15, 2000

By	sucheng (Silicon Valley) - See all my reviews

We spent 6 days in Italy, and ended up only doing 2 of the walks (plus visited the site of a 3rd), but found this book a great resource for getting away from the crowds, without being in the back of beyond. It provided ideas for some truly unique places to go that weren't on the usual "tourist's map" of Italy. Also, one of the hotel recommendations in the beginning (there aren't many -- the book is not at all a comprehensive guide) was a great find. We did find at least one discrepancy in a trail marking (at the end of the Florence walk), so be alert and flexible!

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kept us busy for our 2 week vacation, October 9, 1999

By	nick name - See all my reviews

We spent 2 weeks in Italy and did 6 walks. We would love to do more. This was a very easy guide to follow and you could make this the only book you need. Can't wait to try another one soon.