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215 of 222 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy this guide book first, April 8, 2000
This was the 3rd guide that I have used in this extremely useful series. If you are planning a trip to Italy, buy this guide first. It is concise and will focus your attention on the most worthy destinations in Italy. Once you have decided on which regions to visit you can buy supplementary regional/city guides geared towards your specific interests.As expected with this series, the guide provides great coverage for compact regions served by great public transport. For example, the chapter covering the Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento/Amalfi/Paestum region is particularly excellent. The maps and directions for using the local commuter transportation were flawless. I used buses, trains, and boats to move around the region with ease, avoiding the readily available and costly tour buses. Rick also correctly instructs you to stay in Sorrento, which is pleasant and safe, rather than Naples, which is neither. I also visited Florence and the Hill Towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Once again, Rick's recommendations were on the mark, correctly focusing you on the most enjoyable destinations such as Siena and Assisi. If you want to cover the region in depth, as I did, you will need an additional guide (I recommend Blue or Green). Other chapters that looked particulary good were those for Rome, Venice (great maps and instructions for using commuter boats), Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites. I can't wait for my next trip to Italy! I found the hotel and restaurant recommendations somewhat low-end for my needs, but did have success with 2 hotels and a few of the restaurants.
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by Rick Steves
by Rick Steves
by Rick Steves
by Rick Steves
by Streetwise Maps
