5 comments about Waterproof Map of Rome by Rough Guide Maps (Rough Guide Country/Region Map).

1. At last - a map which is unfazed by sweaty pockets, being crumpled up in a tote bag, rain showers, or endless handling. We mauled this map all through hot sweaty Rome and it was perfect. Everything is on there. No, it is not a guide book! It's a map - and a really good one.



2. This was an excellent map of Rome. Like the other Rough Guide maps, it is extremely durable. After 4 days in Rome, it still looks brand new.



3. This map is great since it is designed to be water resistance. I am presently using it to plan our stay in Rome this spring.



4. Rough Guide maps make other maps look like child drawings. Do not leave home without one. The extras, like the "time map" with all the opening hours of major museums and churches, in addition to just the quality of the map itself (everything being to scale, the nice color scheme, etc.), make this map perfect. The fact that it's indestructible (plastic) is an added bonus!



5. Used the Rough Guide maps for Venice, Florence, and Rome and found them to be top notch. They have far more detail and accuracy than the maps handed out by hotels and local TI offices. The paper is coated so that it withstands serious abuse, fold, refold, stuff it in your pocket in a wad, it always comes out with all the print intact. The coating adds negligible bulk, more than worth it for the durability.

5 comments about The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries.

1. This book is useful. We stayed in several guest houses in the book as we drove in northern Italy. I would recommend it but would also make three observations. First, some of the directions are not suffieiently detailed or clear. I think this is a significant weakness of the book. We spent quite a bit of time finding some of the guest houses. Second, understandably, some of the prices are out of date but the places still are bargains. Third, in some of those where we stayed, the people did not speak English. This was not a problem as out Italian is marginally passable but don't expect English to be spoken at all of them, especially on the phone. Nevertheless, I have recommended it to several friends who plan to go to Italy and I will get the latest edition when we go again. It is an investment because the rates are much better than hotels.



2. It saved us money as we used it in Florence. We stopped in another in the mountains of central Italy for a social visit. The nuns are from diffenrent places around the world and quite interesting conversationalists, if wanted. The properties were quiet and clean. We will try again on the next visit. The school in Florence is in the center of the city.



3. While this book may be useful as a listing of monasteries that are open to travelers, the promotion for it is misleading. The room rates quoted in the current ad running in The New Yorker, and on the website for the book, tout rooms for as low as $30/night. And the back cover of the new edition cites specific monasteries with rates quoted in USD when in fact the rates cited inside the book are the same amount or HIGHER in EUROS (which makes the dollar figures quoted on the cover wrong by 50% or more). With the value of the dollar falling as it has been for the past 2 years or more, it would have been far more honest for the room rates to be quoted in euros (as well as dollars, if necessary) in the promotion. And there is no excuse for a current magazine ad and website to carry misleading information. I just hope the remainder of the information in the book is accurate (from reading other reviews, I have my doubts).



4. We bought this book and decided to test it out on a vacation. Although we live in the US, my husband was born and raised in Italy and was able to call the monasteries personally to make reservations. This was definitely a plus. Given this, we did get surpises... some good, some very bad!
   
   The spot in Florence with nuns was exceptional. What a special treat. It was clean, breakfast was good, and the nuns were delightful. However, there was a curfew, which was a problem, as we like to stay out a bit late.
   
   Another place we made reservations at was extremely difficult to find. We wandered around back streets and were finally able to find a villager to get directions. When we got there, it was closed! There were no lights on and noone present. We are a married couple with 3 small children and this was not fun! Fortunately, we were able to make our way back to the main street and find a hotel with an opening.
   
   A third one we made reservations at was a BUST. It was in Venice which is very hot and humid in the summer. We were given very basic quarters and thought we were going to die of heat stroke before morning.
   
   My advice, is just be careful and resourceful if you plan on using this. After our experience, we would rather book online with sites that provide user feedback. We get fewer surprises that way.



5. Italy is a very expensive country for tourists and the guide provides a number of cheap and clean places where to stay during your stay. Not least, it covers all Italian regions. I will probably buy also the same guides (by the same author) for Spain and France.

5 comments about Dances with Luigi: A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots.

1. I "lived" the experience with Paul Paolicelli as I read this book. Always wanting to not just visit, but to live in the land of my ancestors, to experience the culture, the people, just to experience the life.

   Mr. Paolicelli has to be richer for this experience.

   I recommend it to all of Italian descent and to anyone wanting to experience the culture of your family, no matter what heritage.




2. Dances with Luigi is a great novel for those who wish to trace their roots of from lineage of Southern Italian or Sicilian family heritage. The author's writing style is closer to that of a TV reporter then to the writings of an author. hIs character depiction of Luigi is strong. HIs adventures searching for his grandfather's roots form Rome to out -of-the way villages in Southern Italy take interesting twists and turns, especially when addressing concurrent themes of Mussollini and WWII. Some of the mini-stories hit the mark when family ties make sense, while other unrelated moments make the reader think that the novel could have been written with a lot less information. At any rate, the novel is intriguing for Italian-Americans to read.



3. For those of you who are under 40, never knew your great grand parents and have have built a family tree that traces your roots back to Italy,this is a especially helpful in understanding your ancestors beyond their years of birth, marriage, and death. I have read several books on immigration and Italian Americans and this is by far the most personal; with many examples of things such as why second or third generation Italians never learned the Italian language, why our ancestors left Italy, why so many were illiterate, intermarriage in the small towns, etc. There is literally a lesson in almost every chapter that makes me feel closer to my ancestors that I never even met. I am getting more copies for my relatives.



4. I am an avid reader always looking to match books with people I love. This book hit the exact right spot as a gift for an Italian-American friend. She is not a reader so getting her a book is risky. She called me to say she set her alarm early to get up early and read more of this book! She has now purchsed copies for all her side of the family, and contacted the author (he has something in the works)
   Give it a try!



5. I was happy to accompany Paul Paolicelli on his travels through Italy. His search for the man behind the title of "Grandfather" was evocatively and lyrically emotional, without being overly sentimental. Mr Paolicelli was steadfast in his desire not only to help his father, but to discover his family history, which had retained little connection with the family of his parents in their Southern Italian villages. His character depictions are exceptionally memorable; from Uncles, to the friends who accompany him on this journey, and finally, to his grandfather. This book is a warm read on a cold winter's day as it truly warms the heart.
   
   Don't think however, that this is just a book about people. Mr Paolicelli masterfully intersperses his narrative with historical context, fabulous descriptions of the places he visits, and his friend Luigi keeps us entertained with his philosphy on life, love, laughter, facism and the Italian culture.
   
   This book is about searching for what makes us all who we are...... our history and our roots. Like many of us who have begun a search to discover the family we never knew, there are many fascinating, sad, funny, but ultimately real characters that flow through our genes. Mr Paolicelli was lucky, that he could make this journey to the recent past and I for one was very happy to go along for the ride.

4 comments about Travel Italia: The Golden Age of Italian Travel Posters.

1. This is one of the best collection of period posters I have seen in years. It helps the fact that the subject is Italy, with its beautiful sites, but the selection clearly shows the impeccable taste of its author, who is, not by accident, a designer himself. What's really interesting also is that you'll learn about places you probably never heard of before, so it works as a travel guide as well! A great gift for for art and travel enthusiasts.



2. Champagne corks. Ski slopes. Sailboats. Delicious coffee. Scenic vistas. Iconic monuments. Historical sites. Bucolic countrysides. Rivers and oceans. Warm bed and breakfasts. Italian culinary delights.
   
   They're all here and reproduced in gorgeous color in this luscious collection of Italian travel posters. Ottaviani's inspired design sets this book apart from other poster "collections" by virtue of his romantic heart. With each page, the design sweeps you away as if you are being whispered to by an Italian lover--in Firenze, in Capri, in Milano, and more.
   
   "Travel Italia" would make a perfect gift for the Italiophile (is that a word?) in your life. Or, it would be a great way to introduce Italy to someone you care about. It's a very romantic book (without being sexual) and makes you want to take a journey to this beautiful country--with every turn of the page.
   
   So why did I give "Travel Italia" four stars? Because I don't believe in perfection. But "Travel Italia" comes close. This book has sensuality coursing through its veins. Take this journey. You won't look back.



3. A really gorgeous, beautiful book full of wonderful romantic images.It is also very informative with information about the various artists and techniques used.Every page reveals yet another enticing invitation and the colours are rich and vibrant.The book really surpassed my expectations.



4. If you enjoy vintage travel posters and Italy - this book will be perfect. NIce layout - most of the posters are a nice size on each page, not postage stamp size - good color.

No comments about Frommer's Florence & Tuscany Day by Day (Frommer's Day by Day).

No comments about Karen Brown's Italy Hotels, Revised Edition: Exceptional Places to Stay & Itineraries 2008 (Karen Brown's Italy Hotels).

4 comments about Blue Guide Northern Italy: From the Alps to the Adriatic, Twelfth Edition.

1. Has all the information in the Baedeker Guides from the 20's and 30's but better maps and city diagrams. The best guide book for art, architecture and history available.



2. On his website, travel guru Rick Steves says that Blue Guides take "a dry and scholarly approach to the countries of Europe. They're ideal if you want to learn as much about history, art, architecture, and culture as you possibly can." This is basically true, though I much prefer a "dry and scholarly" tone to Rick's "nerdy and precious" style. He's great when it comes to practical tips, but he can't touch the historical, artistic and architectural content of the Blue Guides.
   
   Blue Guides pack a tremendous amount of information into their pages, much more than any other guide I've used. They're wonderful for reading before and after your trip, but they're probably too dense to pack and take along for most people. Before leaving on my honeymoon to Italy, I photocopied the relevant pages of the Northern Italy book to avoid having to pack it because I knew I wouldn't be visiting most of the cities it covers. (Be aware that this book does not include Rome, Florence, or Tuscany.) On that trip I field-tested three guides: Rick Steves, Eyewitness, and Blue Guide.
   
   Blue Guides are not good to use as your main guide. They're far too light on practical matters such as maps, directions, hotels and restaurants, and they're not updated every year. I used Eyewitness to plan and get around and then pulled out the Blue Guide once I reached a major site. I used Rick Steves so little and found him so unhelpful that I left his books behind in hotels along the way.
   
   Blue Guides have come a long way over the years. I was given an older edition of the Rome guide many years ago, and I couldn't believe how small the print was; it had a lot of detail but would have been very difficult to use while traveling. The publishers have learned their lesson: the current edition of the Rome guide is far easier to use and much more attractive, with colorful maps and an easier-to-read format. They've improved on the practical aspects as well, but you'll probably be in trouble if you rely on this book to get around in Rome. I recommend packing a more comprehensive one-volume guide such as Eyewitness and using Blue Guide to learn about specific sites once the other guide gets you to them. Keep Blue Guide on your shelf as an attractive reference and let it inspire you to return to Italy in the future!



3. I have not received my purchase yet, since your shipping is so extremely inefficient, or it may be lost in the mail. I sincerely look forward to receiving the Blue guide for Northern Italy...................



4. For a concise guide to important art and architecture, the Blue Guide remains unbeatable. Their Northern Italy edition is superb. (The guide covers all areas north of the Tuscany, Umbria, and Marches borders.)

5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Central Italy: Florence, Rome, Tuscany, and Umbria (Unofficial Guides).

1. My husband and I used this guide on our first trip to Rome and Florence. It was well written and well organized. The book contained some great tips about getting around using public transportation in both cities; the included maps were helpful.
   
   Sights were rated based not only upon how interesting they were but on what age groups would be interested in them, from children through senior citizens. The restaurant reviews and recommendations were right on target. Everything from "inexpensive" to "very expensive" eateries were included.
   
   This book was obviously written using input from a variety of real travelers, not some "high-brow" travel critic! The book included information on many smaller towns, too. The only drawback was that the book was a bit on the large side. It fit into a backpack but with the other things we commonly carried, (water bottles, camera), it was a little cumbersome. However, this book contains so much useful information, it was worth taking along! Read it before you go to Italy and take it on your travels. We were glad we did!



2. On our recent visit to Tuscany and Rome, we found there were two books we couldn't do without, a phrasebook and this.
   This has the best, most comprehensive listings of main-stream attractions and "behind the scenes" spots of all the books I bought or read planning this trip. Some of the prices and hours for museums are a bit out of date, but you'll find places listed in this book that aren't in the others, and you'll wonder how those others could have missed it.
   If your vacation includes Florence, Rome, Pisa, Siena, Perugia, or any of the other wonder cities in Tuscany and Umbria, YOU NEED THIS BOOK.



3. I bought this as a gift for a family member who is traveling to Italy soon. They are raving about it, saying, "I've already highlighted all the spots I want to go to."



4. The only people that are really helped by books of this type are the proprietors of the establishments that are recommended. The problem with almost all travel guides is that they very rarely tell us anything we do not already know. Once a book has been in print for about a year, every restaurant recommended, if not a tourist spot in the first place, is now overrun with people flocking there because of the recommendation. It almost invariably follows that quality declines and prices rise. If the restaurant is truly a good one, then you might get lucky and be one of the first 20 or so to visit after the guide comes out; the rest of you are doomed to reach the place after the decline has started. I've been to central Italy perhaps 30 times in the past 10 years; I've never read a restaurant recommendation that I followed....well, only once and the place was a disaster; nouvelle cuisine, very, very French, in the heart of the Chianti Classico. Want a formula for finding a good restaurant in almost anyplace in the countryside? Look at the parking lot; if it has a disproportionate number of BMWs, Audis, obvious rental cars, stay away. Look for the place that has some beat-up Fiats, Lancias, perhaps an old Renault or two. If the locals go there, it must be good and it must perform consistently, even in February. The authors of this book are undoubtedly well-meaning and they have written a perfectly decent guide. So have about 90 others, with about the same information.



5. Good content. There are only 40 pages devoted to Umbria however. Florence, Roma, and Tuscany are the focus.

3 comments about Pauline Frommer's Italy: Spend Less, See More (Pauline Frommer Guides).

1. I am going to Italy this Spring and I thought that this book would give me valuable information for my trip. It already saved me $400 when I used a url site for finding a cost effective flight to another place!



2. This book is fantastic. LOTS of websites are listed and the practical info just isn't found in other books. The DK books are great for the pics, but this book is great for the recommendations of what NOT to miss and ways to see the other non-touristy side of Italy. So far this has been my favorite book. Can't wait to go to Italy!!



3. I recently traveled to Italy with three guidebooks; this one, the Rick Steves and Fodors. I ended up throwing the other two away. This one gives the best advice by far and doesn't just send you to the places where all the other tourists are (like Steves). I really enjoyed the restaurant recommendations and found a great apartment in Rome through this book (loved the non-traditional lodgings listed in this book; so different than the other books). Great sightseeing and advice on transportation too. And Italy's expensive right now, but this book helped make it affordable. I can't tell you how terrific this book was!

2 comments about Fodor's Venice's 25 Best, 6th Edition (25 Best).

1. Venice's 25 Best is an excellent book - filled with interesting and accurate information,and a perfect size to carry around. The pullout map included is detailed and waterproof in case of those stray drops of rain, and the water-bus routes are well marked and easy to follow. I bought this book because I already had Fodor's Rome's and Florence's 25 Best, and was very pleased with it.



2. My husband and I used the the Fodor's 25 Best for Rome, Venice, and Florence on a recent trip to Italy, and we found them extremely valuable. The compact size makes them light and easy to stick in a purse or pocket, and yet they have all of the information that a traveler needs, from tips on beating the crowds to recommendations for excellent restaurants. Also contains a pull-out map. Features like a two-day itinerary and suggestions for certain types of of activities are very helpful.