Italy (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

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Summary: The best guide book in our tour group.
Review: Our family spent 13 days in Italy last year, 8 of which was with a tour group. This book was the best of 4 that our family had, and it was even in high demand on our tour bus, being passed from passenger to passenger. Passengers were heard to say, "Who has the Eyewitness book? I get it next." The localized maps were the most help. Furthermore, it offered more detail than any other book. Many interesting sites were described that the other books didn't have, such as the Castle of Molazzo, which we had a special desire to see and photograph. The phone numbers of Inns and Hotels were most helpful. The pictures made it seem almost as if we'd visited every place in the book!

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Summary: All you need for travelling to Italy. Great reference too!
Review: This book is nothing but fantastic!! I was most impressed by the high quality images that SHOW what you are supposed to be looking for, the thorough explanations of WHAT you are looking at and WHY it is supposed to be important. The book takes a "peeling the onion" approach to travel, starting by dividing the country into several regions. After an introduction, each region is divided into its most important cities or villagest. Each city is further broken down into different neighborhoods or areas worth visiting. Each area, in turn, contains a detailed map and thorough descriptions of all of its attractions. In the case of the most important ones, like museums and churches, it even has maps of the buildings showing you where the most important works are (anybody that has spent half a day at the Louvre looking for a special piece, would appreciate the value of this feature). In addition, the book has very clear and thorugh practical advice on how to conduct oneself in the country in question, how to ask for help, which restaurants and hotels to use, phone numbers, travel tips, etc., etc. I couldn't fiind ANYTHING missing. The book is beautifully illustrated and becomes a fantastic reference tool and a vehicle for you to re-live your trip in all its glory. Its construction is sturdy and practical and it will survive almost anything. Finally, I couldn't help noticing how almost everybody in Europe seemed to be carrying it!

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Summary: THE BEST
Review: I am planning a trip to Italy and have looked through and purchased numerous travel guides. I ordered this book based on the reviews posted here. This is by far the best guide I have seen. I have not been able to put it down since receiving it. Now I can't wait to get there.

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Summary: I SUGGEST IT TO ALL MY TRAVEL CLIENTS
Review: it exceeds the competiton including michelin for over all quality and up to date info. I probably advise over 100 clients to buy this book. It can be improved but it is the best around in these busy times. Keep looking for more editions. I own several editions myself and use them as resources

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Summary: Hands Down Best Travel Guide for Italy (and Elsewhere)
Review: Living in Naples for 2 years, I had easy access to Italy and beyond. The Eyewitness series of guides was ALWAYS the best to travel with. Eyewitness Italy is to travel guides what USA Today is to newspapers: Not too wordy, yet enough info to get you going; lots of pictures to get your bearings; and not full of opinionated discriptions and discussions. Sure, you can get cheaper guides, but I doubt that you'll ever get one as easy to use and as enjoyable to tote around. I especially enjoy the design of the book -- the front and back flaps make great page markers and the layout makes sense. The travel tips are indespensible if you plan on using public transportation and the food pictures make it easy to 'point and shoot' your dinner choice at any restaraunt if you are a little weak on your pronunciation. Not only is the Italy guide great, the Rome, Naples, Florence and Tuscany, and Venice guides are equally valuable and well done. If you are planning a solo trip to Italy, make sure you get this well before your trip and never let it out of your sight during your adventure! Buon viaggio!!!

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Summary: An outstanding guide!
Review: I just got back from a trip to Italy, and everywhere we went we threw 3 or 4 travel guides in our backpack. This was the book we consulted the most, by far our favorite. Highly recommended!

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Summary: A genuine lifesaver!
Review: I just completed a brief vacation in Italy and I can't begin to say what a help this guide has been. I would have left out so many sights had it not been for this book. It is presented so well that anyone can use and understand it. If you are traveling to Italy at all....you must get this!!

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Summary: The Best Travel Guide I Have Ever Seen
Review: Filled with pictures and perspective, this is by far the best travel guide I have seen on Italy. This guide bothers to go beyond telling you the facts and what everything costs. It shows you what is out there, provides detailed maps on how to see it, and lets you know the significance of the subject. I feel like I have a personal tour guide. Great Job!

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Summary: Excellent format of a travel guide
Review: After years of travel around the world and many hours pouring through guidebooks, I can't think of a better book to plan a trip. It's a pleaure to read and very inspiring. I'm now looking for Eyewitness California/L.A. and any Asia guides.

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Summary: Don't want to feel at a loss... Take this book
Review: I love the Eyewitness books. They show you all the great sites, give details on how to use the machines and phones, and have maps. I think the worst part about these books are they are heavy. The next thing that needs improvement is the maps. However, I know of no other book which shows pictures of the machines which you buy tickets from and translates all the verbage on them. It sure makes travel a lot easier. I always make room for an Eyewitness Guide. I would like to buy this guide but I can't find it any place!!!!