There is little wonder that Italy remains one of the world's top travel destinations. It's plethora of cultural and historical gems spanning from early Roman times to the Rennaisance have earned Italy the distinction of being the country with the most Unesco World Heritage sites (44 of them). Italy also has a veritable wealth of natural attractions, ranging from the sun-drenched beaches of the south to the idyllic forests and lakes of the north. Places aside, many come to Italy to soak up the spirit of the people and the Mediterranean lifestyle. There are a range of trusty travel guides to choose from when visiting this "Bel Paese".
One of the top resources for independent travelers worldwide, Lonely Planet is known for making destinations affordable for travelers of all budgets. Lonely Planet's Italy guide book is no exception, featuring a wealth of maps, several sections filled with color photos and guides to sites that are both on and off the beaten path, from the Colosseum to the lagoon islands of Torcello and Burano. It also features detailed reviews of recommended hotels, restaurants and entertainment and special sections on Italian history, the world-famous cuisine, cultural attractions such as Milan's La Scala (for opera fans), and Tuscan wines. One of the best picks for independent travelers, the Lonely Planet guide to Italy is especially thorough in explaining the ins and outs of transportation and helping you get to wherever you want to go in Italy.
Lonely Planet
lonelyplanet.com
"The Rough Guide to Italy" includes information on all the classic travel destinations as well as tips regarding less-visited places. Its notable strengths include well-written sections on social history and politics and its comprehensive list of historical sites. Unlike many other travel guides to Italy, the Rough Guide's sections on Rome, Florence, and Venice do not take up half the book, allowing room for plenty of rewarding off-the-beaten path destinations such as Umbria's Gubbio and Puglia's Peschici. Travelers on all size budgets will find hotels, restaurants and bars to suit their wallet sizes, although most selections tend to cater to the budget crowd. "The Rough Guide" to Italy also has sections explaining Italian cuisine, wines, culture and customs.
Rough Guide
roughguides.com
"Fodor's Italy" provides annually updated information on hotels, restaurants and sites throughout the country, presenting famous locations such as Venice's Grand Canal, Rome's ruins, Tuscany's wine country with beautiful photo features. While its bulk may prove somewhat unwieldy on the road, "Fodor's Italy" is one of the most comprehensive guide books, with instructions for both luxury vacationers and backpackers alike. Their Smart Travel Tips, bulleted maps, transportation tips and shopping pointers are highly valuable to travelers on any budget, labeling each destination or establishment by budget and a unique must-see rating. This guide book also comes with a full-color pullout map.
Fodor's
fodors.com
