One Hundred and One Beautiful Small Towns of Italy

Book Description
Who hasn't dreamt of being whisked away to a sweet little Italian town buried deep in the countryside-towns with names that roll off the tongue like Vercelli, Portofino, and Tuscania? The small towns sprinkled throughout this expansive book are not only rich with beauty, but are also saturated with as much historical and cultural importance as their sister cities. The fact that they are "off the beaten path"-though sometimes extraordinarily famous for their art, food, and wine, or simply their setting-makes them rare gems even more desirable to see. This book is the perfect guide for those who can't resist succumbing to Italy's charms again and again.
Originally written by and for Italians, this is a fantastic source of inside information. The 101 towns featured represent the 20 diverse regions of Italy and their varied landscapes, architecture, and local specialties. Practical sidebars introduce the reader to traditional artisans-Tuscan saddlers, custom cobblers, tapestry weavers, ceramicists, and crafters of papier-mâché-as well as to the best place to buy Parmigiano Reggiano or the greatest terrace to have tea while taking in a Tuscan sunset. And if that weren't enough to keep you busy-or you have a hard time deciding where to go first-art and architecture are also amply covered, from the history of L'Aquila's 99 fountains to the most elaborate of Baroque churches and the most charming of piazzas.
You will be amazed to see how much Italy has to offer beyond the well-trod paths of Venice, Florence, and Rome. From Asolo to Vicenza, flea markets to fish markets, horse races to open air concerts, this book promises 101 great reasons to go back to Italy over and over.



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Travelers looking for affordable accommodations that reflect Italy's glorious scenery will find Italian Bed and Breakfasts an irresistible temptation. The Caffelletto organization, founded in 1998, has compiled a guide to over 200 B&Bs in the various regions of Italy and includes rooms in Tuscan farmhouses, rural villas, elegant city apartments, and even a palazzo in Florence, all for prices ranging from 28 to 100 euros ($36 to $130 per person). Each full-page entry includes a description of the accommodations, terms, local highlights, and contact information (the traveler can book direct or have Caffelletto make the arrangements). Very few of the B&Bs, however, indicate that they are handicap accessible. Photographer and journalist Lazzarin's book makes an ideal complement to Italian Bed and Breakfasts. Although his gorgeous photographs will first attract the reader, the text (translated from the Italian) is equally enjoyable, with lively descriptions of each town's history, attractions, and unique qualities. Throughout, he recommends the occasional hotel and restaurant, including contact information. From Aosta in the north with its haunting Roman ruins to the dramatic hillside towns of Matera and Orvieto to the intense blue of the waters around Sicily and Sardinia, Lazzarin's photographs will enchant. Both titles will be welcome additions to any travel collection and are highly recommended.-Linda M. Kaufman, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.


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