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From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.
Explore the riches of Italy with Lonely Planet's essential guide. Featuring a special color feature on Italian art and architecture, this book also contains insider's advice on the best pasta and gelati; skiing and trekking information, notes on history, culture and current politics; as well as practical food and accommodation suggestions for every budget. Delightful sidebars add insight into the culture, with details on everything from gladiators to mushroom picking. --Kathryn True
Book Description
Awe-inspiring Roman architecture and Renaissance art, charming hill towns steeped in history, a magnificent coastline waiting to be explored, gastronomic delights from authentic pasta to fine wine, and vistas that will leave you reeling--connect with the real Italy with this best-selling guide. * PLAN YOUR TRIP using our compelling highlights and appealing itineraries * STEP BACK IN TIME with a lively account of Italian history * BE A DISCERNING DINER - an expert's guide to Italy's world-famous cuisine plus tempting restaurant recommendations * SLEEP EASY whether you need a rifugi in the Alps or want five-star luxury a stone's throw from the Colosseum * TALK THE TALK from pleasantries to practicalities with a user-friendly language chapter
Excerpted from Lonely Planet Italy (Lonely Planet Italy) by Damien Simonis, Duncan Garwood, Paula Hardy, Wendy Owen, Miles Roddis, Nicola Williams. Copyright © 2004. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Destination: Italy Italy is a movable feast of endless courses. No matter how much you gorge yourself on its splendors, you always feel you haven't made it past the antipasti. Few countries offer such variety and few visitors leave without a fervent desire to return. The country's checkered history has engendered an astonishing regional variety. The great citta d'arte (cities of art) are all intrinsically different. Rome bristles with reminders of its imperial past while Florence and Venice are compact but high-dosage shots of Renaissance art. Indeed, the entire country is strewn with artistic jewels, from the Arab-Norman and Byzantine wonders of Palermo in Sicily to the Baroque marvels of Lecce in Puglia. Venture beyond the cities too. From the icy walls of the Alps to the turquoise coves of Sardinia, there is something for everyone. Ski with the chic in Cortina or get lost walking in Tuscany's Apuane Alps. Island-hop around the Aeolian and Egadi groups off Sicily, explore the coastal villages of the Cinque Terre or hang-glide above Umbria's Piano Grande plateau. Your taste buds will demand equal attention. Hundreds of types of pasta are served up and down the country with a ceaseless variety of sauces. Regional specialities abound, such as basil-based pesto in the north, game-meat sauces and the truffles of Piedmont and Umbria in the center, and Sicily's Arab-inspired spices in the south. All washed down with some of the world's greatest wines. The Italians are not joking when they call their home Il Belpaese, the Beautiful Country. Come see for yourself!
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