ITALY - TRAVEL GUIDES

"What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago."
- Erica Jong

TRAVELING TO ITALY

With stunning landscapes, quaint little hill towns, delicious food & wine, world-class museums, and thousands of years of history, it is no surprise that Italy is such a popular destinations for travelers.  There is just so much to experience.  Rome, Venice and Florence are of course very popular, but we also recommend the “la dolce vita” of the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany.  See below for our top recommendations on travel books for Italy.
close up of the fingers touching in the Sistine Chapel
Rome

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Lonely Planet: Italy

We highly recommend a trip to discover Italy, and in our opinion you need to take along Lonely Planet.  They are one of the world’s best publisher of travel books, known for the depth of their coverage and the strength of their local knowledge.  Italy has both can’t-miss tourist attractions and many hidden secrets, and their guidebook will help you discover both.

Rick Steves: Italy

Italy is a of course a wonderful destination for travelers, with some of the most culturally rich cities in the world and a myriad of beautiful countryside regions to explore.  First time visitors might like the Rick Steves travel guide,.  This popular European guidebook series stands out from the rest because Steves provides very specific  and opinionated recommendations on what (and what not) to see and do.

The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, by Marcella Hazan

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking is the ultimate cookbook for those who want to truly learn about the art of Italian cuisine.  Noted cookbook author Marcella Hazan provides an expansive manual for both beginning cooks and experienced chefs, with both recipes and guidance on techniques and ingredients.  Good for those who love to cook and for those looking forward to the pleasures of true Italian food on their trip to Italy.

Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes

Under the Tuscan Sun is the story of an American writer who buys and restores an abandoned 200-year old farmhouse in Tuscany.  It is a beautifully written love-letter to the beauty of life in this region of the world, and a great story about the challenges and rewards of changing environments.  The novel was turned into a movie in 2003 starring Diane Lane.  Click here for our review of the book Under the Tuscan Sun.

Pompeii, by Robert Harris

Pompeii by Robert Harris is the fictional story of the few days before the tragic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that killed thousands in 79 AD.  The lead character is the recently appointed engineer Attilus who first senses a crisis with the enormous aqueduct that supports the area, amidst the mysterious rumblings coming from the mountain.  This is a great book to read in advance of visiting Pompeii.  Click here for our review on Pompeii.

Venice, by Jan Morris

Even though the book was published over 50 years ago, we recommend that visitors to Venice read Jan Morris’ The World of Venice.  No other guide as successfully captures the impressions of this marvelous and inimitable city, with as much passion and intimacy as Morris.  There is no question that she loves Venice, and those reading this book will too.  Click here for our review on Venice.