Daytrips Italy 2nd Ed

I used this book mainly to escape the record heat wave which hit Italy and the rest of Europe the summer I took my family there. If you are prepared to go only slightly off the beaten track of tourists, while not entirely missing the attractions of Venice, Florence, and Rome, this book will help lead you to some interesting alternatives in smaller Italian towns.Rather than spend uncomfortable afternoons sweating through narrow streets, long lines in front of monuments in Florence and Rome, I was able to spend a good part of our time exploring the countryside in the comfort of an air-conditioned rental car.And this did not distract from some historical and cultural experiences which the bigger and more popular large Italian cities (which I used as a base) offer in terms of museums and monuments.The book does not cover all the smaller interesting towns, of course. I would suggest adding the town of Vinci in Tuscany, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, which not only affords a spectacular museum on the artistic and scientific works of this man, but has several wonderful restaurants.Use this book as a complement to more traditional guidebooks focussing on the bigger cities and major attractions -- and you might find your Italy trip even more rewarding.

Your 4th edition of "Day Trips Italy" wasmy constant companion in my recent tripto Italy. I used Florence as my base city for daytrips to Siena, Greve in Chianti and San Gimignano.You asked your readers to send any comments.Page 123, you write regarding the Torre del Mangia in Siena's Piazza del Campo: "the incomparable view presents a dramatic panorama of the medieval city." You are so correct !!!!Thanks again for your guide.My next base city will be Venice, as I explore North East Italy.-submitted to Hastings House/Daytrips Publishers on Dec. 13, 2001

Here's the book you need to explore Italian cities on foot and maximize your travel experience. Detailed maps and directions help you get from point A to B to C etc, seeing all the key places in a logical sequence. The day trips are organized to get you to the attractions at the best times and avoiding crowds. The book could use better quality images and color. Still, it's a must for travelers.