John Kent's Venice: A Colour Guide to the City

I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer. We went to Venice in 2006, and this is definitely what you want to have with you as you cruise down the Grand Canal. (And if you're smart, you will have bought a multi-day vaporetto pass, so you can cruise up and down as many times as you want, getting a feel for the city in a leisurely, non-stress fashion.) Kent's Venice is NOT a substitute for a city map to go walking around with, nor for a good travel guide like Rough Guide or Insight Guides. It doesn't cover every tiny alley, and it won't keep you from getting lost. But when you've wandered into a piazza, and there are no obvious signs, like why is that weird skull carved over the door of that palazzo, or even what palazzo IS it you're looking at, then Kent's Venice is what you want. The simple watercolor illustrations cut out unnecessary detail, and put in clear, identifying details of major landmarks, so you can instantly orient yourself. I can't recommend this book too highly! We're going to Florence in 2008, and I've already bought Kent's Florence & Siena. I wish there were more books in this series.

This is like no other book on Venice I have found. It has been our companion on two trips. As we ride the Vaparetto, the history of the buildings unfolds. I read out loud to my sweetie, and before you know it, other English speaking tourists are hanging on my every word. The illustrations are outstanding and along with a more detailed map of the Venetian Islands, any first time visitor can feel immediately at home. It doesn't bog one down in great details or teeny tiny print. Can' believe it is our of print!