Touring Club Italiano: Italy

Don't be put off by the publishing date: this guidebook is timeless in that has by far the best description and explanation of Italy's immense asset of cultural masterpieces (which, being centuries old, don't change much in a few year's time) and idillic landscapes. It successfully undertakes the task of rating everything including cities and towns on a 3-tier system, which is incredibly useful both when planning the trip and on deciding what to see once there. If you have any interest whatsoever in Italy behind shopping and food, then this translation into English of the top-rated guide written by Italians for Italians cannot be beat. However, if it's your first time traveling to Italy I suggest you also get a guide like Frommer's for its up-to-date and North-American-centric travel planning and practicalities section.

The map that came with the book is far better at locating small villages than some expensive maps I have recently purchased.The book is written by Italians, not a travel writer who has never left the country, but relies on other previously printed material to make the recommendations.In reviews of restaurants it also includes the parking facilities. Most travel books will give parking at hotels but not restaurants. In reading the ratings for restaurants I have found many places that I have previously visited, in Italy, and the ratings are very accurate. I have recently purchased 4 books on travel in Italy and find this to be superior, it is the only book I will take on my upcoming trip.