Cadogan Guide Tuscany

I have lived in Italy but wanted a guide to Tuscany for a return trip this summer. This guide exceeded my expectations, particularly in its extensive coverage of the art and culture of Florence, the section on which comprises most of the first half of the guide. The authors discuss art history engagingly and insightfully (a huge difference from the Rick Steves guides' embarrassingly dumbed-down museum tours) and do a terrific job of making Florentine history--especially during the Renaissance--come alive. The guide also mentions smaller chapels and museums, more off the beaten track, that nevertheless have fascinating things to see. For example, it points out the collection of old musical instruments in the Galleria dell'Accademia, which otherwise is famous for housing Michelangelo's David and his Slaves. The guide is not going to give you lots of in-depth information (though it is sufficient) on restaurants or lodging. For that, I like Internet sites like SlowTrav or TripAdvisor. The second half of the book focuses on Siena and the smaller towns in Tuscany, which are, to my mind, the reason to go there. The guide also includes practical information on food, festivals, etc and includes maps and a brief phrasebook. Highly recommended for those looking for a great all-around guide that includes some cultural background presented in a compelling way. It'll be one of the guides coming with me on my trip.

Part of the outstanding "Cadogan Guides" series, the newly updated and revised fourth edition of Tuscany, by travel experts Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls is a completely "user friendly" guide to enjoying all that the land and people of Tuscany have to offer. Vividly capturing the pure Italian beauty and grace of the land, Tuscany offers a wealth of information for the visitor ranging from particular itineraries for wine-tasting, nature lovers, and art enthusiast. Perfect for travelers on a budget, replete with maps for towns, cities, and roads, a superb reference for sampling local food and drink, offering invaluable suggestions for enjoying the history, art and culture of the region, enhanced with photography, Tuscany is very strongly recommended for anyone visiting to Tuscany for its comprehensive, easy-to-use, portable from ideal for travelers and vacationers.