Italy for Dummies

by Bruce Murphy, Alessandra de Rosa

The seven hills of Rome, Vivaldi and Venice, the ruins of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, pasta, cappuccino, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Armani, opera. Italy is a feast for the senses, and now this wonderful country—rich with history and physical beauty—is accessible as never before with Italy For Dummies. This concise guide pares down this complex destination and helps visitors plan the trip that's right for them. It includes: Easy-to-do suggested itineraries that offer a taste of both cities and the countryside Expert advice on finding the most charming small hotels and trattorie Tips for avoiding the crowds and beating culture burnout Essential information on Rome, Venice, Florence and Tuscany, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

576 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
The information is presented in a way that I don't think I will retain very much. It reads like a textbook. I didn't understand the conjugation. I haven't even learned basic phrases like, "where is the bathroom?" I'll have to find another source for language learning.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guide is less a destination guide and more a how-to guide. It seems to offer more practical advice on getting to, and getting around than more destination-focused guides. It seems pretty good at answering questions that first-time visitors might have about logistics and practicalities.

I think there are better guides that provide more extensive details about destinations and what can be found. This one covers a few of the major ones, only, and not very extensively at that.

It is quite large in physical size, so probably not the best guide to lug along. I think it works best for planning purposes, and then take along something else for the actual trip.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One would think that writing a book for "dummies" would also cater to those who are interested in finding the most cost-effective way of traveling there, around there, and staying there. I feel that whenever I read about a hotel or a place to eat, the single $ signs are anywhere from $224 for a hotel and $64 for a meal. Not sure if that's per person either. Either way, WAY too expensive and I know there are so many other ways to afford a month's vacation to Italy as we are planning. There is hardly any mention whatsoever of hostels, or getting to know the country from a locals perspective.
On a better note, compared to a couple other books that we purchased, Italy for Dummies provided a ton of information in regards to where to look, prices (in euros & US dollars to give you an estimate), the way to save on several attractions, extra places if you have time, and ideas of how to complete the area in one-day, two-day, or three-day trips.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Information on Florence is already outdated. Tried to go to the gelateria's listed for Florence and 3 of them weren't there anymore (or the address/maps were incorrect). Good generic information on Italy but lost my vote with the specific inaccuracies.

[Suzy Prybell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad way to plan your trip to Italy, but it was so big and bulky that I didn't take it with me. We did use Rick Steve's however, which was good but EVERYBODY uses Rick Steves.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful to read before traveling.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

6th edition (2011). Lots of good basic information for first-time travelers to Italy; especially like the suggested itineraries for one or two days in a specific city. Looking forward to my trip!