Italy's Best Trips

July 1, 2013

These two guides offer more than 30 country-specific driving trips divided by region and by topic such as historic sites, art, and food to aid in planning. Very brief city guides and a few eating and sleeping suggestions are provided but are not extensive. Excursions vary in length and estimated travel time, from three days to two weeks, with suggestions for linking the trips for longer journeys. The books also have a country-specific driving guide section with such information as insurance, road etiquette, and a radio station overview. There is also a rather brief, but useful travel-basics section with the usual information on getting there, electricity, money, holidays, and language fundamentals. While not as visually appealing as the glossy DK Eyewitness "Travel Back Roads" books, these guides provide color photos and maps within the text as well as a pull-out map. The material is probably not as specific as some would like--lacking such details as where best to park in busy cities like Rome--but is a starting point for planning and for reference while traveling. VERDICT Information-packed guide volumes for travelers who will be driving in Italy or France.--Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ. Lib., Fort Collins

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