Lonely Planet Italy 9th Ed.: 9th edition [Paperback]

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Explore the riches of Italy with Lonely Planet's essential guide. Featuring a special color feature on Italian art and architecture, this book also contains insider's advice on the best pasta and gelati; skiing and trekking information, notes on history, culture and current politics; as well as practical food and accommodation suggestions for every budget. Delightful sidebars add insight into the culture, with details on everything from gladiators to mushroom picking. --Kathryn True --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Lonely Planet guides are a must-pack" --Toronto Star, February 2006
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

For expert advice, inspirational tips and exciting itineraries, Lonely Planet is your essential Italy companion. Whether you want to hunt for truffles in Umbria, walk ancient roads in Rome or simply admire priceless art and architecture, this 9th edition shows you how to unearth the very best experiences.<BR><BR>Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.<BR><BR>"In This Guide:" <BR><BR>Full-Color architecture, food and activities chapters<BR>User-friendly glossaries give you a Who's Who of artists, emporers and saints<BR>Top Tips on sustainable travel choices and the very best agriturismi (farmstays)<BR>

Since Damien set off from London to Syria via Istanbul on his first Lonely Planet foray, his work for them has revolved mostly around the Mediterranean basin. After an initial stint with a Middle Eastern and North African theme (Jordan & Syria, Egypt & the Sudan, Morocco and North Africa), fate launched him across the pond towards one of the nations closest to his heart: Italy. Faithfully accompanied by his sun-spotted grey Renault 5, affectionately known as Gnomo, he has careened around the peninsular in numerous grand tours for work and pleasure, coordinating numerous editions of Lonely Planet's Italy, and writing Florence, Venice, Best of Venice, Tuscany and Sardinia. Equally absorbed by the Med's other Latin giant, Damien and Gnomo have tootled about from one end of Spain to the other. Further titles there include Barcelona, Madrid, the Canary Islands and Catalunya & the Costa Brava. All those guides, many of which Damien continues to update, have left little room for much else, but Damien has been known to drag himself away from the Med to update a couple of editions of Switzerland, as well as contribute articles and photography to various publications around the world. Nowadays, Damien's forward base is the almost distressingly popular Barcelona, on Spain's northeast coast. From there he flits back and forth to his top-floor garret in splendid Stoke Newington, in north London.