Venice [Paperback]

"These guides are very readable, attractively presented and packed with essential basic information as well as describing each city's history and culture"
--Daily Mail (UK)

"Easy on the eyes and in the hands, these guides boast a wealth of information in well-ordered pages; the texts are written with humor and display a definite, enticing personal touch"
--Booklist, May 2001

Cadogan's cliché-busting guide discovers the little-known sights of secret Venice, as well as the treasures that simply can't be missed. The guide covers in depth the history and culture of the city: the awe-inspiring Basilica of San Marco and the Doge's Palace, and the Accademia, with its world-renowned collection of Renaissance art. It also has sections on nightlife, whether the visitor is looking for Baroque recitals, opera or live jazz; on the best spots to take children and on the parks and green spaces where you can rest after exploring. In this city of beautiful but intriguing urban design, the guide is packed with clear maps to help the visitor find their way around, hop from island to island, and wander through the narrow streets and across the canals without always having to use a gondola! Individually reviewed hotel and restaurant listings dig out the real gems from the tourist traps, and there is helpful advice on finding the shops that specialise in authentic and handmade local produce and souvenirs.

Venice is Europe's dream city of the imagination, cocooned far away in its magical lagoon. Streets of water lap against an urban fabric built to delight, filled with the color drenched masterpieces of Bellini, Titian and Tiepolo. And when your drunken senses can take no more, the worldly playground of the Lido and the Palladian villas of the terra firma are only a short hop away.
Our expert authors and local researchers give the lowdown on the city, from splendid palazzi and glorious churches to silent canals and tucked-away boatyards. 74 hotels and 116 restaurants, plus wine bars, clubs, late-night ice-cream parlors, classical concerts, opera, dance and theater are all personally reviewed.
Also included are 17 detailed maps, plus 14 pages of full color maps with grid-references to help you find every sight and recommendation in the guide. There is also a guided tour that takes you palace-spotting along the whole wide sweep of the Grand Canal.

Italian experts Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls lived in Umbria for 3 years and have written 17 Cadogan guides to Italian regions and cities, and the Italy country guide.