Reviews (16)

Bundle with Party Europe
LP is a great book and had lots of awesome ideas. If you really want to have the best time of your life, buy a copy of Party Europe as well. LP tells you where to stay and eat, Party Europe will tell you how to have fun. Great combination. Can't wait to head back to the old country.

Too many countries
The book itself is awesome, lots of useful info.
Essential, perfect for a road trip
I bought Europe in a Shoestring as a preparation for my move from Italy to the UK. The book is an excellent reference for accomodation and eating, plus it gives the essential info on places to see and where to go.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Europe    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (65)

Unchristian
Dalrymple's 1994 reenactment of the 6th century Christian spiritual journey of John Moschos and Sophronios is fascinating, and its author a compelling writer. There, the value of this book ends.
A book transcending itself
A trip through the Middle-East is most of all getting to know the Muslim world. The part of its' history from Byzantine times, meaning the presence and history of Christian settlements,is easily forgotten or at least figures in the background only. After having read this book the Middle-East will never be the same to me again. With the exception of the Armenian genocide,I was hardly aware of all tragedies which happened but most of all: which are today still happeningto the very old Christian communities of these countries. Not only are they in permanent danger of being killed, often with no punishment of the perpetrators from the authorities, and have they already been driven out of places where they lived since a 1500 years, also their ancient buildings, art, manuscripts, possessions of huge historic meaning, are being destroyed. As these communities and their material heritage represent much of the roots of Western civilization, this loss is a huge loss for the history of mankind. What's going on is a complete annihilation of the wonderful mosaic of different civilizations this world once produced. As since many years but now more than ever the Middle-East is the focus of world politics,"From the Holy Mountain" should be read by a much wider group of people than lovers of good travelogues or lovers of these countries only. A most important and readable study, implicating a plea for tolerance and respect, it should be a must-read for all politicians in the world.
Zeal For Ecclesiastical Arcana
Yes! My title nabbed from the Amazon reviewer. Dalrymple's journey through the middle east, retraces the Byzantine traveller-monlk, John Moschos, author of, The Spiritual Meadow'. In the late C6th, accompanied by his pupil, he set to gather the wisdom of the desert fathers from Mt Athos, to Kurdisatan, then south through Syria, the Lebanon, Palestine, and on up the Nile. Dalrymple's trip in the early 90s was frought with tensions which today would cause an angel trepidation. The book was a revelation to me, filling in considerable gaps about the foundation and correlations of so many parties in the fermenting region. Muslim fundamentlists provide stiff opposition to Dalrymple's historical and current enquiries. But they are not unique in this. His evocation of place is crisply poetic and touched with memorable detail. His feel for people is very sympathetic. A work justly applauded. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Greece    2. Ancient - Rome    3. History - General History    4. Middle East - General    5. Religion    6. Travel   

Reviews (28)

Sets the record straight
Everyone knows this event was controversial.It is the tasting that allowed premium U.S. wineries to begin the meteoric rise in quality (and price) that we see today.Arguably, it is what launched the globe's infatuation with the "New World Style".
Great story of an event that changed the world of wine
This is the story of the wine tasting event that put California and Napa Valley on the elite winemaking map.For those who don't know, in 1976 a British wine merchant stage a blind tasting of elite French wines against California wines.The judges were all French and expected to judge in favor of the French wines.But, the California wines scored much better and suddenly French dominance of winemaking was being questioned everywhere.George Taber was the only journalist at the event and wrote a small article for Time magazine.This is his story of what happened that day and the impact it had on the world wine industry.
Excellent read for winos
Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. Business/Economics    4. California    5. Cooking    6. Cooking / Wine    7. France    8. History    9. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    10. Paris    11. Wine And Wine-Making    12. Wine industry    13. Wine tasting    14. Cooking / General   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (22)

A great introduction to Spain
While visiting Spain with my wife we bought this book in Seville. I enjoyed every part of it especially the end of each chapter which holds a list of the monuments relevant to the history of that chapter. I took it on a trip to Spain with my wife and it made the trip magical.
Trust the negative reviews and save your time
Is there substance?Yes, not a lot, but there is a brief overview of history here.
Hollywood Movie
No wonder this book has not been translated into Spanish. It would be an absolute fiasco. "The Story of Spain" was so obviously designed to be a good seller among American tourists, that it would make an excellent Hollywood movie -such is the distortion of history!
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. History    3. History: World    4. Spain   

Reviews (1)

Bundle with Party Europe
Just as good as previous versions with lots of off the beaten path fun things to do. I brought it with a copy of Party Europe. It was a great combo. Rick Steves to chill, Party Europe to have the most fun possible.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Europe - Western    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Europe    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / General   

Reviews (13)

Good place to start
I am a native speaker trying to teach my hubby a few words for our trip to Brazil.I found the book very easy to use.Most nights he practiced by himself and I reviewed the material.He was able to get pretty good pronunciation using the books guidelines, but emphasis was harder.It think this is true anytime you are studying language through a book.The stickers were fun to use, we did label items around the house.After getting this book down we moved on to a CD ROM package which has been useful as well.My husband felt that the book did not do a very good job with teaching tenses and conjugating words.This is true, the books aim was to teach you useful phrases and words, you would still be limited in your ability to understand a native speakers anwers to your questions.However, after only one month he definitelty learned quite a bit.Even though I am fluent it is easier to work from a program, as learning from me is hit or miss, this way we have the basics covered.
Great product
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is a great way for a beginner to pick up the basic words and phrases needed to communicate in Portuguese. When you actually follow the directions and spend the 10 minutes a day, you really pick up the language quickly! I like the way the book is written and found it easy to follow and understand. Great way to learn!

Trying to Learn
This is a wonderful book if you are going to be in Brazil for a very short time. It is also a good beginner book. Unfortunately the pronunciations (esp at the end of words) is hard to understand. My husband is from Brazil and we will be going there soon. He had to correct me the majority of the time when I was pronouncing the words how this book has outlined how they should be pronounced. Overall it is a nice book but you might want need a tutor as well to get the sounds right.If you are going to be staying in Brazil for a longer time you will need a better book for sure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Europe - Spain & Portugal    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. General    5. Grammar    6. Language    7. Portuguese    8. Portuguese language    9. Reference    10. Self-instruction    11. Textbooks for foreign speakers    12. Conversation and phrase books    13. Language self-study & phrasebooks    14. Portugal    15. Spain   

Reviews (7)

A must have for a London vacation
I purchased this book 6 weeks before my trip to London - and it was money well spent!Before leaving, I planned my entire vacation using the D&K Travel guide (and tripadvisor dot com for reviews).The map section is excellent and accurate as I used it continually on walking tours as well as when on the buses and tube.I really loved the map section.The maps are broken down into sections of London with arrows at the edges of each map pointing to the page number that the map continues on (depending which direction you are following) - so no struggling with a huge unruly map.There is a handy tube (subway) guide at the back of the book.The book fit nicely into my purse, and this was very important to me as I wanted it with me at all times.Not only did I find the road maps terrific, but also the various overview maps of specific areas (i.e. Covent Garden, Russell Square, Westminster & Whitehall) which had recommended walking tours marked up.The individual attractions diagrams (i.e. Westminster Abbey, British Museum, National Gallery), were excellent too and right on the mark as I used them for planning exhibits to see in advance of the trip.Being a full color guide divided into locations, you'll find information easily and be able to organize a flowing itinerary.The tips section is excellent with bus, telephone, currency and many other important tidbits of info.As for the hotel/B&B selection, I found it limited, but the information accurate as to the accommodations listed.My vacation in London was fabulous and I truly think this book had a big part in my trips success.Almost all of the museums in London are free - enjoy!

The One Best Guide to London
The City of London is one of the most fascinating urban areas on the planet.Its remarkable history, from its founding by the Romans and its long years as the center of the British Empire to its vibrant present as a cultural and commercial center provide venues of interest for almost everyone.
Informative and easy-to-use resource
After looking through many other travel guides, mostly copy-dense volumes with only a section or two of color photos, I admit to having been skeptical of the utility of this large, colorful, profusely-illustrated book. Would it really have the in-depth info I wanted? I shouldn't have worried. When my wife and I took a vacation to London this spring, this (along with one or two more specialized guides) was the book we ended up taking with us.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Great Britain - General    2. Europe - Gt. Britain/London    3. Guidebooks    4. London (England)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel / Europe / Great Britain   

Subjects:  1. Europe - France    2. Pictorials    3. Scenic Photo Collections    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. France    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Pictorials   

Reviews (3)

A nice comprehensive travel aid
This is a reasonably comprehensive travel guide to Turkey. All regions of the country are well covered, with lots of good information on local sites and amenities. It is small enough for travel and is up-to-date. It also includes good basic maps.

Lavishly Illustrated
DK's Eyewitness Travel Guides are perfect for your next vacation or they can be illustrated journeys into new worlds you wish you could visit. These guides help me to understand the world and the 1,200 photographs, illustrations and maps in the Eyewitness Turkey Guide are stunning in beauty. I loved the two page spread of the Library of Celsus (one of the most famous Roman sites in Turkey) that is still standing after an earthquake.
Scrumptious photo feast for your eyes, makes you want to go!
I'm a fan of DK publications in general, and their style is well suited for these 'big picture' Eyewitness travel guides. The maps, photos, illustrations and contexts excel at giving you the bird's eye view of what is outstanding in Turkey.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. General    3. Middle East - Turkey    4. Reference - General    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Reference works    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Europe / General    10. Turkey   

Reviews (5)

Bundle with Party London and Paris
What a great guide. Rick Steve's told me so many chill, off the beaten path things to do in London and then I picked up my Party London & Paris guidebook and hand the most fun and social days and nights. What a great combination of books.
Rick Knows London
Rick Steves has never directed me to a bad hotel or a bad meal.He protects his readers from overpriced tourist traps.A deep knowledge of the areas he visits and much time spent talking with the locals are what makes his books, in my opinion, among the best travel guides one can find.He knows where Londoners go when they want good food and where you can find a hotel that is quiet (by British standards), clean, and affordable (again, by British standards).His suggested museum tours and maps of the major London museums are another major point in his favor.

Very good book
the best books to have. All the information is up to date. Most of the other books are out dated and dont have as much information. I used his books on every trip around Europe and see many other people with his books as well!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Great Britain - General    2. Europe - Gt. Britain/London    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. London, Greater London    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Great Britain   

Reviews (10)

Good Beginning Study Guide for the Dedicated Learner
"Norwegian in 10 Minutes a day" is designed for the person who is self-motivated enough to devote at least ten minutes a day to the lessons and who is familar enough with the study of foreign languages to pick one up without outside coaching.The study guide is highly portable and can be used anytime the student has the opportunity.
stickers are great, but the book a little out-dated.
This book was one of several purchased in order to get my hubby speaking Norwegian. The book itself is good, but I did find it to be quite outdated and to have an "old" feel to it. Which can be explained so simply as to the fact that it is an old book!
learning basics with no audio.
I was looking for Norwegian books that would help me improve my knowledge of the language as I've been studying it for over a year, so I went through all the available ones over there.
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Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Europe - General    4. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    5. Foreign Language Study    6. General    7. Language    8. Norwegian Language    9. Scandinavian Languages    10. Self-instruction    11. Textbooks for foreign speakers    12. Europe    13. Language self-study & phrasebooks    14. Norwegian   

Editorial Review

Too bad the essence of Rome can't be bottled and exported to a corner store near you. If it could, you could pick up a weekend's worth of Rome along with your pint of milk and Snickers bar, and you'd probably never get to repainting the stairs, doing the laundry, or watching that new video release. Instead you'd be gawking at St. Peter's, ogling the Temple of Vesta, devouring saltimbocca in a trattoria, and sipping Sangiovese at a wine bar. You might not even Read more

Reviews (60)

Excellent travel book
I recently visited Rome on a cultural trip with my school.This book really did an excellent job of letting me and my group know what to see and about as much information about the sites that we could have taken.While it gives a good overview of the sites, and gives a more in depth analysis of some of the bigger sites, it is not good for thorough study of the city.However, for 95% of the people purchasing such a book, this will not be a problem.I would really recommend this book to anyone who is going to Rome, or just wants to know a little bit more about the sites.

Well used and referenced!
We just returned from Rome and I can honestly say this book was worth every cent. The map in the back is very detailed, much more so than other books and hotel maps. The museum diagrams and photos were also very useful. The back flap of the cover works as a fantastic and useful bookmark. Good phrases and pronunciations, good symbols, metro and bus information was very helpful, and the photos were excellent. You see tourists of every corner of the world carrying this book. Only negative is that there wasn't information on how organized tours really aren't worth the money, unlike I found in a Rick Steves book after the fact. (By the way - if you are going to Rome, avoid almost every organized tour as they rush you through and you don't get to see everything - especially at the Vatican). I will buy from the same publisher next time I travel!!

Good for visual kinda guys and gals.
Pro:I am a visual kind of guy and 3D cross section pictures and diagrams helps a lot.Nice colorful pictures and nice recommended neighborhood walks.At home, it also serves as a nice coffee table book.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Guidebooks    3. Rome (Italy)    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Editorial Review

Frances Mayes continues her love letter to Italy in this sequel to Read more

Reviews (19)

Beautiful photographs
This book is quite different from Mayes' first two books about Tuscany, which were more like travel memoirs. This book's focus is photographs, accompanied by some commentary, thoughts, and insights from Mayes, as well as some recipes. Frankly, I didn't read the text at all. I just enjoyed the photographs. I wish I'd had this book when I was reading Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany because all the places she talks about in those books are scattered throughout the pages of this book in beautiful photographs. We finally get to see what Mayes' charming Bramasole house looks like, as well as the town of Cortona and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. If you haven't read Mayes' first two books, read them and have this one handy so you can see for yourself just how beautiful these houses, towns, and people are.

In Tuscany
If you are the least bit interested in anything Italian then this is the book for you. "In Tuscany" has a great intro into the lifestyles there and more. There are many beautiful pictures and easy to follow recipes. A must have for those who are looking for a ecsape from our busy lives or an inspiration to redecorate your own home.

Complete the Experience
A delicious feast for the eye and heart.If you have read the book, if you have travelled in Tuscany this book brings it all home visually. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. Europe - Italy    3. Italy - History    4. Mayes, Edward Kleinschmidt,    5. Mayes, Frances    6. Pictorials    7. Social life and customs    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Travel Guides    11. Tuscany (Italy)    12. Mayes, Edward Kleinschmidt    13. Travel / Pictorials   

Reviews (6)

Perfect!
Before our family trip for 10 days throughout Germany, I purchased a few different travel guides. After having each of them in hand before leaving home, we took 3 books with us.By the 3rd day, we only carried 2 books with us: this one and then as a BACKUP, Rick Steves' Germany and Austria 2006. Those 2 books were great for finding tourist sites, great restaurants and hotels that could accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids (most hotels don't have rooms with 2 beds!)

The BEST travel guide!
I highly recommend this book to anyone traveling to Germany. Even though my mother is a native German and I spent a large part of my childhood in Germany, this book is invaluable to me! It is packed with a wealth of information. Not only are the itineries well planned, the maps easy to follow and the "day trips" really easy to do in a day, but the restaurant choices are also terrific... Every restaurant that we ate at was in this guide and every one was fabulous.Hurray for Mr. Steinbicker!Please keep them coming!!!!

Great resource!
This book has been well-used during my time in Germany (stationed here with a military husband).On weekends that I feel the need to get out and enjoy the country (which is a lot during nice weather!), I just grab this book and go!The maps and suggested tours are wonderful!
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Germany    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel / General   

Subjects:  1. Europe - France    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. France    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / France   

Reviews (60)

Right up there with Frances Mayes, for sure.
I felt obliged to give this four stars instead of five only because I could not relate with Mrs. De Blasi not matter how hard I tried (did that rhyme?).And I DID try - very hard in fact.I found myself WANTING to relate because her's was SUCH a story of faith and risk and love and adventure.But at the end of the day, I, personally, would have booted Mr. Moody, "the stranger" out on his butt in two shakes and told him to paddle his sorry behind back down the canal.
A fantastic book
Few books make me both misty-eyed and laugh out loud... This was one of them.Can't recommend it highly enough, even if you don't care to move to Venice in the near future.

Absolutely Wonderful!
This book is truly magnificent. It is a beautiful and very realistic love story (both with the country and the man). I identified very much with the story and with Marlena's character and her willingness to put-up with a difficult husband that she is very much in love with. Marlena De Blasi is an inspiration to everyone who wishes to "always be a beginner" and who wants to live life to the fullest. This is also a very sensual book, so many flavors, smells, sensations.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. De Blasi, Marlena    4. Description And Travel    5. Europe - Italy    6. General    7. Homes and haunts    8. Italy    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Social life and customs    11. Travel    12. Travelers    13. Venice    14. Venice (Italy)    15. Women    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

Reacting to an itch common to Midwesterners since there's been a Midwest from which to escape, writer Bill Bryson moved from Iowa to Britain in 1973. Working for such places as Read more

Reviews (249)

Hilarious
I love Bill Bryson's books, even though I've criticized a couple of them. He's witty, urbane, insightful and an all around fun guy. In fact, he's my favorite liberal and one of only 4 or 5 with an I.Q. above 95. This book is just a wonderful insight into the mind of the British, and a sad eye-opener to some of the tragic destruction of the environment that made Great Britain what it was. If you want to have a wonderful, relaxing and quite funny journey through Great Britain from the eyes of an American who lived there for many years, do read this book. In fact read all of Bill's books, you won't be sorry. Thanks Bill, you're my hero!!!

Great stories, good humor, bad narration voice
The book is brilliant, no question about it. His stories are great, his humor dry and culturally insightful. The problem is that, like all audio books, the voice of the narrator can make or break the experience. And in this case, unfortunately, the voice of the author fails the material.
Laughs galore
This is the third Bill Bryson travelogue I have read.This has several laugh-out-loud sections, particularly if you have travelled in the United Kingdom.It is excellent for relaxing on weekends or on a plane.If you have never been to the UK and don't know any British people, then don't form all your opinions based on this one book, but Bryson does a good job distilling some of the differences between our nations into an amusing few hundred pages. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Bryson, Bill    3. Civilization    4. Description and travel    5. England    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. Europe - Gt. Britain/England    8. Form - Essays    9. Journeys    10. Topic - Political    11. Travel    12. Travel - General    13. Travel / General   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (2)

Review by an Italian language teacher
From a teacher's perspective, it's hard to find that "perfect" Italian book or audio CD to recommend to students, because I often run into these two situations: 1) the book is too in-depth and too focused on grammar; 2) the book is too superficial and more of a phrase-book for travelers, therefore not sufficient. SO, what I usually do is use a combination of books, including audio CDs, this being one of them. It has some useful information on the culture, as well as practical expressions for the brave traveler. However, my recommendation is to take a basic course before traveling to Italy, because even knowing a few simple sentences can get you a long way. Also, in a group setting you'll be able to ask specific questions and to practice with others.I'm sure that if you check with your local community college, there are some short continuing education courses for foreign languages. Non dimenticare! Don't forget: the trick in learning a language is repetition, so any audio CD that gets you to repeat the words over and over again, is great practice. The more you repeat, the more you'll remember!It's like learning a song: you can't sing a song you've heard only 1 time, but if you hear it over and over, you'll be able to sing all the lyrics!! So, keep up the good work! If you need information on traveling to Italy and books to learn Italian, you can also contact me: nada@nadasitaly.com

Just what I wanted for my trip to Italy...
The exercises are easy and useful... the voices on the CDs are clear and pleasant.I would recommend this purchase to anyone traveling to Italy, hoping to communicate at the most basic level ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Language    2. English as a Second Language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Italian    5. Language    6. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    7. Foreign Language Study / Italian   

Editorial Review

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.Read more

Reviews (21)

Lonely Planet Italy
This is the 3rd edition of Lonely Planet Italy that I've purchased in the past 6 years.They seem to get better with each new edition.I hightly recommend it for anyone traveling to this beautiful country!

Not worth the money.
Before embarking on a 2 month trip to Italy a friend let me borrow Rick Steve's guide and said that it was better. I was skeptical but took the book anyway figuring it might come in handy on such a long trip. She was right. Rick Steve's organizes information in a much clearer and more intuitive way. This comes in handy when you're standing in a busy square, you haven't eaten all day and everything you've tried so far has been a jip and you just want someone to tell you where you can find a good deal. Flipping through Lonely Planet you might think you've been handed a manual on how to overhaul an engine - overloaded with information poorly organized. Rick Steve's book on the other hand is a breath of fresh air or, to put it more tritely, a helping hand. Not to mention that his guides have a personal touch and some of Rick Steve's own character sewn into them. After some time you really get the sense that he's there with you, helping you along (- now isn't that sweet!).

Experience from living in rome and using the book
I've been living in Rome for about a month and a half now and I would consider the LP book average relative to other books I've seen. Most of the places to sleep and eat are overly expensive. I don't know about the average traveler, but as a college student backpacking through Europe, I hoped to find meals that were maybe at max $25 (which you can totally find if you're smart about it).
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Guidebooks    3. Italy    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel & holiday guides