Editorial Review

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive, engrossing, and just plain fun-to-read guidebook than the Read more

Reviews (23)

Feneyjar
Liked it alot. The chapter about how they built Venice was very interesting. A must have book if you are going to Venice or the Veneto.

Best Travel Book
I could not be more happier with the Eyewitness Travel Guide books. Last year my mother and I went to Prague and had the Prague book of the series with us. We relied on this book to guide us through the entire city, and it did. These books are absolutely wonderful. They are so helpful in finding you anything you need! They have detailed plans and maps of the cities, and provide you with information on just about everything! We just recieved the Venice & the veneto and florence & tuscany books. They have so much information about these cities amidst beautiful photographs and maps. You will not be dissappointed if you buy this book, or any other from the series. They are a lifesaver, and a tour guide in writing!

Aaah, Venezia
Another good portable travel guide.Readers won't be disappointed and will find plenty of good, practical information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (8)

Rick's advice and judgments are helpful
We have just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in Spain and Portugal, using the Rick Steves 2006 guides to those two countries.We also carried the Michelin Green Guide, and this was a good complementary pair.We appreciated the fact that Rick tells the reader: this museum is boring, another museum is underrated and worth visiting, the Costa del Sol is gridlock, etc. - in other words, he makes judgments and offers frank advice where other guidebooks are politely descriptive.Michelin has more detail and lists more places but makes fewer judgments.
Bundle with Party Spain
What a great guide. Rick Steve's told me so many chill, off the beaten path things to do in Spain and then I picked up my Party Spain guidebook and had the most fun and social days and nights. What a great combination of books.
Steves' Spain- not the color one!
I was disappointed with this order. I had previously borrowed this book from a friend and loved it. It was most helpful while in Spain.However, I was surprised [and felt fooled] that THIS version has almost none of the glossy color photos that another seemingly same edition had.Misleading description. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Spain    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Europe / Spain & Portugal   

Reviews (6)

I recommend this guide only as a complement to the "Top 10 New York" guide, or other small guide like that...
I recently visited NYC for the first time. I took only three books about that city with me: this guide, the "Top 10 New York" guide, and "The Metropolitan Museum of Art Guide". I must say that the "Lonely planet NYC Guide" was not my favourite, though.
Pretty Good
I liked the combination of facts and opinions.Interesting suggestions.Good walking tours.Good color maps.

Great guide, BAD index
What makes this a great guide is the fact that the listings for attractions/ shops / etc all have map numbers, which makes them very easy to find on the book's maps.Also, the maps have their own little mini tables of attractions.So, it's easy find where to go (if you are looking for something in particular) or what's around you (if you're already there).Unfortunately, the index is sorely lacking.Suppose you want to go for a horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park, and you want to know where to find the carriages.You will not find out through the index.There is no mention of them under "Central Park."There is no listing for "carriages" nor "carriage rides" and the listing for "horse-drawn carriages" is about the ones in Philadelphia.Luckily, there actually is an extensive paragraph telling you all you need to know about this, and it is in the book's description of Central Park (which makes sense).But you wouldn't know by looking at the index.So, if you're planning a trip to N.Y., and you don't see a particular attraction in the index, do some research on the web, find out where it's supposed to be, and then turn to the section on that particular neighborhood in the book.Maybe you'll find it there.Use a highlighter to mark the page. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. Travel Guides - U.S.    4. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York City    5. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    6. New York    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (14)

Perfect for a trip to Florence
This book was exactly what we needed to help plan our days while in Florence. The map/photos and information is great and really helps to know where stuff is and what to do there. We used it in conjunction with the rain-proof Rough Map to Florence/Sienna. It was a perfect combination.

DK EYEWITNESS HISTORY GUIDE OF FLORENCE AND TUSCANY 2006.
QUICK INFORMATION:
Florence & Tuscany Review
This book is the premier publication for travel guides, however, do not buy if you have bought the Italy Eyewitness Guide.It does not add enough additional value to justify the acquistion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Florence (Italy)    3. Guidebooks    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Tuscany (Italy)    8. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (3)

Make the Most of Your Trip
I prefer guidebooks that aren't just mammoth listings of everything (hotels, restaurants, sights).This compact book hits the target with its highlights and its walking tours.
Surprising gem of a guide book
This guide book was a last-minute impulse buy before we headed off on our 10 day trip to France.We surprised ourselves by using it almost exclusively to navigate around this wonderful region of France.Short 'n sweet descriptions of all noteworthy towns in the region helped tremendously with deciding where to head next.We used the walking tours in Aix-En-Provence, Avignon, and Arles, and felt them invaluble in getting the most out of our time in each city on our brief trip.We also visited many of the tiny scenic villages recommended in the book."Provence Made Easy" is accurate, well-written, concise, and fun to read.(Fits in your pocket!)We also had Lonely Planet Provence with us and ended up using it almost exclusively (and seldom) for accommodation and restaurant information.For trip shaping, this small, handy book was it.We used this book in conjunction with "Walking In Provence" by Janette Norton and felt that together these two books offered us a unique, authentic view of the region.We wished we had Andy's book "Paris Made Easy" when we arrived there for the last two days of our trip!Thanks, Andy!

The Best Sights and Walks of Provence and the French Riviera
This handy pocket guide to the best sights and walks of Provence is all you need to make your visit fun, memorable, and easy. Inside you'll find short opinionated descriptions of both well-known and off-the-beaten-path sights; detailed walking tours with street-by-street descriptions; and great outdoor markets - plus a travel-planning section to help you arrange your trip!
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Subjects:  1. Europe - France    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. France    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Europe / France   

Reviews (5)

Army Corps Of Engineers camp ground Modoc, SC
Just returned to Florida from three days at Modoc,SC Strom Thurman Lake and Dam. The Campground was everything the guide said it was. We were more than pleased and no complaints. We look forward to utilizing the guide again and hopefully soon...

Happy Rving
its a nice book it will help find our camp sites
Gold mine
This book really is awesome. Sure it doesn't list every campground out there, but the book is already the size of a major city's phone book, so it lists the best ones. I love the rating system because it gives each campground separate 1-5 star ratings whether camping with a tent or in an RV. Extraordinary detail and excellent tips, but so far I haven't seen any altitudes given, which would have been useful.
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Subjects:  1. Automobile travel    2. Camp sites, facilities, etc.    3. Camping    4. Guidebooks    5. Parks & Campgrounds    6. Recreational vehicle living    7. Travel    8. Travel - General    9. Travel Guides - U.S.    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    13. Travel / Parks & Campgrounds    14. USA   

Reviews (4)

Great Guide...scavenger hunt idea and book for kids was great suggestion!!
We just returned from a trip to Venice and found Rick Steve's Venice 2006 book extremely helpful in navigating the city.We also took his advice regarding traveling with children (we have [...]) and used a scavenger hunt idea to keep them interested.We bought a kids book called "TREASURE HUNT VENICE" which was the ideal scavenger hunt for the kids to do.It truly was a perfect match in that the adults used the Rick Steve's book and the kids used the TREASURE HUNT VENICE book.

Buy it, read it, love it!
This book has become so hugely popular and successful there are no real secrets anymore. Booking recommended hotels is nearly impossible. Recommended eating establishments are usually crowded with Rick's book toting tourists, and I think this may even be now available in other languages.
The Only Book You Need For Venice
If you're going to Venice BUY THIS BOOK.It's the only one you'll need.I promise you. ... Read more

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

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 nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded 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 givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money. Read more

Reviews (23)

Poorly written
This was our only reference guide to 6 weeks in Spain. We tried to use it for Hotels and buses and trains and all of the things a traveller would need to know. Instead of useful information, we were assaulted with so many adjectives and adverbs that bordered on stupidity, we almost threw the book away. It does contain some information of value if you can get passed all of the pompous verbiage. We did use the book for some things, but important information could be a great substitution for many adverbs and adjectives.

Nada
This volume is so thick and so heavy that when it arrived, I couldn't wait to dig and delve into it for my upcoming trip to Spain. Our accomodation and flight plans already made, I was most interested in details about the Northern provinces we'll be driving around. Lonely Planet Spain does not seem to contain any details that don't have to do with hotels/hostels, restaurants, or public transport, or other practical topics. We were more interested in soaking up the flavors, the ambience, and the culture of the country and its people, its customs and traditions, its arts and its music. Guess it's just as well, as this tome would probably throw our luggage over the airline's weight limits.
YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS GUIDE
I've purchased and relied on several Lonely Planet Guides.Unlike the other guides, the Lonely Planet Guide to Spain was not useful or helpful.Although I travelled to Spain in 2005, the 2005 edition's information concerning prices for lodgings, food, transportation and attractions was already out of date.One wonders when it was last updated.Moreover, the book is bulky and poorly organized, making it difficult to pinpoint information.Finally, information concerning secondary cities and towns is impressionistic at best.The Lonely Planet Guide to Spain was a disappointment, poor value and--most importantly--a poor guide to Spain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Spain & Portugal    2. Guidebooks    3. Spain    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel & holiday guides   

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 (25)

Lonely Planet - Ireland
Outstanding!Just returned from our trip to Ireland, and found everything to be wonderful.For the areas we visited (Dublin and County Waterford), we went everywhere that was recommended, and were not disappointed.Loved the organization and presentation.

Best of the Best
Lonely Planet's "Ireland" is the most thorough travel guidebook I've found.It covers more subjects and lists more places than any other single guidebook. The descriptions are current, interesting and relevant.The maps are very useful and specific directions are given to get to the various sights listed.Also the Irish as well as the English form of place names is given - helpful when trying to interpret road signs.Various forms of transportation available in each place is also a bonus. This guidebook lists more lodging and eating options than any other. Whether you are into wind surfing or shopping, hiking or bar hopping, this book has a wealth of information for you. If you are only going to get one guidebook for your trip - this is the one to get.

Covers every little nook and cranny
My mom and I decided to spend a month driving all over Ireland.We took this book and the "Ireland (Eyewitness Travel Guides)" book.Both were very helpful.I'm drawn in more by pictures which is rather limited in this book but I promise in the 4 weeks we drove down all sorts of bad roads and lanes, never once did we come across a landmark, area or town that wasn't mentioned in this book!It was amazing.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Reference - Guides (General)    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Ireland    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (10)

You can never go wrong with Rick
Rick is the best ... I gave this book to my parents after I had used his Paris book. He'll never steer you wrong, and he has the best self-guided tours of anyone. I used to use the "eyewitness" books, which are pretty to look at, but there is nothing like Rick's. The last time I was in Paris, I ran into a couple of people who were using his book, and we struck up a great conversation, and at the end we all agreed that Rick's books are the best way to go. It'll be money well spent.

Great book!
This is a great book to start you out if you've never been to Europe.It starts out with general information on how to prepare for the trip and what to expect.I recommend reading this first, then getting another Rick Steves book that specifies your destination country (this book gives general info about the different countries but his other books are full of details on one specific destinations).
Best of Eastern Europe 2006
Rick Steves' travel books never let us down.This book lists websites to get further information and to send for more brochures, however, we've found all the information we need in this book.He discusses each country and their cities.You get trip costs, sightseeing priorities and how long to stay to see the best areas, how to get around on public transportation and driving tips,and history.We used his travel books in the past and found them to never lead us off course.Steves' spends time in Europe researching all you could possibly want to know and can lead you around each country to get the most bang for your buck! ... Read more

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

Reviews (11)

Beautiful, Detailed, Easy to Use...What More Could You Want?
My husband and I were in Jerusalem in May 2006. I took DK's Jerusalem and the Holy Land guidebook, which includes tons of beautiful color photos and maps. My husband took the more academic Oxford archaeological guide, The Holy Land. At most points of interest we'd draw out our respective books and consult them, comparing what each one had to say. After a day or so I began to get the distinct impression that my darling assumed his book would be much superior to mine, which is obviously aimed at the average tourist. As the days went by, though, he had to concede that the DK guide was as good, or perhaps better, than the Oxford book. The maps are excellent. Also, for a book that contains so many illustrations, it still packed in a ton of helpful detail and is beautifully written. The information on history and culture is also excellent. All this, and yet it is very compact and durable, so is ideal for toting around.
the information is very useful
The colourful photos are good for travellers to have a preview before they have the journey. The information is very useful that I learn a lot and know more about the history, culture and daily life of the Holy City.

Packed with details in concise summaries, easily portable
I am a big fan of DK books! I have used this book with pleasure on two recent trips to Israel and plan to use it again on my next trip. It was such a hit that my colleagues have borrowed it as well. It fit easily inside my medium-sized purse. Each of the major tourist areas is detailed in a 1-2 page spread, which is packed with lots of info, beautiful photos and maps as applicable. I was able to learn all I needed to know about currency, traveling within the country, regional food/wine, security, etc. The Via Dolorosa and Old Jaffa maps were particularly useful. The map of down-town Tel Aviv did not cover enough area, but local maps were available in my hotel for free and purchase. It does not contain the particulars on hotels and restaurants that are typical of a Fodor's guide. However, if you are traveling with a tour group, then you won't need this detail as most of your trip will be prearranged. Due to security precautions, you probably will want to get restaurant recommendations from a hotel concierge anyway. This book is also a great visual tour for someone who wants to experience Israel but is unable to travel there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. Guidebooks    3. Israel    4. Jerusalem    5. Middle East - Israel    6. Travel    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Travel / Middle East / Israel   

Reviews (4)

Lansky knows what he's talking about
I recently attended a presentation by Doug Lansky, and was bowled over by his experiences and his extensive travel. (He's been to and had experience in and covered in reporting over a hundred countries!) He really has been in all the situations he advises on. Therefore, this guide is an accurate and realistic source for anyone traveling-- a must have! Lansky's tales are amazing! And his advice even better!

best help ever--great for basics
This book covers everything you'd want to know on a trip around the world, and mostly the basics that a lot of guide books take for granted. If you've got a question about travel itself (not where you're going), the answer's probably here.

WELL DONE
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was both well-written and well-informed. It was in an easy to read and understand format. There was a lot more information in it than I thought there would be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Guidebooks    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Travel Guides    7. Voyages around the world    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Special Interest / General   

Reviews (9)

Useful but limited and too patronizing
There is no denying it, this book has lots of useful tips and is easy to use but I did find the tone a bit patronizing at times. I really don't need someone to tell me what to think, even when in a foreign country. I also did not like the "show this book for x% discount" offers - I rather pay full price elsewhere and know the place is in the guidebook on its own merits.
Trite and conventional
Was very disappointed with this book.Not only did it cover only the most touristy places, but it left out many more interesting, not as common, sites.The real tip off is that he lists places that "guarantee the price listed here if you show them your copy of this book" or offer a "10% discount" with this book.That isn't really objective reporting in my opinion.

A bit too opinionated for me!
I haven't see the TV show, but a friend loves the series and strongly recommended the book.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: Daytrips Germany, 6th Edition and then as a BACKUP, Rick Steves' Germany and Austria 2006.It was okay, but a bit too snarky for me.Using the 2 books together 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!). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Austria    2. Europe - Eastern    3. Europe - Germany    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Austria    7. Germany    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Europe / Germany   

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

Reviews (7)

Great Book
We went to Turkey and this book was the best guide for us. We had a very short time to get ready and this told us everything we needed to know. Culture, food and the way to dress in a Muslim country.Plus,the must see sights. Remember some Mosque and palaces are closed one day a week.

difficult to please
Although on the heavy side, I have bought a number of the "eyewitness travel guides" because they are easy to use, and have great pictures - which is very important to me indetermining which places I want to visit, what food I would like to try and so on.The maps are ok, but do not include all the sites in the book.I tried to get the "streetwise" map for the trip because they are awesome, but they don't publish any of Istanbul.Although the guide isn't perfect it is better than the competition - I recommend it.

Istanbul (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
This book is a travesty, not a travel guide.I found it really lacking in substance.Mostly pictures, not much text, lots of platitudes designed to dazzle you, and made of heavy paper that is a drag to carry around. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Guidebooks    3. Istanbul (Turkey)    4. Middle East - Turkey    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel / Europe / General   

Reviews (3)

Excellent
All rough guides that I have encountered are chock full of great information.The Egypt guide in particular is one of the best.The number of maps is fantastic and the quality of the information is comparable to what you usually have to visit the site to obtain.

Saves money big time
I went to Egypt in February 2006 with my wife and our two boys (5 and 2.5 years).Although we took a package tour to Hurghada, we actually overnighted there only three nights of the eleven we were in Egypt.The rest we spent moving around (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, busses, train, cruise ship, jeep).For the whole trip we spent around 1000 USD plus the package.We could have easily spent twice as much (or, more precisely -- seen twice as little because the budget was limited) if not the hints in the book.
Great So Far
I arrived in Egypt this week and have been using this guide to help me get aquainted with it.I don't have any other guides to compare it to, but I can say that the organization, writing, maps, extras, and overall quality of the book seem to be excellent.It has been very helpful so far.
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Subjects:  1. Egypt    2. Guidebooks    3. Middle East - Egypt    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Middle East / Egypt   

Reviews (6)

Out dated material
I find nothing worse about a travel guide that is old before it is issued. I found almost every area of this book to be not just one or two years behind what the writer was saying about prices but even places that had been closed for more than two years before this book was sold. Maybe this writer should have done a little checking on his own, before letting it be published.
A Great Read as Well
Bill Friar is enjoyable to read. His books on Panama and the Canal have always appealed, because he is interested in the environment as well as the necessities of travel, hotel, restaurants.He brings the reader close to the sights, sounds and smells of a country, and off the usual beaten path.I recommend this book highly. Hal De Mun

Indispensable!
Just returned from 2 weeks in Panama with Mr. Friar's guidebook close at hand. We also had, by way of backup, a copy of the Lonely Planet guide. Without doubt the Moon Handbook is the superior guide and I would consider it indispensable for anyone traveling to Panama. Friar's writing style is highly readable and we found the research and his assessment of the opportunities to be spot on. From budget travel to luxury stays, Friar covers the gamut with humor and perceptive insight. The only caveat I would offer is that the prices quoted by the author are already out of date. We found lodging to be consistently $5 - 15 higher than the prices quoted in the book. This is the challenge of writing about a dynamic world using a static medium, and in no way is meant to be a negative comment about the book or author. The reality is that Panama has "been discovered," and prices are rising to reflect increasing demand. Still, we had a great time and the success of our trip was due in no small part to the guidance set down in Moon Handbooks Panama. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Panama    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Central America   

Editorial Review

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive, engrossing and just plain fun-to-read guidebook than the Read more

Reviews (36)

Heavy Reading
Yes, this book is heavy - weight wise - but well worth the money.The photographs are very well done, and the mapage is not too shabby.If this is your first trip to Ireland this book will serve you well to prepare for your trip.But, don't expect to carry it with you everywhere you go unless you've had your full Irish breakfast with pork'n'beans.
Excellent Ireland travel guide
I purchased the Ireland Eyewitness Travel Guide to prepare myself for a vacation I'll be taking. It was wonderful! Organized well, color coded, beautiful pictures! I couldn't ask for a better book.

Journey of the Mind
DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are of such high quality that through them I venture thousands of miles without ever leaving home.This guide to Ireland, updated in 2003, was no exception.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Guidebooks    3. Ireland    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel / Europe / Ireland   

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 (45)

Great book
I have a tour operator in Peru, [...] I meet the writer, Rob Rachowiecki, he is a great explorer and he was a tour leader in Peru andean areas.
Take the advice!
I found the LP Peru guide to be a useful tool on my recent trip to Lima, Cuzco and Machu Pichu.The country overview was insightful, the restaurant recommendations were tastey, and the advice about altitude sickness was ignored.Big mistake.I've never paid attention to LP's health warnings and never had a problem.If you're heading to Cuzco, you'd be well advised to listen to their experienced writers and bring the necessary medicine.

Good, but missing info
I used this guide for travelling with my family and was fairly useful, except for some good spots that were not considered.