Italy is one of the most popular countries in Europe for tourists. Here are some of our favorite guidebooks to help you plan that perfect trip to Italy, no matter if you're a shopper, gourmet, or just like driving the Italian countryside in your car.
1. Rick Steves' Italy 2009
If you've never been to Italy, Rick Steves will guide you to the top spots, and give you just enough historic background to help you understand what you are seeing. Not the best choice for experienced travelers who want to get off the beaten track--Rick Steves is way too popular to keep the track unbeaten for long.2. Let's Go Italy 2009
Let's Go Italy is a good budget traveler's guide and also a good guidebook for travelers traveling by public transportation.
3. Italy for the Gourmet Traveler
Fred Plotkin visits 300 towns and cities reporting on regional foods and wines, the best restaurants, festivals, and markets. He also recommends towns not to miss and names one classic city for each region. A foodie bible for travelers who like to eat.4. Frommers Italy's Best-Loved Driving Tours
25 driving itineraries in Italy, with notes on special interests and festivals in each. We've used this guidebook on several occasions, and it has worked out well for those who want to get off the tourist track, or who have no idea where to start.5. Walking in Italy
Day walks and two-day itineraries are given for both city and countryside walks in Italy. The book includes detailed trail guides, color photos, and suggested bases.6. Dk Eyewitness Travel Guides Italy
The Eyewitness Travel Guide has lots of color photos, drawings, maps, museum plans, and timelines and charts, and covers all regions of Italy. A great guide for visual learners.7. Italy (Cadogan Country Guides)
Cadogan guides offer lots of detail about where to go and what to do and see, with fewer pictures and visual aids, especially compared to the Eyewitness guide above. They have recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and how to get to each city or region they cover.8. Fodor's Italy 2009
"Customized trip planning tools include "Top Reasons to Go," "Word of Mouth" advice from other travelers, and tips to help save money, bypass lines, and avoid common travel pitfalls." 960 pages, revised on October 7, 2008.9. Made In Italy
If you're planning to do some serious shopping in Italy, this is the book for you as you search for Italy's best artisanal goods. The author, Laura Morelli, has a PhD in art history and has lived in Italy and Europe for more than 10 years.10. The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries
Many Italian monasteries have opened their doors to overnight guests. Monasteries make an inexpensive and interesting alternative to hotels.
