· A lively, graphic, full-color guidebook to Italy"s major cities and the beautiful countryside. · Color photography and archival and other illustrations throughout; zingy captions. · Intelligent, opinionated writing by Tim Jepson. · Solid travel reportage on every region punctuated by lively sidebars on Italy"s history, opera, the Turin Shroud, Venetian art, and more. · What to see and do, plus recommended walking and driving tours through Rome, Venice, and the Roman countryside. · Special rating system identifying not-to-be-missed sights. · To-the-point reviews of dining and lodging. · Key planning information. · Over 20 detailed maps and plans. · Comprehensive destination/topic index.