Italy - Softcover

Are you longing to meander through the back streets of Rome and sip cappuccino as the sun rises in Venice? Fodor's upClose Italy, written for world wanderers traveling on the cheap, does its best to help you experience the heart of this awe-inspiring country. You'll want to visit the must-see sights--the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel--but you might also hope to encounter some of the country's lesser-known charms, such as the Casa di Colombo, in Genoa, where the old men will "tell you all about Columbus, according to them, the first explorer who didn't fall off the edge of the earth." It's experiences such as these that make a journey memorable--not the laundry list of museums you breezed through. In each of the book's 14 geographic sections, you'll find countless morsels pointing the way to picturesque piazze, buildings once frequented by famous figures, and glimpses of Italy's everyday beauty.

When it comes to practical matters--where to eat, sleep, and catch the train--Fodors upClose Italy, though not exhaustive, is a solid resource. If you do find yourself in Venice, for example, you might consider staying at the Locanda Sant'Anna: "Way out in the popolare (working-class) section of Castello past the Arsenale, this is more like a strange old apartment than a hotel. The worn, grandmotherly furniture and backyardish courtyard enhance the effect." Useful features, such as a quickie Italian language glossary and pronunciation reference; clear, but not overly detailed maps; and minutiae-filled sidebars round out Fodor's upClose guide to this impassioned country.

Take the train. Stay in a room in a private home. Try a hostel. Get picnic foodstuffs at a market. Have lunch on a hilltop park bench. Prowl the flea markets. Go to a festival. Commune with nature. Memorize the symphony of the streets. And if you want to experience the heart and soul of Italy, whatever you do, don't spend too much money.
The deep and rich experience of Italy that every true traveler yearns for is one of the things in life that money can't buy. In fact, if you have it, don't use it. Traveling lavishly is the surest way to turn yourself into a sideline traveler. Restaurants with white-glove service are great -- sometimes -- but they're usually not the best place to find the perfect penne all'arrabbiata. Doormen at plush hotels have their place, but not when your look-alike room could be anywhere from Düsseldorf to Detroit. Better to stay in a more intimate place that truly gives you the atmosphere you traveled so far to experience. Don't just stand and watch -- jump into the spirit of what's around you.
If you want to see Italy up close and savor the essence of the country and its people in all their stylish glory, this book is for you. We'll show you the local culture, the offbeat sights, the bars and cafés where tourists rarely tread, and the B&Bs and other hostelries where you'll meet fellow travelers -- places where the locals would send their friends. And because you'll probably want to see the famous places if you haven't already been there, we give you tips on losing the crowds, plus the quirky and obscure facts you want as well as the basics everyone needs.
Our Gang

Who are we? We're artists and poets, slackers and straight arrows, and travel writers and journalists, who in our less hedonistic moments report on local news and spin out an occasional opinion piece. What we share is a certain footloose spirit and a passion for all things Italian, which we celebrate in this guidebook. Shamelessly, we've revealed all of our favorite places and our deepest, darkest travel secrets, all so that you can learn from our past mistakes and experience the best part of Italy to the fullest. If you can't take your best friend on the road, or if your best friend is hopeless with directions, stick with us.