· 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.