Our recommendations on the best travel books for Italy
Italy captivates travelers with its unparalleled mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the romantic gondola rides through Venice's winding canals to the awe-inspiring Colosseum in Rome, the country offers iconic experiences at every turn. Art enthusiasts can marvel at Michelangelo's David in Florence or da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan. Foodies will delight in authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta in Bologna, and exquisite wines in Tuscany's rolling vineyards. The Italian experience extends to its diverse landscapes, from skiing in the Dolomites to sunbathing on Sardinia's pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the colorful cliff-side villages of Cinque Terre, witness the haunting ruins of Pompeii, or simply enjoy a leisurely aperitivo in a lively piazza. With its fashion capitals, world-class museums, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Italy satisfies every traveler's passion. A well-researched travel guide can help you navigate this abundance of options, ensuring you create the perfect Italian itinerary.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Italy
Our Travel Book Recommendations - Italy
Rick Steves Italy
Our recommendation on the best travel guidebook for Italy comes from the Rick Steves series, especially for first time visitors. Italy captivates travelers with its culturally rich cities and diverse countryside regions, from Venice's canals to Tuscany's hill towns. This popular European guidebook series stands out for its candid and opinionated approach, providing very specific recommendations on what to prioritize and what to skip. His guide also offers practical tips on navigating Italy's efficient train system, finding authentic local restaurants, and experiencing lesser-known gems like the medieval town of Orvieto in Umbria or the trulli houses of Alberobello in Puglia.
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Rome
Historic Rome, one of the world's most famous cities, captivates visitors with its ancient art, delectable cuisine, and modern Italian chic. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Rome offers an invaluable, pocket-friendly guide to help you make the most of your trip to this iconic destination. With insider tips, up-to-date information, and easy-to-follow top 10 lists covering must-see attractions like the Roman Forum, Vatican City, and Galleria Borghese, this guide ensures you won't miss a thing. It features themed lists of the best ancient sites, villas, palaces, and Roman dishes, as well as practical itineraries for various trip durations. The included laminated pull-out map and full-color area maps make navigation a breeze, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Rome's rich culture, history, and attractions.
Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking is the definitive culinary bible for mastering authentic Italian cuisine. Renowned author Marcella Hazan offers an indispensable guide that caters to both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, providing not just mouthwatering recipes but also invaluable insights into core Italian cooking principles. Readers will discover secrets for selecting the finest ingredients, mastering time-honored techniques, and understanding regional nuances. This culinary treasure trove serves as an essential companion for food enthusiasts preparing for a gastronomic adventure in Italy, as well as home cooks looking to bring the flavors and spirit of Italy into their own kitchens, transforming everyday meals into memorable feasts that capture the essence of la dolce vita.
Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
Under the Tuscan Sun is the story of an American writer who buys and restores an abandoned 200-year old farmhouse in Tuscany. It is a beautifully written love-letter to the beauty of life in this region of the world, and a great story about the challenges and rewards of changing environments. The novel was turned into a movie in 2003 starring Diane Lane. Frances Mayes, the author, originally published the book as a memoir in 1996, detailing her personal experiences of renovating the villa and embracing the Tuscan lifestyle. Throughout the book, Mayes interweaves mouth-watering descriptions of local cuisine and wine, offering readers a taste of the rich culinary traditions that are an integral part of Tuscan culture. Find out more with our full book review.
Pompeii: A Novel, by Robert Harris
Robert Harris's Pompeii expertly weaves historical fiction with geological suspense, immersing readers in the ill-fated city's final days before Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD. The story follows Attilus, a newly appointed aqueduct engineer, as he investigates water supply issues amidst ominous tremors from the mountain. Harris's meticulous research brings ancient Roman society to life, offering a vivid backdrop to the unfolding drama. Like other notable historical novels such as I, Claudius or The Name of the Rose, Pompeii educates as it entertains, making it an ideal read for those planning to visit the archaeological site and experience a taste of the ancient world's most famous disaster.
Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita, a lavish photography book that transports readers on a nostalgic journey through Italy's most glamorous era. From breathtaking aerials of the Sicilian countryside to intimate portraits of celebrities and high society, this collection showcases Aarons' decades-long love affair with Italy, capturing the essence of "the good life" from the 1940s to the 1990s. Praised by Harper's Bazaar for its "nostalgia-soaked images" and hailed by DuJour magazine as "the next best thing to time travel," this sumptuous book offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Italy's preeminent families, cultural elite, and beautiful people, set against the backdrop of magnificent villas, historic cities, and glorious landscapes. Experience the Italian art of living through Aarons' lens, from formal gatherings to intimate moments, all reflecting the pleasures of la dolce vita. This one-of-a-kind coffee table celebration of all things Italian makes for an exquisite gift that will transport anyone to a world of timeless elegance and beauty.