Italy for Dummies

by Bruce Murphy and De Rosa Alessandra

Published 6 December 2000
The seven hills of Rome, Vivaldi and Venice, the ruins of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, pasta, cappuccino, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Armani, opera. Italy is a feast for the senses, and now this wonderful country--rich with history and physical beauty--is accessible as never before with Italy For Dummies. This concise guide pares down this complex destination and helps visitors plan the trip that's right for them. It includes:

Easy-to-do suggested itineraries that offer a taste of both cities and the countryside
Expert advice on finding the most charming small hotels and trattorie
Tips for avoiding the crowds and beating culture burnout
Essential information on Rome, Venice, Florence and Tuscany, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily

New York is back, and it's as interesting as ever. In today's New York, you find the usual merry--go--round of artistic and cultural events, commercial ferment, music, lights, entertainment, and business. If some people have left the city since September 11, 2001, the many who stayed -- and perhaps have come since -- continue to create the energy that's unique to New York. New York City For Dummies is designed to help you take a bite out of the Big Apple without getting the worm. Maybe this is your first trip to New York, or maybe you're a repeat visitor; in either case, you want to find out what you need to know, but only what you need to know. You don't have the time or the patience for those monstrous travel tomes in which you need 12 fingers to keep track of all the information. This guide is clearly organized and segmented so you won't have to read what comes before or after any chapter.
You'll uncover tips about * When to go, how to get there, and how much it's all going to cost * How to make your travel arrangements, chose the neighborhood to stay in, and make your booking * How to get around, from ground transportation into the city, to the public transit system, to getting around on foot * The culinary culture of New York, its typical foods and habits * What to see and do, from touring famous buildings to attending a taping of a TV show * Living it up after dark, from Broadway shows to night clubs, and more or less civilized forms of relaxation Whether you're sitting in your living room trying to make a reservation or standing on the corner of 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue wondering where to eat, New York City For Dummies is set up so that you can get the facts, analysis, and recommendations you want, quickly.