Frommer’s Italy 2008 (Frommer’s Complete) (Paperback)
May 22, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Travel Italy Guides
Product Description
Completely updated every year! Frommer’s Italy features gorgeous color photos and maps of the most of the ancient and modern cities, classical architecture and ruins, vineyards, villages, and gorgeous countryside vistas that await you. Much more detailed and comprehensive than the major competition, this is simply the most reliable and in-depth guide you can buy.
It’s personally researched and full of candid opinions. Our authors have chosen the very best places to stay, from the grand hotels of Rome and the chic resorts of Capri to charming and affordable inns and small hotels in regions like Tuscany and the Lake District. And of course, we’ll make sure that you dine memorably throughout Italy, whether you’re splurging on a world-class restaurant in Florence or looking for a little-known trattoria that serves all the classics.
Wherever you go, you’ll rely on Frommer’s for authoritative but fun-to-use coverage of all the historic, artistic, and cultural treasures. You’ll get a complete shopper’s guide, the latest trip-planning advice on everything from bargain airfares to rail passes, and a complete shopper’s guide. Frommer’s Italy even features a color fold-out map!
From the Back Cover
Frommer’s. The best trips start here.
Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.
- From the ruins of ancient Rome and the excavations at Pompeii, to the finest Italian wines and the best dining experiences, our authors provide up-to-date advice on how to make the most of your trip.
-
Outspoken opinions on what’s worth your time and what’s not.
-
Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
-
Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.
Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com
Buy Frommer’s Italy 2008 (Frommer’s Complete) (Paperback) at Amazon
Frommer’s has everything you need in this guide for touring italy. Would recommend just getting a guide for your specific city of travel, if you are just going to one or two places. This book pretty large for traveling, but definitely comprehensive for any research you want to do.
This is an excellent book for exploring and planning a first trip to Italy. We have not yet made our trip, but I used the book to set the stage for it, including destinations, train travel and hotel accommodations. We’ve reviewed other travel guides and this one is superior!
We are still in the planning process of our trip so I can’t speak for how true the information in the book is, but I can say that it is not an easy read. I bought Rick Steve’s book and read the entire book in 2 weeks (including highlighting and visiting websites). So, I thought I would go ahead and get another guidebook since our trip was 4 months away, and I planned to compare notes. I’ve had this book 1+ month and simply can’t motivate myself to read it. It is much denser.
It does offer tons of information. Far more than the Rick Steve’s book. The dining section is organized by area of town which I like, and I get the impression it lists every available attraction versus Rick Steve’s which lists only the ones he thinks are worth visiting. I guess it depends on what you like. If you want to make the choice for yourself, this is probably better. If you are a first timer (like my husband and I), you appreciate someone kind of telling you what’s better, than Rick Steve’s is probably the better choice.
I’m also suspicious that there is an element of paid advertising to Frommer’s. When I cross reference their recommendations with online travel reviews, Frommer’s recs are offen crucified by travelers. Often with the inclusion “We chose this hotel based on Frommer’s recommendations…” It worries me that its users are dissatisfied, yet the hotel stays in the book. Rick Steve’s has a strict policy that he asks that you contact him directly with complaints or unfair pricing so he can keep his recommendations true.
Ultimately, I think this is a fine reference book with plenty of useful information. My personal preference is Rick Steve’s style. My plan is to use Rick Steve’s while in Italy and carry it with me, but make notes in it with info I picked out of Frommer’s.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not the best book out there
I bought this book along with Fodor’s Italy 2008. The information that I got out of this book was not really helpful in picking hotels or places to see.
3.0 out of 5 stars
With so many resources out there.. do you really need another guidebook?
I know, I know.. there are so many guidebooks out there, how do you pick the right one? Well, it depends what your need is.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Frommer’s Italy 2008
Not a bad travel book, fairly complete, decent detail on many of the cities within the country, but the book does lack pictures, has a few in the front of the book.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Pass This One Up…
I bought Frommers Italy 2008 on a lark as I was headed for a long weekend in Pisa/Florence and couldn’t find my usual Lonely Planet or Let’s Go travel guides.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great travel book!
This is a great book with many details and suggestions. We always use Rick Steves’ books and so I got this one as an extra. I was not disappointed by the content.