Rick Steves’ Italy 2009 (Paperback)
May 8, 2009 by Destination Guide
Filed under Travel Italy Guides
Review
Today’s tourists are as likely to be toting Rick Steves as Giorgio Armani, tasting the good life without burning through the Kids’ college fund.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Marvel at the works of Michelangelo and Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica, hike through Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow in Alpe di Siusi, and enjoy a slice of Pizza at it’s birthplace in Naples—Rick Steves’ Italy 2009 allows any traveler to experience all that the country has to offer—economically and hassle-free. Rick covers it all in his bestselling guidebook, from the must-see sights in Venice, Florence, and Rome, to the lesser-known destinations in the Italian Riviera and the Dolomites. Offering information on Italian history and culture, as well as expert advice on accommodations, transportation, and dining, Rick Steves’ Italy 2009 is the benchmark of European guidebooks.
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This was the 3rd guide that I have used in this extremely useful series. If you are planning a trip to Italy, buy this guide first. It is concise and will focus your attention on the most worthy destinations in Italy. Once you have decided on which regions to visit you can buy supplementary regional/city guides geared towards your specific interests.
As expected with this series, the guide provides great coverage for compact regions served by great public transport. For example, the chapter covering the Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento/Amalfi/Paestum region is particularly excellent. The maps and directions for using the local commuter transportation were flawless. I used buses, trains, and boats to move around the region with ease, avoiding the readily available and costly tour buses. Rick also correctly instructs you to stay in Sorrento, which is pleasant and safe, rather than Naples, which is neither.
I also visited Florence and the Hill Towns of Tuscany and Umbria. Once again, Rick’s recommendations were on the mark, correctly focusing you on the most enjoyable destinations such as Siena and Assisi. If you want to cover the region in depth, as I did, you will need an additional guide (I recommend Blue or Green).
Other chapters that looked particulary good were those for Rome, Venice (great maps and instructions for using commuter boats), Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites. I can’t wait for my next trip to Italy!
I found the hotel and restaurant recommendations somewhat low-end for my needs, but did have success with 2 hotels and a few of the restaurants.
I was looking for a guide book to help with an upcoming trip to one of the lesser known places to see in Italy. Paestum. Rick Steves’ book was the only one that had a comprehensive guide to the city and ruins of Paestum. All the other Italy tour guide books only slightly mentioned it and how to get there. Steves’ has a great layout of the ruins and a guide to the museum and places around Paestum to visit. This book is also a great guide for people coming to Italy for an extended period of time. The book has information for the big places to visit (Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan) as well as the lesser known places to visit (Paestum, Puglia, Assisi, and Cortona). A must for the traveller. Not much of a difference with the 2002 book. It mostly has updated phone numbers and updated prices. If you have the 2002 book and don’t have the money you really don’t need this one, but if you are crazy about Italy or are looking for a book on travelling around Italy this is the best book out there.
We’ve just returned from Italy and Rick Steves’ Italy 2000 was the travel book we could not have done without. Rick does a great job of highlighting the sites as well as providing useful information about the best times of day to visit, how to make reservations for the busiest sites, and easy to understand maps. The book’s size also makes it easy to carry with you as you travel during the day.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let Rick Bring You Italy
I just got back from a week in Rome, and I have to admit I would not have had half as much fun if I hadn’t read Rick’s guidebook thoroughly before I went.
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book has great suggestions
Thank you Rick!
This was a great book, our trip included Rome, Pompei, Herculeum, Orvieto, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, and some small tuscan towns.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative– Great tips!
Comprehensive and current travel guide with many great tips to enhance your experience. His online site also helpful with audio guides, etc. Will bring to Italy with me!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to Read…Lots of helpful hints
I have used Rick Steve’s books and travel guide the past few times I’ve traveled to Europe. The books are easy to read, full of helpful hints that other books wouldn’t offer, and…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of Travel Guides for Italy – The Gold Standard
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Rick Steve’s Italy 2009 is by far the best of travel guides for Italy.
I have lived, studied and traveled in Europe for over a quarter of a century and can…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super Product
This is another great product from Rick Steves. The map is durable, clearly designed, and easy to use. We used it for the city center of Venice and found it great…
5.0 out of 5 stars
I confess: I am now an Official Rick Steves Convert
I am an illustrator, and currently collaborating on a book with a dear friend whose series recently hit the NY Times bestseller list.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don’t go to Italy without this book!
All of Rick Steve’s guidebooks are always amazing and this book is no different. I will not buy anyone else’s guidebook!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great tour guide
We went to Italy in 2007 and used this book, it helped us out a lot. Knowing when things like museums and other sites would be open and when not is a big help.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rick Steves guides are a must for us
We value the Rick Steves guide books as an important part of our travels. We use them in planning the trip and also as a guide to sites, attractions, dining and hotels once we…