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The publisher says: There is perhaps no other European city quite as romantic, as exquisitely beautiful or as enigmatic as Venice. "La Serenissima" floats on a hundred islets in a crescent-shaped lagoon, ribboned with canals, its labyrinth shadowed with ghosts of the past. This seemingly fragile city was the birthplace and inspiration for some of the greatest artists in history and was also, for a thousand years, the strongest sea-faring and mercantile power in the world. In Strolling Through Venice, John Freely brings Venice -- her past and her present -- alive. Beginning at Piazza San Marco, Freely guides the reader on a series of carefully planned and unique walks radiating from the iconic Grand Canal into each of the city's sestieri. Through streets and squares, along canals, into churches, galleries, museums and palazzi; every major place of interest that the visitor could hope to see is illuminated. At each spot Freely peels back the layers of history to reveal the stories of Venice. Practical and informative, richly colored and bursting with history, myth and legend, Strolling Through Venice is the perfect guide for anyone who has fallen under the spell of this most enchanting city.

Details:
Title: Strolling through Venice: The Definitive Walking Guidebook to "La Serenissima"
Publisher: Tauris Parke Paperbacks
Pub. date: Jan. 8, 2008
Author: John Freely
Paperback; 496 pages
List price: $16.95
ISBN-10: 1845115783
ISBN-13: 978-1845115784

The publisher says: The second edition of National Geographic Traveler: Sicily showcases the Mediterranean's largest island, a fascinating melting pot of great Mediterranean civilizations famed for its architecture, art, culture, and smoldering Mount Etna, Europe's greatest active volcano.

Details:
Title: Sicily (2nd edition)
Publisher: National Geographic
Pub. date: Feb. 19, 2008
Author: Tim Jepson
Paperback; 192 pages
List price: $19.95
ISBN-10: 1426202245
ISBN-13: 978-1426202247

The publisher says: Wallpaper* City Guides not only suggest where to stay, eat, and drink, but what the tourist passionate about design might want to see, whether he or she has a week or just 24 hours in the city. The guides feature up-and-coming areas, landmark buildings in an "Architour," design centers, and a selection of the best shops to buy items unique to the particular city. In addition to looking beautiful, the edited guides are expertly designed with function as a priority. They have tabbed sections so the tourist can easily find what he or she is looking for. Also included are color-coded city maps, rate and currency cards, and an easy navigational tool. Compiled by the well-traveled editorial team of Wallpaper* and by an extraordinary network of international correspondents, the guides are truly THE insider's guide to each featured city.

Details:
Title: Wallpaper City Guide: Milan 2008
Publisher: Phaidon Press Inc.
Pub. date: March 21, 2008
Paperback; 128 pages
List price: $8.95
ISBN-10: 0714848220
ISBN-13: 978-0714848228

The publisher says: Puglia & Basilicata boast six UNESCO World Heritage sights, the best beaches in Italy (six of them Blue Flag) and over 250 lidos.Written by a team of three regional experts, this is the only guide that gives you the insider track on all-night festivals, lazy-days beachcombing and nine-course lunches. It contains: family-friendly content for the most family-friendly of Italy's regions, and information on the best Gargano and Salento campsites, alongside great value-for-money accommodation.

Details:
Title: Lonely Planet Puglia & Basilicata
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Pub. date: February 2008
Authors: Paula Hardy, Abigail Hole
Paperback; 272 pages
List price: $19.99
ISBN-10: 1741790891
ISBN-13: 978-1741790894

The publisher says: Frommer's Portable Florence offers everything you need at a glance: the top hotel picks in all price ranges, the hottest restaurants and pubs, San Lorenzo street market shopping, pubs and wine bars, the David, the Duomo, the Boboli gardens, museum guides, and detailed neighborhood maps. Ideal for weekend visitors, families, or business travelers, this handy guide captures the best of Florence.

Details:
Title: Florence (4th edition)
Publisher: Frommer's
Pub. date: March 24, 2008
Author: John Moretti
Paperback; 192 pages
List price: $12.99
ISBN-10: 0470227419
ISBN-13: 978-0470227411

The publisher says: Meticulously researched by our expert author, Frommer's Tuscany & Umbria is the only guide you need to discover the region's artistic treasures, Renaissance architecture, rustic villages, vineyards and fabulous shopping. This authoritative guide will reveal the best wines and hearty regional dining, tell you how to rent your own romantic villa, send you on scenic bike tours, and lead you away from the tourist crowds so you can discover the true flavor and leisurely pace of this sunny corner of Italy. We'll show you the best of Florence and its treasure trove of art and architecture, then take you through the medieval alleyways of Siena, along the Chianti Road, and to lovely towns like San Gimignano, Lucca, Assisi, Perugia, and more. Every one of our honest, in-depth hotel reviews is based on a recent personal inspection; every restaurant has been tried personally; and every sight, shop, and stroll was checked out in detail. You'll get the latest trip-planning advice, valuable cultural insights, wonderful tips for venturing off the beaten path and detailed, accurate maps. With Frommer's in hand, it's a snap to design the Italian adventure that's right for you.

Details:
Title: Florence, Tuscany & Umbria (6th edition)
Publisher: Frommer's
Pub. date: Jan. 22, 2008
Author: John Moretti
Paperback; 512 pages
List price: $21.99
ISBN-10: 0470181923
ISBN-13: 978-0470181928

The publisher says: The Michelin Guides offer a selection of the best hotels and restaurants in every price category. These establishments are chosen by a team of full-time inspectors with a professional background in the industry. They cover every corner of the countries, visiting new establishments as well as testing the quality and consistency of the hotels and restaurants already listed in the guide.

Details:
Title: Italia 2008 (53rd edition)
Publisher: Michelin Travel Publications
Pub. date: Jan. 15, 2008
Hardcover; 1181 pages
List price: $26.00
ISBN-10: 2067129864
ISBN-13: 978-2067129863

The publisher says: Jostling gondolas on the moonlit canal, spellbinding art in Byzantine basilicas, captivating islands adrift on the lagoon -- your first glimpse of Venice will take your breath away. Unmask the city's secrets with this discerning guide. Unravel the maze with full-color maps and detailed walking tours that guide you through the labyrinth of alleyways and bridges. Float away -- discover hidden Venice with our insider tips for escaping the crowds. Stay in style -- from modest pensione to sophisticated mansions, our hand-picked accommodation listings won't let you down. Dine like a doge -- opinionated restaurant reviews track down authentic Venetian cuisine as well as the city's best gelato. Into the Veneto -- go further with excursions to Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Treviso and beyond.

Details:
Title: Venice & The Veneto (2nd edition)
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Pub. date: February 2008
Author: Damien Simonis
Paperback; 298 pages
List price: $19.99
ISBN-10: 1741046572
ISBN-13: 978-1741046571

The publisher says: When in Rome, do as the Romans do -- enjoy life! Take in the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. The Coliseum, where you can walk a subterranean corridor that was once the passageway for gladiators and animals. Incredible museums, art and sculpture. Rome enshrines centuries of history amid an atmosphere of modern vitality. From ancient ruins to nightlife hot spots, this friendly guide helps you experience it all, with information on: figuring out the neighborhoods and getting around; shopping department stores, the market or neighborhood specialty shops; great souvenirs, ranging from antique prints to cardinal socks; optional, more specialized itineraries, including Rome for Architecture Lovers and Rome for Michelangelo Lovers; five day trips, including Tivoli with its villas and the Castelli Romani and their Italian wines;. Like every For Dummies travel guide, Rome For Dummies includes: down-to-earth trip-planning advice; what you shouldn't miss -- and what you can skip; the best hotels and restaurants for every budget.

Details:
Title: Rome For Dummies (2nd edition)
Publisher: For Dummies
Pub. date: Feb. 19, 2008
Authors: Bruce Murphy, Alessandra de Rosa
Paperback; 312 pages
List price: $17.99
ISBN-10: 0470209550
ISBN-13: 978-0470209554

The publisher says: For nearly 20 years, Suzy Gershman has been leading savvy shoppers to the world's best finds. Now Born to Shop Italy is easier to use and packed with more up-to-date listings than ever before. Inside you'll find: the best of the shopping scene, from world-class department stores and trendy boutiques to street markets and sample sales; excellent values, from antiques to Doc Martens; great gift ideas, even for a friend who has everything -- plus the best gifts for less than $10; the best airfare, hotel and dining values -- so you can maximize your shopping dollars.

Details:
Title: Suzy Gershman's Born to Shop Italy: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers Who Love to Shop (12th edition)
Publisher: Frommer's
Pub. date: Jan. 3, 2008
Author: Suzy Gershman
Paperback; 360 pages
List price: $16.99
ISBN-10: 0470146664
ISBN-13: 978-0470146668