Moreintelligentlife.com is the website of Intelligent Life magazine. Articles about Arts, Lifestyle, Travels, and Ideas

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: Everything you need to see the best of Tuscany and Umbria by car! Let Frommer's take you to: medieval walled cities, majestic alpine slopes and lively festivals; the Etruscan treasures and hidden hot springs of the Maremma; David, the Birth of Venus, the Duomo and other stunning masterpieces in art-rich Florence; the vineyards of the Chianti region and the quaint Western Hill Towns; northern Umbria, home to ancient churches and basilicas, valleys of olive groves and brilliant frescoes; and much, much more! Inside you'll find: 25 distinctive, easy-to-use itineraries -- all fully illustrated with beautiful full-color photos; recommendations on the best hotels and restaurants along each route; exact directions, distances and driving times for each route; all the sights along the way -- with highlights for history buffs, nature lovers and families traveling with kids; scenic side trips, special moments and recommended walks; detailed, accurate full-color route-planning maps -- plus a helpful atlas section.

Details:
Title: Tuscany & Umbria's Best-Loved Driving Tours (4th edition)
Publisher: Frommer's
Pub. date: March 24, 2008
Author: British Automobile Association
Paperback; 208 pages
List price: $18.99
ISBN-10: 0470226897
ISBN-13: 978-0470226896

The publisher says: The Unofficial Guides® are the "Consumer Reports" of travel guides, offering candid evaluations of their destinations' attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, sports and more, all rated and ranked by a team of unbiased inspectors so even the most compulsive planners can be sure they're spending their time and money wisely. Each guide addresses the needs of everyone from families to business travelers, with handy charts that demonstrate how each place stacks up against the competition. Plus, all the details are pulled out so they're extremely easy to scan. The Unofficial Guide to Central Italy includes: a complete planner to Florence, Rome and the highlights of Tuscany, Umbria, Latium and the Marches; honest advice that lets you feel safe and comfortable in the heart of Italy -- whether you speak Italian or not; insider tips on finding the most charming hotels for the best price; hundreds of restaurants reviewed and ranked for quality and value; tips for saving money and feeling at home with the Euro; expert advice on how to get around the region like a local; the inside story on shopping -- where to get the best for less.

Details:
Title: The Unofficial Guide to Central Italy: Florence, Rome, Tuscany & Umbria (4th edition)
Publisher: Wiley
Pub. date: March 24, 2008
Authors: Melanie Mize Renzulli, Menasha Ridge Press
Paperback; 512 pages
List price: $21.99
ISBN-10: 0470229004
ISBN-13: 978-0470229002

The publisher says: Equipped with all you need to know on the history and traditions of the Chianti region, you will be guided on half-day or full-day drives out from Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. Four itineraries with maps and commentary will lead you through historic sites and stunning landscape -- with places to stop for an espresso, a leisurely lunch, an ice cream snack, some shopping and a superb dinner.

Details:
Title: Exploring Tuscany's Chianti Countryside: Four Excursions out from Radda and Gaiole in Chianti
Publisher: Mandragora
Pub. date: Oct. 25, 2008
Author: Nancy Shroyer Howard
Paperback; 80 pages
List price: $16.50
ISBN-10: 8874610009
ISBN-13: 978-8874610006
Product dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
Shipping weight: 7.8 ounces