southern italy travel books

The Best South Italy Guide Books (Puglia, Sicily, Amalfi Coast & More!)

Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of vacation time in South Italy, including upcoming trips to Puglia and Basilicata, along with recent trips to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. As part of my trip planning I have read every South Italy guidebook I could find. And, like always, I am happy to share my reviews of these South Italy guide books with you, so that you can read and pack the right ones on your own trip to Italy.

In 2023 and 2024 there were major changes at some of the main guidebook companies, and some of those changes were not for the better. So, when you’re looking at this list of South Italy guide books, make sure to note the year of each book I recommend, as the newest editions may not be as helpful. If you have any questions about my recommendations (or about traveling in Southern Italy) let me know in the comments at the end of this guide.

Lonely Planet Southern Italy (2022 Edition or Earlier!)

Do not buy the 2023 edition of this guidebook!  Look for an older edition, like 2022 ( linked here ) or 2020!

In my opinion, this is the best South Italy guide book on the market.  Specifically, I am talking about the 2022 release (with the aerial view of the waterfront town on the cover), although I also looked at the 2020 version, which was equally useful.

The new edition (dated 2023) uses Lonely Planet’s new format, which is a significant downgrade from the earlier style.  For example, in the 2022 edition, the Otranto Cathedral is listed as one of the Top 8 highlights in all of the “heel” of Italy – but online reviews say Otranto isn’t even mentioned in the new version!

The Lonely Planet Southern Italy 2022 covers the regions of Naples and Campania (including the Amalfi Coast), Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata and Sicily.  For each region there is a useful map with markers to show the can’t-miss sights, plus dense text recommending things to see, restaurants, hotels and transportation connections. There are bonus boxes on many pages highlighting off-the-beaten-path attractions and important historical notes. The sections on Pompeii (three pages you could clip out and carry with you) and Sicilian desserts are top-notch.

Overall, the 2022 of this South Italy guide book is a classic, practical, useful book that you’d want to carry with you when you were out exploring.

Moon Guide – Southern Italy

I’ve never been a big fan of Moon Guides, but they are stepping up to fill a void left by the classic Lonely Planet series.  Their 2022 guide book for South Italy includes Sicily, Puglia, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

This book feels like a step up from the Lonely Planet – the paper is soft and silky, there are way more color photos and overall it just has a more upscale vibe. This would be the perfect South Italy guide book to gift to someone planning a trip to the region.

I actually used this book quite a bit when planning my upcoming trip to Puglia, as the maps are really good and they helped me identify logical routes to travel around the region (including by train, bus and rental car).

The Amalfi Coast section had good information about both beaches and hiking, and the six-page Pompeii self-guided walking tour was also well-organized. Sicily is split into three separate sections, and I liked the color-coded map itineraries that showed where to go and what to do on each day.

I can definitely recommend the Moon Guide to Southern Italy , and I’ll probably carry a copy with me when I’m in Puglia later this year.

National Geographic Puglia

If your trip to South Italy only includes Puglia, this would be the perfect guidebook to carry.  The National Geographic Puglia contains more than 250 pages of information about traveling in Puglia, starting with the Gargano Region in the north and working its way south to the beautiful beaches along the coast .

What you won’t get in this book is itineraries, but what you will get is an exhaustive list of the things to see in each Puglia destination, including the history and tips for visiting today. There are full-color map and photos, plus a “Travelwise” section at the back with information about festivals, hotels, restaurants and shopping.  As long as you can plan your own route, this book is perfect for helping you figure out what to do along the way.

The downside of this book is that when they say Puglia they mean Puglia, so it doesn’t include anything about other destination that are commonly visited along with Puglia, such as the town of Matera (which is  extremely famous, and only about five kilometers away!).

Lonely Planet – Italy’s Best Trips: 40 Amazing Road Trips

This review is specific to the 3rd edition of this Italy guide book, which was published in 2020. You can find it on Amazon here. A new edition was published in December 2023 but I haven’t looked at it.

The Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips features about 120 pages specific to South Italy, including both Sicily and Sardinia.  As I’m planning to rent a car for a few days in Puglia, this book was really helpful in identifying places that are best visited by car, and how to get between the different cities and towns. There were some spots noted on these driving routes that I didn’t see in other guidebooks, possibly because they aren’t realistic for people getting around by bus or train.

The maps at the beginning of each section show the general route for each drive, and also help you identify which routes could be connected together as part of a longer trip.  There isn’t a ton of information about what to do in each stop, so you might want to pair this book with either the Moon Guide or the Lonely Planet Southern Italy books mentioned above.

Lonely Planet Experience Italy

This review is also specific to the 2020 soft-cover book shown above – Lonely Planet also wrote a completely different hardcover coffee table book by the same name in 2018.

This book won’t help you when you’re on the ground in Italy – it’s too short (clocking in at barely more than 200 pages for the entire country). However, if you know you want to visit South Italy but aren’t sure exactly where you want to go, this photo-heavy book is organized around fifty different destinations and experiences, so you can rifle through it to see what catches your eye.

In terms of South Italy specifically, Experience Italy has about twenty-four pages of content covering Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Basilicata and Sicily. Again, pair it with one of my first two recommendations for more comprehensive travel information.

Looking for more Italy travel tips?

Follow Fearless Female Travels on Facebook for actually-useful tips on traveling in Italy, solo female travel, and more!  (No annoying emails – I promise!)

National Geographic Traveler – The Amalfi Coast, Naples & Southern Italy

This full-color guidebook from National Geographic covers Naples, day trips from Naples, the Amalfi Coast, nearby islands and most of southern Italy, including Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia.  Clocking in at less than 250 pages, this book is a good overview of the region but it’s not long enough to cover all these different destinations in depth.

One great thing about the National Geographic Traveler – The Amalfi Coast, Naples & Southern Italy guide book is the selection of full-page “experiences”: things that you might not think of doing, but that will create the unique lasting memories that a cookie-cutter guidebook might not inspire. For example, there is a guide to selecting the best olive oil to bring home with you… perfect for both souvenirs and gift-giving.  Another “experience” page offers tips for choosing the best Pompeii and Herculaneum guide, whether you’re thinking of visiting the archeological sites for a few hours or a few days. 

Rick Steves Naples & The Amalfi Coast (With Pompeii)

Just shy of 200 pages, the Rick Steves Naples & the Amalfi Coast guidebook is a great option for travelers whose trips are focused on this region of South Italy.  It contains easy-to-follow walking tours for Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum (one of my personal favorites – so underrated!), Sorrento and Positano. I love following Rick’s walking tours when I travel, and this guide book has some great ones.

As with all of Rick Steves’ guidebooks you can expect to find current restaurant recommendations (frequent updates mean you won’t walk hours to find a restaurant that closed years ago), budget-friendly accommodation and even a phrasebook to help you communicate in Italian with the locals.

Moon Guides – Amalfi Coast

This book opens with suggested itineraries for three, five, seven or fourteen days around the Amalfi Coast, and then supports those recommendations with helpful tips on what to see and do in each of the region’s most iconic destinations. Like most books in the series, the Moon Guide – Amalfi Coast is printed on thick paper and full of colorful photos and maps, which makes this book ideal for inspiration during the trip-planning phase.

The recommendations in this book are suitable for travelers on a mid-range or upscale budget; many of the recommended hotels run upwards of € 250 per night and many of the restaurants lean towards fine dining. If that’s your preferred travel style, you’ll love this South Italy guidebook.

Rick Steves Sicily

A new version of this book was published in December 2023, making the Rick Steves Sicily book one of the most current Sicily guidebooks on the market (if not the most current guidebook!).  This edition brings you 490 pages of super-helpful information about traveling in Sicily, from the most iconic sights in the island’s largest cities to the secret small towns that are worth a visit too.

As with the other Rick Steves book mentioned above, this is a budget-friendly guidebook with recommendations for reasonably-priced hotels, restaurants, attractions and tours.  Rick’s motto of “exploring Europe through the back door” means that you’ll get tips on how to have authentic experiences (like visiting local salt flats and wineries) without breaking the bank.

Eyewitness Top 10 Naples & The Amalfi Coast

Personally, I love reading Eyewitness Top 10 guidebooks when I’m planning a trip, and the Eyewitness Top 10 Naples & The Amalfi Coast is no exception! 

Some of the lists, like “Top 10 Icons of Popular Culture” and “Top 10 Moments in History” will give context to things you might see and do during your trip, while others, like “Top 10 Toledo to Chiaia” recommend specific sights in an area you could explore by foot, car or public transportation. I would say the layout is more inspirational than practical, but that’s perfect when you’re wanting to get hyped for an upcoming trip!

This South Italy guidebook has about 110 pages of content formatted in full-color Top 10 lists, followed by another fifteen pages of directory-style information about topics like arrival information, currency, transportation and safety.

Lonely Planet Amalfi Coast Road Trips

I salute anyone reading this who is brave enough to take on the twisting, turning, narrow roads of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. If that’s you, please let me know in the comments… and please pack the Lonely Planet’s Amalfi Coast Road Trips guidebook for your journey!

This little guidebook (about 125 pages of content) features general tips on driving in Italy, four suggested road trip itineraries (ranging from two to seven days in length) and information about what you’ll see en route.  In the back of the book a full-size pull-out map helps you envision the different drives, but I would still recommend having a great GPS system (or Google Maps) to help you find your way on the region’s notoriously hectic roads!

I spent a full month traveling around Sicily, so check out my recommended Sicily itinerary – no car required!

If you’re planning your first-ever trip to Italy, also make sure to read my guide to avoiding common Italy travel mistakes .

Planning a trip to Southern Italy?  Pin this post for later!

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Southern Italy

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Lonely Planet's Southern Italy is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the region has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Hike to the top of Mount Etna, take an epic road trip along the Amalfi Coast and indulge in an authentic Neapolitan pizza; all with your trusted travel companion.

Inside Lonely Planet's Southern Italy Travel Guide:

Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have them

Itineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests

Local insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politics

Eating and drinking get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to try

Toolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travellers, LGBTQIA+ travellers, family travellers and accessible travel

Colour maps and images throughout

Language- essential phrases and language tips

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Covers: Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and more!

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781838699529

Edition: 7th

Publication Date: May 2023

Writers: Bonetto, Cristian D'Ignoti, Stefania Hardy, Paula Sandoval, Eva Williams, Nicola

256 pages  | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: April 2025

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Lonely Planet Southern Italy (Travel Guide) Paperback – 9 Mar. 2018

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Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet Southern Italy is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Go island-hopping across the stunning Aeolian Islands, explore the fabled island of Capri, or wander through ghostly ruins of Pompeii -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Southern Italy and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet’s Southern Italy Travel Guide:

• Full-colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, cuisine, art, architecture
• Covers Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Capri, the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian Coast and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Southern Italy , our most comprehensive guide to Southern Italy, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled.

Looking for a guide focused on Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily? Check out Lonely Planet’s Naples, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast guide or Sicily guide for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer.

Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet’s Italy guide for a comprehensive look at all the country has to offer; or Lonely Planet’s Best of Italy , a photo-rich guide to the country’s most popular attractions.

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

• Print length 320 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date 9 Mar. 2018
• Dimensions 12.9 x 1.8 x 19.8 cm
• ISBN-10 1786573679
• ISBN-13 978-1786573674
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 4th edition (9 Mar. 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786573679
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786573674
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.9 x 1.8 x 19.8 cm
• 329 in Beach Holidays
• 54,101 in Home & Garden (Books)

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Lonely planet.

With over 150 million guidebooks in print, Lonely Planet is a trusted source for any traveler. Since our inception in 1973, we've inspired generations of travelers to discover amazing places and enabled curious travelers to get off the beaten paths to appreciate different cultures and become agents of positive change.

Hugh McNaughtan

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Southern Italy Travel Guide

Publisher description.

Lonely Planet: The world’s number one travel guide publisher  Lonely Planet’s Southern Italy is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Island-hop around the Aeolian Islands, soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast and explore ghostly Pompeii – all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Southern Italy and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet’s Southern Italy :  • Improved planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids • NEW Accommodation feature gathers all the information you need to plan your accommodation • Colour maps and images throughout • Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests • Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots • Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices • Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss • Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics • Covers Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Capri, the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian Coast, and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Southern Italy is our most comprehensive guide to Southern Italy, and is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences.  eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) • Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges • Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews • Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience • Seamlessly flip between pages • Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash • Embedded links to recommendations’ websites • Zoom-in maps and images  • Built-in dictionary for quick referencing About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more.    ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times ‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller’s hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia)

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35 Best Travel Guide Books for Italy to Read

Hey there, fellow traveler! This expertly curated selection of the best Italy travel books will help you navigate the country’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine.

Even in this digital age, there’s something magical about turning the pages of an Italy guidebook . It’s more than just collecting facts and figures – it’s about savoring the anticipation, picturing yourself in the most beautiful places, and preparing for the Italian journey of a lifetime .

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Top Picks: Best Travel Books for Your Italian Adventure

Rick Steves Italy

A thorough, immersive guide for Italian travel , recommended for its blend of iconic sights and hidden gems.

The Rough Guide to Italy

Discover abundant off-the-beaten-path recommendations . The perfect guide for travelers who want to delve deeper into Italy’s hidden corners .

DK Eyewitness Italy

Rich in historical context and stunning visuals.

It enables travelers to appreciate Italy’s rich history and culture on a deeper level.

Keep reading to uncover the rich tapestry of Italy’s unique regions, sample its delectable cuisine, and bask in its timeless architecture, all from the comfort of your home.

The list of Italian travel guidebooks below is structured into two main sections :

• All-Encompassing Italian Travel Books
• Area-Specific Travel Guides

Each book will be reviewed based on a brief description, pros and cons, and the type of audience it’s most suitable for. Let’s start exploring!

Recommended Reading : Discover our detailed guide on the 21 Safest Cities in Italy for Travelers & Expats.

All-Encompassing Best Travel Guidebooks

1. rick steves italy travel guide.

Rick Steves Italy is an invaluable travel companion for anyone venturing into Italy’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. Rick’s guide is packed with comprehensive, up-to-date information for planning an unforgettable multi-week trip to Italy.

It introduces readers to top sights and hidden gems , from iconic architectural wonders like the Colosseum and Michelangelo’s David to cozy corner trattorias serving delicious Italian cuisine.

• Offers strategic advice on maximizing time and budget .
• Provides candid insights to beat crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps.
• Suggests the best places to eat, sleep, and experience “ il dolce far niente .”
• Contains self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and museums.
• Equips travelers with vital trip-planning tools.
• Includes detailed maps , including a fold-out map for on-the-go exploration.
• Lightweight design with over 1,000 pages, making it portable without compromising content.
• A considerable amount of information could be overwhelming for some readers.
• The “bible-thin” pages might be fragile and prone to tearing.

Suitable for:

Rick Steves Italy is ideal for seasoned travelers and those new to Italy, particularly those looking to immerse themselves in local culture. It’s also perfect for anyone planning a long trip and needing an in-depth guide to the country’s many offerings.

The book’s inclusion of COVID-related travel info makes it especially relevant in the current travel landscape.

Recommended Reading : Master essential Italian phrases for travel with our 135 basic phrases and PDF cheat sheet.

2. DK Eyewitness Italy (Travel Guide)

The DK Eyewitness Italy (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive and immersive tool that transports you to the beauty of Italy – from its breathtaking natural landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the variety of its gastronomic traditions.

It uncovers the depth and diversity of Italy , presenting not just the acclaimed sights but also the hidden gems in this splendid country. With a beautiful blend of expert insights, practical advice, vivid photographs, and hand-drawn illustrations, this guide is an all-inclusive ticket to a memorable Italian journey .

• Offers a fully illustrated guide on top experiences and hidden gems.
• Includes accessible itineraries to optimize your daily exploration.
• Provides honest and expert advice on safety, timings, preparations, and cost savings.
• Features color-coded chapters covering every part of Italy.
• Gives practical tips on the best dining, shopping, and accommodation places.
• Contains detailed maps and walking routes for easy navigation.
• Overwhelming information could be daunting for some readers.
• The large scope of coverage may not suit travelers focusing on a specific region.

The DK Eyewitness Italy (Travel Guide) is an ideal pick for both seasoned and first-time visitors to Italy seeking a comprehensive overview of the country’s landmarks and hidden gems.

The guide’s practical advice and detailed itineraries make it a valuable resource for individuals looking for a well-planned, immersive experience. Also, art enthusiasts , nature lovers , and food connoisseurs will find this guide particularly enriching.

Seeking the perfect tribute to Italy? Check out our article 75 Italian Gifts for Italy Lovers: Best Gift Ideas for the ultimate gift guide.

3. Lonely Planet’s Italy (Travel Guide)

Italy is such an amazing place, and as one of the most in-depth guides available, Lonely Planet’s Italy offers an extensive exploration of Italy’s rich tapestry.

From traversing the beautiful ruins of Pompeii and enjoying a Tuscan wine tour to uncovering the picturesque Italian Riviera’s hidden gems, this book is your reliable travel buddy . It’s packed with the best and lesser-known experiences, making your Italian adventure unforgettable.

• Provides tailored itineraries catering to personal interests and needs.
• Delivers enriching local insights into history, culture, landscapes, and politics.
• Presents a visually inspiring collection of the top amazing experiences.
• Highlights regional dishes and drinks for an ultimate gastronomic journey.
• It gives insider tips to save time and money and avoid tourist traps.
• Offers planning tools for solo, LGBTQIA, family, and accessible travel.
• Features colorful maps and images throughout the guide.
• Includes essential language phrases and helpful travel tips.
• The extensive coverage might be too much for travelers focusing on a specific region.
• The size and weight may make it less portable.

Lonely Planet’s Italy is perfect for any traveler, whether a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor. Its well-rounded and inclusive approach also makes it suitable for solo, LGBTQIA, and family travelers and those seeking accessible travel advice.

If you’re a food lover or a history buff, this guide is advantageous, given its focus on regional cuisines and historical insights.

4. Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy: Secrets To Glamorous Travel

Penned by Italian travel guide and blogger Corinna Cooke, Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping you design a personalized, memorable, and affordable vacation in Italy.

The book is packed with insider tips , from appreciating Italy’s art, cuisine, and landscapes, to navigating its fashion scene.

The author’s step-by-step methods for trip planning, regional cuisine, wine lists, the best time to visit (peak season and off-season), and cost-effective flight booking tips are thoughtfully designed to enhance your Italian journey. Whether planning to travel lavishly or on a budget, this guide offers priceless advice to enjoy Italy like a local.

• Provides detailed, step-by-step methods for planning your trip.
• Includes comprehensive lists of regional cuisines and wines.
• Offers practical advice on flight booking to save money.
• Gives precautionary tips for safe and healthy travel.
• Emphasizes local advice for a genuine Italian experience.
• As the book was published in 2018, some information might be outdated.
• While enjoyable, the cultural immersion aspects may not suit readers seeking strictly logistical advice.

Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy is perfect for anyone who dreams of an Italian vacation , whether they’re first-time travelers or experienced explorers.

The book’s emphasis on experiencing Italy as a local and its cost-saving tips make it a fitting choice for those traveling on a budget and individuals seeking an authentic, immersive cultural experience.

5. Frommer’s Italy (Complete Guide)

The completely revamped Frommer’s Italy , a trusted name in travel, serves as a thorough and opinionated guide for your Italian escapade. It provides well-researched , valuable information for walking through the ancient ruins of Pompeii, cruising the Venice canals, admiring Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, or exploring less-traveled places like Puglia.

Suggested Reading : Discover the best Pompeii tours from Rome – 20 curated day trips to step back in time.

The guide makes you appreciate the la dolce vita in Rome and uncovers timeless marvels like Tuscan vineyards and the cliff-edge towns of the Amalfi Coast.

• Includes full-color photographs and handy maps , with a removable fold-out map for ease of use.
• It contains meticulously crafted itineraries to optimize your trip planning.
• Provides intriguing cultural insights into Italy’s history, cuisine, and traditions.
• Honest reviews with a star rating system for a quick understanding of what’s worth your time and money.
• Offers up-to-date practical information such as transportation details, useful websites, and healthcare options.
• Comes with budget-planning tools, including precise pricing and money-saving tips for travelers on a wide range of budgets.
• Being an opinionated guide, it might only align with some readers’ tastes or preferences.
• Comprehensive and detailed, it might be overwhelming for travelers seeking a brief, casual overview.

Frommer’s Italy (Complete Guide) is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, culturally rich guide to Italy . Whether you’re an avid history buff, a food enthusiast, or a leisure traveler looking to soak up Italy’s landscapes and cities, this guide provides comprehensive coverage.

Thanks to its wide range of money-saving tips and diverse itinerary options, it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking luxury.

6. Fodor’s Essential Italy (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor’s Essential Italy is a detailed travel guide crafted with love and expertise by local travel connoisseurs . This comprehensive guide aims to transform your journey, whether visiting the historic Colosseum, shopping in Milan’s designer boutiques, or hiking through the picturesque Cinque Terre.

Packed with over 78 detailed maps , a free pull-out map, and vibrant photographs, this guide ensures your Italian adventure is as smooth and fulfilling as possible.

Suggested Reading : Discover the top 10 shopping destinations in Italy : your Italy shopping guide, from luxury fashion to artisanal crafts.

• Features an illustrated guide to the best experiences Italy has to offer.
• Includes multiple well-organized itineraries to maximize your time effectively.
• Offers over 78 detailed maps and a complimentary pull-out map to assist in confident navigation.
• It contains stunning color photos throughout to inspire your travels.
• Presents reliable recommendations from locals on attractions, dining, accommodation, nightlife, shopping, and more.
• Provides photo-rich features on topics like “The Best Ancient Sites in Rome,” “Italy’s Best Beaches,” and more.
• Gives practical trip-planning tools and tips , including the best times to visit and how to save time and money.
• Offers historical and cultural insights into the local people, arts, architecture, and more.
• Special features on landmarks like “T he Sistine Chapel ” and “ Cruising the Grand Cana l.”
• Includes Italian language primers to help you with essential phrases and useful words.
• This guide might be too detailed and extensive for someone seeking a brief overview.
• Those who prefer minimalist design find the guide visually overwhelming.

Fodor’s Essential Italy is a perfect companion for travelers seeking a detailed, locally-informed guide to Italy. It is ideal for history buffs, adventure seekers, food enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. It’s especially beneficial for first-time visitors to Italy , assisting them with language, navigation, and insider recommendations.

7. Italy in Your Pocket!

Italy in Your Pocket! is a compact guide that promises to uncover the myriad of Italy’s rich history and vibrant culture. This pocket guide will ensure you won’t miss the charming villages, stunning mountains, bustling cities, or serene countryside.

More than just a tool to navigate Italy’s well-known tourist spots, this guide aims to immerse you in the authentic Italian lifestyle .

Authored by someone who has considered Italy their second home for over two decades, this book is your ticket to uncovering the essence of Italy that locals hold dear.

Suggested Reading : Discover the enchantment of Christmas in Italy with our guide, featuring prime locations and cherished customs.

• Highlights the beautiful contrast between Italy’s rural and urban life.
• Guides on how to avoid tourist crowds and experience the real Italy.
• Reveals off-the-beaten-path outdoor activities, accommodations, and attractions.
• Offers insight into traditional Italian events , customs, and yearly gatherings.
• Provides helpful tips on safety, interacting with locals, and integration into Italian society.
• It may not provide enough detail for travelers looking for a comprehensive guide.
• Readers already familiar with Italy may not find a lot of new information.

Italy in Your Pocket! is an ideal companion for travelers looking to experience Italy beyond the typical tourist perspective. It is perfect for adventure-seekers , cultural explorers, and individuals desiring to mingle with the locals and blend seamlessly into Italian life.

Those who appreciate the convenience and seek a compact, easy-to-carry guide will find this book especially useful.

8. The Rough Guide to Italy

The Rough Guide to Italy is a comprehensive and practical guide to discovering authentic Italy, including hidden gems and renowned hotspots.

Replete with an easy-to-follow, color-coded layout, this guide helps you effortlessly plan your trip from pre-departure to your journey’s end.

It covers regions from Rome and Lazio to Sicily and Sardinia, offering structured lists of all sights and lesser-known treasures. This guide was updated post-COVID-19 and comes with a free eBook for easy accessibility.

• Extensive regional coverage and clear structure within each chapter for easy navigation.
• Recommendations are suitable for all types of travelers, whether seeking adventures in Sicily or family activities in Tuscany.
• Provides practical travel tips , including pre-departure information, tips for traveling with children, sports and outdoor activities, festivals, culture, etiquette, and more.
• Time-saving itineraries and detailed routes showcase the richness and diversity of Italy.
• Offers insights into getting around like a local, with tips on beating crowds, saving time and money , and finding the best local spots.
• Full-color photography and color-coded mapping for visual appeal and easy orientation.
• It may overwhelm first-time travelers due to its comprehensive nature.
• Some travelers might prefer a more focused guide tailored to specific cities or regions.

The Rough Guide to Italy is ideal for first-time and seasoned travelers seeking a comprehensive understanding of Italy’s diverse regions.

Its detailed and wide-ranging content makes it an excellent resource for those with varied interests, such as food and drink, festivals, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration. Furthermore, this guide benefits travelers who appreciate planning their trip in detail with time-saving itineraries and expert recommendations.

9. Michelin Green Guide Wine Trails of Italy: Travel Guide

The Michelin Green Guide Wine Trails of Italy offers a fascinating tour through Italy’s wine regions . This guide covers 125 driving tours that take you to Italy’s renowned wineries, charming towns, villages, and captivating countryside.

It introduces you to the art of Italian wine-making , tasting, and serving. It encourages you to delve into Italy’s rich history, culture, and, unquestionably, its delectable wines.

Suggested Reading : For wine lovers in Bologna, don’t miss the Best Wine Tours & Tastings .

• Provides 125 driving tours offering a comprehensive exploration of Italy’s wine regions.
• The book offers insights into Italian wine : its creation, tasting, and the art of serving it.
• Uses a star-rating system for points of interest, facilitating decision-making.
• Features well-researched recommendations for accommodation and dining options .
• Encourages discovery of Italy’s history, culture, and, of course, its wines.
• It might not appeal to readers who are not interested in wine.
• It could be overwhelming for those seeking a less comprehensive guide.

The Michelin Green Guide Wine Trails of Italy is perfect for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts, individuals interested in Italian culture and history, and anyone looking for an immersive, off-the-beaten-path exploration of Italy’s wineries and vineyards.

This guide will also appeal to those who enjoy self-guided driving tours and exploring new cuisines and dining experiences.

10. ITALY Made Easy for Seniors: An Alternative to the Escorted Tour

Authored by Bob Kaufman, the president of National Travel Vacations for 30 years, ITALY Made Easy for Seniors dispels the misconceptions that hinder seniors from experiencing Italy’s charm.

This handy guide includes comprehensive itineraries , covering not just Rome, Florence, and Venice but also hidden gems like Sicily, Puglia, Cinque Terre, and The Lakes.

Suggested Reading : Experience Tour Rome by Golf Cart – Uncover the city’s charm through the best private tours.

With tips specifically designed for seniors , like avoiding hilly areas for accommodation, the book also proves to be an insightful companion for first-time visitors and repeat travelers.

• Covers all major cities beyond Rome, Florence, and Venice.
• Provides practical tips specifically designed for seniors.
• Informs readers about convenient accommodation options.
• Includes “ short and sweet ” historical facts, eliminating the need to carry heavy history books.
• It doesn’t include many color pictures, which might be expected in a travel guide.
• It might not be as relevant to younger travelers or those seeking more adventurous itineraries.

Italy Made Easy for Seniors is ideal for senior citizens looking to explore Italy, particularly those making their first, second, or third trip. It’s also beneficial for anyone looking for a cost-effective and well-planned travel guide to Italy , even if they’re not seniors.

This book is a must-have for anyone yearning to delve into the enchanting Italian culture without worrying about breaking the bank or getting lost in complex planning.

11. Italy: The Best Places to See by Rail (An Alternative to the Escorted Tour)

Bob Kaufman’s Italy The Best Places to See by Rail is the ultimate guide for those who yearn for a freestyle yet well-planned journey through Italy without the confines of an escorted tour.

Leveraging his 30 years of experience running National Travel Vacations, Inc., Kaufman presents a refreshing alternative to traditional tours with his cost-effective way to travel by train in Italy .

This book empowers travelers to chart their unique path with five main itineraries covering Rome, Florence, Venice, the Lakes District, and Sicily, along with the Bernina Express over the Alps option.

The book also includes specific details for day trips from various cities and a dedicated chapter on hotel options near train stations for convenience. It is a comprehensive planning tool with relevant website references to secure rail and attraction tickets, helping save time and resources.

• Offers a flexible, budget-friendly alternative to costly and strict escorted tours.
• Presents easy-to-follow, comprehensive itineraries for exploring Italy.
• It provides an accessible format with larger and bolder text, making it easier for seniors to read.
• Includes essential details such as hotel choices near train stations, tourist attraction ticket purchasing, and recommended restaurants.
• Packed with valuable insights derived from almost thirty trips to Italy by the author.
• It might not be suitable for those who prefer the structure and convenience of escorted tours.
• Requires more individual planning and decision-making compared to pre-arranged tours.

Italy The Best Places to See by Rail is ideal for younger travelers who prefer setting their pace, waking up, eating when they want, and spending as much time as they wish on each site.

It benefits those hesitant about driving in a foreign country or feeling confined by escorted tours. With its handy tips and detailed itineraries, this book ensures a rewarding Italian vacation without breaking the bank.

Dive into Italy: Area-Specific Travel Guides

1. rick steves rome travel guide.

Rick Steves Rome Travel Guide offers a timely, comprehensive resource for travelers navigating the Eternal City. As a trusted source, Rick Steves shares strategic advice on making the most of Rome—from exploring ancient ruins and the Vatican City to experiencing local culture.

The guide includes top sights and hidden gems, valuable tips to dodge tourist traps, best places to eat, sleep, and live “ il dolce far niente ” (the sweet doing nothing).

It offers self-guided walking tours of vibrant neighborhoods and renowned sights, such as Piazza Navona, detailed maps, a helpful packing list, an Italian phrase book, and historical insights. Also included are resources for COVID-related travel information, ensuring a seamless journey.

2. Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany Travel Guide

Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany Travel Guide is your quintessential handbook for immersing yourself in the cultural heart of Italy . This fully updated guide steers you through Florence and Tuscany, sharing top sights from the Uffizi Gallery to the Duomo and hidden gems like a centuries-old perfumery.

Suggested Reading : Unleash Tuscany’s splendor with our selection of the best Vespa tours from Florence .

You’ll learn to integrate with the local culture, from strolling morning markets to sipping robust wines with locals. Rick’s strategic advice will help you optimize your time and money , navigate crowds, and find the best places to dine, sleep, and relax.

The book also includes self-guided walking tours, detailed maps , and driving tours through Tuscany’s wine country.

3. Rick Steves Venice Travel Guide

Your trusted guide, Rick Steves, invites you to glide through the canals and wander down cobblestone alleys in his latest book, Rick Steves Venice Travel Guide .

You’ll learn to maximize your time and budget effectively by offering a fully updated and extensive guide for spending a week or more in Venice.

The guide covers top sights and hidden treasures from St. Mark’s Basilica to the charming city of Padua , along with strategic advice to beat the crowds and avoid tourist traps.

Discover how to connect with local culture , the best places to eat and sleep, and even enjoy self-guided walking tours.

The book features detailed neighborhood maps and a fold-out city map, with complete and current information on the city’s districts and side trips.

4. The Rough Guide to Italian Lakes

Discover the enthralling beauty of the Italian Lakes with Rough Guide’s comprehensive guidebook. This guidebook offers the most relevant and current suggestions for what to see , what to skip, and those hidden treasures that await you.

Traverse Lombard’s vineyards, get adventurous on Lake Garda or marvel at the 600-year-old Duomo in Milan.

Inside, you’ll find color maps and pictures, highlights, itineraries, and insider tips to navigate the Italian lakes like a local, bypassing crowded areas and saving time and money.

Expect enriching cultural insights and extensive coverage of regions including Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, Milan, Verona, and more.

5. Fodor’s The Amalfi Coast, Capri & Naples (Full-color Travel Guide)

Unleash the charm of Southern Italy with Fodor’s insightful guide to The Amalfi Coast, Capri & Naples . Whether you’re planning to drive along the Amalfi Coast, explore Pompeii’s ruins, or savor authentic pizza in Naples, this guide has got you covered.

It’s brimming with maps, local expert recommendations , beautiful color photos, and valuable trip-planning tools.

The guide features multiple itineraries for effective time management, over 15 detailed maps for confident navigation, and honest suggestions on the best sights, eateries, hotels, outdoor activities, nightlife, shopping, and more.

Delve deeper into the local culture with historical insights and special features on the Amalfi Drive , Capri by boat, and the ancient city of Pompeii.

6. Puglia Travel Guide: Are You Ready to Visit Southern Italy?

If you’re yearning for an extraordinary exploration of Southern Italy, Puglia Travel Guide: Are You Ready to Visit Southern Italy? has got you covered.

This guide, penned by a native Apulian and passionate traveler, Francesco, serves as your comprehensive companion for discovering the hidden marvels of Puglia.

The book outlines the top five unmissable historic sites and over 50 spectacular beaches, from tourist hotspots to untouched natural locales, and introduces you to unique local cuisines .

Packed with more than 200 vibrant full-color photos, this guide makes planning your unforgettable Puglian adventure a breeze.

For those exploring Southern Italy, another honorable book mention goes to Lonely Planet Southern Italy , an excellent guidebook that unveils the vibrant and diverse region of Southern Italy.

Immerse Yourself Deeper in Italy: Beyond Travel Guides

If you wish to dive even deeper into the heart of Italy beyond the fantastic sights and delightful cuisines, we recommend looking at our curated list of prominent Italian best books .

These esteemed works offer profound insights into Italy’s intricate culture and society, weaving tales of love, family, politics, and the very fabric of human nature. This enriching list is in our “ 17 Best Italian Books: Explore Italy’s Rich Culture ” article.

Reading these masterpieces will enhance your understanding and appreciation of Italy before and during your journey. The books mentioned in the article are:

• Elena Ferrante – L’amica geniale ( My Brilliant Friend )
• Andrea Camilleri – La forma dell’acqua ( The Shape of Water )
• Italo Calvino – Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno (The Path to the Nest of Spiders)
• Carlo Levi – Cristo si è fermato a Eboli ( Christ Stopped at Eboli )
• Alessandro Baricco – Seta ( Silk )
• Paolo Giordano – La solitudine dei numeri primi ( The Solitude of Prime Numbers )
• Umberto Eco – Il nome della rosa ( The Name of the Rose )
• Elsa Morante – La storia ( History )
• Primo Levi – Se questo è un uomo ( If This Is a Man )
• Roberto Saviano – Gomorra ( Gomorrah )
• Niccolò Ammaniti – Io non ho paura ( I’m Not Scared )
• Italo Svevo – La coscienza di Zeno ( Zeno’s Conscience )
• Dante Alighieri – La Divina Commedia ( The Divine Comedy )
• Giovanni Verga – I Malavoglia (The House by the Medlar Tree)
• Giovanni Boccaccio – Il Decameron ( The Decameron )
• Luigi Pirandello – Il fu Mattia Pascal ( The Late Mattia Pascal )
• Alessandro Manzoni – I Promessi Sposi ( The Betrothed )
• Beppe Severgnini – La Bella Figura : A Field Guide to the Italian Mind

Best Travel Guide Books for Italy: Final Thoughts

We’ve come a long way on our literary journey across Italy! We’ve delved into general guides about the country as a whole and honed in on the specifics of its mesmerizing regions. Remember, each travel guide provides a different perspective and unique insights – just like Italy, each book has its personality and charm.

I hope this guide to the best Italy travel books proves helpful in preparing for your Italian adventure, whether you’re planning to bring one of these great books along on your trip or just reading in advance to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this beautiful country.

After all, these books are about more than just sightseeing – they’re about living and experiencing ‘La Dolce Vita,’ the sweet life, the Italian way. – Until our next Italian journey, Arrivederci!

Recommended Reading : 23 Best Italian Grammar Books to Master the Language

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The Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the vibrant city of Naples and awe-inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast, to Puglia’s traditional Italian towns and Sicily’s beaches, volcanoes and cuisine, it’s time to plan the ultimate southern Italy road trip!

When I think back to my favourite road trips of all time, most of them have taken place in Italy! There was the Puglia holiday, the road trip through Sicily and a favourite tour around Lake Como.

If you’re considering driving through Southern Italy, you’re in for such a treat! You’ll get to see a combination of spectacular scenery, traditional towns and epic natural wonders. One minute you’ll be exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the next you’ll be driving along the heart-stopping roads of the Amalfi Coast.

You could spend a few days exploring Puglia’s prettiest towns including Monopoli and Ostuni, before spending the rest of the week enjoying the crystal waters in Sicily .

There are a variety of cuisines to sample too, with incredible pizza in Naples, seafood pasta in Puglia, tasty olive oil throughout, and Sicilian delicacies including arrancini and sweet cannolis.

Oh, and you’ve got a mix of activities on offer too. Hike active volcano Stromboli in Sicily , take a boat trip to the glamorous island of Capri , stay in a traditional Trulli house in Alberobello or go on a pizza tour of Naples (I know – it’s a hard life!)

And, the best part about a southern Italy road trip? The fact you don’t have stick to a set route. While you could follow my southern Italy itinerary on the map below, I’d encourage you to read my travel tips and then add a few stops of your own. It’s a beautiful part of the country, every wrong turn will add to the experience! You could find yourself passing fields of olive trees or winding along dramatic cliff roads. You never know what you’ll find!  

Rather than create one epic Italian road trip, I’ve divided the country in two. Scroll down the page for my southern Italy road trip or check out my route for an amazing northern Italy road trip , which includes stops in Rome, Verona, Venice, Lake Como and a few other beautiful spots. 

Southern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

This tour of southern Italy starts in Naples and ends in Sicily – both of which have plenty of flight options available. Italy self-drive holidays are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why with routes like this one!

Brief overview of the route:

• Amalfi Coast

From eating pizza in Naples, to feeling like a movie star as you drive the Amalfi Coast, and then onto some of the prettiest towns in Italy as you explore Puglia, before finishing your enjoying Sicily’s dramatic landscapes – this route has it all! It’ll definitely show you some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too.

It’s also an easy one to break up. You could just concentrate on Naples and Amalfi, or spend a whole week exploring Puglia.

In all honesty, these are some of my favourite parts of Italy, so I’m excited to share why they should be on your Italy road trip itinerary. I’d recommend a minimum of one week for your trip, or if you want to cram in everything I mention on this post, you’ll need two to three weeks.

I’d also recommend taking a look at my guide to the best hidden gems in Italy . You might find a few other stops to add to your southern Italy itinerary.

Southern Italy Road Trip Map

I’ve used a map to plot the perfect route for your Southern Italy road trip . I recommend opening it another window to study in detail.

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, my guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list. I’ve also included lots of must-haves at the end of this post, to make the process much easier.

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 1 – Naples

Once you’ve exhausted northern Italy , it’s time to head south on your Italy road trip. The unspoilt shores of the southern coastline will appeal to travellers who like to explore off the beaten track.

First up, the bustling streets of Naples. Set on the Mediterranean coastline with active volcano Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop, this exciting city is the birthplace of Italian pizza, mysterious underground catacombs, castles and lively main squares.

If you choose to stay in Naples for a few nights, you could take day trips to the Amalfi Coast, hop on a boat to the island of Capri or tour Pompeii’s archaeological sites. There are lots of amazing southern Italy tours to choose from!

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 2 – Amalfi Coast

If your idea of the perfect Italy road trip is immersing yourself in glitz and glamour of old-time Italy, the Amalfi Coast is for you. With cliffside villages, colourful buildings and secluded beaches which lead to the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Italy. It’s also known for being one of the best Italian road trips.

Brace yourself if you’re the designated driver! The coastal road is winding and not for the faint hearted, but the views are worth it. Don’t miss the picturesque towns of Praiano, Ravello, Sorrento and Positano – a classic holiday resort with an old-world grandeur and panoramic views along the coast.

If you plan to stay a few nights, Sorrento is a good choice. With museums, piazzas, shopping and reasonably priced accommodation on offer, it’s a great base from which to explore the towns along the coast and visit the island of Capri. I’d recommend reading this guide to where to stay in Sorrento during your trip planning!

I did some of this road trip in reverse last summer and ended in Amalfi Coast before driving to Naples and fly home. We booked a last minute night at one of the hotels in Vietri Sul Mare, a town close to Salerno, right at the start of the coast. It was a basic hotel, but I still dream about the views regularly – looking out over that incredible blue water and the beautiful town and beach. I’d go back in a heartbeat! 

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 3 – Puglia

Puglia is where we chose to go on our main holiday last year. Similar to this southern Italy travel itinerary, we hired a car in Naples and drove across the country to Italy’s heel. Driving in southern Italy wasn’t too scary, although some of the smaller towns and villages have narrow roads, so I’d recommend hiring a compact car. 

Puglia is pretty, traditional, and has a great reputation for food. It’s one of my favourite parts of Italy. Home to unspoilt sandy beaches and cliffside fishing villages, Puglia is often overlooked in favour of glam places like Amalfi or Cinque Terre, but I think it offers a lot.

You could spend a few weeks just in Puglia, and still have plenty more to go back for, as there are gorgeous beaches, pretty towns and lots of history to keep you busy!  A few places I’d recommend visiting are Alberobello, with its traditional white, cone-shaped Trulli houses (which, collectively have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site ). We spent a night staying in one and it was absolutely magical.

We also stayed in Monopoli – a beautiful seaside town with a small beach, medieval city walls and maze-like cobbled streets fulled with tiny wine bars and rustic restaurants.

Polignano a Mare is one of the most famous towns, and another absolutely stunning spot. With it’s cove like beach, dramatic cliffs and even a cave restaurant built into the rocks overlooking the water, I fell in love with the place! We spent a day there, eating fresh seafood pasta and gelato while meandering the pretty streets.

Ostuni is another must-see (and one of the best hidden gems in Italy ). It’s known as the white city, and from afar has the appearance of lots of white houses stacked up on top of each other. Park somewhere outside the old city and wander up the hill, taking in the magic of the white washed buildings, cute pizzerias and architectural wonders. 

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and interested in discovering Baroque architecture as well as having lively nightlife, street food and café lined piazzas, venture to Lecce, one of Puglia’s largest cities. Or consider a trip to Bari or Gallipoli – both great stops on your Puglia road trip. If you’re having trouble choosing where to stay, check out the 11 best luxury villas in Puglia .

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 4 – Sicily Itinerary

As you can see, the drive from Puglia to Sicily is a long one. You could do it in a day, but you might be more comfortable breaking it up over a few nights. The fastest ferry route to Sicily is from Reggio Calabria and it takes around half an hour.

This is one of the best parts of the itinerary, so there’s a chance you may want to book a dedicated holiday for your Sicily road trip, as there’s so much to see and do. Adventure lovers might want to climb Mount Etna. Over 3500m high, you can get pretty high up with minimal effort, as there’s a cable car to get you up to 2500m!

In terms of beauty, Taormina is one of the prettiest hilltop towns in Sicily. It’s home to a theatre built by the ancient greeks, several historic churches, and pretty streets filled with colourful market stalls and restaurants.

It’s also a gorgeous region for hotels, with everything from cute boutique hotels to grand resorts. My guide to the best beach resorts in Sicily will help you pick where to stay!

Nature lovers will enjoy bird-spotting in the reserves, or you can spend time enjoying the sandy beaches of picturesque Cefalu or Mondello.

It doesn’t seem long ago that I spent a week sailing around Sicily’s Aeolian Islands – something I’d recommend in a heartbeat if you have a bit longer to spent in the region. I hiked Stromboli Volcano, took a mud bath on Vulcano island, and went wine tasting in Salina. The islands are gorgeous, varied and have a wonderful old world charm that I found very comforting.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Southern Italy?

Italy has a Mediterranean climate and is a lovely destination to visit all year round.

Temperatures vary by region, but as a quick example, you can expect average temperatures of around 0°C in around Cortina (a ski resort in the mountains) in January, and as high as 37°C in July in cities such as Milan and Venice. Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter, making destinations like Puglia and Sicily great options for a winter holiday.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit southern Italy, I’d suggest planning a trip between April and June, or in September or October, just after the peak summer season.

The weather tends to be consistent in these months, but isn’t too hot. Plus, as you’re missing peak season, you should benefit from lower prices and fewer people.

Packing List For Southern Italy

Now you’ve got your route planned out, it’s time to decide what to pack! Here are a few quick suggestions of what to take, with some links to specific items I’d rate picking up before you travel.

Women’s packing list for Southern Italy

Women’s lightweight trousers – It’s good to have some conservative items and not flash too much skin. These are practical, lightweight but a bit cute too! Women’s sundress – Something pretty and not too short for when it’s appropriate. Women’s maxi dress – I quite liked having a longer item or two. If you pair it with a cardigan it’s more conservative too. Women’s midi skirt – I live in items like this in warm countries and have them in multiple colours and patterns. They’re comfortable and not revealing.

Women’s shorts – I packed a few pairs. I’d recommend something loose and comfortable like these shorts , and then perhaps some classic denim shorts too. Women’s summer top – I wore a lot of things like this. Neutral colours work best as you can mix and match with shorts and skirts. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down! Women’s zip up hooded jacket – A few places get chilly, so you’ll want to be able to layer up occasionally. A zip up hoody like this will come in handy. Women’s bikini – You’ll need to pack a couple of items of swimwear. There are so many cute bikinis out there to choose from! Women’s rash guard – Not essential, but if you burn easily (or plan to surf) I’d recommend one of these. This one is great as it has a built-in bra and comes with a pair of matching shorts. Women’s sports vest – I’d recommend one or two sweat-absorbing vests like this for adventurous activities. Women’s sports bra – Ideal for sporty or adventure activities. I prefer sports bras like this Puma one which has some built in padding for extra support. Women’s leggings – Leggings are great for active adventures. These Under Armour ones are great as they’re very lightweight. Sarong – A really useful item for any travels in warm countries! Use it as a towel, a cover up, to sit on, to lie on or for a cute addition to an outfit! Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself. Sunglasses – I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Men’s packing list for Southern Italy

Men’s casual shorts – I’d recommend several pairs of comfortable shorts for everyday use. Men’s chinos or jeans – I’d recommend a few pairs of chinos, jeans or cargo pants. Men’s T-shirts – Pack a few options of t-shirts too. Men’s shirts – A few shirts (long or short sleeved) are a good idea. I personally love these linen shirts . They look very cool!

Men’s vests – If you sweat a lot, you might find vest tops more comfortable in the heat. Men’s zip up hooded jacket – You might want to layer up if it gets chilly in the evenings. Men’s jumper – A smarter option for keeping warm.   Men’s sports tops – For active days, something like this is really useful as it’s super-absorbent. Men’s sports shorts – If you’re doing some adventurous hikes or activities, you’ll want shorts you can move freely in. Swimming trunks – The more fun the pattern, the better! These ones have pockets and are quick dry too. Baseball cap – Look for one with a mesh back like this one , so it’s more breathable. Sunglasses – You can’t beat a classic pair of these Ray Bans !

Other general items to pack for Southern Italy

If you’re planning your trip, you should think about more than just clothing when you start packing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…

Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one . If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this , that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen , which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here . 

Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy on your trip. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum . 

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat like this to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun . It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.

Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my small handbag and is nice and sturdy.

Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack . It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!

Reusable water bottle   – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the  Chilly’s water bottles . I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! I also really like these bottles with straws . They’re really easy to drink from, they have a strap, never leak and hold a good volume.

Power bank – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.

I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment , which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability. 

Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges up to 6 devices at once, using a plug or USB sockets. Plus, it can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets!

Dry bag – I’m really happy I invested in a dry bag like this . It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.

Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my southern Italy road trip itinerary. Let me know where you decide to go and what your highlights are! As mentioned, this is probably best spread out and followed at a slower pace, so if you’re looking for a southern Italy itinerary for 14 days, it’s ideal!

Looking to explore more of the country? Check out my northern Italy road trip itinerary ! 

I honestly think this is the best south Italy itinerary as it’s got a bit of everything!

If you want to save it to help with your trip planning, how about adding it to a Pinterest board so you can look back at it later… 

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

1 thought on “The Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More”

I haven’t been to Italy since I was a teenager! Now I’m trying to figure out why it’s hasn’t been higher up my list?? Those pictures make me want to be there now! Thanks for the inspiration and the tips! ?

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13 Travel Books to Read Before Your Next Trip to Italy

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Since you’re reading this article on Condé Nast Traveler , you’re likely someone who believes in the transportive power of good writing—and of travel books in particular. Whether it’s a vividly-rendered novel, or a well-researched deep dive into the history, subculture, or food of a place, a good travel-y read can easily inspire your next trip.

As the cold weather starts to creep into many parts of the world, many of us here at Traveler have Italy on the brain, dreaming of Amalfi 's crystalline waters, of melting gelato in Rome , of the warm Tuscan sun . Are you dreaming of la dolce vita too? Here’s a short list of books set in Italy that’ll motivate you to, well, book a trip. (Get it?)

Few places in the world invoke as much swooning and intense wanderlust as Italy , and this list of books features stories of various stripes: gripping thrillers, fascinating and readable histories, romantic true stories of love and loss, and unputdownable page-turners that’ll get you through a long layover . There’s something here for everyone, and a good handful of these titles have been adapted into movies (and one TV show), which underscores the point that these are some lush, cinematic, and extremely vibey books.

Read on to pick some travel books to add to your bedside table—and your overpacked suitcase .

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

What it’s about: This captivating novel, set in the 16th-century, spins a story inspired by a little-known daughter of the Medici family, Lucrezia, who was wedded to a duke as part of a political marriage and, just a year after the wedding, was found dead. Inspired by Lucrezia’s titular marriage portrait, Maggie O’Farrell (no stranger to fictionalizing historical trivia ) writes in prose both lavish and readable, daring you to put down this strange and delicious book. With plenty of narrative twists and palazzo intrigue, this book will drop you into the middle of Renaissance Florence and never let you go.

The mood it’s giving: Running through an Italian palace in a very heavy gown, weighing you down like you're in a nightmare—in the best way possible

The book’s first line: “Lucrezia is taking her seat at the long dining table, which is polished to a watery gleam and spread with dishes, inverted cups, a woven circlet of fir.”

The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance by Paul Strathern

What it’s about: For a more factual understanding of the influential family that shaped the Italian Renaissance, you can’t go wrong with this 464-page tome. This evocative and masterful account of the dramatic history of the Medicis also covers their patronage of the day’s greatest minds (Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Galileo, among others), offering context and knowledge upon which you can draw during your next visit to Florence and greater Tuscany.

The mood it’s giving: The thrill and shock of Succession , but Florentine and, you know, real

The book’s first line: “It is Sunday 26 April 1478 in Florence, and the church bells ring out from the towers above the rooftops of the city. Lorenzo the Magnificent, accompanied by his circle of favourites, is making his way through the colorful crowds towards the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.”

A Room with a View by E. M. Forster

What it’s about: This beloved classic of English literature, a satire of English society in the Edwardian era first published in 1908, opens at a hotel in Florence, Italy: Charlotte Bartlett and her cousin Lucy Honeychurch are positively incensed that their rooms face a drab courtyard (how dreadful!). Another guest and his son offer to switch accommodations with theirs—and what follows is a series of semi-fortunate events that will make you want to book a room with a view of the Arno and get into some Italian hijinks yourself. (The Merchant Ivory film adaptation is also stellar, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Maggie Smith.)

The mood it’s giving: That moment where Kim Kardashian is crying because she lost her diamond earring in the ocean in Bora Bora and her sister Kourtney telling her, “Kim, there’s people that are dying”—but in Florence

The book’s first line: “‘The Signora had no business to do it,” said Miss Bartlett, “no business at all. She promised us south rooms with a view close together, instead of which here are north rooms, looking into a courtyard, and a long way apart.”

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

What it’s about: For a contemporary take on the set-up introduced by A Room with a View , pick up Kevin Kwan’s delightfully frothy Sex and Vanity . The protagonists are named Lucie and Charlotte as well, and Kwan’s latest novel Forster-ly satirizes the uber-rich Asian and Asian American diaspora that the author has long lampooned in his Crazy Rich trilogy of books. Only time will tell though, if sex and vanity are as timeless as a room with a view—but as far as cotton-candy vacation reads go, you can do far worse than bringing this paperback onto a chartered yacht.

The mood it’s giving: Crazy Rich Asians decadence goes to Capri (and the Hamptons)

The book’s first line: “[an email with the subject line: la dolce vita] Lucie!!! I’m sooooo happy you’re coming to my wedding in Capri!”

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

What it’s about: There are many ways to do Italy on a budget, and there are just as many (if not more) ways to do it extravagantly. Perhaps that’s why our collective cultural imagination so often links the fantasy of the Italian Riviera with how the rich and famous behave—and behave badly. All that to say, Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins is a sweeping and swooning book that brilliantly dissects the power plays and petty dramas of our contemporary demigods (Hollywood stars), as well as the Italian seaside villages that everyone can access, even if it means swimming to get there.

The mood it’s giving: That one series of unbelievably glamorous photos of Paul Newman at the Venice Film Festival in 1963

The book’s first sentence: “The dying actress arrived in his village the only way one could come directly—in a boat that motored into the cove, lurched past the rock jetty, and bumped against the end of the pier.”

The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus Fruit by Helena Attlee

What it’s about: Fancy a visit to a marmalade kitchen in Sicily? To bergamot groves in Calabria? To lemon houses by the banks of Lago di Garda? You’ll get all that and more in this sumptuous and sensual history of citrus throughout the Italian peninsula. Helena Attlee blends her deep knowledge of the country with insightful gastronomical observations—and recipes!—to make an immensely readable and giftable volume that’s as fragrant as a helping of delizia al limone on a terrace in Amalfi.

The mood it’s giving: As sharp and sparkling, tart and satisfying as a limoncello spritz

The book’s first line: “At dawn, I lifted a corner of the curtain in the stuffy couchette and realized we had already crossed the border. We were somewhere near Ventimiglia on the Italian Riviera, and there were lemons growing beside the station platform, their dark leaves and bright fruit set against a backdrop of nothing but sea.”

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

What it’s about: We can’t talk about la dolce vita without bringing up The Talented Mr. Ripley , the novel wherein young Tom Ripley goes to Italy and falls in love with the indulgent, carefree lifestyle of Dickie Greenleaf (and, in some readings, Greenleaf himself)—so much so that he kills the young heir and assumes his identity. The 1999 film adaptation is better known for depicting the sunny sprezzatura of a Mediterranean holiday, but in all formats, the story is always rife with tension and monied decadence.

The mood it’s giving: Chic knit polos and swim trunks wet with saltwater that may or may not be stained with blood

The book’s first line: “Tom glanced behind him and saw the man coming out of the Green Cage, heading his way. Tom walked faster. There was no doubt the man was after him.”

Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes

What it’s about: Yet another go-to-Italy-and-change-your-life classic, Frances Mayes’s memoir truly changed the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book—and the 2003 film adaptation —are responsible for a sizable chunk of Italy’s GDP. But yes, this story has surely inspired many non-Italians to visit the cypress-studded Tuscan countryside, hoping to come upon a rundown villa in need of restoration and love, just as Mayes does in this travel writing classic.

The mood it’s giving: A leisurely walk through a Tuscan farmer’s market, where you come upon the most sweet-tart tomato you’ve ever had, its sun-bright juice coating your lips

The book’s first line: “‘What are you growing here?’ The upholsterer lugs an armchair up the walkway to the house but his quick eyes are on the land.”

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Hom e by Tembi Locke

What it’s about: If Under the Tuscan Sun is an easy-going drive through the Italian heartland, then From Scratch is a journey of highs and lows along the hilly and rugged terrain of Sicily. Actor and writer Tembi Locke’s memoir tells her personal history of falling in love with her Italian husband, building a life together in Los Angeles, grieving him after his death due to cancer, and rebuilding her life with their daughter in Sicily. The book is heartfelt and Locke’s language is generous and graceful. If you’d rather binge the story on your screen, there’s a 2022 Netflix adaptation too. Either way, both will leave you weeping into your tub of gelato.

The mood it’s giving: Making eye contact with the love of your life, being reminded that life is bittersweet—so beautiful and so short

The book’s first line: “In Sicily, every story begins with a marriage or a death. In my case, it’s both.”

The Truffle Underground: A Tale of Mystery, Mayhem, and Manipulation in the Shadowy Market of the World's Most Expensive Fungus by Ryan Jacobs

What it’s about: Have you ever tasted a truffle? I mean, a true truffle that bursts with the flavor of Italian terroir? If you have, then you’ll relate to the author Ryan Jacobs when he describes tasting a white truffle: He felt transported, “momentarily, into an alternate universe, a place where flavor mattered more than truth and virtue.” And it’s true that pursuit of flavor stomps out virtue, as Jacobs reports it in this deep investigative dive into the industry and sub-world of truffles—where rival truffle hunters poison each other’s truffle-hunting dogs, where hunters carrying rifles protect their hunting grounds from spies, where counterfeits dupe even the most well-trained experts. Read this book, and you’ll understand why your dinner of tagliatelle al tartufo costs 50 euros.

The mood it’s giving: A crime documentary, but about truffles! I really can’t sell this book any better than the facts can

The book’s first line: “Threads of fungus swirl through the heat and dark of the rocky soil. They spend years twisting, extending, contorting, in perpetual search of nutrients to bring back to their host tree.”

The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

What it’s about: Ask anyone about good books and Italian culture, and the name Elena Ferrante is bound to come up. The pseudonymous writer’s four novels—known as the Neapolitan Quartet, beginning with the epidemic My Brilliant Friend —seemed to be everywhere in the last decade in the English-speaking world, due in no small part to the genius translation work of Ann Goldstein from the original Italian. Their collaboration shines once again in The Lying Life of Adults , a novel set in Naples (where else?) that depicts “Naples of the heights, which wears a mask of refinement, and Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity,” as narrated by a 14-year-old girl named Giovanna.

The mood it’s giving: The most observant and clear-eyed diary entries of an insightful young girl in Napoli

The book’s first sentence: “Two years before leaving home my father said to my mother that I was very ugly. The sentence was uttered under his breath, in the apartment that my parents, newly married, had bought at the top of Via San Giacomo dei Capri, in Rione Alto.”

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri

What it’s about: On its surface, Jhumpa Lahiri’s In Other Words is a series of short essays and reflections about the task of learning Italian. But once you crack open this elegant volume, you’ll see it’s so much more: Lahiri first wrote the book in Italian (to all the better master the language), and the English translation was provided by Ann Goldstein (yes, who translates Ferrante as well); more unusual, both the Italian and the English stand side by side in the book, on opposite pages. Reading how Lahiri’s fluency and confidence with Italian flourishes alongside the evolving English translation is enough inspiration for anyone to at least pick up a tourist phrasebook for Italian. Dov’è la libreria?

The mood it’s giving: Drinking in the mystique and genius of your most brilliant friend from your first year of college whom you met in that Italian 101 class

The book’s first sentence: “Voglio attraversare un piccolo lago. È veramente piccolo, eppure l’altra sponda mi sembra troppo distante, oltre le mie capacità. | I want to cross a small lake. It really is small, and yet the other shore seems too far away, beyond my abilities.”

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

What it’s about: It’s now a tale as old as time: An eloquent and cerebral narrator recalls the time how he, as a young man in the 1980s, stayed at his family’s home in Northern Italy and was drawn to the graduate student his parents took under their wing for the summer—and how their mutual attraction led to a profound exploration of desire, intimacy, and what it means to lose it all. Of course, the 2017 film adaptation is better known for its atmospheric cinematography (think sun-baked peaches, glimmering Lombardian lakes, the worn-in grandeur of Villa Albergoni in Moscazzano) but the source material is better at conveying the intense limerence of young romance, the kind that a scenic Italian backdrop renders all the more heady and bittersweet.

The mood it’s giving: Summer, somewhere in Northern Italy, cascading melodies on the piano floating out from the villa’s windows and out onto the pomegranate orchard

The book’s first sentence: “‘ Later! ’ The word, the voice, the attitude. I’d never heard anyone use ‘later’ to say goodbye before. It sounded harsh, curt, and dismissive, spoken with the veiled indifference of people who may not care to see or hear from you again.”

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13 Best Italy Travel Guide Books

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• 13 Best Italy Travel Guide…

Italy has so much history, art, and culture that naturally attract travelers. The enchanting peninsula isn’t the largest European country. But, it offers diverse and rich things to see and do. Each city and region have something different to offer. From preserved treasures, ancient towns like Pompeii, to its beautiful coastline and beaches. For the best authentic experiences, we cannot recommend you enough to plan first. And travel books about Italy are your best option for travel preparation. Guidebooks help you get the best insight into destinations you want to visit. Plus, you’ll get plenty of information for planning.

How To Choose The Best Travel Books about Italy

When you decide to visit Italy, you first need to read travel guides to learn more about the country. However, it can be difficult to find the best travel guides for Italy since there are so many options available. Before you purchase one, here are a few things to help you choose your own.

Check the published date

When buying the best travel books for Italy or any other country, you need to make sure you get new and updated information about the country. So, it’s important to check the published date. If you buy the old version of guidebooks, the information may be outdated.

Guidebook format

Many publishers offer travel books about Italy in two versions: printed and digital. Consider buying both printed and e-book for your next trip. You can take notes on the printed version – plus, it makes a great coffee table book – while the e-book can be used on the go.

Check the author bio

To have the best experience while traveling, only equip yourself with first-hand information. We recommend choosing local-based and experienced authors and writers. For example, if you want to visit villages in Italy , it’s best to buy a travel book from someone who came from that village or at least has spent a significant local living there as a local.

What is the best way to tour Italy for the first time?

You should mix relaxation and sightseeing in your itinerary for the best experience. Generally, you can combine the sights of Rome and while staying at hotels in Florence with a more relaxed ambiance. Tuscany or Venice are also great choices. Get a travel guide for Venice Italy to get an unforgettable experience in Venice.

How many days is enough for Italy?

Generally, you would need about ten days to explore Italy. Though you’ll need much more time to discover and enjoy a complete Italy experience. But, you still be able to cover many of the top sights.

How do I organize my trip to Italy?

If you only have 3-5 days, choose only one destination. It could be a city or region. For 10 days trip, you can cover 1-3 places, either the north, central, or south of Italy. You can set aside two weeks? If so, you could explore 3-4 places in the south and north.

Italy Travel Guide Essential Tips For First-timers in Italy

Planning on traveling to Italy for the first time can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Italy Travel Guide Essential Tips For First-timers in Italy is what you need. Find out how to enjoy Italy’s beauty to the fullest with this guidebook. The book has 11 chapters, which 5 of them cover the cities and regions. They include Rome, Florence and Tuscany, Venice, Milan and Lombardy, and Sicily. Unlike other best travel books for Italy, the author even devoted a chapter to the best Italian beaches. Not to forget some of the less-traveled ones.

The chapter starts with the History of Italy. Here, you can get brief information about the Roman Empire. Another chapter covers how to plan a trip to Italy. There is so much information you can get, like the best time to visit which place. Get the most of your visit by learning some Italian phrases to help you get around.

We think The Cultural Tips: Not To Do in Italy and Travel Tips sections are the best sections. If you plan to eat and drink in Italy, you’ll find some helpful sections. These include How to Order Coffee, How to Choose a Restaurants, and Drinking Wine in Italy. Also, there’s a chapter on What to Do When Things Go Wrong and Airport Tricks that you’ll find very supportive and useful. All these trips and tricks will complete your arsenal to explore Italy.

Foodie, beach-goers, first-time travelers, backpacker, family, and group travelers

Michelin Green Guide Italy

Create your memorable journey to Italy with Michelin Green Guide Italy . It’s one of the travel guides for Italy that will give you depth descriptions of the locations and sites, whether you’re visiting Italy’s must-see cities or outdoor activities.

Do you prefer wine regions and gourmet destinations? Historic cathedrals, castles, and Roman ruins? Wandering around the sunny Sicilian villages? Or, hunting postcard-perfect photos in Lakes Region? This book gives travelers the most reliable recommendation on where to go, where to eat, and where to stay. There’s also a section about activities for kids. You’ll also get information on how to get there and what to see and do.

Get some practical A to Z information that will help your trip, from embassies, pharmacies, and public holidays. It also provides maps and pictures. Getting to know more about Italy will make the best of your trips. You can get some insights from the book about Italian history. Besides, there’s brief information about Italy today, nature, plus art and culture.

Family travelers, photographers, backpackers, adventurers

The Rough Guide to Italy

The Rough Gu i de to Italy gives everything you need to know when planning a trip to Italy. The book includes extensive lists of must-see sights, practical advice, even an off-the-beaten-track. Plus, it provides insights on what to see and do, how to get around, and things not to miss. Besides, there’s an itinerary section that helps tailor your own schedule. With excellent reviews, you’ll discover the recommended restaurants, shops, and hotels. The full-color maps and photos will inspire your places to visit.

The book has four main chapters in the table of contents. They include Introduction, Basics, The Guide, and Contexts. The Introduction provides information all travelers would need. You’ll find itineraries, where to go, when to go, and author picks. Meanwhile, the Basics cover practical information and pre-departure tips. Getting there, getting around, festivals and travel essentials are among the topics.

Next, The Guide Chapter is divided into 17 cities and regions. It covers Rome and Lazio, Umbria, Sicily, Lombardi and the Lakes, Tuscany, Sardinia, and more. Also, you’ll find highlights, brief history, maps, and more information on each city and region. Contexts give you information about the history, Italian art, and useful language. Plus, recommended books and films. Make the most of your time in Italy! Whether you plan to experience the Piazza San Marco in Venice, enjoy the spectacular Amalfi Coast, or explore the collections of art in Florence. Did you know that there are great gay-friendly hotels in Florence ?

You’ll get an e-book for every paperback purchase. All these make this book one of the best travel books for Italy as well as a travel guide for Venice Italy.

All type of travelers, such as adventurers, city slickers travelers, solo travelers

Italy The Best Places to See by Rail

If you’re interested in exploring Italy via Rail, Italy The Best Places to See by Rail is your best choice. The book is perfect for solo or group travelers who don’t want to join the fixed scheduled tours through travel agencies. Or, travelers who don’t want to drive in a foreign country. If you want or spend as much as time you want on each sight, this book helps planning your own itinerary.

This entertaining travel guide includes five major itineraries. They are Venice, Rome, the Lake District (Como, Maggiore, and Lugano). Besides, it also covers Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and over the Alps on the world-famous Bernina Express. The author also provides a chapter about hotels near the stations. So, you only need to walk less than 15 minutes to your hotel. There’s also a guide on how to choose each hotel along the way based on your budget.

You’ll also find websites on how to obtain your rail and attraction tickets on this easy-to-read guide book. It helps save your time and money on the internet. Other information, such as recommended restaurants and places of interest are provided. Including tables and maps. This book really helps travelers to have a stress-free trip around Italy on its superb rail system. Making it also the best travel guide for Venice Italy and travel books about Italy.

Independent travelers, adventurers, group or family travelers

Rick Steves Venice, 16th Edition

Make the most of your vacation in Venice with Rick Steves Venice . It’s the perfect choice for a travel guide for Venice Italy. This updated version provides new restaurant reviews and city walks. Either you’re exploring the great city for a week or more, the book offers comprehensive coverage. Find top sights and hidden gems, such as the Rialto Bridge, the charming city of Padua, or St. Mark’s Basilica. Also, don’t miss exploring the canals and wandering down the cobblestone alleys as you soak up the culture, art, and history of Venice.

The book also includes the best places to eat and sleep. Besides, you can use the self-guided walking tours of museums and Grand Canal Cruise tours. Traveling with your best friends? You’ll also find some useful info about the best nightlife and places to relax in Venice.

The Italian survival phrases help you connect with local people and get to know their culture. The book also provides a historical overview and recommended reading. You’ll like the useful packing list given in the book. What’s more, the detailed maps and fold-out city map will help you get the most of your time. Get this guide in paperback or digital version.

Party-goers, family or group travelers, and backpackers

Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips

Lonely Planet Italy’s Best Trips is one of the most useful travel guides for Italy, especially, if you’re planning for a road trip to Italy whether to explore somewhere new or places you’ve been before. The book features 40 amazing road trips in Northern Italy, Central Italy, and Southern Italy. These road trips include Grand Tours and World Heritage Wonders. Plus, you’ll have up-to-date expert advice on the destinations you’ll visit along the way.

Embrace the majesty of the Dolomites or enjoy the Tuscan landscape and stop by on the dazzling Amalfi Coast. Jump in the car, turn on the music or one of the best audiobooks , and hit the road with your trusted travel companion! The book includes insider tips to get around like a local. Other information is included, like places to eat, sleep, sightseeing with honest reviews. To start your road trip, there’s a section on Road Trip Essentials. It provides plenty of information, from how to hire a car, insurance, road conditions, to fuel and parking.

While you’re on the road, you can always use the features like Stretch Your Legs and Detours. The gorgeous color photos throughout the book help pick your interests and needs. On top of that, it has easy-to-read and full-color route maps, which is important for your road trip. It provides detailed directions for exploring Italy accessible by car.

Family or group travelers, adventurers, photographers, frequent wanderers

DK Eyewitness Venice & the Veneto

With so much to see and experience in Venice, you’ll need the best travel guide for Venice Italy. Planning to wander around the magical maze of Venice canals? Or, exploring through majestic mountains and sampling delicious cuisine? Experience all Venice has to offer with DK Eyewitness Venice & the Veneto . Not only does it offer a watery oasis, but the book also includes more places you should visit. The alpine forests and verdant hills in the Dolomites, the third-largest Roman Arena, and the beautiful scenery of Lake Garda are among the others.

This book is divided into three major sections; Discover, Experience, and Need to Know. There’s everything you need to know about the Vento region. It includes excellent walking tour suggested itineraries. So, you can create your own itinerary that suits your likes. If you have limited time, take the suggested itineraries given. Learn more about the history of the region in its section Brief History.

Each section of the city in the Experience chapter is completely updated with places to see and things to do. Besides, it covers the opening times and website. Plus, you’ll find recommendations for hotels and places to eat. The Venice map is very helpful for exploring Venice and Veneto. Besides, it provides bus and water taxi maps. Other information includes bus and train services. Useful telephone numbers and a street map of Venice and Murano are included. Also, you’ll have the DK Eyewitness special, the virtual 3D map! You can get this guide in paperback and digital versions on Kindle.

Couples, group or family travelers, photographers, foodies

Kids’ Travel Guide Italy

Are you traveling with your family to Italy? Or, moving to live in the country temporarily? Kids’ Travel Guide Italy is not only interesting but also a fun way of learning. Specially designed for children, they may not realize they’re learning while reading at the same time. Also, the book helps to keep your children occupied while traveling. There are plenty of fun activities for kids to do. With this book, even children get to prepare what to bring before traveling.

The table of contents makes finding anything about Italy easier and faster. The book includes a section about places you should visit and why they’re famous. It guides your children to walk through the famous Grand Canal Venice and the magnificent piazzas and basilicas. And your children will love discussing pizza, gelato, and spaghetti!

Furthermore, the book provides history, flags and symbols, culture, plus geography. It also provides some popular Italian words and phrases. It will help you and your children interact with local people. One of the best travel books about Italy for children, it’s available in Kindle edition. The e-book is perfect if you’re flying with luggage restrictions. But, if you prefer a more interactive experience, you can get the paperback edition.

Family travelers, long-term travelers, temporary residences

Fodor’s Essential Italy 2020

Fodor’s Essential Italy 2020 is recognized as one of the best travel books for Italy. It’s something you need to create the perfect adventure and experience the country. This guidebook provides information and explanations about culture and history. It also helps enrich your travel. Find which cities or regions you’re looking for with the color-coded category icons and two-column text. This book covers Venice, Lake Como, Pisa, Tuscany, Vatican City, Rome, and more.

This book also includes customizable itineraries for various trip lengths. And it provides info for the best walking tours. Known for accuracy and attention to detail, you’ll find top recommendations and exclusive tips from the locals. Its section of ‘best of lists’ provides the best things to do and see. Plus, there are expert recommendations on hotels and restaurants. What’s more, you’ll find some practical tools and tips for getting around as well as basic Italian phrases, a calendar of events, and festivals.

There’s even a section to guide you on what to read and watch before your trip! We love the beautiful color photos and features throughout. It includes features on hiking the Cinque Terre and Sistine Chapel. With more than 70 detailed maps and a free pull-out map, it’s definitely one of the best travel guides for Italy.

Adventurers, photographers, and backpackers

Frommer’s Italy 2020

Whether you’re planning for a family trip or special food and wine trip, Frommer’s Italy 2020 is one of the best travel books for Italy you can have. Its chapter of suggested itineraries gives you the most helpful day-by-day info to plan something that suits your interests and schedules. You’ll get helpful advice from Frommer’s authors themselves. Do you prefer walking among the ancient ruins of Pompeii? Or, exploring off-the-beaten-path Puglia? What about floating along the canals of Venice? Whichever you prefer, this one of the travel guides for Italy is brilliant to help planning your trip.

You’ll find up-to-date guide Italy destinations. These include honest recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do in each place. Besides, the book also provides cultural information. So, you’ll understand the history, traditions, and cuisine of Italy better. What’s more, there’s some helpful accurate information of websites, transportation, and telephone numbers.

The book divides cities and regions into each section. You’ll find Bologna & Emilia-Romana, Genoa & Cinque Terre, Venice, Tuscany, and more. Milan and Rome, Italy’s fashion capitals are also covered. On top of that, it provides one chapter about the maps and a handy pull-out map. Get the travel books about Italy both in paperback and e-book on Kindle for your Italy’s best authentic experience!

Any type of travelers, including business travelers and fashionistas

Rick Steves Italy 2020

Are you planning your first trip to Italy? Rick Steves Italy 2020 should be your top choice of travel guides for Italy. It gives references and guides for those unfamiliar with the country. The book provides updated information on some best places. It covers Milan, Florence, Tuscany, Naples, Pompeii, and Venice, making it also the best choice for your travel guide for Venice Italy. Experience Italy, from the Colosseum, the Mediterranean to the Alps, or discover the relaxed rhythms of sunny Cinque Terre.

Even before you leave, you’ll find so many useful things in the book. What to pack, currency to use, city history, and customs are examples. Plan your trip to the max with everything you need to know about Italy in this book. These include places to stay and see, how to book and use transportation, and how to avoid tourist traps. We love that the book helps travelers figuring out the transportation system. Plus, it has a chapter with a planned three-week trip from Milan to Rome using public transportation.

Make your trip easier and connect with the locals by learning some Italian common phrases. The book also provides information on the opening times and days closed for major sites. Plus, there’s a section on historical overview. Detailed maps, including a fold-out map, are very helpful. You can rip it out and fold it in your pocket for handy reference.

Backpackers, family, or group travelers

DK Eyewitness Italy 2020

You’ll find this guide to be useful in making your trip across Italy easy. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, cruise down Venice’s Grand Canal, soak in the sunny Capri, it’s one of the best travel books about Italy that has everything covered. Finding the best gelato or enjoying the lavish foodie culture? You’ll find the book is organized into three major sections: Discover, Experience, and Need to Know.

Discover provides brief introductions to the history and architecture of the country. Experience is divided into three main sections of twenty different towns and regions. First, Central Italy (like Rome, Lazio, and Florence). Second, Northern Italy (including Milan and Venice). And third is Southern Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, Naples, and more). Each region, city, or town comes with a brief history and some highlights. There is information like places to see, insider tips, suggested places to eat. Plus, many sections have detailed maps. The last one, Need to Know, gives you expert advice and practical information about getting around and a few Italian phrases.

You’ll also find a selection of itineraries to help planning your trip, so you can enjoy the best of Italy. Whether you’re staying for a few days or few weeks, this travel guide makes sure you experience all Italy has to offer. What’s more, DK Eyewitness Italy 2020 provides lots of color photos. Also, maps and illustrations. It’s perfect for those who want to get places and sights visually. And it includes plenty of those 3D photos of cathedrals and historic buildings that you’ll love.

Good planner travelers, backpacker, photographers, and foodie travelers

Lonely Planet Italy

Lonely Planet Italy is one of the must-have travel books about Italy for independent travelers, who long for the best way to discover this country. It’s also perfect for those planning a trip to Italy, but unsure where to go. You’ll get everything you need. Enjoy the adventures and hidden gems from the information and recommendation in this book.

The book gives you up-to-date info on what to see and skip. Sample the varieties of olive and wine in Tuscany, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or wander through streets in Pompeii. Anywhere you want to go, such as Rome, Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Dolomites, this book covers them.

Get the best place for you to sleep, eat, sightsee, and more from honest reviews that meet all budgets. The book includes itineraries to help you set up your trip to your personal interests. Or finding cultural insights, like art, history, and customs? We also love the photos throughout the book. Plus, the pull-out Rome map and hundreds of other colored maps that really helpful. This is why Lonely Planet Italy sits on top of our list of the best travel books for Italy.

Backpackers, adventurers, solo travelers

Author:  Julie Wharton

As a solo traveler, I have discovered the freedom and adventure that comes from exploring the world on your own terms. With a backpack on my back and a thirst for new experiences, I have journeyed to some of the most remote and fascinating destinations on the planet. As a travel blogger, I share my stories and insights with fellow solo travelers who are looking to break free from the constraints of group tours and package deals. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time adventurer, my blog is dedicated to helping you plan your solo travels with confidence and ease. From tips on finding the best hostels to recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations, I provide a wealth of information that will help you make the most of your solo journey. And with a passion for photography and storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid imagery and captivating narratives. So if you're ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, join me on my journey and let's discover the world together.

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12 Best Travel Books for Italy: Guides to Buy

We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences, which is documented through our travel photography and writing only about places we have personally visited. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. This has no influence on our recommendations. For more information, please read about our approach to travel publishing. Learn more ›

Written by Quinn McClurg

Are you considering going to Italy but do not know what you want to do? Look no further because I have compiled all of the best travel books for Italy into one list for you.

Italy is packed full of things to do! So don’t waste time looking for things to do or trying to scramble around while on precious vacation time. Let me take care of all those little details so you don’t have to look for things to do or find places to stay .

There is so much to do and see in the beautiful country of Italy . There might not be time to see everything. But these best travel books for Italy will help you plan your grand vacation adventure in no time!

Read a few of these options and pack as much into your next trip as possible. Or spend the entire trip by the ocean. No one is judging! Let’s start and look at the best travel books for Italy.

Best Travel Guidebooks for Italy

1. glam italia.

Are you on a budget for your first trip to Italy? Don’t stress because I have the perfect book for you. Corina Cooke is an Italian travel guide and blogger who offers insider knowledge and hacks on traveling to Italy for the minimum price.

From cheap flight options , where to stay, and what to see, Cooke offers the new adventurer perspective into what to expect when staying in Italy for the very first time or even if you’re an experienced traveler to the beautiful country of Italy.

Discover this stress-free, money-saving way of planning an international vacation. Cooke’s years of experience in this book rank on our list as one of the best Italy travel guides.

Don’t fall into tourist traps or expensive stays. Read her insider tips and tricks so you can spend as little cash as possible while making the most of your trip.

See Related: Things to Do in Italy

2. Salerno Mini Survival Guide

Do you want to get city-specific on your trip to Italy ? If so, I have the perfect guide for you. Jan Hayes delves deep into the cultural city of Salerno.

You will have everything you need in a small, compact mini travel guide. It comes standard with general information about Salerno. Categories neatly organize places of interest and a handy phrasebook to quickly look up popular words and phrases.

A full-colored city map to help you navigate the beautiful city . If you are going to the Amalfi Coast and want to travel further up the coast, check out this helpful Salerno, Italy, travel guide.

See Related: Italy vs. Greece

3. Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany

Spend a romantic getaway or a beautiful vacation in the heart of Italy. Tuscany is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world .

Inside this travel guide, you’ll find insider knowledge on spending time engulfed in the rolling hillsides of Florence and Tuscany. Get the most out of your money and time on this trip, and don’t waste a second looking for things to do or places to see. Follow the guide and find hidden gems throughout the historic towns.

There are top sights and many hidden wonders of Tuscany , and this guide will help you see them all. Connect with the local culture, skip the lines and tourist traps, and find the best places to eat and relax in town.

Even indulge in self-guided walking tours to easily tour the town without paying the price. For anyone looking for a Tuscany, Italy travel guide , I highly recommend looking into this best travel book for Italy.

See Related: What is Customs at the Airport?

4. Liguria (Bradt Travel Guide)

Rosie Whitehouse has spent the past thirty years exploring the region of Liguria. This book provides the reader with key knowledge of the Riviera but also includes less-known attractions, such as the mountain valleys of the region.

Food plays a key role in anyone’s visit to Liguria. The newest edition includes maps focusing on small, local food spots, businesses, and hotels. It also includes an in-depth look at Genoa as a cultural and weekend destination.

Make sure to grab this travel guide on Liguria, Italy, because you won’t want to miss all the spectacular things this region of the beautiful country has to offer.

See Related: Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy

5. Travel Like a Local – Map of Bari: The Most Essential Bari (Italy) Travel Map for Every Adventure

This map by Maxwell Fox takes an easy approach to a new country you’ve never been to. Take the worry and stress out of trying to plan a huge list of adventures while you’re in the wonderful city of Bari. Let this map be your guide.

Pinpoint the best restaurants and bars around the area because vacations are meant to be enjoyed however you see fit! The ultimate places to go shopping and sightseeing are marked on the map. The city is organized into sections to choose what you want easily. For anyone traveling to this region of Italy next, pick up the ultimate Bari, Italy travel guide for your next adventure!

See Related: Best Restaurants in Italy

6. Fodor’s Rome

Are you ready to experience Rome in every way imaginable? Then I wouldn’t hesitate to buy Fodor’s Rome . The experts at Fodor’s are ready to give you insider knowledge on the best areas in Rome to spend your vacation.

With customizable itineraries and detailed maps of Rome, make sure to make the most of your time in Italy as special and as magical as possible. With tips from the locals in this Rome, Italy travel guide, you can eat, drink, and play like a local. There are many different types of recommendations from experts and locals to ensure your trip is spectacular.

Inside, you can expect to find an experienced guide, colored photos, “best of” lists, itineraries, maps, tips and tools, local advice, and historical/cultural overviews. What more could you possibly need from a travel guide?

See Related: Day Trips from Rome

7. Italy The Best Places to See by Rail: An alternative to the escorted tour

If you are completely against going on a guided tour when on vacation, that is understandable. Some people don’t want to spend mass quantities of money while waiting in a line with 50 other people. If this sounds like you, and you’re traveling to Italy soon, I have the perfect guide.

Bob Kaufman, a former tour operator for 30 years, knows exactly how tours are run. He is here to give you the inside scoop on how to travel throughout Italy without being told you have to be on a bus at 8 a.m. sharp. If you want to spend as much time at each historical sight or restaurant as you’d like, you should be able to.

This guide will allow you to plan an inexpensive rail tour through Italy on new high-speed trains. There are five major itineraries for the cities of Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice, the Lakes District, and over the Alps on the Bernina Express.

This guide would fall into the guided tour category versus independent travel in Italy. Because it lets the reader choose their travel plans, the only real “set schedule” is the train departure times.

See Related: Tours in Italy

8. Walking Easy in the Italian & French Alps

This may mention France in the title, but people going to Italy can stick to that section of the guide. Although, you should still check out the French Alps because they are just as beautiful as the Italian Alps!

If you are into hiking, then this is definitely the guide for you. Check out all the walking and hiking trails in the Alpine region of Italy.

Explore all of the meadows and mountainsides Italy has to offer. Rated at all difficulty levels throughout, this Italian Alps travel guide will surely take you on an adventure of a lifetime.

All sorts of information can be found, including rules of trails, scenic views for pictures, local hiking maps, clothing suggestions, and travel discounts in Europe . This guide will make the absolute most out of your Italian Alpine experience.

See Related: Car Museums in Italy

9. Lonely Planet The Italian Lakes (Regional Guide)

Are you looking for a romantic getaway ? Do you want to know where and where not to go in the Italian Lakes region of Italy?

If so, I have the perfect travel guide for you! Look for colored maps, itineraries tailored to your ideal experience, and insider tips and knowledge to get around like a local.

There are also honest reviews for places to eat, sleep, and sight-see. Also, you can only find hidden gems in this specific Italian Lakes travel guide.

See Related: Things to Do in Genoa, Italy

10. Lonely Planet Italy (Country Guide)

Inside this extensive 1,000-page travel guide for the entire country of Italy, you will find everything you need to know about traveling to Italy. It also makes for a perfect gift for the world traveler in your life!

Lonely Planet and its team of researchers bring you the new and updated version of this guide from February 2020. So you know the information is both relevant and up to date.

Begin your journey in the heart of Italy and make the entire trip what you want it to be! There are tools for family traveling, an accommodation section, colored maps and itineraries, local tips and knowledge from the locals, and cultural insights.

This guide covers 18 top cities and towns in Italy, plus some of the less common areas. So, bring this guide wherever you want to end up in Italy!

See Related: Best Wine Regions in Italy

11. DK Eyewitness Italy

With this extensive guide covering the entire country of Italy in a little over 500 pages, you will definitely not want to miss this opportunity to own the newest updated edition from 2020.

Do you want to sip wine in the vineyards of Tuscany? Or enjoy a day viewing European art in one of the most famous art countries in the entire world? The annually updated guide brings the beautiful country to life before you even step foot there!

Don’t miss the top picks for Italy’s must-see experiences and hidden gems. Detailed maps and walks of cities that make the city easy to navigate. You definitely won’t want to forget this lightweight guide. Throw it in your suitcase , and head to the airport!

12. Michelin Green Guide Wine Trails of Italy: Travel Guide

I thought I better save the best for last…I mean, but who wouldn’t love a big glass of fresh Italian wine? That picture on the cover of the guide says it all. This guide is a true ode to a wine-themed journey throughout the Italian countryside. Learn how Italian wine is made, how to taste it, and how it is served.

The Michelin guide provides its signature points system within the guide to suggest well-researched places to stay and eat, 125 activities, and, of course, multiple wineries throughout the entire country. That sounds like the perfect way to end an Italian getaway.

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Lonely Planet Southern Italy (Travel Guide) Kindle Edition

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet Southern Italy is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Wander the streets of Pompeii, a town frozen in time, wake up to the sound of a Neapolitan street market, or gaze at the Mediterranean; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Southern Italy and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet Southern Italy Travel Guide:

• Full-colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - including customs, history, religion, art, architecture, politics, cuisine, and wine
• Over 41 colour maps
• Covers Naples, Pompeii, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Palermo, the Aeolian Islands, the Ionian Coast, Syracuse, Agrigento, Matera, Alberobello, Lecce, Capri, and more

eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones)

• Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges
• Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews
• Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience
• Seamlessly flip between pages
• Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash
• Embedded links to recommendations' websites
• Zoom-in maps and images
• Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Southern Italy , our most comprehensive guide to Southern Italy, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled.

• Looking for a guide focused on Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast or Sicily? Check out our Lonely Planet Naples, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast guide or Sicily guide for a comprehensive look at all these areas have to offer.
• Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out our Lonely Planet Italy guide for a comprehensive look at all the country has to offer or Lonely Planet Discover Italy , a photo-rich guide to the country's most popular attractions.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet.

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

Note: The digital edition of this book is missing some of the images found in the physical edition

• Print length 770 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date February 1, 2016
• File size 64002 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Not Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BHESJRI
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 3rd edition (February 1, 2016)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 1, 2016
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 64002 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 770 pages

About the author

Brendan sainsbury.

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