Reading List - travel information

Throughout arttrav you'll find reading recommendations geared to the content of each page. We think it's important to travel informed, which is why, if you have time, it's useful to read up as much as possible in advance. This enriches your travel time because you have a greater comprehension of why things are the way they are, or look the way they look.

Guidebooks are a good place to start (with this page), as you get an idea of where you want to go and what things interest you most. Then turn to this page for a list of history and art history books to supplement your background knowledge and allow amaze your family and friends. Art history textbooks are more reliable ways to learn about art then guide books, and reading them will allow you to recognize what's "important" to the history of art when you see it, and understand how it fits in a long line of interesting things.

Guidebooks for tourist information

All Italy TIP: If touring much of Italy, pick up a general guide and supplement it with regional ones.	Italy: A complete Guide (TCI) The touring Club of Italy is the institution for tourist information most respected by Italians, who can be seen walking around with their hardcover "red guides" even in their own city. These are not translated into English, so this complete guide to italy is the best substitute we have. These don't tend to go out of date as they don't contain opening hour or hotel information.
	Michelin Green Guide Italy (6th ed) It's hard to find a perfect guide to all of italy. This isn't it, but the nice thing is that it lists all locations alphabetically, and you can find them on their excellent maps.
	Eyewitness Guide Italy  OK. I generally don't like eyewitness guides because they are too basic in terms of historical information. However, if you really don't know where you want to go, this is a good place to start. The nice pictures get you interested in certain regions and give you an idea of how much there might be to see. Once you've looked at it though, it is necessary to go beyond, by buying regional guides like the Blue Guides. Many towns have much more to offer (or are not even listed) than what is written here. This is a first-time traveller's book.
	Jewish Italy  A complete guide for those interested in touring Jewish centres of Italy.
Florence	Blue Guide Florence The Blue guide is not for hotel planning; it contains detailed walks for the city, and good historical information. As such it is also not important to have the most updated guide.
	Companion Guide to Florence by Eve Borsook This is a classic book to read before you come to florence. You'll get a fantastic historical base and an idea of all the things to see BEYOND the uffizi and the "david"! The author is a respected art historian, and I often use her book to check facts and plan lessons.
Rome	Blue Guide Rome  What i consider the most complete guidebook available in English for this complex city. Augenti's art and archeology of Rome An art history textbook with sections on the museums of Rome. A great approach to the city that puts works into their chronological perspective.
Venice	Companion Guide to Venice  An oldie but goodie.
Naples	Cadogan's Bay of Naples and Southern Italy
Sicily	Blue Guide Sicily

Restaurant books

The Complete Guide To Buying Property In Italy  This is the best guide out there for foreigners planning on buying in italy and making the move.

Living, Studying, and Working in Italy  This is the bible for temporary or permanent moves.