Escorted tours are highly regimented and expensive averaging $300-$500 per person per day excluding airfare. Bob Kaufman knows. For over 30 years he ran National Travel Vacations, Inc. a tour operator who offered escorted tours on contract to travel agents. If you don't want to be told that you must be on the bus at 8 AM, and that you have only one hour to shop in Venice, this book is for you. If you don't want to feel stressed out driving in a strange country, where everyone drives exceptionally fast, this book is for you. If you like waking up when you want, eating when you want and spending as much time as you want on each sight, this book will show you how to do it. Bob Kaufman's "Italy The Best Places to See by Rail" is the essential book you need to plan an in-expensive rail tour of Italy travelling on the newest state-of-the-art ultra-modern high-speed trains. The book is made for seniors and the younger generations, who are not comfortable or care not to take escorted tours or drive in a foreign country. For seniors, the book is easier to read because it is printed in a larger and bold type than normal travel books. The author outlines five major itineraries which include: Rome, Florence, Venice, the Lakes District (Como, Maggiore and Lugano), and an over the Alps option on the world famous Bernina Express, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. Kaufman describes each itinerary and just how to plan it. Sicily is further broken down into day trips from Palermo and the Taormina areas. Day trips from Florence to Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano and the Cinque Terre are described in detail. The author has a full chapter devoted to hotels near the train stations so you don't have to walk more than 10-15 minutes to your hotel. He even explains how to evaluate and choose each hotel along the way. The book is easy to read (it's Kaufman's second book) and chuck full of information needed to plan your in-expensive rail trip including websites on how to obtain your rail and attraction tickets for the Coliseum and Sistine Chapel and more. This will save you hours of time and money on the internet. Kaufman includes: tables, maps an index of section headings, places of interest, hotels and recommended restaurants from almost thirty trips to this beautiful country. His second book on travel, "SPAIN The Best Places to See by Rail is due out in 2020." Use this book for planning, and take it along with you and a good tour book of Italy and you will not be disappointed with your vacation. Do take a look at the reviews on the rear cover of this book.

Change the world one trip at a time. In this illuminating collection of stories and lessons from the road, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves shares a powerful message that resonates now more than ever. With the world facing divisive and often frightening events, from Trump, Brexit, and Erdogan, to climate change, nativism, and populism, there's never been a more important time to travel. Rick believes the risks of travel are widely exaggerated, and that fear is for people who don't get out much. After years of living out of a suitcase, he still marvels at how different cultures find different truths to be self-evident. By sharing his experiences from Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, Rick shows how we can learn more about own country by viewing it from afar. With gripping stories from Rick's decades of exploration, this fully revised edition of Travel as a Political Act is an antidote to the current climate of xenophobia. When we travel thoughtfully, we bring back the most beautiful souvenir of all: a broader perspective on the world that we all call home. All royalties from the sale of Travel as a Political Act are donated to support the work of Bread for the World, a non-partisan organization working to end hunger at home and abroad.

What are the world’s greatest destinations? Where are the best places to travel solo? From airport fashion to road trip rules, professional traveller Brooke Saward shows us where to go, what to do and how to get that holiday feeling without even leaving home. Full of beautiful photographs that will ignite the imagination and featuring enduring favourites like Paris, New York, and London, this is the book that will inspire you to make every day an adventure.

Col. ill. and maps on inside covers, and detachable col. map of Naples affixed to flap of p. [3] of cover.

The bestselling author of "Italian Neighbors" returns with a wry and revealing portrait of Italian life--by riding its trains.

"ITALY BY RAIL" is a comprehensive guidebook that takes you on a journey through Italy's most beautiful regions, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the stunning Amalfi Coast. With practical information on train routes, schedules, and fares, as well as detailed descriptions of the top sights, attractions, and hidden gems, this book is the ultimate companion for anyone planning to explore Italy by rail. Discover the country's rich history, art, cuisine, and culture, as you travel through picturesque towns, bustling cities, and breathtaking landscapes, all from the comfort of Italy's extensive rail network. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, "Italy by Rail" is an essential guidebook that will help you make the most of your Italian adventure.