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.

You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling through Europe. With Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door, you'll learn how to: Plan your itinerary and maximize your time Pack light and right Find good-value hotels and restaurants Travel smoothly by train, bus, car, and plane Avoid crowds and tourist scams Hurdle the language barrier Understand cultural differences and connect with locals Save money while enjoying the trip of a lifetime After 30+ years of exploring Europe, Rick considers this travel skills handbook his life's work, and with his expert introductions to the top destinations in Europe, choosing your next trip will be easy and stress-free. Using the travel skills in this book, you'll experience the culture like a local, spend less money, and have more fun.

"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.

Experience 60 of the world’s greatest and most unforgettable train journeys, from classic long-distance trips like Western Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer and Darwin to Adelaide’s The Ghan, to little-known gems on regular commuting lines. We’ve always had a soft spot for trains. We know the moment a train pulls out of a station bound for somewhere fantastic is when the adventure truly starts. Amazing Train Journeys is the culmination of asking more than 200 travel writers for their absolute favourites. Some are epic international adventures, others short suburban routes along stunning coastline. There are incredible feats of engineering, trains that snake their way through mountain peaks, and even those which have achieved Unesco World Heritage status. Each profile contains practical information including ticket options, timetables and stops, plus inspiring photos and illustrated maps. Journeys include: Africa & the Middle East: Johannesburg to Cape Town (South Africa) Andimeshk to Dorud (Iran) Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) The Americas: The California Zephyr (USA) Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway (Peru) The Serra Verde Express (Brazil) Asia: The Darjeeling Toy Train (India) The Reunification Express (Vietnam) Beijing to Shanghai by High-Speed Rail (China) Europe: The Glacier Express (Switzerland) Belgrade-to-Bar Railway (Serbia & Montenegro) London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper (UK) Oceania: South Coast Line (Australia) The TranzAlpine (New Zealand) The Northern Explorer (New Zealand) 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, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

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.

Hit Scotland's can't-miss sights, bites, and history in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of Scotland! Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money Two-day itineraries covering Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews, the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye Rick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tourist traps The best of local culture, flavors, and haunts, including walks through the most interesting neighborhoods and museums Trip planning strategies like how to link destinations and design your itinerary, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get around Over 80 full-color maps and vibrant photos Experience the magic of Scotland for yourself with Rick Steves Best of Scotland! Planning a longer trip? Rick Steves Scotland is the classic, in-depth guide to spending more than two weeks exploring the country.