From nights in simple bed and breakfasts to luxurious villas that are rented by the week this guide features memorable places to stay. In cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice we include an excellent selection of albergos, pensiones and small hotels. Seven regional itineraries keep you on track through the romantic hilltowns of Tuscany, the beguiling backroads of Umbria, the Lake District, Amalfi coast and Sicily.

One year in Signor Flavio's Italian classes was quite enough, grazie mille. A love of Italy did not change the fact that Kacey still pronounced bruschetta with an sh instead of an sk, and had barely managed to nail down a few regular verbs or what her book called Useful Italian Phrases. Then the phone call came: "What do you mean, you will not continue in my Italian class?" her teacher demanded. You are . . . come si dice? . . . last minute. You are too last minute! And your verbs, signora? Do you think they will follow you around like the stray cats in Rome if you throw them some leftover linguini once in a while? Impossibile! You must care and feed i tuoi verbi or they will be dead, morti," Signor Flavio warned. "I have already spoken to the other students. No one is leaving this class. Nessuno!" Since Kacey had always felt intimidated by Signor Flavio, she was incapable of suggesting what else he might do with his leftover linguini. And since her verbi were already on life support, well, really, what choice did she have? Soon after, the class has an unexpected opportunity to travel to Rome as a bona fide group with a bona fide group rate. It was the group part that concerned Kacey the most. Signor Flavio's ninety minute classes once a week were already testing the limits of her tolerance. This would be all of them . . . together . . . tutti insieme for nine full days. Oh, but she'd be in Rome. Bella Roma! How bad could it be?

Italy is truly a tourist's paradise -- visit fascinating and perfectly preserved ancient monuments, surround yourself with old buildings whose perfection still inspires styles of today, and conquer the tremendous mountains and magnificent ski slopes that tower above. The miracle of Italy is these treasures and the warm gracious people who inhabit the villages and cities. Five driving itineraries lead you throughout Italy, while one takes the nondriver to some of the country's most famous destinations by boat or train.

Biondo Flavio was a pioneering figure in the Renaissance discovery of antiquity and popularized the term Middle Age to describe the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the revival of antiquity in his own time. Italy Illuminated is a topographical work exploring the Roman roots of Italy.

Magnificent natural beauty, rich culture and longstanding traditions, Basilicata packs an incredible diversity into the unassuming instep of the Italian boot. From the renowned Sassi di Matera to the smallest village, this in-depth travel essay uncovers a land, its people, their past and present, sharing the joys and challenges of the experience.

Experience the Italian way of life by staying as a guest in an Italian home. Accommodations vary from simple farmhouses to noble country villas, all promising unique and memorable stays. The perfect vacation for those who wish to explore the country and depart with an in-depth understanding of the culture.