Tuscany, Umbria and the Marches - Softcover

Facaros, Dana; Pauls, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0947754210 ISBN 13: 9780947754211

Publisher: Cadogan Guides, 1990

Synopsis

Tuscany's great quartet of cities, among the most beautiful and fascinating in all Europe, are explored in 13 well-thought-out walks. This fully updated edition has in-depth sections on history, and art -- from the influence of Savonarola to why Pisa's tower leans, to tranquil Lucca's brave past. There's practical information every step of the way.

About this title

Review:

Cadogan Guides' Tuscany, Umbria and the Marches is a good example of these always-reliable guides' friendly format. The book acknowledges that the travellers have moved beyond the golden hills of Tuscany west to the Bolgheri and Maremma seasides and east into the regions of equally stunning Umbria and the Marches. Its insider focus on food and wine based on a healthy appreciation of the culture gives it a mix that other guidebooks can miss.

The drawback to this approach, when coupled with detailed tours, is its weight. At two lbs it rivals a slim laptop. Of course, when a guide tackles the rich and complicated history of Tuscany--there's even an ancestral chart called "Know Your Medicis"--it is bound to take more than a few words. The briefs on "Getting Around, Where to Eat, Stay and Shop" are handy and many of the restaurants sound to be worth noting.

Most of the book is dedicated to Tuscany so a solo visit to either of the other regions might be better served by ripping out the chapters needed (never a bad idea) or opting for another guide, though admittedly neither region is well-represented here.

This is the 7th edition by authors Facaros and Pauls and includes current information on post-earthquake restoration at Assisi. Their snapshot insight about central Italy is dead on: "Things have stayed the same not by accident, or economic reason, or by decree of some Tuscan National Trust but because that's the way people like them." That alone keeps travellers coming back for more. --Kathleen Buckley

Review:

'Beautifully written, evocative and informative' -- Sunday Times

'Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls, guidebook writers par excellence' -- The Independent

'My regular guidebook, the ever-reliable Cadogan Italy' -- Dennis Marks, The Guardian

'Original and insightful essays' -- Daily Telegraph

‘Overall the top marks go to Cadogan’ -- BBC Radio 4

About this edition

• Publisher: Cadogan Guides
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0947754210
• ISBN 13: 9780947754211
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 528