Book excerpt: Appreciating Italy is that rarest of travelogues that not only directs the traveler to a travel destination, but also provides a brief review of the historical evolution of the region. Unlike travel books that merely tell you what you should see, Appreciating Italy explains why you should see it, giving you background information on each city¿s history, culture, art and architecture ¿ background information that can¿t help but add another dimension to the enjoyment of your holiday. Primary destinations explored include Rome, Florence and Venice as well as the regions that surround each ¿ Naples, Pompeii, Paestum, Capri, Sorrento and the south; Tuscany, Pisa, Siena and Asissi; and the Veneto: Verona, Vicenza, Basano del Grapa, Ravenna and the Palladio Villas. Appreciating Italy provides: - itineraries for Italy and each of its region, - itineraries for each city, - walking tours of major cities, - museum tours, highlighting major works of art, - detailed descriptions of highlighted works of art, - insight into the architectural styles of Italy. Appreciating Italy will help to maximize your cultural enjoyment of an Italian adventure and yet allow you the time to enjoy the pizza, pasta, vino, gelato, and ambiance that have put Italy on every tourist¿s itinerary.