Book excerpt: The National Geographic Traveler guidebooks are in tune with the growing trend toward experiential travel. Each book provides inspiring photography, insider tips, and expert advice for a more authentic, enriching experience of the destination. These books serve a readership of active, discerning travelers, and supply information, historical context, and cultural interpretation not available on the Internet. Italy offers a perfect combination of art, culture, monuments, food, fashion, shopping and fun. The natural landscapes are unique in their variety and completely harmonized with human activity. This book takes its readers on a journey through the peninsula, in the company of one of the best-known Italian tourist guides. There are practical tips on organizing a tour, descriptions of the history and the culture of Italy, its art and artisan movements, and of course, the cuisine. The chapters of the guide will provide the traveler with a well-structured, untrammeled guide to the beauties of Italy, starting with the legendary capital Rome, and followed by the regional attractions. Come with us as we visit Lombardy and its lakes, view the splendors of Venice, and travel from Emilia Romagna to the "regions of the monasteries" in the Apennines and on to the gems of southern Italy--the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Every aspect of Italian life is dealt with in the numerous information boxes that describe a wide range of activities for tourists seeking unforgettable experiences. Follow in the steps of the Grand Tour; take part in the Palio di Siena, explore the trulli in Puglia; walk through medieval Rome; enjoy a truffle tasting; explore the Chianti vineyards by car...