Book excerpt: You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go--they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us! Whether you're a first-time visitor doing the grand tour or a seasoned traveler planning a multi-country itinerary, Frommer's Europe is a must. Inside this concise, user-friendly volume are all the highlights of the continent. We've included a wide array of options, from grand hotels to charming and affordable guesthouses, from five-star dining rooms to simple cafes--the very best in every price range. There's something here for every taste, interest, and budget. Just because we're covering such a wide territory doesn't mean that we've skimped on the details. You'll find an astounding depth of accurate, up-to-date information, including exact prices, open hours, metro stops, credit cards, and more. We'll take you to the legendary cultural capitals of Europe, where we offer complete sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife coverage and review the best accommodations and dining in all price ranges, from the Ritz on down. But we don't stop there. We've designed easy-to-follow itineraries that explore the most unforgettable parts of the European countryside. Frommer's Europe.takes you to the vineyards and chateaux of the Loire Valley, the lovely villages of the Cotswolds, the hill towns of Tuscany, and the spectacular scenery of the Alps. It's all accompanied by more than 100 pages of detailed color maps that have been carefully keyed to the text. You'll also find handy foreign phrases, the latest trip-planning advice on everything from bargain airfares to rail passes, money-saving tips, a free color fold-out rail map, and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!