This book, now thoroughly revised and updated, is written to satisfy readers who want to build their holiday around walking, or those who simply want to integrate a bit of walking into their holiday. It begins with a "practicalities" section and extend into the walks themselves. From six or so "base towns," the authors offer routes of one or two hours, half day, and one, three, and five days. There are also some extraordinary walks worth going out of the way for. There are recommendations for restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias, as well as markets and other take-away options. Additionally, the book includes suggestions for lodging, transportation, flora and many other points of interest.

This book, now thoroughly revised and updated, is written to satisfy readers who want to build their holiday around walking, or those who simply want to integrate a bit of walking into their holiday. It begins with a "practicalities" section and extend into the walks themselves. From six or so "base towns," the authors offer routes of one or two hours, half day, and one, three, and five days. There are also some extraordinary walks worth going out of the way for. There are recommendations for restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias, as well as markets and other take-away options. Additionally, the book includes suggestions for lodging, transportation, flora and many other points of interest.

A guidebook to walks in the Italian region of Tuscany. 43 graded routes range from 2.5 to 18km, and take in the Renaissance splendour of Florence and Siena, the World Heritage scenery of Val d'Orcia and San Gimignano and the stunning island of Elba. Alongside detailed route descriptions and clear mapping there is essential practical information on public transport and food and drink, as well as a comprehensive list of accommodation, and a useful Italian-English glossary. The guide is packed with interesting details about the area's wildlife, landscape, culture and history, making it a perfect companion to getting to know this beautiful region. Tuscany is justifiably renowned for its glorious landscapes. Romantic hilltop villages clinging to rolling hills contrast with dense forests, rugged mountains and long, sandy beaches. This is a region that resonates with history - Etruscan remains, Medici villas, Renaissance towns and landscapes that inspired Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante. Add in the climate and superb food and wine and you have a perfect walking destination.

A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

This book, now thoroughly revised and updated, is written to satisfy readers who want to build their holiday around walking, or those who simply want to integrate a bit of walking into their holiday. It begins with a "practicalities" section and extend into the walks themselves. From six or so "base towns," the authors offer routes of one or two hours, half day, and one, three, and five days. There are also some extraordinary walks worth going out of the way for. There are recommendations for restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias, as well as markets and other take-away options. Additionally, the book includes suggestions for lodging, transportation, flora and many other points of interest.

Thenew, full-colourRough Guide to Tuscanyand Umbriais the ultimate travel guide to some of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Covering the region more comprehensively than any other guide, it's packed with up-to-date and expert information on all the attractions, from the great museums of Florence and Siena to the tiny rural villages, as well as guiding you to the best of the beaches, forests, mountains and vineyard-clad hills. It also gives you the lowdown on the best hotels and restaurants for all budgets, and illuminates the sights with background information on history, folklore, art, architecture and festivals. Dozens of photographs and easy-to-use colour maps complete a guide that has long been established as the best you can buy. Make the most of your time, with The Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria.

This guidebook describes the Way of St Francis a 550km month-long pilgrimage trail from Florence through Assisi to Rome. Split into 28 day stages, the walk begins in Florence and finishes in the Vatican City. Stages range from 8km to 30km with plenty to see, including ancient ruins, picturesque towns, national treasures, and stunning churches. This comprehensive guidebook fits in a jacket pocket or rucksack, and contains information on everything from accommodation and transport in Italy, to securing your credential (pilgrim identity card), budgeting, what to take, and where to do laundry. Stories of Francis of Assisi's life are also included. Although the route includes climbs and descents of up to 1200m, no special equipment is required - although your hiking boots and socks definitely need to get along. Following the steps of heroes, conquerors and saints on this pilgrim trail is manageable all year round, but is best done from April to June and mid-August to October. Route maps are given for every stage, and basic Italian phrases are included in the guidebook.

Discover the mouthwatering world of Italian cuisine with this delectable collection of more than 130 authentic recipes, from a James Beard Award–winning chef. A traditional Italian meal is one of the most comforting—and delicious—things that anyone can enjoy. Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton has elevated that experience to a whole new level at her Los Angeles restaurants Pizzeria Mozza and the Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza. In The Mozza Cookbook, Silverton shares these recipes with the rest of the world. The original idea for Mozza came to Nancy at her summer home in Panicale, Italy. And that authentic Italian feel is carried throughout the book as we explore recipes from aperitivo to dolci that she would serve at her tavola at home. But do not confuse authentic with conventional! Under Silverton’s guidance, each bite is more exciting and delectable than the last, with recipes such as: • Fried Squash Blossoms with Ricotta • Buricotta with Braised Artichokes, Pine Nuts, Currants, and Mint Pesto • Mussels al Forno with Salsa Calabrese • Fennel Sausage, Panna, and Scallion Pizza • Fresh Ricotta and Egg Ravioli with Brown Butter • Grilled Quail Wrapped in Pancetta with Sage and Honey • Sautéed Cavolo Nero • Fritelle di Riso with Nocello-soaked Raisins and Banana Gelato • Olive Oil Gelato In The Mozza Cookbook, you’ll find all the tricks you need to make homemade pastas, gelato, and pizzas that taste as if they were flown in directly from Italy. Silverton’s lively and encouraging voice and her comprehensive knowledge of the traditions behind this mouthwateringly decadent cuisine make her recipes—both familiar and intricate—easy to follow and hard to resist.

Not since Mark Twain invaded Europe in Innocents Abroad has travel been so much fun, as we follow The Clean Plate Club through the daily ritual of morning coffee, frequent gelato, pranzo and cena. Punctuated by visits into museums, churches, and countless stores, in search of the Holy Bargain. Filled with humor, love, and an amazing number of incredibly helpful travel tips-- and more than a few cautionary traveler's misadventures. An irreverent, rollicking-and totally accurate-depiction of travel throughout Italy-loving every moment of it.