Venice and the Veneto Book

Truly the guides that show you what others only tell you, this book features stunning 3D and cutaway views of museums, cathedrals, and other must-see sights; detailed street maps; a handy phrase section; advice on the best places to eat, drink, shop, sleep, and be entertained; and a Survival Guide to help the traveler sort out essential information such as currency, transportation, and communications. As world traveler and TV personality Michael Palin says, "the Eyewitness Travel Guides are irresistibly seductive.... They also deliver where it matters most -- uncluttered and accurate information." Like an impressionist painting brought to life, the romantic and atmospheric Venice is like no other Italian city, and only one guidebook captures it in all its glory -- DK's Eyewitness Travel Guide: Venice & The Veneto. Showcasing its architecture, villas, museums, palazzi, canals, and churches in more than 800 striking full-color photographs, this "new breed of guidebook" (Travel & Leisure) covers Venice's five main sightseeing areas: San Marco; San Polo and Santa Croce; Castello; Dorsoduro and Cannaregio; and the lagoon islands. A detailed, fifteen-page "View of The Grand Canal" points out the wonders of this marvelous waterway, highlighted by a breathtakingly illustrated depiction of the canal and its landmarks. The San Marco chapter contains an enthralling six-page preview of the awesome Basilica San Marco that traces its history and showcases its art, mosaics, architectural features, and numerous chapels in photographs, 3-D illustrations, detailed floor plans, and informative descriptions. In the Dorsoduro section, the Accademia -- a museum housing the largest collection of Venetian artin existence -- is explored in a colorful four-page preview that offers photos of its masterpieces, complete floor plans, and informative descriptions of the various schools of art found within its walls. Beyond Venice, information regarding the cities of Verona, Padua, and Vicenza is found in the section devoted to The Veneto Plain, and focuses on the regions attractions, lush countryside, wineries, and wildlife. The construction of Venice, the city's history, the tradition of gondolas and gondoliers, regional cuisine, and flavorful wines are among a few of subjects also covered in this complete guide to this ultimate vacation destination.