I just stumbled across these books this morning. I have a regular DK Italy book and use it in conjunction with my RS books. Evidently they make books specifically for driving and exploring. Has anyone used these? They have one for Italy in general and one that covers northern Italy, Tuscany and Umbria. Wondering if one of these books could be helpful for exploring southern Tuscany when we're there.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
I used DK B/R France. It was a great help in planning and somewhat useful on the ground, but left out at least a couple places that I visited and liked more than a couple of those in the book. I also used B/R Spain for the pueblos blancos and thought it very good. Friends used the B/R Italy for Tuscany (not sure what part) and they said it was worth the price of the book for that one week's trip.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3051 posts
We've used the Backroads series of books for several years - most recently on a 2 month trip to Ireland a few years ago. Wore it out in fact. Can't recommend them highly enough.
They're the only guides we take with us aside from the RS publications. Although primarily geared for self-driving holidays we find them to be useful planning resources for off-the-beaten-path excursions in places we plan to visit.
For info, you can usually find used copies of older editions on Amazon for a fraction of the new copy price.
Posted by
seattle
2148 posts
We have ued both Backroads Guides to Italy. We love them both and have discovered good routes and sites.i was able to find one at my library and bought one used from Amazon.
Posted by
OP
KS, USA
677 posts
Thanks. Our trip is quickly approaching so I ordered it via Amazon prime to get my hands on it quickly. Sounds like it is a great resource!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
136 posts
Now that you are back from your trip, what is your assessment? Did you find the DK Backroads book useful? I'm assuming you ordered the North & Central Italy edition, covering Tuscany & Umbria. I'd be really interested to hear whether it was useful or not. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
KS, USA
677 posts
I actually sent it back. It didn't offer much more in addition to the other books I already had for the particular areas we were visiting. If you were hitting a broader area with more time, I could see it being useful.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
488 posts
I'm using the BR for northern italy for Piedmont and VdA, and finding it a bit low on detail for my planning needs.
They are beautiful books and led me to consider a rental car, but only good for planning when used in conjunction with other books. I think Rick doesn't really need supplementation, but the EW BRs do.