I love the Rick Steves guides, but am trying to decide which books to purchase. Trip includes: Rome 4 nights, Florence 2 nights, Venice 3 nights, Mürren/Lucerne, Switzerland 4 nights.
Purchase the 2019 Italy and Switzerland book and cut out sections?
Purchase each individual guide (Rome, Venice, Florence)?
Purchase pocket guides?
Maybe a little bit of all? For example, is Rome a great stand alone book option?
Thoughts?
Thanks!
I vote for your first option (purchase the 2019 Italy and Switzerland books, and cut out the appropriate sections).
With only 2-4 days in each Italian city, you probably won't use the extra information in the individual city guides. However, if you are traveling with children, or want more details on shopping, or like his museum tours, then know that these things are much more detailed in the city guides compared with the general Italy guide.
Beware of his Best of Italy guide. It has color pictures, but notably less information than his regular Italy guide.
As for Switzerland, his Muerren (Berner Oberland) and Luzern chapters are really good (other than his over-emphasis on Gimmelwald, that is), so you'll definitely get use from them.
EDITED to add: If you want to find out how each book compares to the other ones (such as Rome vs. Pocket Rome vs. Italy), go to the "Is This The Right Book For Me?" section of the listing in his online shop. For instance, here's Rome: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/rome-guidebook
Harold's advice in his edit is the best! For instance, since you have short visits in Italy, it looks like the Best of Italy would be best for you. The pocket guides are meant to be easy to carry around, so they are also a good option, though a bit more $$.
