Who hasn t dreamed of being whisked away to a storybook Italian town buried deep in the countryside? The 101 towns featured represent the twenty diverse regions of Italy and their varied landscapes, architecture, and local specialties. Practical sidebars introduce the reader to traditional artisans as well as the best place to buy Parmigiano Reggiano or the greatest terrace to take in a Tuscan sunset. Art and architecture are also amply covered, from the history of L Aquila s ninety-nine fountains to the most elaborate of baroque churches.

It is amazing how much Italy has to offer beyond the well-trod paths of Venice, Florence, and Rome: from Asolo to Vicenza. This is a map to the heart and soul of the Italian countryside, complete with a full appendix of restaurants, hotels, and shops to aid even the most seasoned travelers in enjoying Italy more than ever.