Recommended! Authentic Italy Guides. Touring Club Italiano. Travelers looking for the "true essence" of Italy need look no further than the Authentic Italy series from the Touring Club of Italy. These guidebooks offer a uniquely Italian perspective on the regions that only TCI, with more than 100 years of experience providing reliable information to travelers, can provide.
With detailed maps, these guides include everything readers need to discover the delights of the region at their own pace. The subject-keyed design allows readers to quickly scan daily activities and focus in on their particular location. Illustrated throughout with graphics, maps, and photos from the extensive TCI archives, these guides rate restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, villa rentals, spas, and retreats; explores food/regional specialties, with profiles on each category; suggests one-, two-, and three-day itineraries, emphasizing walking tours, special interest tours (wineries, olive oil, ceramics, etc.), and biking routes; outlines an array of shopping options, covering local artisans and handicrafts, markets (antiques, flea markets, craft fairs), outlets, and factory tours; and includes a calendar listing musical, cultural, and food festivals and events.
Sample page from the Authentic Tuscany guide
64-82953EM
Authentic Emilia Romagna. 2006. 240 pages.
$20.95
64-82953SA
Authentic Sardinia. 2006. 192 pages.
$18.95
64-82953SI
Authentic Sicily. 2005. 248 pages.
$18.95
64-82953TR
Authentic Trentino - Alto Adige. 2006. 240 pages.
$20.95
64-82953TU
Authentic Tuscany. 2005. 248 pages.
$20.99
64-82953VE
Authentic Veneto Friuli. 2006. 240 pages.
$20.95
Trekking Through the Turin Alps. Versante Sud. This guide pulls together some of the most significant walking routes in the Alps surrounding Turin and crossing into the French Hautes-Alpes.
These treks, winding through the mountains do not represent a border; their natural and geographic essence serves to connect extensive areas, and have for a long time helped to unite the common culture of the people who live on one sideother of these mountains.
These itineraries follow a pattern of walking, resting and walking again for two, three, four or more days, journeying with body, heart, mind, senses and spirit immersed in the nature of the Val Troncea, Orsiera-Rocciavr and Gran Paradiso parks along with other SCIs (Sites of Community Interest). From the areas visited the views span across the nearby mountains of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, Ecrins and Vanoise. The geology, flora, and fauna of these habitats merit attention and curiosity none less so than the human landscape with its traditional architecture, regional works, customs and traditions along with many other cultural aspects which have developed from centuries of coexistence with the Alps.
Walk and sleep in the mountain to reawaken your sense of discovery and adventure.
64-8295TU
Guide.
$49.99
Walking Abruzzo. Cicerone, July 2011. First English-language guide to walking in Abruzzo, in the Apennine mountains centred on Sulmona and between L'Aquila and Castel de Sangro, one of Italy's wildest regions with 3 national parks and 1 regional park. 30 day and half-day walks including an ascent of Como Grande, on Gran Sasso, the highest point in Italy outside the Alps.
Abruzzo is one of the wildest and least populated regions of Italy, with 26 peaks over 2000m, and home to three national parks. There are fine routes throughout this largely protected area, between charming hilltop villages through forests and gorges and along high mountain ridges.
These little-known walks are described here for the first time in English, with day and half-day routes all graded from easy wanders to challenging mountain adventures.
30 walks described in four areas across the region
Walking on the Amalfi Coast. Cicerone, May 2010. The steep southern edge of the Sorrento peninsula, on the Gulf of Naples, is famous for its medieval villages perched above plunging cliffs with near-vertical vineyards and lemon orchards. Combined with the rugged landscape of the Monti Lattari further inland, and the idyllic islands of Capri and Ischia, this whole region also makes a perfect holiday destination for walkers.
This new guide introduces readers to a wide range of routes from family strolls to strenuous climbs. The guide to walking the Sorrento Peninsula, Amalfi Coast and Monti Lattari, from Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi, and also the islands of Capri and Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, Europe. 30 graded day walks for all abilities. A UNESCO World Heritage site crossed by a network of ancient mule tracks and great public transport links.
World Heritage Site criss-crossed by ancient mule tracks and pilgrim routes for easy navigation
The Central Apennines of Italy: Walks, Scrambles and Climbs. By Stephen Fox. Cicerone Press. The 1000-km long Apennines are the mountainous spine of Italy and have numerous secluded walks, rock climbs and scrambles on the Gran Sasso d'Italia. Some of Italy's finest sport climbing crags are described. 152 pages. 1-85284-219-9.
64-82961CA
Guide
$19.95
Walking in the Central Italian Alps. By Gillian Price. Cicerone Press. A kaleidoscope of walking routes through Italy's largest National Park as well as several Nature Parks. Unusual wildlife, brilliant flora at incredible altitudes, desolate glacial valleys and picturesque legends about the icy realms are regular features of itineraries that touch on ancient irrigation channels. Medieval castles, Romanesque churches, First World War fortifications, traditional farm life and comfortable refuges that serve mouth-watering local dishes... all accessible using the extensive network of public transport.
The itineraries described follow well-marked and numbered paths for the most part, though they range from wide easy tracks through woods to tiring moraine debris and snow crossings. Preference has been given to circular routes or traverses connecting different valleys - as well as the psychological satisfaction they provide, they can be split up into individual sections as short day walks. Alternative accesses and exits are given when possible. A vast range of adaptable routes for all the family, through and area hitherto unknown to English-speaking walkers.
The author recommends eight maps (Kompass and Tabacco maps) to accompany this guide. We offer them as a set at a 10% discount.
64-82961CI
Guide
$23.95
Recommended Maps by Kompass and Tabacco:
66-2273-X052
Ultental/Val d'Ultimo. 1:40,000. Kompass.
$13.99
66-2273-XX52
Vinschgau/Val Venosta. 1:50,000. Kompass.
$13.99
66-2273-XX71
Adamello - La Presanella. 1:50,000. Kompass.
$13.99
66-2273-X072
Nationalpark/Parco Naturale Stilfser Joch/dello Stelvio. 1:50,000. Kompass.
$13.99
64-8275-04
Val Senales - Altissima/Schnalstal - Hohe Wilde. 1:25,000. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-08
Gruppo Ortles - Cevedale/Ortlergruppe. 1:25,000. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-11
Merano e dintorni/Meran und Umgebung. 1:25,000. Tabacco.
$12.99
Treks in the Dolomites - Alta Via 1 and 2. By Martin Collins & Gillian Price. Situated towards the eastern end of the Alps' great curve from the Mediterranean coast through central Europe to the Balkans, the Dolomites region occupies an area of northern Italy as large as Wales.
Although the Dolomites' reputation as a playground for 'hard men' is fully justified, these mountains are by no means the domain of the rock climber alone. A dense network of footpaths offers endless scope for exhilarating high-level walks; the renowned 'vie ferrate' (rock routes aided by fixed metal ladders and cables) lead up into many sensational situations, while in winter the region becomes a premier skiing destination for thousands of Europeans.
The authors hope that these treks through the Dolomites will yield rewarding experiences and enduring memories for readers able to visit this most extraordinary region. The maps recommended by the authors are listed below.
64-82961AV
Guide
$16.95
Maps for Alta Via 1 (Alte Vie 1):
64-8275-03
Cortina d'Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane 1:25,000 hiking map #3. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-24
Prealpi e Dolomiti Bellunesi 1:25,000 hiking map #24. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-25
Dolomiti di Zoldo Cadorine e Agordine - S. Vito di Cad. 1:25,000 hiking map #25. Tabacco.
Val Gardena - Alpe di Siusi/Gröden - Seiseralm 1:25,000 hiking map #5. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-22
Pale di San Martino 1:25,000 hiking map #22. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-23
Alpi Feltrine - Cimònega - Lè Vette 1:25,000 hiking map #23. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-30
Bressanone/Brixen - Val di Funes/Villnösstal 1:25,000 hiking map #30. Tabacco.
$12.99
Walking in the Dolomites. By Gillian Price. Cicerone Press. This guide leads you through breathtaking alpine scenery flanked by well-graded paths and excellent mountain refuges that verge on hotels, which are easily accessible with the excellent network of public transport from major towns and travel hubs, such as Venice, Verona, Munich and Innsbruck.
Any one of these fabulous multi-day walks make for a memorable holiday in Italy's breathtaking Dolomite mountains. The author weaves the best of her 20-year experience and knowledge of this spectacular region into an original selection of itineraries on foot across each Dolomite group. Many walks follow mule-tracks constructed by troops during the First World War, when Italy fought Austria for possession of crazy summits and tunnels were hewn through impossible mountain-sides. The highlights are emphasised and the routes are furnished with fascinating explanations of wildlife and flowers. Everything, from a stroll through woods and meadows to family routes, steep rocky zigzag passages and hands-on clambers, is covered.
The author recommends two sets of maps by Tabacco; either 1:25,000 topos or 1:50,000 topos.
64-82961DO
Guide
$19.95
Recommended 1:25,000 Maps by Tabacco:
64-8275-03
Cortina d'Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane
$12.99
64-8275-05
Val Gardena - Alpe di Siusi/Gröden - Seiseralm
$12.99
64-8275-06
Val di Fassa - Marmolada - Catinaccio/Rosengarten
$12.99
64-8275-07
Alta Badia - Fànes - Sella - Pútia/Peitlerkofel
$12.99
64-8275-10
Dolomiti di Sesto/Sextener Dolomiten
$12.99
64-8275-14
Val di Fiemme - Lagorai - Latemar
$12.99
64-8275-15
Marmolada - Pelmo - Civetta - Moiazza
$12.99
64-8275-16
Dolomiti del Centro Cadore
$12.99
64-8275-22
Pale di San Martino
$12.99
64-8275-23
Alpi Feltrine - Cimònega - Lè Vette
$12.99
64-8275-24
Prealpi e Dolomiti Bellunesi
$12.99
Or Recommended 1:50,000 Maps by Tabacco:
64-82751-01
Cadore - Cortina d'Ampezzo/Sextener Dolomiten
$12.95
64-82751-02
Sella - Marmolada - Fassa - Gardena / Gröden
$12.95
64-82751-04
Dolomiti Agordine e di Zoldo - Pale di San Martino
$12.95
64-82751-09
Bressanone - Val di Fundres / Brixen - Pfunderer
$12.95
Italian Rock - Selected Climbs in Northern Italy. By Al Churcher. Cicerone Press. The guide covers Val d'Orco and Mello, Lecco and Finale, etc. A good introduction to some great crags. 200 pages. PVC cover.
64-82961RI
Guide
$18.95
Walking in Italy's Gran Paradiso. By Gillian Price. Cicerone Press. Guidebook describing the Alta Via 2 Trek in Italy's Gran Paradiso and a range of 28 walks from gentle strolls to full scale traverses of the region. The Gran Paradiso is a protected national park. It is accessible from France and northern Italy. A range of deep valleys and passes give excellent walking. Refuge and valley accommodation is plentiful.
Sketch map showing locations of the walks described in the guide.
64-82961GP
Guide
$22.95
64-82961GPM
Set of 4 maps.
$56.95
Long Distance Walks in the Gran Paradiso & Southern Valdotain. By J.W. Akitt. The Gran Paradiso is well known to continental walkers but it is unusual to encounter any British walkers there and this guide has been written to show what is possible.
An in-depth introduction describes many facets of the Valdotain hill country and deals with the differences likely to be found between walking in the UK and the Alps. The Via Alta 2 is a walk within the reach of any strong walker, covering 88 miles and 9000m of ascent, passing from valley to valley over high cols. The Via Alta 4 is more demanding undertaking over 106 miles with 9000m of ascent. Like the Via Alta 2, this passes from valley to valley but more into the heart of the mountains and close to the glaciers. The Traverse of the Gran Paradiso is described, though only the western portion of the route is given, also within the abilities of any strong walker. It passes through some very wild country, with little accommodation so that the walker has to be self contained. Finally, some shorter outings are described.
Now out of print, this guide is replaced by the 64-82961GP above, although half of the walks covered in the guides are different.
64-82961LD
Guide
$19.95
Italy's Sibillini National Park guide. Cicerone, 2009. An inspirational guidebook to walking and trekking in Italy's Sibillini National Park includes the GAS, Grande Anello dei Sibillini, 8-day trek. Easily reached from airports on the Adriatic coast and from Rome, the Monti Sibillini belong to the Appenine chain that straddles the Marche and Umbria, and will become a popular walking destination.
Little known to foreign visitors, the Sibillini, in Italy's central Apennine chain, comprise soaring limestone mountains and awe-inspiring natural landscapes inhabited by wonderful wildlife. Rugged lofty ridges link dizzy peaks above vast bare flanks swept by howling winds. Vast grassy uplands are smothered with vivid wildflowers. In dramatic contrast, worlds below, plunging gorges are run through with deliciously cold streams. The thickly wooded valleys are dotted with utterly charming historic villages, home to herders and woodcutters, hard-working reticent folk with a great sense of hospitality. With a good 50 peaks, many over 2000m, there is plenty of exploratory walking to be done in the Sibillini on the intricate web of pathways and old cart tracks. Thanks to dedicated nature lovers and environmental activists, in 1993 this wonderland finally became the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini, encompassing 700km&2sup;.
Sketch map of the area covered by this guide
64-82961AM
Guide.
$24.99
Walking in Sicily. Cicerone. Walking across this breathtaking island is a journey through time. Sicily offers wild vallyes pitted with ancient Greek and Roman temples, olive groves and citrus orchards, snow-clad mountain ranges and islands presided over by visitable volcanoes - ranging from those extinct
or placidly smoking to others issuing fiery rivers of lava. Mule tracks and age-old pathways have survived and reserve a wealth of surprises. Sicily's varies range of landscapes, combined with its mild winters and hot dry summers, make walking holidays feasible all year round, facilitated by good roads, a capillary network of public transport,
a wide range of accommodation and some memorable eating places.
64-82961SI
Guidebook.
$27.95
Walking in Tuscany. By Gillian Price. This guide offers suggestions for exploratory walks through the picture postcard landscapes of Tuscany, Umbria and Latium. Once known as Etruria, it was home to the ancient and enigmatic people who preceded the Romans.
The book has 50 itineraries ranging from brief strolls to the Chianti Trail, a five-day trek, taking in little-known Etruscan marvels such as ancient sunken roads and monumental tombs. Walkers are guided through medieval hamlets, exquisite Romanesque churches, unspoilt coast and countryside alive with wild life and carpeted with wild flowers and aromatic herbs. There's the wild Chianti ridge, city walks through Perugia, Orvieto and Voltera, day walks on the divine island of Elba and along the unspoilt coast around Orbetell.
A mass of practical details cover accommodation in farms, country hotels, convents and hostels, with notes on local specialities in the food and drink field. Visitors are encouraged to use the public transport system so as to minimise impact. The aim of this walking guide is to encourage people to get out of their car and explore the are on foot. A series of walks is presented to take visitors through the maze of age- old tracks and discover the delights of the Tuscan and surrounding countryside, often meaning fascinating little known Etruscan sites. There are mysterious tombs excavated out of volcanic tufa cliff sides, original sunken roadways, dominating acropolis sites and impressive sanctuaries, all set in inimitable picture postcard countryside.
The author recommends nine maps to accompany this guide.
64-82961TU
Guide
$22.95
Recommended maps:
66-2273-X660
#660. Firenze - Chianti. 1:50,000. Kompass.
$13.99
66-2273-X661
Siena - Chianti - Colline Senesi. 1:50,000. Kompass.
$13.99
66-2273-X662
Chianciano Terme. 1 :50,000. Kompass.
$13.99
64-82744-040
Sheet 40/41.Monte Amiata, Val d'Orcia. Castel del Piano, Arcidosso, S. Fiora, Abbadia s. Salvatore, Piancastagnaio, Roccalbegna, Seggiano, Radicofani, Castiglione d'Orcia, Bagno Vignoni.
$13.99
64-82743-504
Parco Dell' Uccellina, Monte Argentario.
$13.99
Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites - two volumes. John Smith & Graham Fletcher. Cicerone Press. Book two documents southern Dolomites Via Ferrata routes in the major mountain ranges of Civetta, Schiara and Pala as well as those to the west in the Brenta. A significant addition (and, as far as we are aware, not previously published in any English language guidebook) is the inclusion of routes around the northern end of Lake Garda and the Piccole Dolomites north of Vicenza. Here the mountains are generally lower and you can enjoy ferrata climbing over a much extended season, with some routes accessible for most of the year.
While Volume One covered the eastern, northern and central areas of the Dolomites, book Two completes the picture, focusing on the southern, Brenta and Lake Garda areas.
64-82961VF
Vol. 1 - North, Central, East
$26.95
64-82961VG
Vol. 2 - South
$21.95
Recommended maps:
64-8275-01
Sappada - S. Stefano - Forni Avoltri - Val Visdende. 1:50,000. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-02
Forni di Sopra - Ampezzo - Sauris - Alta Val Tagliamento. 1:50,000. Tabacco.
$12.99
64-8275-04
Val Senales - Altissima/Schnalstal - Hohe Wilde. 1:50,000. Tabacco.
Recommended!
Sample page from the Authentic Tuscany guide
Sketch map of the area covered by this guide
Sketch map of the area covered by this guide
Sketch map showing locations of the walks described in the guide.
Sketch map of the area covered by this guide
