The uniquely romantic city of Venice was built entirely on water and has managed to survive into the 21st century without cars. Narrow alleyways and canals pass between sumptuous palaces and magnificent churches, colorful neighborhood markets and quiet backwaters, unchanged for centuries. – Reprinted from Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide for Venice

Pages: 160 pages

Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.4 x 0.5 inches

Weight: 7.5 ounces

Maps: There are very small maps of Venice including one showing the vaporetto routes.

Pictures: These books have pictures though because the books are small, most of the pictures are small

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Tuesday that Germany broke EU rules by allowing German cheese to be labeled “Parmesan”. Germany has been condemned for selling “fake” parmesan which is a violation of EU food origin rules. In the future, only cheese made in Italy can be labeled “Parmesan”. This puts to rest Germany’s argument that Parmesan is a generic term for a specific type of cheese.

As part of the ECJ ruling Germany will not be punished for violating existing regulations protecting the authenticity of quality foods. The EJC said that protecting EU-protected foods is the responsibility of the country of origin.

Italians were happy with the first part of the ruling but dissatisfied with the second part. According to the news agency ANSA, the Coldiretti farmers' association said ''halting products like Parmesan is positive but we're worried that it won't be compulsory for countries where the product is sold to uphold EU regulations''. Coldiretti went on to say that Europe's Parmigiano clone-makers already had a slew of products waiting to take Parmesan's place. ''There's grated stuff billed as 'Pamesello Italiano', tubes of something called 'Rapisan', and sachets of 'Parma', we need something more to protect our Parmigiano, the most imitated product in the world''.

The Flip Video Camcorder is the new must have gadget. Oprah, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal say so and they can’t all be wrong. You can watch Oprah backstage with her Flip Video on YouTube.

The Flip Video allows you to capture memories as they happen. This pocket-sized gadget is a camcorder that lets you capture video images everywhere and anywhere. With a Flip Video you can take a video of the view from your hotel in the Cinque Terre to send to your co-workers slaving at their desks. At home you can take a video of your baby’s first steps and send them to grandparents within minutes of that first tentative toe touching the ground.

Northwest Italy boasts major cities, but its greatest lures are sublime food and wine, its many outdoor activities, and the beauty of its magnificent mountain and coastal landscapes. - Reprinted from National Geographic Traveler

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches

Weight: 12.8 ounces

Maps: Regional maps, limited number of street maps. Since the book is too heavy to carry with you there is not really a need for street maps

Pictures: Excellent pictures printed on glossy paper

Sicily produces some of the most beautiful pottery in the world. It is different than the pottery that we see here in the southern part of the United States. Sicilian potterty is brighter and busier and you will be tempted to buy it when you see it.

Small pottery shops can be found all over Italy. When I visited Caltagirone, known as the capital of Sicilian pottery, pottery was everywhere. The steps in the heart of the city had pottery tiles embedded in them. There must have been 100 steps each with their own unique tiles. The dome of the church was made of pottery. The bridge had scenes depicted in pottery tiles. Houses had pottery sitting in the windows.

Italians like their drinks warmer than Americans like theirs. So, if you want ice you will have to ask for ice.

Several years ago I was eating dinner by myself in a small outdoor café on the Via Veneto in Rome. I entertained myself by watching the other diners. Since it was early to be eating dinner by Italian standards, most of the Italians were enjoying a drink and a snack.

I happened to be sitting next to a table of four elderly women and one elderly man. They were all dressed extremely well in their suits and hats. One of the women had a bright green drink that had been delivered to her full of ice. After much discussion with the waiter and much complaining to her friends she meticulously picked out each and every sliver of ice and put it on her plate.

Venice is a city beyond description and compare.  Or as the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning put it in 1851: “Nothing is like it; nothing is equal to it, not a second Venice in the world.” – Reprinted from National Geographic Traveler

Pages: 272

Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches

Weight: 1.1 pounds

Maps: Regional Venice, Italy maps, limited number of street maps. Since the book is too heavy to carry with you there is not really a need for street maps

Pictures: Excellent pictures printed on glossy paper