Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other'. New York Times

This eBook offering is an excerpt of Lonely Planet's latest Italy guide book and includes:

• Venice & the Veneto chapters

• Understanding Italy

• Venice & the Veneto maps

Gondoliers call 'Ooooooeeee!' round canal bends, nostrils flare at fresh espresso wafting from 250-year-old cafes, mouths water at cascades of purple artichokes on Rialto market stalls, and everywhere – constantly – water gently laps at your feet.

This guide is the result of research by dedicated authors and local experts who immersed themselves in Venice & the Veneto, finding unique experiences, and sharing practical and honest advice, so you come away informed and amazed. This guide includes up-to-date reviews of the best places to stay, eat, sights, cultural information, maps, transport tips and a few best kept secrets – all the essentials to get to the heart of Venice & the Veneto.

Coverage includes:

• Understanding Italy: Italy Today, History, Italian Art & Architecture, The Italian Way of Life, Italy on Page & Screen, The Italian Table, Directory, Transport and Glossary

• Venice, around the Veneto, Brenta Riviera, Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Verona's wine country and Dolomites.

Lonely Planet's Italy guide is researched and written by: Paula Hardy, Donna Wheeler, Brendan Sainsbury, Virginia Maxwell, Robert Landon, Kerry Christiani, Nicola Williams, Duncan Garwood, Cristian Bonetto, Alison Bing, Abigail Blasi, Joe Fullman, Vesna Maric, Olivia Pozzan, Gregor Clark