I am planning my first driving trip in Europe and frankly the thought of driving in a foreign country where I do not know the language is quite intimidating. Given Frommer's reputation and the benefits I have obtained from using their other products, I purchased this book thinking it would be a great guide. After reviewing it a couple of days, I've determined it is pretty useless and I would never dream of using it to guide me around the strange roads of a foreign country.
First off, the print is extremely small. I had trouble reading it in good light with my glasses on. I could not imagine anyone being able to read it in a moving car to give directions to the driver. Secondly, the descriptions of the destinations are very, very brief. It is hard to imagine that a travel guide could make Italian attractions uninteresting and drab, but this book succeeded. Third, there are few useful photographs and the ones that were in the book seemed of poor quality or uninspiring -- again, difficult to pull off when photographing Italy. Fourth, the guide offered no advice on where to park, get gas, lodge, or eat. The point of getting the book was to take the anxiety out of driving into Verona or Padua and not knowing where to park or get around once there. This guide offered zero help in that regard.
Lastly, the title of the book is a bit of a misnomer. Large sections of northern Italy are not covered. It focuses mainly on the lakes region, leaving vast areas of northern Italy ignored.
If you are looking for a great guide to assist with your trip, you are advised to keep looking. My copy is being returned for a refund.
