Who hasn't dreamt of being whisked away to a sweet little Italian town buried deep in the countryside-towns with names that roll off the tongue like Vercelli, Portofino, and Tuscania? The small towns sprinkled throughout this expansive book are not only rich with beauty, but are also saturated with as much historical and cultural importance as their sister cities. The fact that they are "off the beaten path" -- though sometimes extraordinarily famous for their art, food, and wine, or simply their setting-makes them rare gems even more desirable to see. This book is the perfect guide for those who can't resist succumbing to Italy's charms again and again.

Originally written by and for Italians, this source presents towns in each of the 20 diverse regions of Italy and their varied landscapes, architecture, and local specialties. Each entry features suggestions of what to see, do, eat, and buy, while a detailed appendix tells you exactly where to go for the best of each. Practical sidebars introduce traditional artisans --Tuscan saddlers, custom cobblers, tapestry weavers, ceramicists, and crafters of papier-mâché -- as well as the best place to buy Parmigiano Reggiano or the greatest terrace to have tea while taking in a Tuscan sunset. And if that weren't enough to keep you busy -- or you have a hard time deciding where to go first -- art and architecture are also amply covered, from the history of L'Aquila's 99 fountains to the most elaborate of Baroque churches and the most charming of piazzas.

From Asolo to Vicenza, flea markets to fish markets, horse races to open air concerts, this book promises one hundred and one great reasons to go back to Italy over and over.