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Like sneaking out of the back entrance at the Sistine Chapel into St Peters, the sign said for tour groups only, well no one was going through so we chanced it, and we passed a bunch of security guards and no one stopped us. Great book. Only thing that was different were some of the prices for tickets such as the Roma Pass, add at least 2-5 euros more than the 2008 book states. Also avoiding lines at the colosseum tips worked, we also did some of his tours, they were great, and quite funny. Just got back from Rome, and got So much use out of it. If you plan on visiting the Vatican and its museums his tips on avoiding the lines really worked.
I do not know how he manages it. I'm an American living in Europe and our family does a lot of traveling. I get so much more out of our trips utilizing his information. What I do know is that I love tapping into his guidebooks. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere without a Rick Steves' travel guide in my bag. I even find myself thinking "what would Rick Steves do in this situation." I have so many of his books and his information is always accurate in where to go, what to do, even the attitudes of the wait staff at restaurants (Rick Steves' Prague).
His humor comes out and he is bluntly honest with you about what's worth it and what's not. Rick Steves' books are always amazing. Detailed, yet easy to read.
You may need a more detailed map from your hotel to navigate the complex city streets.The worst problem with the 2008 edition may be its success. I've never seen so many people with the same book all trying to go to the same place. This book was tremendously helpful during a May 2008 trip to Rome. Every restaurant (and also the hotels) were mobbed by people with a Rick Steves guide. It kind of spoiled some of the magic since we were often surrounded by American travelers and not the eclectic mix of people you would expect on such a trip. It wasn't perfect but provided lots of good travel information.The good:- Covers most of the popular sites, and goes into the more detail for the important sites.- Ranks each site with a level of importance/significance - this is very useful when deciding what sites are worthwhile and/or important. I agree with most site rankings.The bad:- Many prices are incorrect (add 1-2 euros to many museum and ticket prices).- Some time information is incorrect (double check via phone if you are on or near holidays, weekends, or beginning/end of day).- Overview maps (b/w hand drawn appearance) lack street level detail making them difficult to use for navigation.- Street maps (color, in front of book) also lack sufficient street level detail.
I especially like the step by step instructions on how to get from place to place and the history behind it all. He gives you information you want and tells you things you wouldn't think to think of. And he's funny. We have been to Rome twice and this is by far the best guide book. It has the latest information and contains everything you need.
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