Venice in Context: The Independent Traveler's Guide to Venice

Rating:
Summary: For studies of Venetian history, art, and architecture
Review: Compiled and written by Robert Wayne, Venice In Context is a very different kind of travel guide -- one that comes with its own audio CD offering detailed tours of Venice narrated by Joel Godard, along with an informative text enhanced with a profusion of full-color photographs showcasing Venetian landmarks and beautiful artwork. Venice In Context is an evocative and superbly conceptualized travel and tourist guide, not just for the practical realities of planning one's trip, but also for those armchair travelers, as well as destination-undecided vacationers who would like to see and hear a grand portrait of this illustrious city before committing themselves. While the principle recommended is as a travel guide, Venice In Context is also a unique and welcome supplement for studies of Venetian history, art, and architecture.

Rating:
Summary: Visiting Venice With Your Own Personal Tour Guide
Review: How would you like to visit Venice with your own personal professional tour guide walking next to you and pointing out the magnificent art and history of this ancient city?

Robert Wayne has authored, as part of his European series, a fascinating book entitled Venice in Context: The Independent Traveler's Guide To Venice offering an entirely new concept in travel guidebooks.

With the aid of a CD that is included with the book, the visitor to Venice can now listen to the voice of Dateline NBC announcer Joel Godard, pointing the way to most of the major attractions of Venice.
It is similar to audio tours you purchase in some of the most important world museums, where patrons explore the masterpieces on display.

The book, together with the CD, divides itself into 12 tours exploring Venice in the context of its wonderful art and history.
The reader will be able to listen and learn about St. Marks' Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gate of Paper, Bell Tower of St. Mark, Venice's Mint, Royal Gardens, Bridge of Sighs, the waterfront, Church of Zacharias, Church of Pieta, School of St. George of the Dalmatians, Church of St. George Major, Church of St. Mary in Glory of the Brothers, Story of the Gondola, Square and Church of St. James and Rialto, Church of St. Mary of Health, Venice's Customhouse, and the Square and Church of Saints John and Paul.
Interwoven with these tours are the narrator's interesting comments concerning famous artists, musicians, historical figures, famous gondolas, and the Vaporetti System.

Moreover, the book's vibrant color photos, maps, historical timeline, web sites addresses, glossary, meticulous research and museum information, all enhance its effectiveness.

What is most practical about the guidebook and the CD is that the traveler can now visit these sights at his or her own pace without having to rush off with some tour group.
You can re-visit or pause, while visiting any place of interest as many times as your heart desires, and always have at your beck and call the narrative comments of Joel Goddard.
No longer do you have to strain yourself to hear and understand the guide, who very often has a tendency to ramble monotonously, and half of the time putting you to sleep.
You don't even have to take notes, as the combination of the written and spoken words will always be at your fingertips, either for pre-arrival or post arrival use.
As the author states: "this guide has been designed primarily for independent travelers who prefer to enjoy a city on their own terms while making the most of their precious time."

Travelers, who like to linger at each destination, will probably have the most to gain from this well organized and researched guidebook.

This certainly is an excellent addition to the many guidebooks available concerning the historic cities of Europe. I look forward to the next one in the series pertaining to London.

Rating:
Summary: Useful travel guide
Review: Venice In Context provides travelers with twelve narrated walking tours of Venice. This CD has information about what travelers can see and how to get around Venice on their own. tour brings to life the city's romance and explores its rich history and artistic heritage with stories and anecdotes about the lives of historical figures, artists, and musicians that will greatly enrich the travel experience. The series is narrated by Joel Godard, a veteran New York actor who appears as the announcer on NBC's popular Late Night with Conan O'Brien.