National Geographic Traveler Sicily

Washed by three different seas, its history more than 2,000 years old, the beautiful island of Sicily beckons with archaeological ruins, magnificent architecture, including two of the world's best preserved Greek temples and baroque palaces, marvelous sea and landscapes, artworks spanning multiple civilizations, and the dominating presence of Mount Etna. Guided by Sicily expert Tim Jepson, this guidebook presents the best of Sicily, taking you first to Palermo, Sicily's teeming capital, with its fabulous Regional Archaeological Museum. Then you explore Northwestern Sicily, influenced by a mix of colonizing civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Arabs, whose cultures still thrive. Highlights here include the ruins of Segesta, Selinunte, Solunto, and Mozia, as well as the medieval towns of Cefalu and Erice. In Southwestern Sicily, near North Africa, rugged cliffs and barren plateaus set the scene for Greek temples and Roman villas. Mount Etna dominates Southern Sicily, where towns built by ancient Greeks, including Syracuse, live on. In Northeastern Sicily lava flows have shaped the land, and you can visit the volcano's very edge. Here, too, Catania thrives as Sicily's second largest city, while beautifully sited Taormina is Sicily's most famous tourist resort, and little fishing villages such as Aci Trezza and beaches in the Aeolian Islands also provide a respite from sightseeing.

Special features include driving and walking tours; detailed features on history, culture, and contemporary life; and 3-D illustrations.

The guide also includes an in-depth chapter describing Sicily's history and culture, and a detailed section of practical information, including how to get around Sicily, an extensive listing of handpicked hotels and restaurants, and select activities and entertainment options.

The 2012 edition has been completely revised and updated, with new features including experiential sidebars, insider tips, and an overview of how best to plan a visit.

A passionate, lifelong devotee of Italy, and fluent Italian speaker, TIM JEPSON has written 16 books on the country, including this one and National Geographic Traveler: Florence & Tuscany, as well as numerous articles for such publications as Vogue, and Conde Nast Traveler. Now based in London with the Daily Telegraph, Tim continues to visit Italy regularly. An Oxford University graduate, he has also worked on Italian programs for the BBC and other television channels.