europe

I used this book during my April 2004 trip to Bavaria, Germany and found it helpful. It catered mainly to tourists interested in fine art and I could have used more 'quirky' trips and a guide to out of the way places. It also didn't include anything about Legoland which is about an hour north of Garmisch (where we stayed). I traveled with my 2 kids and this book didn't seem to have any info on places catering to or of interest to kids. Overall it was a great book and we saw many sights, but I could have used more. This had the BIG attractions--where are the little 'Mom and Pop' places we love, also???

I have to confess up front. I love these books. I must have over a dozen. I really like the Paris book, and the one for Prague, and Stockholm, and South Africa, and .... You get all the detailed material similar to other great travel books plus you get great visuals.

I strongly prefer the book to those available from Lonely Planet, or Frommer, or others. Michelin of course has excellent guides but the visuals are better in the DK Eyewitness Guides.

On a cold day back here in the USA (or Canada) or elsewhere, have a glass of wine or beer and sit in a nice chair or in the garden on a warm day and read this book. For a moment you will be back in Germany. You are back in a small restaurant or museum in Cologne overlooking the river.

The photos and descriptions and cutaway drawings are excellent. They almost jump from the pages with color. But there is lots of detail here. The book includes the history of Germany and many details on the art, art galleries, parks, cutaway views of historical buildings, and many other things of interest. The history is summarized at the beginning of the book with historical time lines and cross referenced to the culture and political figures. A solid 576 page effort - lots of stuff to see and absorb.

It has the other things too such as maps, accommodations, transportation, and the rest. This book is one of the best for a visitor.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality of this book and it makes a nice souvenir to refresh your memory. Buy extra maps plus this book and you will be set.

Jack in Toronto