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The publisher says: Oktoberfest and beer halls, fairytale castles atop green mountains, and lost-in-time medieval towns are just a few reasons why Munich and Bavaria remain Germany's most popular areas. The 2006 World Cup Championship brought the region even more attention. Whether travelers want great shopping or classical music in Munich, or the best hiking, boating, and skiing in the mountains and lakes of the Bavarian Alps, this easy-to-use guide has it all. Written by local experts, Fodor's Munich & Bavaria is an insider's key to both the sophisticated urban pleasures and the gorgeous countryside of Germany's heart. CloseUp boxes focus on German beer and attending Oktoberfest, plus the best beer gardens in Munich. The Romantic Road chapter is a complete itinerary for touring the villages, churches, and castles along this famous scenic and historic route. Side trip to nearby Salzburg, Austria, covers the highlights of this beloved city. "What's Where," "Quintessential Bavaria," and "If You Like" sections at the front of the guide identify the main attractions and experiences. "Top Reasons to Go" boxes at the start of each chapter make planning a snap. Discerning dining and lodging reviews cover cozy local favorites, fine-dining picks, good-value city hotels, and idyllic mountain inns.

Details:
Title: Munich & Bavaria (1st edition)
Publisher: Fodor's
Pub. date: Feb. 5, 2008
Paperback; 288 pages
List price: $16.95
ISBN-10: 1400019230
ISBN-13: 978-1400019236

The publisher says: The guide presents a personal selection of the most picturesque cycling routes through the mountains of south-east France. The eight tours -- seven circuits plus the "Grand Traverse" from Geneva to Nice -- include the "classic" high passes of the French Alps (Galibier, Iseran, Izoard, etc.) as well as many lesser known areas of the pre-Alps and Southern Jura. Although all the tours are in mountain areas, the scenery -- from the rolling hills of the Bugey to the dramatic limestone gorges of the Chartreuse or the snowy peaks of the Ecrins -- is extremely varied. Without neglecting the "must-see" places, the tours have been designed to take you through the secret corners and forgotten backwaters of the regions described; even amongst the most awe-inspiring mountains, it is often the more discreet facets of the countryside that reveal an area's true charm.

Details:
Title: Cycling in the French Alps (2nd edition)
Publisher: Cicerone Press
Pub. date: April 2008
Authors: Paul Henderson
Paperback; 144 pages
List price: $22.95
ISBN-10: 1852845511
ISBN-13: 978-1852845513

The publisher says: This new guide describes 105 itineraries covering all of Italy and cut out for both beginners as well as more expert cyclists. Each route has an average length of 30/50 miles that can be covered within one day, and is accompanied by color pictures, technical details (length, difference in heights, suggested season), description of the landscape, historical and artistic outlines, as well as other useful information and a schematic cartography showing the area and the route.

Details:
Title: Italy by Bike: 105 Tours from the Alps to Sicily (2nd edition)
Publisher: Touring Club of Italy
Pub. date:April 28, 2008
Paperback; 240 pages
List price: $20.95
ISBN-10: 8836544967
ISBN-13: 978-8836544967