Northeast Italy is Venetia, the lush terra firma acquired by the Venetians during the Renaissance so they could spend their twilight years amid art and delight. That delight is still tangible in the country villas and superb art cities of the Veneto; and Nature has added her own masterpieces: Venice's lagoon, fabled Lake Garda, and the rosy Dolomites. This guide contains practical travel advice; over 350 hand-picked places to stay; over 250 restaurants, bars & cafes; 26 maps & site plans; color touring map section; the best Dolomite walks, drives, climbs & ski centers; local markets, Venetian festivals and gourmet shopping. (5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 420 pages, color photos, maps, charts)