I waded thru this thread happily, being a devout Rick Steves hater. I made the mistake earlier this decade in buying his Italy guide book, specifically for a trip to Rome, The Amalfi Coast, and Capri. The book was printed on cheap paper; I found the make-shift self guided walking maps amateurish and confusing; and his elcheap-o tips appalling. Thankfully I had other guide books with me as well. I simply cannot and will not take the train from Naples to Pompeii and who in their right mind hikes on trails from town to town on the Amalfi Coast ? What grown adult wants to travel Europe like a back-packing college student ? Wear the same ill fitting polyester short sleeve shirt every day, Steve. Stay in crummy hotels if you must " to get to know the locals ". I for one like some creature comforts when I travel. Certainly Steve had made enough $ to do the same. And oh did I mention his annoying voice and bad haircut ? Don't get me started !