The author proceeds to take the reader on an extended sightseeing ramble through Italy- a tour- with occasional digressions into various historical, political and cultural byways. In the 19th century people must have sent along their observations by letter, in much the same way, while making the Grand Tour of Europe. You get the impression that Monkerud isn't trying to impress you- he's just passing on what he sees... and eats. Some of the descriptions of even simple meals make one's mouth water.

The essential attraction of this book is its honesty; it isn't trying to be something unique. If he disagrees with something one of the other tour members says, he doesn't hesitate to tell us about it. Imagine a standard guidebook digressing into the California energy crisis!