About Frances Mayes Always Italy

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (March 31, 2020)

The world’s favorite expert on la dolce vita (Under the Tuscan Sun author) guides readers through Italy’s iconic regions, replete with lavish National Geographic images.

This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys. In these illuminating pages, Frances Mayes, the author of Under the Tuscan Sun and many other bestsellers, and New York Times travel writer Ondine Cohane reveal an Italy that only the locals know, filled with top destinations and unforgettable travel experiences in every region.

From the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre and the quiet ports of the Aeolian Islands to the Renaissance architecture of Florence and the best pizza in Rome, every section features insider secrets and off-the-beaten-path recommendations (for example, a little restaurant in Piedmont known for its tajarin, a pasta that is the perfect bed for the region’s celebrated truffles). Here are the best places to stay, eat, and tour, paired with the rich history of each city, hillside town, and unique terrain. Along the way, you’ll make stops at the country’s hidden gems–art galleries, local restaurants, little-known hiking trails, spas, and premier spots for R&R. Inspiring and utterly unique, this vivid treasury is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy.

My Thoughts:

In Frances Mayes Always Italy, readers are given the inside scoop on all the exquisite sites Italy has to offer. From the impressive architecture, historic cafes, beautiful beaches, idyllic villages, to the best vineyards and more, Always Italy allows you to live, breathe, and eat Italy.

Though this book focuses on modern Italy, I love how it also gives small history lessons. Because let’s face it, you can’t talk about Italy without at least alluding to Italy’s deeprooted history. Always Italy is also full of interesting facts. For instance, I learned that the region of Piedmont was the birthplace of what’s known as the “slow food movement”. This movement shied away from fast food and encouraged people to enjoy authentic and traditional foods that take more time to prepare. This movement is just another reason why Italian cuisines are so special.

Frances Mayes Always Italy takes you into what feels like another world. This book is a great read, full of beautiful images and details that highlights the best experiences Italy has to offer. It further encourages my already strong desire to visit Italy one day. If you dream of visiting Italy or have been lucky enough to visit before, Frances Mayes Always Italy offers a fresh and exhilarating take on Italy that’s worth reading.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About Frances Mayes

FRANCES MAYES is the author of four bestsellers, Under the Tuscan Sun, Bella Tuscany, Everyday in Tuscany, and In Tuscany. All are about taking chances, living in Italy, and the “voluptuousness of Italian life.” A widely published poet and essayist, Mayes has written numerous memoirs, books of poetry, and novels. Formerly a professor of creative writing at San Francisco State University, she now devotes herself full-time to writing, traveling, and restoring a historic garden. She and her husband divide their time between North Carolina and Cortona, Italy.

Find out more about Mayes at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Ondine Cohane

ONDINE COHANE, a contributing editor at Condé Nast Traveler, writes regularly for the New York Times travel section, among many other publications. She has appeared on CNN and Good Morning America, and co-hosts Condé Nast Traveler’s Insider Guide series on PBS. Cohane lives in the Renaissance town of Pienza in Southern Tuscany and owns two boutique hotels.

Find out more about Cohane at her website, and connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks to Trish from TLC Book Tours for inviting me on this blog tour for Frances Mayes Always Italy. I received a free advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.