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Always Italy
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.
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.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2020
23 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Frances Mayes
49 books2,085 followersFrances Mayes's new book is See You in the Piazza: New Places to Discover in Italy published by Crown. Her most recent novel is Women in Sunlight, published by Crown and available in paperback in spring 2019. With her husband, Edward Mayes she recently published The Tuscan Sun Cookbook.
Every Day in Tuscany
is the third volume in her bestselling Tuscany memoir series.
In addition to her Tuscany memoirs, Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany , Frances Mayes is the author of the memoirs Under Magnolia: A Southern Memoir; A Year in the World; the illustrated books In Tuscany and Bringing Tuscany Home; Swan, a novel; The Discovery of Poetry, a text for readers; and five books of poetry. She divides her time between homes in Italy and North Carolina.
In addition to her Tuscany memoirs, Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany , Frances Mayes is the author of the memoirs Under Magnolia: A Southern Memoir; A Year in the World; the illustrated books In Tuscany and Bringing Tuscany Home; Swan, a novel; The Discovery of Poetry, a text for readers; and five books of poetry. She divides her time between homes in Italy and North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 3, 2020
I’ve read a few delightful books by Frances Mayes, who has spent her life honoring this most beloved country in her writing and travels. Especially given recent times, I cherished my time spent with this beautiful book. As with any National Geographic book, the book is filled with stunning pictures, and the content sparkles just as much.
If you are planning to travel to Italy, or if you dream of traveling there, this book is your quintessential traveling companion. I’ve been fortunate to visit a few places in Italy: Sicily, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Pompeii, and my favorite of all, the Amalfi Coast, and this book highlights each of those well-traveled places, along with the less commercial sites to visit.
Overall, it’s a book anyone in love with Italy like I am will be happy to own.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
If you are planning to travel to Italy, or if you dream of traveling there, this book is your quintessential traveling companion. I’ve been fortunate to visit a few places in Italy: Sicily, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Pompeii, and my favorite of all, the Amalfi Coast, and this book highlights each of those well-traveled places, along with the less commercial sites to visit.
Overall, it’s a book anyone in love with Italy like I am will be happy to own.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 17, 2020
Always Italy is a beautiful book that I have immersed myself in for several months while vicariously enjoying many of my favorite regions in Italy and other iconic regions still to be visited. Frances Mayes is the author of this book written with Ondine Cohane, as they guide us through an Italy that is to be savored with stunning photographs from National Geographic, a true treasure of a book. Since we downsized several years ago, and I was faced with having to part with much of my library, it is rare that I buy a book but this luxurious edition by one of my favorite authors has certainly made the cut. I must have it; it is a book that you can enjoy again and again. Frances Mayes and Ondine Cohane, both having lived in Tuscany for years, have traveled extensively throughout Italy but included unexplored regions for them as well.
The book is divided into the many regions of Italy from Northern Italy including the Lombardy, Liguria and the Emilia-Romagna regions to Central Italy, exploring the many wonderful regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, and others to Southern Italy and the Islands, including the region of Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia. Frances Mayes describes the book as their personal take on Italy today featuring a fresh look at the country's vibrant locales looking for unique experiences highlighting the secrets of well-known cities and well as smaller villages. Frances Maes begins each chapter with an introduction and the history of the region as well as her impressions and discoveries in each. Maes also includes wine recommendations and other great finds, such as artful shops and the architecture of the vineyards depending on the locale. There are also wonderful sections highlighting unique hotels, forward-looking chefs and the sights of each area. Just a delightful way to spend hours, reliving past journeys or planning future ones. La Dolce Vita!
Liguria, washed by the bluest sea, revels in color. Pastel houses rise from the water at Camogli, Cinque Terra's vibrant villages stack the hillsides, residences of Portovenere's Gulf of Poets are a riot of shades. The palette comes from the land: grape leaf green, burnished pomegranate, sunflower, lime, and especially lemon--peel, zest, and juice--the color of joy."
It is hard to describe the first sighting of the five pastel-hued fishing villages of Cinque Terra. Or that first walk along the sweeping trails that lead through the countryside above pristine coves. Each pathway links one small town to the next in the same way they have for generations. Buildings painted in a faded patina of yellows, reds and pinks glow as the sun changes its course through the day."
The book is divided into the many regions of Italy from Northern Italy including the Lombardy, Liguria and the Emilia-Romagna regions to Central Italy, exploring the many wonderful regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, and others to Southern Italy and the Islands, including the region of Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia. Frances Mayes describes the book as their personal take on Italy today featuring a fresh look at the country's vibrant locales looking for unique experiences highlighting the secrets of well-known cities and well as smaller villages. Frances Maes begins each chapter with an introduction and the history of the region as well as her impressions and discoveries in each. Maes also includes wine recommendations and other great finds, such as artful shops and the architecture of the vineyards depending on the locale. There are also wonderful sections highlighting unique hotels, forward-looking chefs and the sights of each area. Just a delightful way to spend hours, reliving past journeys or planning future ones. La Dolce Vita!
Liguria, washed by the bluest sea, revels in color. Pastel houses rise from the water at Camogli, Cinque Terra's vibrant villages stack the hillsides, residences of Portovenere's Gulf of Poets are a riot of shades. The palette comes from the land: grape leaf green, burnished pomegranate, sunflower, lime, and especially lemon--peel, zest, and juice--the color of joy."
It is hard to describe the first sighting of the five pastel-hued fishing villages of Cinque Terra. Or that first walk along the sweeping trails that lead through the countryside above pristine coves. Each pathway links one small town to the next in the same way they have for generations. Buildings painted in a faded patina of yellows, reds and pinks glow as the sun changes its course through the day."
August 8, 2020
An armchair travellers delight! With hundreds of photos capturing the iconic and the divine of Italy, beloved author Frances Mayes shares where to stay, the best regional food and “in your glass”. The latter a description of the regional wine. This book is so beautiful I just ordered my own copy, Best read with a glass of your favourite Chianti or fruity Moscato. Cheers!
July 16, 2022
Really nicely displayed and covers all regions in Italy. The pictures are absolutely stunning although I had hoped for shiny pictures instead of muted flat pictures, so the book doesn't feel as good as quality that comes with a hardbound coffee table book. Author focuses on her interests so if you don't know Italian wine and cheese, her descriptions fill a lot of space in the book that is useless for anyone not a formage and vino connoisseur. The book is a great distraction and escape to page through and look at the pictures, but its usefulness to me, especially since I'm not going on a cheese-and-wine Italian vacation any time soon, falls short.
Still love Frances Mayes but she's in a completely different socio-economic bracket and her interests are different, so I was a little disappointed in this book. Any interviews on the book I've watched she doesn't talk about anything real, just her love of Italy so it is frustrating if you want to LEARN about Italy when someone is just discussing luxurious vacations eating wine and cheese.
Still love Frances Mayes but she's in a completely different socio-economic bracket and her interests are different, so I was a little disappointed in this book. Any interviews on the book I've watched she doesn't talk about anything real, just her love of Italy so it is frustrating if you want to LEARN about Italy when someone is just discussing luxurious vacations eating wine and cheese.
April 25, 2020
If your dreams of Italian travel center on luxury shopping, pricey wines, and gourmet food, this is a book for you. Published by National Geographic, there are beautiful photos on every page and chatty advice and memories from Frances Mayes. Not too much in the way of practical information such as transportation or opening times, but lots of suggestions for lovely food, wine, and shopping. Museums and historical sites are included sparingly.
July 27, 2020
Encompasses all geographical areas of Italy. Great review of areas and the local ins and outs. Really well done photography. Large resource book.
January 11, 2023
This book was divine. I could probably read it everyday for the rest of this year and I still wouldn’t get tired of it. Frances Mayes writes beautifully with Ondine Cohane. I just want to visit every location they described because I could imagine everything in my head so clearly when I read this travel book — it read like a novel. Essentially, this whole book just makes me want to go back to Italy. That’s really it.
Not only do Mayes and Cohane describe everything impeccably in this book — the cities, the sites to see, the food and wine, the hotels. They described everything so uniquely too. That’s what is so impressive to me in this travel story. When I’m in Italy, sometimes it’s hard to describe everything so differently because it’s all so beautiful, ancient and historic, and the authors just excel at that in this book.
I’ve travelled some in Italy, including in Rome, Bergamo, Milan, Trento (and other towns in the Trento-Alto Adige region), Verona, Orvieto, Capri, Venice, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum (and other places in Paestum), Lake Como, Turin, and other cities. And this book added more information to these magnificent places that I didn’t know about, and also gave me so many more cities that I want to see! Especially in the south.
I definitely want to go back to Italy now, and take this book with me! Really recommend if you’re an Italy-fanatic like me, or not. Just read it to admire the breathtaking pictures and terrific writing. Such a great read!
Not only do Mayes and Cohane describe everything impeccably in this book — the cities, the sites to see, the food and wine, the hotels. They described everything so uniquely too. That’s what is so impressive to me in this travel story. When I’m in Italy, sometimes it’s hard to describe everything so differently because it’s all so beautiful, ancient and historic, and the authors just excel at that in this book.
I’ve travelled some in Italy, including in Rome, Bergamo, Milan, Trento (and other towns in the Trento-Alto Adige region), Verona, Orvieto, Capri, Venice, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum (and other places in Paestum), Lake Como, Turin, and other cities. And this book added more information to these magnificent places that I didn’t know about, and also gave me so many more cities that I want to see! Especially in the south.
I definitely want to go back to Italy now, and take this book with me! Really recommend if you’re an Italy-fanatic like me, or not. Just read it to admire the breathtaking pictures and terrific writing. Such a great read!
November 10, 2020
Perfect research book for an Italian road trip 😍 filled with details to the brim!
January 15, 2021
I wanted to love, love, love this book. it has beautiful illustrations and lots of good information about Italian culture. But I was hoping it would be a little bit more romantic. More stories and color.
It's definitely a travel book.
It's definitely a travel book.
discarded
June 16, 2023Greed is the only explanation why this book exists.
July 19, 2020
Italia to moja druga ojczyzna. Bywam tam tak często jak mogę - już prawie pół roku życia łącznie mi zabrała. Życia mi nie starczy, aby ją poznać. Od pierwszych zorganizowanych wyjazdów, które pozwoliły mi ją zwiedzić od Ischii po Bolzano do tych "koneserskich", "wycelowanych" w konkretne miejsca i tematy.
Problem z Italią jest taki, że tam wszędzie jest coś do zobaczenia i do zakochania się. Od małych dolin w Trentino po wąskie zaułki Amalfi. W 2020 planowałem podróż po północnej Italii, plany pokrzyżowała pandemia. Niemniej, groziła mi depresja: to tylko północ kraju, raptem jeden wybrany region (Lombardia i okolice), a lista miejsc do odwiedzenia rozrosła się tak, że miesiąc byłby potrzebny.
Dlatego szukam książek, które spośród tego turystyczno - rajskiego dobrostanu wybiorą te, które pomogą mi w ściślejszej selekcji. Tej prawie się udało. To sympatyczna wyprawa przez całą Italię, każdy jej region. Ze wskazaniem na miejsca oczywiste, jak i te mniej znane. Problem jednak jest taki, że autorki kierują są w swoich wyborach snobistycznym gustem. To nic złego. Ale jeśli szukacie wskazówek odnośnie wyboru miejsc od hoteli po restauracje - raczej otrzymacie miejsca nie na kieszeń "przeciętną". Sam przecież nie śpię po biwakach czy kamperowiskach, ale np. proponowanie Hotelu Four Seasons to jednak przesada. :) Tak samo jak restauracji z gwiazdkami Michelina.
Swoją drogą, kuchnia w schronisku górskim z gwiazdką Michelina - to też wiele mówi o Italii.
Zatem ta książka jest doskonałym przewodnikiem minus hotele i niektóre restauracje. :) A przełożoną wyprawę po północnej Italii musiałem wydłużyć do 10 dni. Z przekonaniem, że i tak skończy się na czternastu.
Problem z Italią jest taki, że tam wszędzie jest coś do zobaczenia i do zakochania się. Od małych dolin w Trentino po wąskie zaułki Amalfi. W 2020 planowałem podróż po północnej Italii, plany pokrzyżowała pandemia. Niemniej, groziła mi depresja: to tylko północ kraju, raptem jeden wybrany region (Lombardia i okolice), a lista miejsc do odwiedzenia rozrosła się tak, że miesiąc byłby potrzebny.
Dlatego szukam książek, które spośród tego turystyczno - rajskiego dobrostanu wybiorą te, które pomogą mi w ściślejszej selekcji. Tej prawie się udało. To sympatyczna wyprawa przez całą Italię, każdy jej region. Ze wskazaniem na miejsca oczywiste, jak i te mniej znane. Problem jednak jest taki, że autorki kierują są w swoich wyborach snobistycznym gustem. To nic złego. Ale jeśli szukacie wskazówek odnośnie wyboru miejsc od hoteli po restauracje - raczej otrzymacie miejsca nie na kieszeń "przeciętną". Sam przecież nie śpię po biwakach czy kamperowiskach, ale np. proponowanie Hotelu Four Seasons to jednak przesada. :) Tak samo jak restauracji z gwiazdkami Michelina.
Swoją drogą, kuchnia w schronisku górskim z gwiazdką Michelina - to też wiele mówi o Italii.
Zatem ta książka jest doskonałym przewodnikiem minus hotele i niektóre restauracje. :) A przełożoną wyprawę po północnej Italii musiałem wydłużyć do 10 dni. Z przekonaniem, że i tak skończy się na czternastu.
March 30, 2022
I loved the photographs in this book. The actual writing is less interesting. I have read many of Frances Mayes books and I have to admit I am not really a fan, however I was drawn to the concept of this book (and the aforementioned photography). The book is laid out in sections based on the regions of Italy which is useful for consideration of trip planning. I found quite a few interesting "factoids" but overall the suggestions of places to stay and eat are largely aimed at readers with deep pockets who are on holiday rather than for slow travellers like myself. Worth borrowing from the library.
July 13, 2020
While I will admit I didn’t read every word, this book is great for anyone planning a trip to Italy or reliving past trips. Beautiful photos.
April 9, 2020
Gorgeous book in honor of a country that is currently suffering so much. Received as a promo with a Dream of Italy newsletter subscription, and the content and the stunning photography absolutely exceeds expectations, even though Mayes has a first-class reputation as an devout appreciator of all things Italian. Not only does the book cover all of the expected touristy touchstones in a fresh way, but it also lovingly spotlights some of its hidden gems and local secrets. Regional idiosyncrasies, of which there are many, are thoroughly explored, including writers & artists, myths & legends, food & wine traditions, and village characters. Short of buying a plane ticket, this book offers an all-encompassing tour that will make your heart ache for La Dolce Vita.
June 22, 2021
Great table top book with stunning photos by National Geographic. But I am rather disappointed by the text. The recommendations are really not unique and better advice could be found with an internet search. Not using it as a serious guide.
February 15, 2023
I personally found this book only somewhat helpful/relevant because I feel like this lady doesn’t know how to relate to the middle class.
Look, if you have $15k USD in your budget for your 2 week Italy vacation, you’ll love this book.
I personally got sick of the Hammam spa tips and “charming” Michelin Star restaurants or the quaint little yacht towns.
She does go more in depth to some of the lesser traveled towns, which I did appreciate. Occasionally, her recommendations would include reasonably priced restaurants.
Overall though, this is one to browse while you’re at Barnes and Noble, or see if your library has it. I was able to pick this up from my local library. I wouldn’t buy it.
Look, if you have $15k USD in your budget for your 2 week Italy vacation, you’ll love this book.
I personally got sick of the Hammam spa tips and “charming” Michelin Star restaurants or the quaint little yacht towns.
She does go more in depth to some of the lesser traveled towns, which I did appreciate. Occasionally, her recommendations would include reasonably priced restaurants.
Overall though, this is one to browse while you’re at Barnes and Noble, or see if your library has it. I was able to pick this up from my local library. I wouldn’t buy it.
December 31, 2020
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.
https://tabithoughts.com/book-review-...
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.
https://tabithoughts.com/book-review-...
April 6, 2020
This is the definitive book to buy about the pleasures of Italy, whether you are dreaming, planning, remembering, exploring. Frances Mayes and Ondine Cohane have exquisite taste and offer real favorites and former secrets that they have, up until now, only shared with friends. Don't waste your time googling places when you can have all of these tremendous insights in one place with stunning photography. Brava!
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July 12, 2020What a great resource for traveling anywhere in Italy! I read it all the way through, and know that I will find myself going back to it as I continue my travels. I especially loved that there was a "what's in your glass" section covering off on all the regions best wines. It was like a wine class in itself! I plan to go back and reread just those sections more closely and take notes (and taste!)
September 5, 2021
If you have been watching Bobby and Giada in Italy or Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy - this is your book!! I have been wanting to go to Italy for decades and this book is so inclusive - you can't wait to discover every part of Italy they talk about and explore! The photos really add to the lusciousness of the book. I learned so much about Italy from this book.
May 24, 2020
I give it 4 stars just for the photos. They take your breath away. I read some of it but will obviously not retain the details. I wish their was a little map inset on the start of each new region. I had to keep flipping back and forth to the front map which didn't have that much detail.
April 30, 2021
Frances Mayes’ Always Italy is a 400+ pages love letter, travelogue and guidebook! With a chapter for each of Italy’s regions, Mayes shares her favorite places, restaurants, hotels and wines in addition to some historical contexts and personalities where helpful.
January 2, 2022
This is a gorgeous travel book, what I would call "travel inspiration," because it covers the regions and special places to go and stay but without contact information, websites etc. With today's internet, these things can be easily found elsewhere.
June 13, 2024
I used this book for background information in trip planning. The book is beautiful and full of details that honor every part of Italy. Narrowing the scope of our summer trip will be very difficult! Recommending this book as a collection piece - reading it is a mini-vacation!
May 13, 2020
Written way too difficult to understand.
October 19, 2020
Beautiful.
July 1, 2021
Loved the book and the photos. I always appreciate Frances Mayes' opinions. Wonderful insight into the various regions of Italy. I can't wait to visit one day!
July 16, 2022
As always, Frances Mayes books a wonderful especially if you already love Italy. Beautiful photos and descriptions!
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September 6, 20228/10 w sumie to przydatna i piękne foty
March 23, 2024
A 3.5. Not sure how many more times the author can go back to the same well, but this was a good, if very light, overview of Italy that would get a first time visitor excited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews