Experience An Italy Only The Locals Know With The Author Of ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’

photo of FRANCES MAYES

In this lavishly illustrated guide, international bestselling author Frances Mayes teams up with New York Times travel writer Ondine Cohane to reveal the inside secrets of a magical country.

Featuring all 20 iconic regions, Always Italy (National Geographic; March 31, 2020; .00 U.S.; ISBN: 978-1-4262-2091-3; hardcover; 416 pages; 375 photographs) reveals the best places to stay, eat and tour, paired with the rich history of each city, hillside town and unique terrain.

Filled with authentic insights and tried-and-true recommendations, Mayes and Cohane offer the ultimate insider’s tour of Italy’s little-known gems, off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences. Here are the country’s most alluring cities, beaches, vineyards, hotels, hiking trails, galleries, spas and cuisine, illustrated with more than 300 glorious photographs.

No matter which part of Italy appeals, this utterly unique and comprehensive guidebook holds an array of insider recommendations, including:

  • The best beach on the colorful coastline of Cinque Terre
  • Modena’s most talented gelato wizard
  • Hidden gems in the quiet ports of the Aeolian Islands
  • A breathtaking hiking trail in Sicily
  • The best pizza in Rome
  • Must-see Renaissance architecture in Florence
  • The restaurant with the best tajarin pasta in Piedmont

The perfect gift for armchair travelers or those planning their next vacation, Always Italy is the ultimate guide to experiencing la dolce vita.

About the Authors

Frances Mayes is the author of "See You in the Piazza" and four bestsellers: "Under the Tuscan Sun," "Bella Tuscany," "Every Day 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.

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-hosted Condé Nast Traveler’s "Insider Guide" series on PBS. She lives in Pienza in Southern Tuscany.

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For more information about this book from National Geographic, please contact Christie Damato at cdamato@litzkypr.com / 201-222-9118, ext. 27 or Kelly Forsythe at Kelly.forsythe@natgeo.com / 202-912-6710.