Why Always Italy Makes The Perfect Gift
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Why Always Italy by Frances Mayes Makes the Perfect Gift
If you want a gift that’s more than just a pretty cover—with depth, wanderlust, and a dose of heart—Always Italy by Frances Mayes (with Ondine Cohane) is one to consider. Here’s what makes it a gift that lingers: https://amzn.to/4nP6iAV
1. It’s more than a travel book—it’s a love letter
With over 350 stunning photographs, Always Italy reads like a visual and narrative homage to every corner of Italy—from the Dolomites to Sicily. Penguin Random House+2Forbes+2 Mayes and Cohane don’t just show you the obvious: they lead you into the hidden alleys, the small trattorias, the quiet piazzas, the overlooked terroirs. Man of La Book+3Forbes+3Dream of Italy+3
2. It bridges armchair travel and planning your next trip
In times when many of us can’t hop on a plane, this book lets you drift through regions, savor tastes, remember textures, and imagine your next journey. One reviewer even called it a “respite during the long months of quarantine” for its ability to transport the reader. Ciao Amalfi It’s equally useful for people who are planning a trip—it’s stuffed with local tips: where to stay, eat, hike, drink. Penguin Random House+2Man of La Book+2
3. It’s a thoughtful gift for many types of people
The traveler who’s been to Italy but always wants more nuances
The dreamer who’s never been but craves it in their bones
The creative who loves photography, architecture, and color
The couch explorer who lives for books that feel like stepping into another world
4. It carries the pedigree (and love) of Frances Mayes
You already know her from Under the Tuscan Sun—a name that conjures vineyards, slow afternoons, sunlit terraces. Always Italy expands her gaze to all 20 regions of the country, with co-author Ondine Cohane bringing her travel-writing chops and insider voice to the mix. La Cucina Italiana+3Penguin Random House+3The Florentine+3
5. It becomes something people return to
This isn’t a quick read. You’ll find yourself going back to favorite chapters, dog-earring pages, bookmarking hidden gems for later travel, or just flipping through for inspiration when you need a mini-escape.
🎁 Gift Ideas to Pair With It
A leather-bound journal (for “notes-to-self” while reading)
A high-quality map of Italy or a poster of the regions
A fine pen and some vintage postcards for daydreaming
An Italian food sampler: olive oil, balsamic, biscotti
Bottom line: Always Italy isn’t just a “pretty coffee-table book.” It’s a meaningful, transportive gift. Whether your recipient is planning a trip, longing for escape, or just craving something beautiful to read, this one checks every box.