10 Books for People Who Love Italy

The Silver Spoon

The Silver Spoon is certainly one of the best books about Italy. It is the English edition of the bestselling Italian cookbook of the last fifty years, Il Cucchiaio d’Argento. With over 2,000 recipes, this cookbook features simple yet authentic Italian dishes for both new and experienced cooks. From spaghetti carbonara to baked sea bass, recipes offer a timeless taste of Italy. This revised edition is illustrated with new photography and chef-inspired menus. Buy Now

The Neapolitan Novels

The Neapolitan Novels boxed set includes four novels: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay and The Story of the Lost Child. Written by Elena Ferrante, these books tell the story of two best friends, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in post-WWII Naples. This epic tale explores the beauty and pain found in love, family, community and culture. Buy Now

The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo’s Notebooks explores the world of Leonardo Da Vinci in his own words, connecting his intellectual and artistic journey with his writings, drawings and thoughts. From break-through inventions to engineering feats, this book features the work of a true Renaissance man, and it provides a fascinating look into Leonardo’s wide range of interests, such as human figures, light and shade, perspective and visual perception, anatomy, botany and landscape, geography, the physical sciences and astronomy, architecture and more. Buy Now

The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Talented Mr. Ripley is the first of a five-book series by Patricia Highsmith. The story is about Tom Ripley, a young man who leaves behind his past as an orphan to travel around Italy at the behest of a wealthy industrialist who hires him to bring his bohemian son back to New York City. Obsession turns to murder in this riveting page-turner.  Buy Now

La Vita è Dolce

La Vita è Dolce is about the art of Italian baking by food writer and pastry chef, Letitia Clark. Featuring over 80 Italian desserts, this cookbook showcases Letitia’s favorite puddings inspired by her time living in Sardinia. It also features anecdotes and location photography that provides interesting context for the recipes. From caramelized citrus tart to torta caprese, the recipes will bring a sweet slice of Italy into your home. Buy Now

Federico Fellini: Book of Dreams

Federico Fellini is one of Italy’s most celebrated directors. He was born in Rimini, a city on the Adriatic coast, in 1920. Book of Dreams explores Fellini’s journey into the world of filmmaking from the late 1960s until 1990. It also serves as Fellini’s diary, which represents his creative visions in the form of colorful drawings and notes. This new edition includes a critical introduction, as well as updated graphics. It was published in collaboration with the Municipality of Rimini, the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia and the Cineteca di Bologna. Buy Now

Lonely Planet Italy

Lonely Planet Italy is the ultimate guide for travelers looking to plan an epic Italian adventure. It gives you a comprehensive overview of Italy’s 20 regions. With plenty of historic sites and hidden gems, it covers eating, sleeping, sightseeing and more. From the streets of Rome to the canals of Venice, Lonely Planet offers practical information for experiencing some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. Buy Now

Uffizi Gallery: The Official Guide

Founded in 1581, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is one of the most-visited museums in the world. The official museum guide explores its much-loved art collections, which include works ranging from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century – particularly art from the Renaissance. This illustrated guide shares expert insights and historical information about the work of many great artists, such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, among many others. Buy Now

The Adventures of Pinocchio

First published in 1883, The Adventures of Pinocchio was written by Carlo Collodi and illustrated by Enrico Mazzanti. Set in Tuscany, this classic children’s tale is about a mischievous wooden puppet, or marionette, named Pinocchio, and his father, a woodcarver. It’s a delightful adventure story about the importance of honesty, and it can be enjoyed at any age. Buy Now

Modigliani

By Nancy Ireson and Simonetta Fraquelli, this definitive monograph on Modigliani incorporates new research into one of the most comprehensive surveys published on Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), an Italian-born painter and sculpture considered to be one of the most important artists of the early twentieth century. This ambitious volume features 150 works from throughout Modigliani’s career, including iconic nudes and elongated figures, as well as six essays that explore various angles of his work and artistic pursuits. Buy Now

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10 Best Travel Books, Shows and Movies

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021–2022)

Searching for Italy Courtesy of CNN

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is a six-part CNN Original Series that uncovers the tastes and smells of Italy’s most popular dishes. From Rome to Sardinia, Tucci talks to locals about their family recipes and why they are so important to the region’s culture. This show is sure to inspire a trip to Italy or at least a visit to your favorite Italian restaurant.

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe (2022) 

Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe is the perfect book for those who want to learn more about the show travel movement. The guide provides detailed descriptions and itineraries to help plan a trip across Europe on rails. This hassle-free mode of transport is also eco-friendly, which makes it a win-win. Buy Now

The Trip (2010)

The Trip, 2010

Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip is a British show starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as fictionalized versions of themselves on a restaurant tour of the Lake District in northwest England. Also made into a feature-length film, The Trip captures plenty of improvised performances, including Coogan and Brydon’s celebrity impersonations of Michael Cain, Anthony Hopkins and Dustin Hoffman, among others. In addition to the restaurant tour, the film follows the two men as they walk in the footsteps of some of the great Romantic poets of the early nineteenth century. If you’re a fan, don’t miss The Trip to Italy (2014), The Trip to Spain (2016) and The Trip to Greece (2020).

Great Cities Through Travellers’ Eyes (2019)  

Great Cities Through Travellers’ Eyes by Peter Furtado is a must-read book for any armchair traveler. It offers fascinating observations made by travelers, writers and historical figures who have visited some of the world’s most dynamic cities, such as Alexandria, Beijing, Venice and Rio de Janeiro. Chapters feature a compilation of straightforward travel descriptions that read like diary entries written over centuries. Buy Now

36 Hours: World (2015)

36 Hours: World is the perfect coffee table book that includes the crème de la crème from the New York Times travel series. Editor Barbara Ireland curates 150 bite-sized itineraries into an A–Z showcase of the world’s most captivating cities, from Barcelona to Bogotá, New Delhi to New Orleans. The latest version features 26 new stories, including Amman and Nairobi. Contributors act as armchair guides, foreign correspondents, travel writers, food writers and photojournalists. The book brings together insider knowledge and in-depth research, which provides fresh insight into even the most popular destinations. Buy Now

La Dolce Vita (1960)

La Dolca Vita, 1960

Federico Fellini’s masterful film, La Dolce Vita, features a celebrity cast and an adoring yet critical eye toward Rome in the 1960s. Set over seven decadent days, the film follows Marcello Mastroianni’s character as a philandering journalist who is pursuing happiness that is always just out of reach. The iconic Trevi Fountain scene is as effective today as it was 60 years ago.

Frederico Fellini talking to Costanzo Costantini in Fellini on Fellini (Faber and Faber, 1994):

Costantini: [Actress Anita] Ekberg immersed herself in the Trevi Fountain without difficulty?
Fellini: Ekberg came from the North, she was young and as proud of her good health as a lioness. She was no trouble at all. She remained immersed in the basin for ages, motionless, impassive, as if the water didn’t cover her nor the cold affect her, even though it was March and the nights made one shiver. For Mastronianni it was a rather different story. He had to get undressed, put on a frogman’s suit and get dressed again. To combat the cold he polished off a bottle of vodka and when we shot the scene he was completely pissed.

Constantini: How long did you take to shoot that scene?
Fellini: It took eight or nine nights. Some of the owners of the surrounding houses would rent out their balconies and windows to the curious. At the end of each take the crowd would cheer. A show within a show. Every time I look at the picture of Ekberg in the Trevi Fountain, I have the sensation of reliving those magic moments, those sleepless nights, surrounded by the miaowing of cats and the crowd that gathered from every corner of the city.

Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Darjeeling Limited, 2007

Darjeeling Limited is a comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson. The film tells the story of three brothers, played by Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman, as they attempt to reconnect their family bonds while traveling by train through India. With much of the film shot in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the distinct Indian landscape is expertly captured on film in Anderson’s signature style.

A Year in Provence (1989) 

A Year in Provence is a best-selling memoir by Peter Mayle (1939–2018) about his first year living in France. Mayle and his wife bought a two hundred-year-old farmhouse in the Lubéron Valley, and the book chronicles their forays into local gastronomy, regional customs and rural life. From mastering the local accent to discovering the finer points of boules, Provençal charm is captured with great ease in this accessible story about moving abroad. Buy Now

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013–2018)

Parts Unknown, Courtesy of CNN

When talking about the 10 best travel books, TV shows and movies, the list would not be complete without mentioning Parts Unknown. The CNN original series Parts Unknown follows Anthony Bourdain (1956–2018), world-renowned chef and bestselling author, as he travels the globe to uncover the little-known and seemingly-familiar parts of the world in a celebration of their diverse foods and culture. Known for his curiosity, candor, wit and cultural references, Bourdain takes viewers off the beaten path of tourist destinations – including some war-torn parts of the world – and meets with a variety of local citizens to offer a window into their lifestyles. He also makes a point to meet up with internationally lauded chefs along his journeys. Highlights from the twelve seasons include Bourdain eating noodles with President Obama in Hanoi, traveling by riverboat on the Congo and food tasting with legendary chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud in Lyon.

Motorcycle Diaries (2004) 

Motorcycle Diaries, 2004

Motorcycle Diaries is a biopic about 23-year-old Ernesto Guevara, who later become known as the Marxist guerrilla leader and revolutionary Che Guevara, and his friend Alberto Granado. The film recounts Guevara’s 1952 journey through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. Directed by Walter Salles, this coming-of-age story is the ultimate road trip film. The views of South America are sure to satisfy any armchair traveler.

The Innocents Abroad, or the New Pilgrims’ Progress (1869) 

“We bid it good-bye, now – possibly for all time. How surely, in some future day, when the memory of it shall have lost its vividness, shall we half believe we have seen it in a wonderful dream, but never with waking eyes!” – Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad

The Innocents Abroad is a travel book that chronicles Mark Twain’s pleasure cruise on board the chartered vessel ‘Quaker City’ through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of religious pilgrims. Twain makes constant criticisms of various aspects of culture and society he meets while on his journey, some more serious than others, which gradually turn from witty and comedic to biting and bitter as he progresses closer to the Holy Land. Buy Now

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The post 10 Best Travel Books, Shows and Movies first appeared on Travel Observed.

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The Best Travel-Inspired Gifts

Water-Resistant Backpack by Hunter

This backpack, by Hunter, is the perfect bag for daily commutes and weekend getaways. Crafted from water-resistant nylon with a leather trim, it has a spacious interior with a 16L capacity. For extra security, it’s fitted with a parachute clip and zip closure at the top. A padded back pocket provides storage for a 13.5″ laptop while the side pockets offer easy access to everyday necessities. Buy Now

Neck Pillow by Muji

Long-haul flights can get painful, so give the gift of comfort with an expertly designed neck pillow by Muji. This neck pillow is filled with tiny beads and is perfect against the neck or back. With a removable exterior, travelers can easily keep it clean. Buy Now

Great Cities Through Traveller’s Eyes by Peter Furtado

Great Cities Through Traveller’s Eyes by Peter Furtado is the perfect gift for armchair travelers. This book offers travel observations recorded by travelers throughout history. From Alexandria to Bombay, this book lets readers explore some of the world’s most fascinating destinations from the comfort of their own homes. Buy Now

Noise Cancelling Headphones from Bose

This must be the best travel-inspired gift of all time. Good headphones are one of the more important things on any packing list. This high-quality pair by Bose will make busy airports and noisy airplanes feel more tolerable. Bose noise cancelling headphones offer a comfortable fit and quality sound. Buy Now

Cosmetic Bag by Tumi

This modern, lightweight case for toiletries and beauty essentials will keep frequent travelers well organized while on the road. Tumi’s Yima Cosmetic can be opened to pack flat and features a built-in hanger making it the perfect travel accessory. Buy Now

UV Water Purifier by Steripen Adventurer

This is one of the most practical travel-inspired gifts for the adventurers on your shopping list. Performance meets technology with this UV water purifier by Steripen Adventurer. Its compact and lightweight design offers an 8,000 dose impact-resistant quartz lamp. Perfect for use with wide-mouth bottles, it is powered by 2 CR123 batteries meant to sterilize up to 150 litres of water between charges. It also has an integrated LED flashlight. Buy Now

Travel Coffee Press by Bodum

Coffee lovers can enjoy quality brews while on the road with this French press by Bodum. It has a non-skid rubber base and a comfortable ergonomic grip. The flow of fluids can be adjusted with a turn of the screw in the lid. Buy Now

Bluetooth Speaker by Bose

Bose’s SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker offers a crisp, balanced sound and unmatched bass for its size. This speaker is waterproof from the inside out, with a soft, rugged exterior. It also has a tear-resistant strap making it durable for traveling. The wireless Bluetooth pairing allows for up to six hours of play time from a rechargeable, lithium ion battery. The wireless range goes up to 30 feet, and the built-in speakerphone features voice access to a phone’s Siri or Google Assistant. Buy Now

Ultra Facial Favorites by Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Favorites set includes the essentials for keeping skin well hydrated while away from home. This kit offers travel-size containers of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (150ml), Ultra Facial Toner (250ml), Ultra Facial Cream (50ml)  and Creme de Corps (75ml). Buy Now

Scratch Travel Map by Luckies of London

Travelers can keep track of their adventures using this decorative map. This scratch off map, by Luckies of London, lets you easily record your travel history. It is available in three different sizes. Buy Now

Pet Sling Carrier by AZAMIA

This Pet Sling Carrier by AZAMIA is 16in × 10.3in × 10.3in. It is equipped with a detachable hard plate bottom and a breathable mesh lining featuring pet-friendly fabric. The adjustable safety hook inside the bag can be linked to the pet’s collar or harness. Buy Now

Ultimate Travelist by Lonely Planet

This book is for people who need of a little travel inspiration, and it is one of the best travel-inspired gifts on the list. Ultimate Travelist by Lonely Planet features 500 of the best places to see around the world. In addition to the usual travel destination suspects, this list also includes lesser-known locations that will intrigue even the most well-traveled of your friends and family. Buy Now

Leather Card Holder by Ted Baker

This black bi-fold leather wallet by Ted Baker can hold cards and receipts to keep travelers well organized. It is 100% leather and has the Ted Baker logo embossed in gold on front. Buy Now

Voyageur Notebook by Moleskine

This travel diary, by Moleskine, is ideal for organizing and documenting life’s trips, and it makes the perfect travel companion for solo adventurers. Its structured pages allow travelers the chance to record their daily activities by adding tickets, conversation pieces, sketches and memories. The acid-free, ivory-colored paper is great for all writing and art tools. The notebook is covered with ocean blue cotton canvas, and it has rounded corners and an elastic closure. Buy Now

Travel Gift Card

Are you still looking for the best travel-inspired gift? Consider buying travel gift cards from your favorite airline or hotel. Gift cards are a great way to contribute to someone’s pending travel plans. This is a flexible option, and the cards are easy to purchase. Buy Now

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The post The Best Travel-Inspired Gifts appeared first on Travel Observed.