10 book recommendations for Italy
We've partnered up with our friends at TripFiction to bring you some recommended books, which go hand in hand with our solo tour in Italy.
There's nothing like a good book, especially when you're travelling. We've partnered up with our friends at TripFiction to bring you some recommended books, which go hand in hand with some of our tours. For example, whilst immersing yourself amongst the remote isles and ancient temples on our exclusively solo, A Snapshot of Western Sicily tour, add some of these reads into the mix.
Pair aperitivo hour with an icy refreshment, some snacky bits, and one of the page-turners listed below, ideally in a shaded Sicilian piazza of your choosing.
Conclave by Robert Harris
About the book: Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 118 cardinals from all over the globe will cast their votes in the world’s most secretive election.
Still Life by Sarah Winman
About the book: In 1944 in the ruined wine cellar of a Tuscan villa, as bombs fall around them, two strangers meet and share an extraordinary evening.
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant
About the book: Alessandra must make crucial decisions about the shape of her adult life, as Florence itself must choose between the old ways of the Medicis and the asceticism of Savanorola.
Explore our solo tour to Italy
- Survey the salt pans in Marsala, learn about the production of sea salt, and sample local wines at a historical winery
- Explore the medieval town of Erice with panoramic views and visit Trapani's historic centre
- Discover Palermo's food markets and culinary scene, as well as the city's artistic and monumental riches on the Arab-Norman route
8 days from £1,799 pp
was £1,949 pp
Dates Available
April 2025 - October 2025
Duration
8 days
Depart From
2 airports
Excursions
5 included
Meals
14 included
The Savage Shore by David Hewson
About the book: Roman police detective Nic has been sent undercover to Italy’s Calabrian coast to bring in the head of the feared mob, the ‘Ndrangheta.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
About the book: A modern masterpiece from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors, this is a rich, intense and generous-hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila.
The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper
About the book: An engaging, female-focussed novel set in ancient Pompeii, from an exciting new voice in historical fiction.
The Lemon Tree Hotel by Rosanna Ley
About the book: In the beautiful village of Vernazza, the Mazzone family have transformed an old convent overlooking the glamorous Italian Riviera into the elegant Lemon Tree Hotel.
Flowers Over the Inferno by Ilaria Tuti
About the book: In a quiet village surrounded by the imposing Italian Alps, a series of brutal assaults take place.
Our other tours to Italy
- Visit the extraordinary ruins of Roman Pompeii
- Enjoy a full day on the enchanting Isle of Capri
- Discover and explore colourful, historic Naples, one of Italy’s most iconic cities
8 days from £1,249 pp
was £1,399 pp
Dates Available
April 2025 - October 2025
Duration
8 days
Depart From
7 airports
Excursions
3 included
Meals
14 included
- Experience a walking tour of Sicily’s capital Palermo
- Spend four nights in a charming hotel beneath fabled Taormina
- Visit Syracuse, rich in Greek and Roman history
8 days from £1,395 pp
was £1,495 pp
Dates Available
March 2025 - November 2025
Duration
8 days
Depart From
5 airports
Excursions
5 included
Meals
14 included
- Visit Portofino, one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive corners
- Spend a day in breathtaking Florence
- Discover the wonderful cities of Pisa and Lucca
8 days from £1,059 pp
was £1,159 pp
Dates Available
April 2025 - October 2025
Duration
8 days
Depart From
4 airports
Excursions
3 included
Meals
14 included