If you liked these books, you'll love these destinations

Embrace your next travel story with one of these literary-inspired destinations that you’re bound to fall in love with. 

There’s nothing quite like a good book. They paint pictures that are beyond belief, inspire our dreams, and transport us across the world, all from the comfort of our favourite reading spots. As the world celebrates World Book Day, we’ve been thinking all about the destinations across the globe that capture the magic of some of our favourite books. From the colourful towns of the Caribbean to the poignant WWII-era landmarks of Eastern Europe, our team has picked out four global destinations which are perfect for recreating some of the most famous literary settings. 

Under the Tuscan Sun – Tuscany 

Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes’ much-loved memoir of her time renovating a villa in the Italian countryside, transports readers to its titular region in a way few other novels have. Through its evocative descriptions, the book brings the region’s landscapes, food, and slower-paced way of living to life and we can’t help feeling transported to Northern Italy while reading it.  

While there are countless hill towns to choose from across the Italian countryside, historic Montecatini Terme is the perfect choice when it comes to experiencing Tuscany’s highlights for yourself. Combining rural charm with its elegant thermal spas, this delightful town embodies the book’s setting and promises easy access to the must-see landmarks that lie nearby. Those exploring this magnificent region won’t want to miss out on Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower, or breathtaking Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. For a more authentic experience, be sure to save time for small-town San Gimignano and the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia 

Our recommended tour – Portofino, Florence & Tuscany  

The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Kraków 

Though enjoy is perhaps the wrong word for this novel, it’s a story which simply must be read and remembered. Delving into the horrors of the Final Solution, and the unlikely stories of hope and love that blossomed at the end of WWII, Heather Morris’ The Tattooist of Auschwitz offers a thought-provoking insight into the Holocaust. Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or simply wish to pay your respects to the victims of Europe’s most infamous concentration camp, a tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau is the only place that does the victims' experiences justice.  

After a poignant tour of the camp’s original buildings, it’s a good idea to embrace the hope and progress that has emerged in Poland since with a stop in lively Kraków or the national capital, Warsaw. In Kraków, discover the medieval landmarks that have endured the country’s turbulent past and visit the bustling Sukkenice (cloth hall) markets for the chance to meet the welcoming locals and see their traditional crafts. For a deeper dive into Poland’s pre-war history, there’s no better option than Warsaw’s royal treasures and its world-class national museums.  

Our recommended tour – The Spirit of Kraków  

Wide Sargasso Sea – The Caribbean 

Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys’ post-colonial reimagining of Jane Eyre, paints a vivid picture when describing its Caribbean settings, and few sights compare to the real-life equivalents of the novel’s island settings.  

While there are almost too many spots to choose from across the Caribbean Sea, the likes of Curaçao and Jamaica embody the creole culture and breathtaking beauty of Grandbois and Coulibri particularly well. Though exploring each island individually can lead to deeper connections and a more leisurely exploration, for many travellers taking in several by sea is a better choice. Whether you’re keen to explore on foot or by boat, be sure to learn about the colonial heritage of Grand Cayman or soak up the reggae rhythms of Jamaica’s Montego Bay.  

Our recommended tour – Caribbean Cruise to Costa Rica & the Panama Canal with Miami Beach 

Eat, Pray, Love – Bali 

Elizabeth Gilbert’s award-winning tale of self-discovery, Eat, Pray, Love, vividly captures the sights, scents and sounds of three popular holiday hotspots. Touching on her travels to Southern Italy (Eat), India (Pray), and the Balinese resort she met her future husband at (Love), Gilbert’s memoirs are the perfect inspiration for wish-list trips across the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Fans of the book and nature lovers alike will be particularly interested in the novel’s Indonesian chapter, which recounts Gilbert’s unexpected romance amongst Bali’s exquisite landscapes.  

While it’s hardly a secret that some of the planet’s most idyllic corners can be found amongst Bali’s white-sand coves and jungle resorts, there’s more to enjoy than just the beach resorts. Rural Ubud, a sprawl of traditional rice paddies, ancient temples and welcoming markets, is one such destination, and offers a truly immersive way to connect with the island’s unique culture and way of life. For an authentic introduction to the local way of life, visit one of the nearby water temples and take part in a cleansing ceremony. Who knows, you might also find luck in love across your own Indonesian getaway. 

Our recommended tour – Indonesia – Java, Bali & Beyond 

Turn the page on your next adventure with Newmarket Holidays 

Bring your favourite literary settings to life and experience spots that seem like they’re straight out of a storybook. Whether you’ve got your eye on a dream destination or have questions about any of the tours featured above, our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help find the perfect holiday for you. Give them a call today to get the ball rolling on your next escape or check out our full range of escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page.