Woman Reading Book on Beach

10 book recommendations for Italy

A panoramic view of Cefalù, Sicily, featuring its historic seaside town with terracotta rooftops, a sandy beach, and the rugged coastline beneath a lightly cloudy sky
Cefalù, Sicily

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

Palermo Cathedral, Palermo, Sicily
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No Single Supplement
Snapshot of Western Sicily - Solos
Italy
Embark on a captivating solo traveler escorted tour through Western Sicily. Immerse yourself in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Exclusively Solos Iconic Landmarks
  • 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 £2,231 pp

    was £2,625 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    8 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    12 included

  • Meals

    14 included

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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

View of Marina Grande, Capri Island, Campania, Italy
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Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
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Visit Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Naples and the Isle of Capri, and take a trip along the beautiful Amalfi Coast on this wonderful holiday to Italy. Best Selling Fly Local
  • 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 £1,342 pp

    was £1,579 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    March 2027 - October 2028

  • Duration

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  • Depart From

    12 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

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  • Meals

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Discover the highlights of Sicily, including chic Taormina, vibrant Palermo and the wonders of Mount Etna. ABTA & ATOL protected. Best Selling Fly Local
  • Experience a walking tour of Sicily’s capital Palermo
  • Discover Taormina, a beautiful hilltop town
  • Visit Syracuse, rich in Greek and Roman history

  • 8 days from £1,548 pp

    was £1,935 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    March 2027 - October 2027

  • Duration

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  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

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Panoramic view of Florence, Italy, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore rising amongst the terracotta rooftops
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Portofino, Florence and Tuscany
Italy
Spend a week in one of Tuscany's most celebrated spa-resorts and visit Portofino, Florence and Pisa on this wonderful escorted holiday to Italy. Best Selling Fly Local
  • 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 £1,189 pp

    was £1,399 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    March 2027 - March 2028

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    10 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    14 included

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