5 Books to Read Before Visiting Italy
There’s something timeless about Italy. Whether it’s the echo of ancient footsteps in Rome, the scent of fresh espresso drifting through a Tuscan village, or the Renaissance masterpieces waiting in Florence - Italy invites you to slow down and feel the layers of culture, history, and everyday life.
At Evolve Tours, we’ve had the privilege of leading student and educator groups through Italy’s most iconic and lesser-known corners. And we’ve found that when travellers arrive with even a little background - historical, cultural, or culinary - their experience becomes infinitely more meaningful.
Here are five of our favorite books about Italy that will deepen your understanding, spark curiosity, and bring the country to life before you ever step off the plane.
1. La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
By Beppe Severgnini
Written by an Italian journalist, this witty and insightful book offers a cultural crash course in how Italians think, communicate, and live. From driving etiquette to dining rituals, Severgnini decodes the beautiful contradictions of modern Italian life.
Why we recommend it: Perfect for teachers and travellers who want to go beyond the clichés and understand the nuances of Italian culture with humor and honesty.
2. A Farewell to Arms
By Ernest Hemingway
Set during World War I and inspired by Hemingway’s own time in Italy, this novel tells a love story between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse. The backdrop of the Italian Alps, military hospitals, and war-torn villages gives a haunting, poetic picture of Italy’s northern regions.
Why we recommend it: It’s a powerful read for literature classes or travellers visiting northern Italy, especially around Lake Como or the Dolomites.
3. Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
By Ross King
This nonfiction gem tells the story behind the construction of Florence’s famous Duomo—an engineering marvel that redefined architecture in the 15th century. It’s part biography, part history, and full of drama and innovation.
Why we recommend it: A great pre-trip read for students of art, engineering, or anyone planning to explore Florence’s historical center.
4. Under the Tuscan Sun
By Frances Mayes
This popular memoir follows the author as she restores a crumbling villa in Tuscany and adjusts to the rhythms of rural Italian life. While it romanticizes the countryside, it also paints a vivid picture of food, neighbors, tradition, and the challenges of cultural integration.
Why we recommend it: For travellers heading to Tuscany or interested in food and lifestyle-based travel, this is a warm and flavorful introduction.
5. The Italians
By John Hooper
Written by a journalist with decades of experience in Italy, this comprehensive look at Italian identity dives into everything from politics and religion to family values and football. It’s less whimsical, more analytical - and incredibly informative.
Why we recommend it: Ideal for educators, older students, or anyone leading a group trip who wants to better understand Italy’s complex national character.
Why These Books Matter
At Evolve Tours, we believe that travel is more powerful when it’s informed, intentional, and personal. Reading about a place before you visit it doesn’t just prepare you logistically - it gives you context. You’ll notice more. Ask better questions. Connect more deeply with people and places.
Italy is rich with stories - from ancient empires to modern life - and these books are your invitation to step into them.
Whether you’re organizing a high school art trip to Florence, a language-focused immersion in Rome, or a culinary program in Naples, Evolve Tours designs Italy experiences that are hands-on, locally connected, and always transformative.
If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy beyond the surface - we’re ready to help you craft a trip that brings it all to life.
Let’s start planning your next chapter in Italy.
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Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com
