Books on Tuscany – The Top 8 to Inspire Your Italian Adventure

Many travelers say their trips to Tuscany for some of the most memorable. Here at Italy Travel Secrets, we believe that nothing can add to a trip on a beautiful Italian countryside quite like books on Tuscany. 

From non-fictional rediscoveries of the Renaissance in books like Botticelli’s Secret to the iconic 1996 memoir, Under the Tuscan Sun, which inspired thousands to pick up and move to Tuscany, there are countless books that give Travelers a deeper understanding of one of the most popular regions in Italy. 

Come with us as we explore the many literary works that take place in Tuscany, from stirring page-turners to profound historical volumes.

Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes

In Under the Tuscan Sun, which was adapted for film in 2003, author Frances Mayes delves into the wanderlust travelers often feel during a trip to Tuscany.

Under the Tuscan Sun is all about Mayes’ journey as she takes on the restoration of an abandoned Tuscan villa. Not only does she unearth a few unexpected treasures surrounding the villa along the way, but she also finds treasure in the vibrant Tuscan countryside in which she resides. 

This iconic story delivers countless insightful anecdotes about food, romance, and cultural exploration in the Tuscan countryside. In our eyes, it’s one of the few books about Tuscany that is a must-have for any burgeoning Tuscan traveler.

Read more: The Top 12 Books About Florence

The Tuscan Secret, by Angela Petch

This romantic story of family, love, and war, sets it backdrop in Rofelle, Italy. Angela Petch did a fantastic job with The Tuscan Secret, pulling from her personal experiences and a number of tales she collected from locals who survived WWII.

Not only does this book connect the struggles of the Italian resistance movement to the post-war living situations, in which resistance members strived to build families out of a place of turmoil, but it also describe the food, culture, wine, and landscape of Tuscany in breathtaking detail.

It’s one of the few books on Tuscany that will make you feel like you’ve been to Italy, even if you never have.

That Month in Tuscany, by Inglath Cooper

Several readers say That Month in Tuscany is one of the few books on Tuscany that will leave you breathless. 

The story follows Ren Sawyer, a rock star with a burning secrets, and Lizzy Harper, an everyday person whose husband ditched her on an anniversary trip they had been planning for years. Lizzy quite literally drops into Ren’s lap during a trans-Atlantic flight, not knowing it was the start of an undeniable romantic pull between them. 

The two explore the hills of Tuscany and streets of Florence, and even with nothing in common, they eventually learn they have the power to heal one another.

Still Life by Sarah Winman

Washington Post called Still Life by Sarah Winman, a book that feels like a “Saturday night among old friends,” and we couldn’t agree more.

The story takes place in 1944 Tuscany, when the bombs were falling around deserted villages and allied troops were advancing on enemy territory. The story’s main character, Ulysses Temper, finds himself hiding in a deserted villa’s wine cellar, where he meets Evelyn Skinner, a passionate art historian who traveled to Italy to salvage classic paintings.

Though Ulysses eventually returns home to his eccentric, pub-crawling group of friends in London, he carries his unique memories of Italy with him, and eventually returns to the Tuscan hills.

Lonely Planet Florence & Tuscany

Lonely Planet Florence & Tuscany is a guide with the most relevant and up-to-date advice regarding what to see, do, taste, and experience in Tuscany. 

This beautifully-organized guide comes with just about everything you’d need to enjoy an insightful Tuscan experience, from detailed itineraries to insider tips and more. Plus, it provides ideas for every budget!

Whether you want to hunt for truffles in the Tuscan hills, climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, this guide will provide you with all the information you need and more.

Read more: Medici Books – The 8 Best Books to Explore the Renaissance Era

Botticelli’s Secret: The Lost Drawings and Rediscovery of the Renaissance, by Joseph Luzzi

Around half a century ago, painter Sandro Botticelli, a man with a humble upbringing, created what many proceed as some of the greatest works of all time. Whether you have never been to Florence or have traveled there a million times, this engaging book about the thrilling search for buried treasure will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. 

Botticelli’s Secret: The Lost Drawings and Rediscovery of the Renaissance, is just over 200 pages, though with copiously detailed footnotes about Botticelli’s art, it’s one that you’ll have a hard time putting down.

From the Markets of Tuscany: A Cookbook, by Giulia Scarpaleggia

Of course, no trip to Tuscany is complete without enjoying the world-renowned food that can only be found here. What better way to appreciate a Tuscan experience than by recreating some of your favorite dishes at home.

From the Markets of Tuscany: A Cookbook, offers a collection of traditional and seasonal recipes, as well as a detailed guide to some of the best food markets in the region. This cookbook also tells the story of farmers’ markets found in Tuscan villages and towns, presenting characteristic recipes from the places those markets lay ground. 

It is surely one of the most practical books on Tuscany, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in the legendary food.

Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John Petralia and Nancy Petralia

Not In a Tuscan Villa follows John and Nancy Petralia, who decide to make their dreams come true after retiring by picking up and moving to what many call the “perfect” Italian city. However, within just a few days of their trip, it becomes an absolute nightmare. 

From trying to negotiate with Healthcare to attempting to understand Italian customs, the story paints the picture of what’s important in life and Having the courage to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself, even in your later years.