Books in Places · Florence · September 2027
Still Life
Florence through the eyes of Sarah Winman's much-loved novel
A book-themed trip to Florence, exploring the places in Still Life, sharing meals and talking about the book with fellow book lovers.
A book that brought Books in Places to life
Take the book club to Florence
Still Life is Sarah Winman's bestselling novel about friendship, family and love, with Florence at the heart of the story.
This is where the Books in Places idea began. After reading Still Life with his book club, Paul wanted to visit Florence and talk about the book in the city where the story takes place.
Now you can join us to do exactly that. We will explore Florence through the novel, discover some of the places that feature in the story, eat together and enjoy plenty of time to experience the city for yourself.
The Florence experience
Still Life in the city where it belongs
The book
Still Life by Sarah Winman
At the centre of Still Life is Florence, a city of art, friendship, food and unexpected connections.
The novel follows Ulysses Temper and the people whose lives become intertwined with his, moving between wartime Italy and the Florence of later years.
Rather than simply talking about the book from home, this trip gives us the chance to explore some of the places that make the story so vivid.
And there is a particularly special connection. Sarah Winman ate at I’Brindellone in Florence, saw photographs of the mud angels on the wall and had the idea for Still Life.
Read it. Visit it. Talk about it.
Walk through the world of Still Life
Piazza del Carmine and Santo Spirito
We will begin our gentle wander around some of the locations connected with the novel, including Piazza del Carmine and the beautiful Cappella Brancacci.
From there we will head towards Piazza Santo Spirito, where Ulysses lived, before continuing through the medieval heart of Florence.
This is deliberately not a rushed sightseeing tour. There will be time to stop for a drink, have lunch and simply enjoy being in Florence together.
A very special dinner
The place where Still Life was born
One of the most memorable parts of the trip is our evening at I’Brindellone.
This is the restaurant where Sarah Winman ate, saw the photographs of the mud angels and first had the idea for Still Life.
We will eat there together and talk about the book over dinner, bringing the whole Books in Places idea full circle.
Time to explore
A day to make Florence your own
Not every moment of the trip is organised. You will have time to explore Florence in your own way, whether that means joining other guests or heading off on your own.
The Boboli Gardens feature in the book and are an obvious choice, while the Uffizi, Michelangelo's David and the historic centre are all within easy reach.
Florence at your own pace
- Boboli Gardens
- Uffizi Gallery
- Michelangelo's David
- Medieval Florence
- Ponte Vecchio
- Santo Spirito
Where we stay
Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio
Our base is Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio, a characterful hotel in a restored historic building just a few minutes' walk from Santo Spirito and close to the Ponte Vecchio.
Its position makes it particularly well suited to this trip, with many of the places connected with Still Life right on the doorstep.
The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served, with views across the rooftops of Florence.
Travelling on your own?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most people who join Books in Places trips come on their own. A shared love of books makes it easy to start conversations, and the group quickly becomes a sociable way to experience somewhere new.
There is no pressure to be together all the time either. Join the group for the book-related activities and meals, then spend some time exploring Florence independently if you wish.
The itinerary
Four days in Florence
Arrive and meet your fellow book lovers
Arrive in Florence during the afternoon. In the evening we will meet for a drink and something to eat, giving everyone a chance to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
Florence through Still Life
We will explore locations connected with the book, starting around Piazza del Carmine and Cappella Brancacci before heading towards Piazza Santo Spirito.
There will be time for drinks and lunch along the way, before our special evening at I’Brindellone, the restaurant connected with the birth of the novel.
Florence at your own pace
A free day to spend as you wish. Explore the Boboli Gardens, visit the Uffizi, see Michelangelo's David or simply enjoy more of the medieval centre.
Departure
Departure day, unless you decide to extend your stay and spend a little longer in Florence.
Booking
Join us in Florence
If you would like to join us for this special Books in Places trip, complete the booking form below.
