Still Life by Sarah Winman in Florence
Still Life is Sarah Winman's best selling book about friendship, family and love, with the heart of the book firmly set in Florence. Join us on a book themed holiday in Florence where we will visit the sites, eat in the restaurant where Sarah had the meal and soak the atmosphere of the city that Ulysses made his home.
We will talk about the book over dinner in the restaurant in Florence where Sarah Winman ate, saw the photos of the mud angels and Still Life was born.
The quite stunning church in Piazza del Carmine. Just wait until you see what lies behind that ordinary looking door.
It is all about being socialable and making new friends. Enjoying Florence with new people that you already have a shared interest with.
ITINERARY
4th May 2027
After arriving in the afternoon, we will all meet-up in the evening and have a drink and something to eat. These initial evenings offer a wonderful opportunity to meet everyone and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while getting to know our fellow book lovers. It's always fascinating to hear what everyone is reading.
5th May 2027
In the morning we will head down to the start of our gentle wander around the sites and locations in the book. We will start in the square Piazza del Carmine and visit the stunning Cappella Brancacci church in the square before heading off to the nearby Piazza Santo Spirito where Ulysses lived. We will explore the medieval city and take in the sights of Florence, stopping for a drink here and there and a leisurely lunch.In the evening, we will eat at I’Brindellone, the restaurant that Sarah ate at and saw the photos of the mud angels on the wall and first had the idea for Still Life.
6th May 2027
A day to spend as you wish with others or on your own.
The gorgeous Boboli Gardens are beautiful and feature in the book or you may prefer exploring more of the sights of the medieval centre of Florence, and take in a visit to the Uffizi gallery to see where works by Michelangelo, de Vinci and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus or visit The Statue of David.
7th May 2027
Departure day, unless you choose to add an extra day or two to the trip.
The hotel
We will be staying at Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio, a beautiful hotel situated just a couple of minutes walk from Santo Spirito where the book is set and just along from the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
The hotel is lovely, characterful place to stay right in the heart of Florence. Set in a restored historic building just moments from the Ponte Vecchio, it feels calm and welcoming while still being perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot. The rooms are comfortable and thoughtfully decorated, making it easy to relax after a busy day sightseeing, and the rooftop terrace is a real highlight (and where you have breakfast), with wonderful views across the rooftops that are especially beautiful in the evening. The location, close to Santo Spirito, Palazzo Pitti and the Uffizi, makes it ideal for soaking up the atmosphere of Florence, and the friendly staff add to the sense that you are staying somewhere personal rather than anonymous.
Having a spot of lunch in 2024
Books in Places uses Tim Potter travel for this trip, so the trip is all protected.
This trip does involve a few hours of walking and, therefore, might not be suitable for anyone with reduced mobility.
