Western Sicily: Mystical & Moorish
A literary journey through the world of The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci
Join us for a week exploring the fascinating landscapes, history, food and wine of western Sicily, inspired by Stefania Auci's sweeping historical novel The Florios of Sicily.
From Palermo and the glittering mosaics of the Palatine Chapel to the ancient salt pans of Marsala, the dramatic coast of Scopello and the medieval streets of Erice, this is a journey through a part of Sicily where Arab, Norman, Greek and Italian influences have created an extraordinary cultural landscape.
The world of the Florios
At the heart of this trip is The Florios of Sicily, Stefania Auci's captivating novel about the remarkable Florio family and their rise from modest beginnings to become one of the most powerful families in 19th-century Sicily.
And this isn't a book we have simply chosen because it happens to be set in Sicily. The story is deeply connected with the places we will visit.
Marsala is particularly important. The Florio family became synonymous with the city's wine industry, helping to transform Marsala wine into an internationally recognised name. We will stay in Marsala for six nights, explore its historic centre and visit wineries, giving us the chance to experience a landscape and industry that are central to the Florio story.
We'll also encounter other parts of the world that shaped the family's fortunes and the wider history of western Sicily, including the tuna fisheries and tonnare of the coast, the ports of Trapani and Marsala, Sicily's agricultural estates and the food and wine that remain such an important part of life here.
As we travel, we'll be able to look at the places described in the novel and consider how the real Sicily compares with the world Auci creates on the page.
About the book
The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci
Stefania Auci's bestselling historical novel tells the story of the extraordinary Florio family and their rise to prominence in Sicily.
Beginning with the family's arrival in Palermo, the novel follows their growing wealth, influence and ambitions against a backdrop of enormous political and social change.
Wine, food, business, family and the changing face of Sicily are all woven into the story, making it an especially rich book to take with us as we explore the island.
We'll read the book before travelling and use it as a starting point for our own discussions throughout the week. There will be plenty of opportunities to share our thoughts about the novel and discover the real places, history and landscapes behind the story.
More details coming soon
We're currently putting the finishing touches to this special Books in Places journey.
The trip is planned for Spring 2027, flying from London Heathrow with British Airways.
The final dates, price and booking arrangements will be confirmed when the trip is released.
If you'd like to hear when the trip becomes available, leave your details below and we'll let you know as soon as bookings open.
Registering your interest doesn't commit you to booking the trip.
