Reading retreats, book-inspired holidays & literary travel
Small-group, book-centred holidays across Europe and beyond — perfect for readers who want time to read, discuss and explore in beautiful places.
Why choose a Books in Places reading retreat?
Our reading retreats are designed around great books and the places that bring them to life. Expect exceptional hotels in the heart of each location, slow days for reading, guided discussions (optional), and curated excursions that let the story unfold around you.
We keep groups intentionally small so conversations are intimate, mornings are unrushed and there’s time to savour the book and the place — whether that’s an island shore, a medieval citadel or a sunlit city square.
Some Featured trips (2026)
Here are some of our current and upcoming reading retreats — click the links to read the full trip pages and booking details.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin — Kefalonia (Sept 2026)
Walk the coves, olive groves and movie locations that inspired Louis de Bernières’ classic. Island stays, boat trip & Corelli-themed visits.
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World — Istanbul (Oct 2026)
Explore the city’s layered history and hidden corners through the lens of Elif Shafak’s extraordinary novel. Food, conversation and cultural walks.
The Island of Missing Trees — Cyprus (June & Oct 2026)
Olive groves, fig trees and coastal calm — an immersive week that mirrors the book’s themes of memory, belonging and nature.
The Hidden Palace — Malta (Oct 2026)
Baroque streets, seafront breakfasts and atmospheric reading sessions inspired by Dinah Jefferies’ evocative tale.
Out of Africa — Kenya (Nov 2026)
Safari drives in Amboseli, quiet reading spots by Diani Beach, and the landscapes that shaped Karen Blixen’s writing.
What to expect on a reading retreat
Long, unhurried mornings and quiet afternoons — perfect for sinking into a novel without the usual distractions.
Guided visits to the locations, architectures and landscapes that echo the novels we read together.
Most trips are limited to small numbers to keep discussions warm, relaxed and sociable.
Exceptional hotels & perfect locations
We choose hotels that place you in the heart of the story: seafront rooms, city-centre bases and even stays inside historic walls — such as our special hotel in Carcassonne, located within the medieval citadel itself. These are places that make reading feel instant and immersive.
Looking for a specific kind of trip?
Use these quick links to jump to trips you might love:
