Books

We find that old fashioned guidebooks can provide more reliable information than a random collection of travel websites. We’re still building this list, so please let us know if you have a favorite book to add to the list. You’ll notice a lot of Rick Steves titles below, but we also like Lonely Planet and some other guidebooks. Rick Steves connects with the US traveler better than most, we’ve found.

Spain

• Rick Steves Spain– We are fans of Rick Steves and his work to make Europe and its culture accessible to North Americans. His Audio Europe app is free and is also very useful.

Italy

• Rick Steves Italy– We are fans of Rick Steves and his work to make Europe and its culture accessible to North Americans. This book is good if you’ll be seeing a lot of Italy in one trip. His Audio Europe app is free and is also very useful. We recommend buying the paperback version to plan with and the Kindle version to bring along on the trip.
• Rick Steves Venice– These city-specific books on Italy include additional sightseeing options, maps, and walking tours. Buy them if you plan on spending more than a couple of days in the city. The Kindle versions are a great way to keep the weight down.
• City of Fortune: How Venice Ruled the Seas by Roger Crowley is a fascinating look at an Empire you’ve never heard of, but one that shaped much of Europe in surprising ways.
• Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon kicks off a mystery series set in late 20th century Venice. You’ll smell the Fragolino wine and you’ll feel the chill of the November fog of a city reluctant to reveal its secrets.
• Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany– These city-specific books on Italy include additional sightseeing options, maps, and walking tours. Buy them if you plan on spending more than a couple of days in the city. The Kindle versions are a great way to keep the weight down.
• Fire in the City: Savonarola and the Struggle for the Soul of Renaissance Florence by Lauro Martines examines the collision of faith and the excesses of the Renaissance in the figure of a fiery Dominican who launched the original Bonfire of the Vanities.
• Inferno by Dan Brown is a fun read with lots of Venice and Florence scenes. Just don’t take it too seriously!
• Rick Steves Rome– These city-specific books on Italy include additional sightseeing options, maps, and walking tours. Buy them if you plan on spending more than a couple of days in the city. The Kindle versions are a great way to keep the weight down.
• Angels and Demons by Dan Brown is another thriller by Dan Brown, this time set in Rome. You’ll have to see the real Castel Sant’Angelo after reading this imaginative novel.

Switzerland

• Rick Steves Switzerland– Switzerland has an incredible density of cultures, cuisines, and sights. This book will help you make the most of a short or long trip.
• A Tramp Abroad by Mark Twain has some hilarious descriptions of places in Switzerland that still attract visitors today.

Other European Countries

• Rick Steves Guidebooks

Spain Pilgrimages

• I’m Off Then by Hape Kerkeling- Even if you have no interest in walking the Camino de Santiago, this entertaining and insightful book will give you an impression of the experience. The German author, an overweight, burned out TV comedian, reminds us of Bill Bryson.
• Moon Guide – Camino de Santiago by Beebe Bahrami- This is the guidebook we used for the Camino and we appreciated its detailed discussion of the history and culture of the region. Of course, it was also very helpful with accommodation information.
• A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago by John Brierley- This was probably the book used by the most English-speaking pilgrims when we walked in 2023. Brierley died in 2023, but is still revered by his faithful readers.
• The Way (movie) with Martin Sheen– A moving story about a man walking the Camino to honor his late son. Lots of Camino flavor and beautiful landscapes.

Italy Pilgrimages

• The Way of St. Francis: Via di Francesco by Sandy Brown, a US Episcopal priest now living in Lucca, Italy. His recommended route is now used by most English speaking pilgrims. As a cleric himself, Sandy brings a unique perspective to pilgrimage walks.
• Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi by Donald Spoto- This biography of Francis approaches its subject with respect, while attempting to to understand the man behind the many legends.
• Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route – Part 3: Lucca to Rome by Sandy Brown- This book covers the most popular section of the route from Canterbury to Rome. The walk goes through some of the most beautiful sections of Tuscany as it meanders south to Rome.