Rome
Rome’s literary legacy
Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours
5.0
(6)
Rome’s literary legacy
Second hand bookstores to lose yourself in, hidden haunts and the oldest cafe in Italy.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Explore Rome’s most literary neighbourhood with a host who is a fellow book lover
- See the former homes of famous authors who once lived in Rome
- Browse the unique bookstores in the city that only a book lover would know about; whether antique leather bound volumes, second hand books or modern musings are your thing, your host knows just the spot!
- See the places that have inspired incredible writers and the spots that have featured in famous novels
- Enjoy a coffee in Rome’s oldest coffee shop - you could be sitting where Byron once sat!
- Chat about your favourite books with your host and get recommendations for other bookshops and places to visit
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
3-hour experience
Private and personalised
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
What’s not included
Food and drink
Transport costs
Tickets to any attractions
Gratuities
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Rome has captivated the imagination of writers and poets for centuries, which isn’t surprising when the city looks the way it does. You’ll join one of our local Rome hosts to uncover a world of romance, comedy, and drama as you weave through the streets which chronicle Rome’s literary past.
Discover the corners immortalized in classic novels and step back in time to when some of the most influential writers and poets walked cobbled streets as you peek into where they once lived.
Once your bookish appetite is satisfied, sit down for a cappuccino in Italy’s oldest cafe where Byron and Keats once sat, or explore a neighborhood where famous writers once lived - they tended to group together, you know?
But it’s not all in the past - you’ll discover the most charming independent bookstores along the way, where you could spend hours getting lost amongst antique, leather-bound volumes or perusing the shelves in a more modern spot where you can find contemporary writings on Rome.
We’d be surprised if you don’t leave with at least one book in hand!
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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What travelers think of this experience
Cristina
Oct 2024
Francesca was great. She arrived early to pick me up from my hostel. She was really careful to show me special places while giving me an insight into how it feels to truly love Rome, to understand the ways it became what we see and experience today. I enjoyed every bit of it.
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Kari
Nov 2023
Andreea is simply extraordinary. On short notice she researched and designed a tour specific to my research interests... and proceeded to blow my mind with her knowledge and passion for the subject matter! I was so impressed by the insight and perspective she brought to multiple periods of Roman history and her remarkable synthesis of art, history, literature, and philosophy. I know I'll never forget the hours we spent together.
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Donna
Nov 2019
Having someone to guide you around a city like Rome is the way to go. We saw churches and art that we would not have necessarily found on our own. Our guide was knowledgeable, easy to talk to and we had a great time.
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Gabriella
Jun 2018
I booked the literature experience in Rome when I was travelling solo across the major cities in Italy. Letizia was fantastic. She graduated in Italian literature and shares my passion for English Romantic poets, we have so much in common! She showed me the paces which are special for her, like the Keats-Shelley Memorial House which is just right beside the Spanish Steps. I didn't know about this! I wish I had more time in Rome as Letizia spoke with passion about many places I couldn't visit in this occasion... I am booking my next flight to Rome asap and will book Letizia again, no doubt!
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Steven
Apr 2025
Alessandra is a passionate, informed guide making our tour very enjoyable! All six of us highly recommend her and would happily have her as a guide again. She made sure we saw the key highlights of Rome and made sure we were aware of their significance.
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Steven
Apr 2025
Alessandra did a fantastic tour for us. Informative, interactive and with passion! And she went beyond arranging the Pantheon tickets and making dinner reservations. Our group highly recommends Alessandra for your tour.
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