Trip Journal: Italian Riviera Reading Retreat 2026
Eighteen book lovers, stunning vistas, and so much gelato. Just another Reading Retreat living La Dolce Read-a.
Hi! I’m Kate, the Community Manager for SBC—and I'm excited to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at our unforgettable Italian Riviera Reading Retreat. Andiamo!
DAY ONE - Arrival, Welcome Happy Hour & Dinner
After polishing off a few pages on the plane, I landed in Nice, France and immediately enjoyed a scenic shuttle ride along the Riviera with my fellow retreaters. Our destination? The 4-star Grand Spiaggia Hotel, located directly on the Mediterranean Sea. I settled in for the most glorious nap before heading up to the rooftop for my first Aperol Spritz of the trip. It was officially time for our Welcome Happy Hour & Dinner with all eighteen attendees! Host (and SBC co-founder) Guinevere de la Mare and our local guide Federica made everyone feel right at home, right away.
Pictured: The view(s) from my nap.
Deluxe welcome bags were distributed, stories were swapped, memories were made, pasta was eaten. A perfect start to a perfect week.
Pictured: The view from the hotel rooftop; mixing and mingling; welcome bags filled with books & goodies; SBC co-founder Guinevere posing with returning retreaters Sumana & Priya (who have already booked their THIRD retreat with us!)
DAY TWO - Sanremo & Dolceacqua
Our second day brought a scenic drive to the city of Sanremo for shopping, a wine tasting, and sightseeing, as well as to the village of Dolceacqua for an epic climb to hilltop castle followed by gelato. We capped off the day with a waterfront dinner in Alassio before, well... more gelato. Life really is sweet!
Pictured: The colorful alleyways of Sanremo; our beloved gelato; the gang and the castle.
DAY THREE - Free Day
I woke up in a beach mood on Day 3, so I spent the day lounging on a private chair, taking turns between delving into my book and diving into the sea. Half our our retreaters took a walk up to the beautiful nearby botanical gardens to read amongst the flowers. Truly a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day!
We all convened on the rooftop for a spirited Book Swap Royale before I elected to head to a neat little butcher shop for a superb solo dinner. An introvert's dream!
You can view my video recap of the day here.
DAY FOUR - Camogli
Despite having visited Italy once prior, I learned pretty quickly that just about every corner of the Italian Riviera immediately becomes the most stunning thing you've ever witnessed. As a result, I'll let the photos of Camogli speak for themselves...
Pictured: The most beautiful place I have ever witnessed with my own eyeballs, Camogli.
DAY FIVE - Cinque Terre
What better place for us to visit on Day Five than "The Five Lands"? After transferring to our new home-away-from-home, the. city of La Spezia, we hopped aboard the train and embarked for three of Cinque Terre's villages. We also took in the scenic Lover's Lane—a picturesque cliffside walk overlooking the sea. Once again, let's let the photos do the talking...!
Pictured: The famous umbrellas of Cinque Terre; the crystal blue water; the crew train-hopping.
DAY SIX - A Ferry Ride to San Fruttuoso & Portofino
Our last full day in paradise certainly crept up on us, but we celebrated in style by taking the most breathtaking ferry ride to San Fruttuoso and the storied Portofino. We indulged in more gelato, learned about the ancient abbey, made a Taylor Swift music video, and imagined we were Liz Taylor.
Roll that beautiful boat footage!
Pictured: Scenes from the ferry; a break to read; a break to read on the ferry.
DAY SEVEN - Arrivederci!
Looking back on the books read, the friendships forged, the belly laughs laughed, the sights seen, the gelato ingested... I'm left with a full stomach, a fuller heart, and a lifetime of memories. I loved every single minute. When's the next one?!
GRAZIE MILLE!
This incredible trip would have never been possible without our fearless host and leader Guinevere—who took such kind care of all of us at every turn—and our fabulous local guide Federica—who truly showed us all the Best of Italy. Grazie mille is not enough!
Pictured: Retreat MVPs Guinevere and Federica.
And thank you so much to wonderful Jo Piazza, who kept us all entertained with gifted copies of her book, THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE! We LOVED it!
CIAO!
Feeling the FOMO? No need to miss out! Our Sardinia Reading Retreat (June 14-20, 2027) starts booking NOW.