Experiences · Step by Story Originals
Social impact project

Salgari, Sandokan and the Adventure of the Italian Risorgimento

Step by Story Originals Category
1,5 hours Duration
Funicolare di Castel San Pietro Meeting point
From 35 €

Verona is famous around the world for Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare and its ancient Roman heritage. Yet few people know that these same streets also gave birth to one of the greatest worlds of adventure in modern literature. Discover the city of Emilio Salgari, where books, newspapers, maps and the ideals of the Italian Risorgimento inspired pirates, corsairs and distant seas.

By the end of the nineteenth century, Verona was a city in transition. The ideals of the Italian Risorgimento echoed through cafés, newspaper offices and printing houses. Newspapers chronicled the story of a newly unified nation, while libraries filled with atlases, travel journals and accounts from every corner of the world.

It was in this atmosphere that Emilio Salgari grew up.

Without undertaking great expeditions himself, but driven by an extraordinary curiosity, he created one of the most celebrated adventure worlds in Italian literature. Sandokan, The Black Corsair, Yanez and The Pearl of Labuan were born not only from imagination, but from careful research, endless reading and a remarkable ability to transform knowledge into storytelling.

This storywalking experience follows the places that shaped Salgari’s life: the banks of the Adige River, his birthplace, historic printing houses, the Civic Library and one of Verona’s most iconic travel bookshops. Each stop reveals how an inland city became the starting point for journeys across tropical forests, distant islands and unexplored oceans.

Alongside Salgari’s personal story emerges another narrative: that of the Italian Risorgimento. Many of his heroes fight oppression, defend freedom and challenge powerful empires. Behind pirates, corsairs and Eastern princes, it is often possible to recognise the ideals of a country that was still shaping its own identity.

Designed for readers, families, history lovers and curious travellers, this experience invites you to discover Verona as a city capable of launching extraordinary journeys without ever leaving its own walls.

Programme

The experience begins near Castel San Pietro and Ponte Pietra, where the Adige River has crossed Verona for centuries. Here the city reveals itself as a place of crossings, trade and encounters. It is the perfect setting to understand how curiosity, observation and the desire to explore the world fuelled Emilio Salgari’s imagination.

The walk continues through the neighbourhood where Verona’s earliest printing houses and newspapers flourished, the places where Salgari began his career as a writer. Through the story of his serial novels and the birth of Sandokan, you’ll discover how adventure literature first captured the imagination of thousands of readers.

Standing outside Salgari’s birthplace on Corso Porta Borsari, one of the greatest paradoxes of his life becomes clear: his greatest journeys began at a desk. Surrounded by monuments, public squares and symbols of the Italian Risorgimento, the story reveals the connections between Italy’s history and the unforgettable heroes who inhabit his novels.

The Civic Library forms the heart of the experience. Atlases, maps, explorers’ journals and travel books were the tools Salgari used to build his imaginary worlds. Here, research becomes adventure, and knowledge becomes the starting point for limitless imagination.

The walk concludes inside one of Verona’s historic travel bookshops, the perfect place to reflect on the meaning of travel in literature and in life. It is a reminder that the greatest adventures can begin simply by opening a book.

Important information

What it's like
Small group, Suitable for everyone, Relaxed pace
Accessibility
Accessible, uneven surfaces
Number of participants
1–8 guests, private option available
Pets allowed
Yes

What they say about us

Un’esperienza narrativa coinvolgente e ricca di fascino nel cuore di Verona. Leonardo viene descritto come preparato, spontaneo e carismatico, capace di far entrare davvero nel mondo di Emilio Salgari attraverso racconti suggestivi e tappe atmosferiche come la biblioteca e la libreria, dove l’accoglienza e la competenza hanno reso il tour ancora più speciale.

5.00 · 4 Reviews

Amanda - In solitaria

Italia

20 febbraio 2026
Esperienza semplicemente intrigante! Una passeggiata narrativa coinvolgente dall’inizio alla fine. Leonardo è preparato, spontaneo e carismatico: non solo ho scoperto aspetti affascinanti del contesto sociale e degli ambienti in cui visse Emilio Salgari, scrittore che ignoravo fosse nato proprio nel centro storico di Verona, ma ho anche avuto la sensazione di entrare davvero nel suo mondo. Bellissima e sorprendente la tappa in biblioteca, un luogo ricco di atmosfera che ha reso il racconto ancora più vivo e immersivo. La sosta in libreria è TOP: Luigi è preparato e super-accogliente :)

Costanza - In coppia

Italia

24 marzo 2026
Leonardo si è rivelato molto preparato e ha reso la nostra passeggiata interessante e ricca di aneddoti. È stato tutto perfetto, dall'inizio alla fine, compreso l'ultimo passaggio in libreria. Sicuramente è una esperienza che consiglierei!

Roberto - Famiglia con figli piccoli

italia

22 marzo 2026
Tour bellissimo, la città da un punto di vista insolito. Leonardo è molto coinvolgente, preparato. Molto comunicativo, molto empatico. Molto preparato con aneddoti che arricchiscono molto il suo racconto.

Anonimo - Famiglia con figli piccoli

Lussemburgo

11 luglio 2026
Following this walk gave my family the opportunity to see Verona from a curious point of view - that of Emilio Salgari. The walk was a nice way to learn more not only about the life of the famous writer but also about Italian history and culture. Our guide Leonardo was very kind and knowledgeable. The walk is suitable for all ages - even for bored teenagers. :)

Practical information

  • Approximately 1-hour storywalking experience through Verona’s historic centre.
  • Storywalking dedicated to Emilio Salgari, Sandokan and the world of adventure literature.
  • Original storytelling developed around the authentic places connected with the author’s life.
  • Walking itinerary including the Adige riverbanks, historic printing houses, public squares, the Civic Library and a historic travel bookshop.
  • Historical and literary insights accessible even to guests unfamiliar with Salgari’s works.
  • Suitable for adults, families and children.
  • Access to Verona’s Civic Library during opening hours.
  • Conclusion of the experience in a historic bookshop specialising in travel and adventure literature.

  • Personal purchases.
  • Anything not specifically listed under “What’s included”.

  • The experience takes place entirely on foot in Verona’s historic centre.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as some streets are paved with traditional porphyry stone.
  • The walk takes place in all weather conditions.
  • The Civic Library is closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. On those days, the storytelling continues from outside without affecting the quality of the experience.
  • The exact meeting point and practical information will be provided in your booking confirmation.
Salgari, Sandokan and the Adventure of the Italian Risorgimento
From 35 €