Read on regardless

You've reached that state of holiday nirvana - the sun on your back, nodding off nicely with a good read ... when a huge wave comes along to wreck the moment, or some idiot kicks your book into the pool. It hasn't ruined your holiday, but the book's history.

Step forward The Beach Book and Poolside, two waterproof collections by Dorling Kindersley of swimming- and beach-themed stories guaranteed to withstand all the sea, sand and sun lotion a holiday can throw at them.
Poolside features Ernest Hemingway and John Updike, while The Beach Book has short stories from Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Roald Dahl.

· Both books out June 7, £8.99, dk.com

Nights at the opera

Music Tuscany will present three nights of fine dining and opera in the garden of a Tuscan villa near Siena from June 28-30. Michelin-star chef Michele Sorrentino will serve dinner while the outdoor concert features music by Rossini, Puccini and Mozart.

· €80 - €85pp. +39 0577 802 943, musictuscany.com