Journey through Italy’s most breathtaking gardens this spring
14 – 28 April 2025 – just 2 places available!
AUD 10, 730 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 12, 770 per person (solo traveller)
Experience Italy’s most splendid gardens with our Great Gardens of Italy tour, a favourite among those seeking an enriching small-group Italian tour. Designed for both the botanical enthusiast and the cultural explorer, this tour combines the intimate experience of a small group setting with the grandeur of Italy’s renowned garden landscapes.
Immerse yourself in the essence of spring as you journey through our carefully curated Italian garden tour. Enjoy the leisurely pace and luxury of slow travel with three or more nights stays in each city, allowing you ample time to soak in Italy’s rich history and contemporary life.
Whether guided by knowledgeable local experts or time spent wandering at your leisure, each garden visit is crafted to enhance your appreciation of Italy’s horticultural beauty and architectural heritage. Some days, we leave gardens aside and enjoy the cities we are visiting with free time to explore Rome, Florence and Verona. We’re experts in Italy, Italian history and culture and enjoying all facets of this captivating country.
Join us for a unique small-group Italian tour that blends the serenity of Italy’s greatest gardens with the cultural delights of its most cherished cities. Savour local cuisine with five included lunches and dinners, making your Italian garden tour an unforgettable journey of taste and tranquillity.
Highlights
- A private visit to Il Giardino di Ninfa – described by Monty Don as the most romantic garden in the world
- A guided visit to the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer palace
- A private visit to the gardens of the Torrigiani family in Florence
- A visit to the family-run Al Rocol vineyard in the Franciacorta region to learn about (and try!) this important champagne-style wine
- The sensational gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi on the shores of Lake Como
- Our time was spent on the Italian Lakes, particularly the heavenly Bellagio!
- The slightly OTT opulence of Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore
- Delicious meals, many of them in Slow Food restaurants, wine tastings and a visit to a top producer of balsamic vinegar
Itinerary
Days 1 – 4 – Roman Reverie
Upon your arrival in Rome, settle into our centrally located hotel, and we’ll start exploring some of Italy’s most prestigious gardens. Discover the tranquillity of the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo and journey to Tivoli to see Villa Adriana, an ancient site that has inspired countless Renaissance gardens, and Villa d’Este, a masterpiece of Italian garden artistry.
A highlight of your time in Rome will be your visit to the Giardino di Ninfa, famously described by Monty Don as one of the most romantic gardens in the world.
In addition to these garden tours, you’ll have free time to explore Rome at your leisure, whether it’s soaking up history on cobbled lanes, unwinding in a café, or visiting a museum or two.
Days 5 – 8 Florence and its garden splendours
Departing Rome, we start with Villa Lante at Bagnaia, renowned for its Renaissance water games and terraced gardens. Upon reaching Florence, you’ll have time to settle in ahead of our Tuscan explorations.
In Florence, we explore the historic Boboli Gardens, a masterpiece of green architecture behind the Palazzo Pitti, filled with sculptures and ornate fountains. This is followed by the peaceful Giardino di Bardini, known for its spectacular city views from terraced paths.
The next day, we visit the secluded Torrigiani Garden, one of Europe’s largest private gardens, offering a quiet retreat amidst ancient trees and sculptures. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Florence at your leisure.
Our final day takes us to Villa Castello and Villa Gamberaia in the Tuscan hills. Villa Castello features early Renaissance garden designs, while Villa Gamberaia integrates architecture with water and garden design, set against stunning Tuscan views.
Days 9 – 11 – Verona – Vineyards, Villas and Veneto Charm
We take a scenic drive from Florence to Verona, featuring a stop near Modena to explore the traditional craft of balsamic vinegar production. Enjoy a tasting before continuing to Verona, where the evening invites you to join in the local passeggiata for a charming stroll through the city’s vibrant streets.
Over our time in Verona, you’ll enjoy a guided tour highlights Verona’s rich tapestry of history—from its Roman roots to its Renaissance flourishes and its renown as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, and time to wander the perfectly preserved pathways of Giardino Giusti, a Renaissance garden that boasts trimmed hedges, elegant statues, and a belvedere with stunning city views.
In the countryside outside Verona, we’ll visit the Villa Arvedi, a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture. Then, we’ll spend the afternoon at Villa Pojega. Revel in the classical beauty of its Italian garden and the dramatic Green Theatre, set against a backdrop of lush vineyards.
Days 12 -15 – The spectacular Italian Lakes
We’ll finish the tour with a delightful exploration of the renowned Italian Lakes, stopping on the way in the Franciacorta region, celebrated for its exquisite sparkling wines. Enjoy a visit to a charming vineyard for a wine tasting and a rustic lunch.
From our base in Bellagio, venture to the majestic Lake Maggiore to explore the ornate gardens and baroque palaces of the Borromean Islands, notably Isola Bella with its terraced gardens and peacocks.
Back on Lake Como, discover the storied rivalry and beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta. These last days provide a splendid mix of natural beauty and refined culture.
What our clients say about travelling with Italian Tours
“Thank you, our Italian hosts and guides, for a wonderful, bespoke and well-organized tour. Our agenda was a sensory mix of historical solemnity, floral whimsy, hydraulic innovation, and artistic beauty. We had great fun discovering the variety of species collected and showcased through the northern countryside and were humbled by the gracious hospitality of the private estate tours. Not only were we sated by the splendour of Spring, but the local wine and food more than quenched our appetites. It’s a fabulous tour for all the senses, with good walking shoes.”
Pauline & Suzette, The Great Gardens of Italy Tour 2023