Discover Italy’s finest gardens on an intimate, small-group journey designed for garden enthusiasts and cultural travellers alike.
11 – 25 April 2026
AUD 10, 970 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 12, 970 per person (solo traveller)
The Great Gardens of Italy tour blends elegant landscapes with rich heritage, offering a thoughtful mix of expert-guided visits and unhurried time to explore iconic cities like Rome, Florence, Verona, and Bellagio.
With stays in just four carefully chosen locations—each for a minimum of three nights—you’ll enjoy the true luxury of slow travel. This relaxed pace allows you to fully absorb the beauty of each destination, from the grand Renaissance gardens of Tuscany to the lakeside serenity of Como.
Beyond the gardens, there’s time to wander at your own pace, with free afternoons in historic cities and memorable meals included at exceptional local restaurants. Whether strolling through centuries-old estates or soaking up the atmosphere of Italy’s most beloved cities, this journey offers a rich and memorable way to experience spring in Italy.
Highlights
- An exclusive visit to Il Giardino di Ninfa, hailed by Monty Don as the most romantic garden in the world.
- A guided tour of the Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, the tranquil summer residence of the Pope.
- A private exploration of the Torrigiani Gardens in Florence, one of Europe’s most extensive privately owned city gardens.
- A tasting and tour at a family-run vineyard in Franciacorta, where you can discover the region’s acclaimed sparkling wine.
- Walk among the lush lakeside gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Como.
- Stay in the charming town of Bellagio, the crown jewel of the Italian Lakes, known for its beauty and elegance.
- Experience the baroque splendour of Isola Bella, where garden design meets palace opulence on Lake Maggiore.
- Savour regional cuisine and wines, including meals in Slow Food establishments and a visit to a premier balsamic vinegar producer.
Itinerary
Days 1 – 4 – Roman Reverie
Your Italian garden journey begins in the Eternal City of Rome, where ancient history and timeless beauty converge. During these first few days, you’ll uncover the green sanctuaries hidden amidst Rome’s architectural grandeur.
A highlight is the serene Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope, where meticulously maintained landscapes meet spiritual tranquillity. The tour also includes a guided exploration of Villa Adriana, Emperor Hadrian’s sprawling retreat and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where fountains, pools, and ruins are framed by Mediterranean flora.
In nearby Tivoli, immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendour of Villa d’Este, famous for its dramatic fountains, mythological sculptures, and Italianate terraced gardens. One of the most memorable experiences awaits at Giardino di Ninfa—a poetic garden built around medieval ruins, often described as a living watercolour. As spring begins to bloom, this romantic space becomes a kaleidoscope of colour, fragrance, and birdsong, setting a dreamy tone for the rest of your tour.
Days 5 – 8 Florence and its garden splendours
Florence, the heart of Tuscany and cradle of the Renaissance, is your next stop. Art and horticulture unite in some of Italy’s most celebrated gardens here. Begin with the Boboli Gardens, a quintessential example of Italian garden design, where sweeping lawns, ancient statuary, and hidden grottoes unfold behind the Pitti Palace. Continue to the Giardino Bardini, offering panoramic views of Florence and a tranquil respite from the city’s bustle.
An exclusive experience awaits at the Torrigiani Garden, Europe’s largest private garden within a historic city centre. With a private guide, delve into its 17th-century origins, rare plant collections, and whimsical architectural elements.
Venture beyond the city to the Tuscan countryside, where you’ll visit the sculpted perfection of Villa Castello, once the home of the Medici family, and the elegantly balanced Villa Gamberaia, considered one of the finest small gardens in Italy. Each site reveals the Renaissance ideals of harmony, order, and the blending of art with nature—principles that continue to shape garden design today.
Days 9 – 11 – Verona – Vineyards, Villas and Veneto Charm
Next, you’ll head north to Verona, a city renowned for its Shakespearean charm and classical beauty. Nestled between the Adige River and romantic alleyways lies the Giardino Giusti, a masterpiece of 16th-century landscape architecture. Its labyrinthine hedges, Roman statues, and cypress-lined terraces offer sweeping views over the red rooftops of Verona.
The journey continues into the surrounding Veneto countryside, where two extraordinary estates—Villa Arvedi and Villa Pojega—reveal a lesser-known yet equally stunning side of Italian horticultural heritage. At Villa Arvedi, explore formal parterres that echo the baroque elegance of the estate, while Villa Pojega’s teatro di verzura, or green theater, provides a rare glimpse into the tradition of using gardens for artistic performance and social gatherings.
Here, garden history comes alive in a quieter, more personal way, and you’ll have time to enjoy the slower rhythms of life in the Italian provinces.
Days 12 -15 – The spectacular Italian Lakes
Your final days are spent in the lakes district of northern Italy, where the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes deeply influences garden design. Settle into the charming town of Bellagio. From here, embark on day trips to explore the region’s most spectacular lakeside gardens.
A short boat ride takes you to Villa Carlotta, where art and horticulture merge in a spectacular setting filled with blooming azaleas, camellias, and centuries-old trees. Nearby, Villa Melzi enchants with its neoclassical beauty, Japanese-inspired gardens, and statues scattered across manicured lawns that roll gently into the lake.
You’ll also visit Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, a baroque dream of cascading terraces, exotic plant species, and grand architecture surrounded by water. The view alone is enough to take your breath away, but the garden’s intricate design and flourishing microclimate make this a truly unforgettable finale to your journey.
What our clients say about the Great Gardens of Italy Tour
We absolutely loved everything the tour had to offer – our charming and professional tour guide, the magnificent gardens, the accommodation, the dining experiences, the visits to private wineries and vinegar distillery, and the interesting commentary from local guides.
We enjoyed every garden and it’s hard to pick a favourite as they all offered something individual. Angus enjoyed the Papal Summer Palace for its stunning lake views, huge urns and rural vistas. I marvelled at the grandeur of the villas and gardens and of Villa d’Este, Isola Bella, and Villa Melzi. Both Giardino di Ninfa and Villa Adriana were wonderful examples of gardens set amongst the ruins.
Our dining experiences were excellent and very authentic. Anna Maria was excellent in explaining the dishes of the local areas.
Overall we felt the tour delivered everything we expected and more! Congratulations on a well researched programme that kept us enthralled and engaged every day.
Felicity and Angus, The Great Gardens of Italy Tour 2024