OUR GREAT GARDENS OF ITALY TOUR RUNS EVERY YEAR.
Our 2026 Great Gardens of Italy tours have now finished, and we’re already looking ahead to another wonderful journey in 2027.
11 – 25 April 2027
Discover Italy’s magnificent gardens, historic villas and breathtaking landscapes on our 2027 Great Gardens of Italy Tour.
Join us next year as we explore some of Italy’s most beautiful and inspiring gardens.
The Great Gardens of Italy Tour is a small group journey for travellers who appreciate beautiful landscapes, thoughtful planning and a relaxed pace. Over fifteen days you will explore many of Italy’s finest gardens with expert guides, along with unhurried time in Rome, Florence, Verona and Bellagio.
With stays of at least three nights in each location, this slow travel approach lets you settle into each region and enjoy the Renaissance gardens of Tuscany, the historic estates of Lazio and the lakeside tranquillity of Como. The tour also includes free afternoons to explore at your own pace and memorable meals in exceptional local restaurants. It is a well-balanced way to experience the most beautiful gardens of Italy in spring.
Tour Dates and Prices
11 – 25 April 2026
15 – 29 April 2026
AUD 10, 970 per person (double/twin-share)
AUD 12, 970 per person (solo traveller)
Tour 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.
Enquire about the Italian Gardens Tour
If you would like more information about our 2026 Gardens tour or wish to enquire about joining a departure, please click the Enquire Now button below and complete our contact form. We will respond with further details.
15 Day Italian Gardens Itinerary
Days 1 – 4 – Rome and the gardens of Lazio
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 the gardens of Tuscany
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 and the villas of the Veneto
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 Italian Lakes and their ionic gardens
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.
Accommodation
We use boutique and character-filled properties throughout the tour, and as is typical with this style of accommodation, room layouts and features can vary. All rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, though they may differ slightly in size, outlook and configuration. Once you enquire about your preferred departure, we will confirm the specific hotels for your dates.
Rome
In Rome, we stay at the centrally located Hotel Nazionale on Piazza Montecitorio. This elegant and historic property offers easy access to many of the city’s landmarks and provides a comfortable base for the first days of the tour.
Florence
In Florence, we stay at one of two centrally located boutique hotels, such as Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco or Hotel de la Ville. Both offer warm hospitality and an excellent position within walking distance of major museums, gardens and the city’s historic streets.
Verona
In Verona, our base is the historic Hotel Colomba d’Oro. Situated near the Roman Arena, this refined hotel combines classical charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal location for exploring the city and the surrounding villas and gardens.
Lake Como
For the final stage of the tour, we stay in Bellagio at the Hotel Florence. With its prime waterfront position and elegant rooms, it provides a serene and picturesque setting as you explore the iconic gardens of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
What’s included?
– Fourteen nights in boutique, centrally located hotels
– Breakfast daily
– Selected lunches and dinners featuring regional cuisine and wine
– All guided visits, garden entries and cultural experiences
– Professional tour leader throughout
– Comfortable private transport
– Vineyard tour and tasting
What’s not included?
– International airfares
– Travel insurance
– Meals not listed in the itinerary
– Optional activities during free time
– Personal expenses
Why visit Italy’s gardens with Italian Tours?
Our Great Gardens of Italy tour is one of our longest-running and most popular itineraries, refined over more than a decade. Travelling in a small group allows us to visit gardens, producers and restaurants not suitable for larger tours, and our long relationships with garden owners give guests access to private estates and experiences rarely available to the public.
As an Australian-owned company with strong ties to Italy, we understand how our guests like to travel. We choose centrally located boutique accommodation, work with knowledgeable local guides and pace the days carefully so you can enjoy both expert-led visits and time to explore at your own rhythm.
Ideal for travellers who appreciate …
This tour suits travellers who enjoy small-group journeys, comfortable boutique accommodation and exploring Italy through its gardens and beautiful landscapes. It is particularly appealing to guests in the over-50 age group who have an interest in garden design, cultural history and experiencing Italy at a relaxed pace. Mobility is important, as many of the gardens and historic centres we visit include uneven paths, steps or gentle slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people are in the group?
We travel with a maximum of 12 guests. This small group size keeps the experience relaxed and personal and allows us to visit gardens and historic sites that are not suitable for larger groups.
What level of mobility is required?
This is our most active tour. Many of the gardens are large and spread across uneven paths, slopes and steps, and days often involve extended periods of walking or standing. Guests need to be confident on their feet and able to walk longer distances at a comfortable pace. If you have any concerns about your mobility, please contact us, and we can provide more details to help you decide whether this tour is suitable.
Are flights included?
No, international flights are not included. Many guests choose to arrive in Italy earlier or extend their holiday after the tour.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome on all our tours and often make up a good portion of each departure. Travelling with a small group provides a friendly and comfortable way to explore Italy’s gardens without having to navigate everything on your own.
What does the single supplement include?
The single supplement provides a double room for sole use throughout the tour. As we stay in boutique hotels in historic centres, room sizes and layouts may vary, but all properties are chosen for comfort, location and charm.
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins in Rome. Most guests arrive via Rome Fiumicino Airport or by high-speed train from elsewhere in Italy.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour ends in Bellagio on Lake Como. On the final morning, we provide a group transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport and Milano Centrale station.
What standard of accommodation can I expect?
We stay in centrally located boutique hotels in Rome, Florence and Verona, and a lakeside property in Bellagio. Most are in the four-star range, with the occasional exceptional three-star hotel. The exact hotels vary slightly between departures and will be confirmed when you ask.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Please let us know when you book so we can advise our hotels and restaurants.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests travelling with Italian Tours.
Other small group tours to Italy
If our Gardens tour isn’t quite the right fit for you this year, we offer several other small-group journeys across Italy. Each tour features boutique accommodation, local experiences and the same relaxed, unhurried style that defines Italian Tours. Please have a look at some of our other tours below.
ITALIAN LAKES DISCOVERY TOUR
9 days
May & September 2026
Lake Maggiore & Lake Como
Experience the elegance of northern Italy on a relaxed small-group journey to Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Explore historic villas and lakeside towns, enjoy scenic drives, and unwind amid some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE VENETO
14 days
June 2026
Venice, Prosecco Hills, Vicenza & Verona
Discover Venice, Verona, and the Prosecco Hills on a thoughtfully paced tour that blends art, history, and regional food and wine. Meet local producers, explore grand villas and visit historic towns at an unhurried pace.
PUGLIA SMALL GROUP TOUR
15 days
April, May, September and October 2026
Lecce, Valle d’Itria, Gargano and Polignano a Mare
Explore the Baroque beauty of Lecce, the whitewashed hilltowns of the Valle d’Itria and the dramatic coastline of Polignano a Mare. Enjoy boutique stays, regional food and wine, and a relaxed journey through Italy’s sunny south.
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