Gardens Tours in Italy

Many people think Italy has the best gardens in the world. They are wonderfully designed but not notable for their flowers. The most popular area for garden visiting is the western coastal region extending from Florence through Rome to Naples, though Northern Italy also has good gardens (eg Isola Bella). The areas and periods of particular interest are:

• Ancient gardens near Rome and Naples Pompeii
• Medieval cloister gardens and castles - throughout Italy
• Renaissance gardens - particularly in the Florence area Villa La Pietra, Villa Medici Castello
• Mannerist and Early Baroque gardens - particularly around Rome Villa d'Este, Villa Lante, Villa Garzoni
• Botanical gardens - the old gardens in Padua and Florence; the more recent, and decorative, gardens at Orto Botanico, Ninfa, La Mortella

Garden Finder for Italian Gardens

Travel arrangements for Italian garden visiting

British and American tour operators take visitors to Italian gardens. The alternatives are car hire, which is easy, and public transport, which is cheap and extensive. There can be long hot queues at ticket windows in Italian stations but many stations have automatic ticket machines with instructions in several languages. They look intimidating but are surprisingly easy to use. Driving in country districts is relaxing and easy. Driving in and around the big cities of Italy can be a nightmare: heavy congestion, confusing road signs and hot tempered drivers. An air conditioned car helps.

Escorted Garden Tours in Italy

3
nights

Ninfa and the Villa Lante, departing 15th May, 5th June and 4th September 2012

This tour includes the two best-loved gardens in Italy ( Villa d’Este and Villa Lante) and a charming botanical garden outside Rome (Ninfa, pictured left - image copyright Daniele Muscetta).

 

4
nights

Gardens of Sicily, departing 29th May 2012

This tour unfolds against the deep blue backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the lava-strewn slopes of Mount Etna and the orange groves that surround Catania. We visit a series of fascinating private gardens, meet the passionate gardeners who have created them and enjoy aperitifs and meals in the exotic surroundings of baroque palaces and country villas. We stay in two magnificent hotels: the Villa Igiea, Palermo, with opulent Art Nouveau interior, terraced gardens and swimming pool overlooking the Bay; and in Taormina we will make our home at San Domenico, a converted 15th century monastery with wonderful views of Mount Etna. Helena Attlee, author and Italian garden expert, will be your guide.

 

4
nights

Gardens of Venice & the Veneto, departing 4th September 2012

A garden tour led by Helena Attlee
The tour begins with a visit and drinks in the garden of a private Palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice from where it is a short boat journey to the pretty 4* Hotel Giorgione, situated by a peaceful square not far from the Rialto Bridge. The following day we visit two small private gardens before crossing the lagoon by boat and travel up the Brenta Canal to Villa Foscari. The tour is then based in Verona at the grand Due Torri Hotel located in Verona's historic centre next to Church of Santa Anastasia, Piazza Bra and the Arena. From here we visit a number of fascinating villas and gardens, including an island garden on Lake Garda. Helena Attlee, author & Italian garden expert, will introduce you to the rich history of the region through its diverse and intriguing gardens.