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
nights
Arts & Gardens of Florence, departing 4th July and 19th September 2009
Tuscany is one of the most celebrated garden regions in the world. The tour includes Villa Garzoni, Giardino di Boboli, Villa Gamberaia, Villa Mansi, Villa Chigi Cetinale and Villa Torrigiani.
nights
Como's Gardens by Boat, departing 11th July and 10th October 2009
Italy's Lake District has beautiful scenery, luxurious villas, delightful gardens and a wonderful climate. The tour includes Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Monastero, Villa Cipressi, Villa Bagatti Valsecchi and Villa Carlotta.
nights
Ninfa and the Villa Lante, departing 18th June and 10th September 2009
This tour includes the two best-loved gardens in Italy ( Villa d’Este and Villa Lante) and a charming botanical garden outside Rome (Ninfa).
nights
Gardens of the Neapolitan Riviera, departing 15th October 2009
'See Naples and die', they used to say. It is still a fascinating city, if crowded, but the gardens on the islands and coasts and are terrific. The tour includes Villa San Michele, Giardani di Augusto, La Mortella (pictured left), Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone and Pompeii.