The Great Gardens of Italy
Programme Overview
Duration: 11 days
An exclusive itinerary visiting some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy.
Highlights: Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Florence, Rome, Tivoli, the Vatican.
Arrive Milan - Lake Como
You are met at the airport in Milan and transferred to your lovely 19th century hotel on the banks of Lake Como, where your tour director will be waiting to welcome you.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in the superb surroundings. This evening, meet your fellow travellers for welcome cocktails followed by a light dinner on the beautiful terrace.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Meal Plan: D
Lake Maggiore
This morning drive to the banks of lovely Lake Maggiore to visit some of its exquisite gardens, the highlight of which is a visit to the island of Isola Bella. See the eccentric 17th century palace and its ten terraces of gardens cascading down to the lake. The magnificent flowering trees and shrubs add a soft and romantic beauty, enhanced by white peacocks and aromatic shrubs scenting the air. Returning to the hotel, enjoy dinner this evening in Bellagio.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Lake Como
This morning there will be time to stroll around delightful Bellagio, whose incomparable setting on the banks of Lake Como and marvellous views across to the Alps mountains have inspired poets and romantics for centuries.
This afternoon board a private boat and cross the lake to visit Villa Carlotta built in 1745 for the spendthrift Marchese Giorgi Clerici. The gardens, laid out by Princess Carlotta, are a fine example of 18th century bosco, with lemon-scented terraces and exotic planting.
Continue to the beautiful gardens of Villa Balbianello, isolated on a peaceful promontory that juts into the lake. Returning to Bellagio at the end of the afternoon this evening you are free to dine independently.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Meal Plan: B
Lake Como – Florence
A fast intercity train this morning takes you to Florence, enjoy lunch on board as you pass from the flat plains of the Po River Valley to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
On arrival transfer to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a panorama of Florence and visit the exquisite 12th century Romanesque church of San Miniato, with lovely frescoes adorning the sacristy.
Returning to the city centre, walk through the heart of the old quarter, visiting the great Duomo cathedral and the 12th century Baptistry whose gates Michelangelo described as the "gates of paradise".
This evening dine in a lively local trattoria.
Overnight: Hotel Savoy
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Florence
This morning visit the Boboli Gardens laid out for the Grand Duke Cosimo de Medici in 1551. The garden was designed for great ducal events and commands fine views over the city of Florence.
In the afternoon you are free to explore the city on your own, or perhaps to shop in the fine boutiques. If interested you can join our guide for a visit to the great Uffizi Gallery at the end of the afternoon. The evening is yours to experience the sights and tastes of Florence.
Overnight: Hotel Savoy
Meal Plan: B
Florence
Today you will visit the Villa Gamberaia, a fine example of 15th century Italian Renaissance layout, and considered to be perhaps the most pleasant and most typical of all Tuscan gardens. From the grassy terrace in front of the house admire the skyline of Florence, seen in the distance across olive groves and vineyards.
Overnight: Hotel Savoy
Meal Plan: B,L
Florence – Rome
A fast morning train takes you across Tuscany and Umbria to Rome, with lunch on arrival.
This afternoon tour ancient Rome, seeing the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Pantheon. Checking into your superb hotel in the very centre of Rome, dine à la carte tonight either at the hotel or at a restaurant of your choice.
Overnight: Aldrovandi Palace
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Tivoli
Drive up to Tivoli to admire the splendid gardens of the Villa D’Este, laid out in 1550 for the Cardinal Ippolito d’Este and adorned with fountains and statues creating a graceful ensemble in the Mannerist style.
After lunch, visit the nearby remains of Hadrian’s great villa, constructed around 130 AD and comprising an imperial palace, baths, library and gardens.
Returning to Rome, take the opportunity to visit the lavish church of Santa Maria Maggiore. One of the four major basilicas of Rome, this church houses a wealth of treasures, including beautiful 5th century mosaics and a Renaissance ceiling gilded with gold from Peru.
Overnight: Aldrovandi Palace
Meal Plan: B,L,D
The Vatican
This morning visit the great Vatican Museum to admire its wealth of treasures. Continue to the Sistine Chapel with its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Afterwards enter St Peter’s Basilica in St Peter’s Square, an awe-inspiring building that contains, amongst many other treasures, Michelangelo’s lovely Pietá and Bernini’s soaring baldaquin. The afternoon is yours to relax and wander in the Eternal City.
Overnight: Aldrovandi Palace
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Rome
This morning begins with a very special treat, a private invitation to visit the lovely gardens of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta on Monte Aventino, with unique views over the city of Rome.
Afterwards see the Chapel of the Knights of Malta and St John, beautifully decorated with frescoes by Piranesi, and then take lunch at the grand Palazzo Orsini on the River Tiber.
After this exclusive morning, drive to the restored Villa Borghese to visit its sumptuous decorations and objets d’art. The villa is located in the famous Borghese Gardens. Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up before enjoying a fine farewell dinner that brings this special tour to an end.
Overnight: Aldrovandi Palace
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Depart Rome
After breakfast, transfer by private car to Rome airport for your onward journey.
Meal Plan: B