Garden Tour of Italy

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lake Como, Florence & Tuscany, Rome & Tivoli

If you love gardens and you love Italy, this in-depth luxury tour is for you. It features private touring of and special access to many of Italy’s most beautiful and historically significant gardens. Also enjoy private cultural touring in Rome, Florence and Tuscany, and accommodation at exquisite luxury hotels renowned for their gardens.

The tour includes a wide range of gardens: ancient Roman ruins, masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque garden design, the finest gardens of the 20th century, gardens that have been recently restored or rediscovered, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn how each garden relates to its cultural context, such as the status of the property owner, and its physical context, such as the villa and surrounding landscapes. See a full range of Italian garden elements, including garden rooms, terraces, parterres, fountains, watercourses, grottoes, sculpture, special plantings and more, and learn how these elements were used to create dramatic, ornamental, narrative and symbolic effects.

Begin at beautiful Lake Como with a stay at the iconic Villa d’Este. Built in 1568 as a private residence, this neoclassical villa is one of Europe's most acclaimed luxury hotels. While there, enjoy a private boat excursion to Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most picturesque towns, to explore the beautiful backstreets and exquisite gardens, or visit other historic estates and aristocratic villas around the lake. Also enjoy free time to take advantage of the hotel's extensive leisure facilities, including the resort's legendary pool that floats on the lake, beautiful grounds and gardens, and fine dining options. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a memorable lunch on Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como, or a private excursion across the border into nearby Switzerland to spend time in charming Lugano or visit designer shopping outlets. 

Next, you will be transferred to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. With your private expert guide, visit renowned gardens in Florence and take a full-day excursion to several private gardens, including an important garden from the early 20th century, a historically significant terraced garden with views over Florence, and one of the most highly regarded villa gardens in the city. Also tour the city’s highlights and enjoy with skip-the-line access at world-renowned museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia, browse antiques and artisan workshops of the Oltrarno district, learn about Tuscan cuisine at specialty food shops and markets, or enjoy visits to local craft studios. If desired, also visit the Great Synagogue or tour less-frequented but fascinating museums, such as the Convent of San Marco Museum, with its frescoes by Fra Angelico, local fashion museums (Gucci, Ferragamo and others) or the excellent Museo del Bargello, a prison in the 13th century and now home to sculpture by Michelangelo and Donatello. During free time, enjoy leisurely meals, walks along the Arno River and shopping for Florentine gold jewelry, handmade paper, leather goods, antiques and housewares.

One day, enjoy a private excursion into Tuscany. Visit a renowned Renaissance villa in the Chianti region and learn about the lifestyle of the aristocrats who once lived there during a private tour of the gardens, olive groves, vineyards and restored villa interior. Also, tour celebrated hill towns such as Siena and San Gimignano, and walk medieval alleys, admire palazzi and ancient towers, and browse for olive oil, wine, cheese, baskets and ceramics.

Continue by private car to Rome. Enjoy private touring of the city’s most renowned gardens and green spaces, including several where religion, power and nature intersect in beautiful, complex ways. Also tour highlights such as the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Via Veneto, the morning fruit and flower market of Campo dei Fiori, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Jewish Quarter, Villa Borghese, the ruins along the Appian Way, beautiful Aventine Hill, the catacombs and "Underground Rome." During free time in Rome, enjoy la dolce vita and the city's excellent restaurants and boutiques. One day, take a private excursion to Tivoli for a tour of Hadrian’s Villa and the spectacular water gardens of Villa d’Este.

This tour can be fully customized to include additional or alternative gardens or destinations throughout Italy.