Authentic experiences Garden tours of Italy

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SCATTERED WITH HILLTOP VILLAGES and cypress-studded horizons , mediaeval towns , and humble trattoria serving rustic feasts in cobbled courtyards often overlooking the plains , Tuscany has called to sunstarved north Europeans – and the British in particular – like nowhere else in Italy . Shelley did not describe it as a ‘ paradise of exiles ’ for no reason . Bookended by the Alpi Apuane mountains to the north ( whose quarries supplied the marble for Michaelangelo ’ s David ) and the sunbaked clay hills of the crete to the south , Tuscany packs an astonishing variety of landscapes into a relatively tiny area , making it possible to gorge on duomos and campaniles by morning , gardens by afternoon , with simple , sumptuous , sunkissed lunches in between . In Tuscany it is first and foremost the influence of the Medicis that shaped their country dwellings and their land into the classical landscape that we think of as Tuscany today .

TO THE NORTH , THE VENETO AND THE ITALIAN LAKES have a more alpine accent , split between the lush , mountainous splendours of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore , where microclimates allow for some fascinating plants and trees , and the plains of the River Po and the Brenta canal , where water and shelter from north winds play a vital role . Here you find a combination of terraced gardens , as well as wilder English-style parks , the influence of Palladio and also the French Baroque with many surprisingly exotic trees , shrubs and plants , collected from all over the world .

IN THE FAR SOUTH you explore the rugged , breathtaking cliff-gardens of the Amalfi Coast and Capri , inspiring artists , poets and musicians . Here are traces too of the origins of gardens and plants from Roman times in the excavations of Pompeii and the remains of Tiberius ’ s Villa Jovis on Capri . Even ‘ modern ’ gardens such as that of Axel Munthe are based on the classical and are constructed with ancient artefacts in prime positions . The climate of this region which is suitable for olives , oranges and lemons is also suitable for tender exotics . The soil is rich and fertile around Naples . The Naples region also boasts the Palazzo Reale at Caserta , modelled on Versailles and one of the most important architectural gardens in Europe .

AT THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY , in the vicinity of Rome , much influenced by Roman emperors , the Papacy and Italian aristocrats , are truly amazing gardens that have shaped the design and structure of gardens the world over dating from the 16th Century . Bramante played a key role in the link between the villa and the countryside in a way that emulated Roman models . On the whole plants are less important than structure in this region . Key features include terraces , steps , ramps , central perspective , symmetry and proportion and the use of water .

Expressions garden tours for small groups A unique feature of our tours is that they operate for small numbers only . You travel in a small , luxury coach with just 16 seats . You have a local guide to accompany you to the garden visits but not in between . You stay in Expressions tried and tested hotels or ones that we have known about and used for our individual guests for over 20 years .

Alternative travel arrangements If you want us to arrange flights on other dates and from UK regional airports or to extend your holiday with a stay elsewhere in Italy , just let us know . We will adjust the details and the price accordingly .

Ninfa , Rome area tour

Important information These tours are based on 14 people participating . Flight times are subject to alteration and are confirmed at the time of booking . We reserve the right to consolidate departure dates if there are insufficient numbers for any of the departure dates and to alter the accommodation if necessary . We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if we cannot be accommodated in any of the villas and gardens for any reason closer to the date of departure .

Phone 01392 441250 to make a reservation or to discuss your holiday plans 25