Culture

Authentic experiences

This gardens and villas tour explores a glorious region whose climate is not only suitable for olives , vines , oranges and lemons but also for tender exotics . The region of Campania around Naples is blessed with a rich , fertile and welldrained soil that was appreciated by the Romans . From native plants of Roman times to exotic imports , there is a flourishing huge diversity here to explore . You are based on the outskirts of Sorrento and then on the island of Ischia . This tour operates with a maximum of 14 people .

THIS TOUR OFFERS a classic introduction to the landscape , history and flora of Campania including the magical islands of Capri and Ischia . In Ravello , perched high above the coast , the remarkable site of Villa Cimbrone boasts a wisteria-clad pergola almost the length of the garden , formal and informal side gardens , a rose garden and trees such as umbrella pines , plane trees and olives that intermingle with palms , cycads , phormiums and yuccas . An air of slight neglect and seemingly wild native euphorbias , scented anemones and giant fennel create a pleasing and relaxed atmosphere . Nearby the gardens of Villa Rufolo extend along three terraces that contain a variety of trees and flowers , from palms and yuccas to oleander and bougainvillaea . A gem is the private Tenuta Porta di Ferro near Salerno , a Grandi Giardini Italiani where the estate includes rare plants , Mediterranean native species and an experimental garden with water plants and contemporary design .

The island of Capri is home to the extraordinarily beautiful villa and gardens created by Axel Munthe which will entrance and delight . Sculptures , ancient artefacts , a granite Sphinx and a Greek tomb are to be discovered throughout the gardens , along with shady pergolas and a profusion of colour as well as stunning panoramas of the island . You are accompanied on a walking tour of the Giardini di Augustus , botanical gardens designed in terraces overlooking the sea full of ornamental plants and flowers .

On the island of Ischia you visit the private gardens of Ravino , home to succulents and cacti , and then you will treasure a visit to La Mortella , the home and gardens created by Lady Walton . It is an exotic oasis amongst the maquis where luxuriant plants and trees from around the world co-exist with the indigenous , creating a unique universe with an aromatic fragrance .

Villa Cimbrone

La Mortella Porta di Ferro

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