Culture

Authentic experiences

Combining Chianti and the Lucca region this 6 night tour reflects the diversity and beauty of Tuscan villas and gardens ; Italianate , baroque , parkland , water features and stunning views . The garden tour holiday operates with a maximum of 14 people .

THIS TOUR COMBINES THE CLASSICAL HEART of Tuscany with a stay near Greve in Chianti from where you visit three of the most beautiful and historic gardens in the Chianti area , accompanied by a local guide ; Villa Poggio Torselli at San Casciano Val di Pesa , Giardino di Vignamaggio at Greve and Villa Geggiano near Siena .

These villas date from the 15th Century and each of their gardens is famed in its own way for its design and beauty . Villa Poggio Torselli is renowned for its spectacular flowering plants including Indian giant hibiscus and a golden crown of 120 secular lemon trees , whereas Vignamaggio boasts an ornate Italian garden with ornamental trees , roses and cypress and Villa Geggiano , frequently used as a film set , is resplendent with ancient cypress , sculpted boxwood as well as lemon trees .

From Chianti you move further west towards the coast and the town of Lucca , which offers the opportunity to visit some of the less well-known gems of this region , including the baroque gardens of Palazzo Pfanner inside the mediaeval town , Villa Grabau , Villa Oliva , the Parco della Villa Reale and the Villa Torrigiani . En route though you visit the impressive gardens of Villa Garzoni , famed for its Baroque terraces , staircases and water cascades . The Villa Grabau is renowed for its English-style parkland which abounds in rare trees , planted initially in the 16th century when the villa was built and added to over the years . Villa Oliva enjoys views over the countryside near Lucca from its position on a hillside . Its gardens descend the hill and there are numerous water falls and fountains . The Parco della Villa Reale is an extensive garden and parkland with numerous linked water features , a Moorish garden , a lemon garden , a green theatre and a camellia walk . Finally the Villa Torrigiani houses a baroque garden with nymphaeum , grottoes , water games and flowers .

Parco della Villa Reale

Villa Torrigiano

Parco della Villa Reale Tuscan view from Villa le Barone

Hotel Bagni di Pisa

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