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Houses & Gardens (18)

Rome, Belvedere courtyard at the Vatican palace, copper engraving 1750 by T. Bowles.

House & Garden tours

From great historical gardens to the private oases of garden designers and homeowners, our house and garden tours offer an escape from the urban environment. The focus spans classical forms of domestic architecture, where country houses, villas and private gardens act as places of refuge, freedom and self-expression, to brilliant modern public spaces, designed to keep the preoccupations of the city at a distance.

We offer the chance to explore every aspect of the garden and its environs, from great Renaissance creations in Italy and France to the cultural traditions of Japan’s exquisite temple gardens; from famous gardens and little-known treasures in the northern counties of Scotland, to the wild flora of Portugal and the allure of Tuscany. Privileged access is a feature, with contributions from garden designers, homeowners and head gardeners.

Browse House & Garden tours

Great Swedish Houses Royal residences, country estates and provincial palaces

Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes Como and Maggiore

Chichester & the South Downs Great houses & gardens

Ancient Rome Art and architecture of the classical world

Cruising the Douro Wine, gardens, history and architecture from Porto to the Spanish border

" Ulrica was superb. She was hugely knowledgeable about Swedish history and how it fitted into what was going on in the rest of Europe at the relevant times and how other countries influenced the design and culture of Great Swedish Houses. " Great Swedish Houses - Royal residences, country estates and provincial palaces

" The variety of gardens was very thoughtfully chosen. The range and variety of types of garden from the 16th to the 20th century was beautifully illustrated. " Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes - Como and Maggiore

" Our lecturer was really excellent. Her knowledge of all the places we visited was so good and imparted with great wit. " Chichester & the South Downs - Great houses & gardens

" The itinerary was comprehensive and covered all elements very efficiently. " Ancient Rome - Art and architecture of the classical world

" Gerald Luckhurst was a fantastic lecturer. Great depth of knowledge, wonderful communication skills, a delightful sense of humour. " Cruising the Douro - Wine, gardens, history and architecture from Porto to the Spanish border

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House & Garden tours