Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Europe
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Piedmont
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
)
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Lombardy
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Italy
)
)
)
Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes - Como and Maggiore
- Among the loveliest and most romantic spots on earth – the summer retreat of the wealthy, aristocratic and intellectual since the time of Pliny.
- Some of the finest gardens in Europe, glorious in their design and range.
- Sublime mountain scenery, the inspiration of Bellini and Stendhal.
This tour is particularly strenuous. Please read the advice under 'Practicalities'.
The gardens of the Italian lakes fall into two categories: the formal, terraced, parterred, allegoried and enclosed summer residences of native landowners; and the expansive, landscaped villa grounds of the rich and splendid. Some are small, others huge; some ostentatious, others retiring; some immaculate, others picturesquely mouldering. Many are the former homes of Austrian aristocrats, Napoleonic grandees, bel canto composers or British seasonal emigrants. All respond to the setting, gazing out across bays and peninsulas, or up to mountain scenery of heroic dimensions.
The tour is divided between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Lake Como, the home of Pliny, is intensely romantic: Shelley, Bellini and Stendhal found inspiration here on the shores of a long and slender lake divided in three parts. The little town of Bellagio surveys all three from its glittering headland, and provides a convenient (and luxurious) base for visiting the lakeside villa gardens.
Lake Maggiore is altogether broader and more open, extending northwards into Switzerland, with the air of an inland sea. The great western bay includes the famous Borromean Islands, among them the contrasting garden retreats of Isola Bella and Isola Madre. As early as 1686 Bishop Burnet gushed that these were ‘certainly the loveliest spots of ground in the World, there is nothing in all Italy that can be compared to them’.
Our tour is scheduled at a time of the year when there is the possibility of clear, brilliant sunshine. Each lake, each shore, each promontory and island, has its own character, but everywhere is pervaded by the abundance of light, perfume and natural beauty.
Itinerary
Practicalities
Two sharing: US$6,230 or US$5,790 without flights. Single occupancy: US$7,280 or US$6,840 without flights.
Travel by private coach, boat and public ferry; hotel accommodation; breakfasts; 1 lunch and 4 dinners with wine, water, coffee; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio: a historic family-run four-star hotel with a large garden and newly opened spa. Grand Hotel Majestic, Pallanza: recently renovated, four-star Belle Epoque hotel with lakeside gardens. Bedrooms in both hotels vary in size and outlook; lake views are not guaranteed.
There is quite a lot of walking as some of the gardens are extensive, and all have uneven ground. A good level of fitness is essential. You will be on your feet for lengthy stretches of time. Average distance by coach per day: 23 miles.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
Gastronomic Provence, 1–8 May 2025
Art in the Netherlands, 2–8 May 2025
Courts of Northern Italy, 2–9 May 2025
The Ligurian Coast, 3–9 May 2025
Istanbul Revealed, 4–11 May 2025
Palladian Villas, 6–11 May 2025
Aragón: Hidden Spain, 7–15 May 2025
The Cathedrals of England, 17–25 September 2025
Albania: Crossroads of Antiquity, 17–26 September 2025
Scottish Houses and Castles, 17–26 September 2025
Walking to Santiago, 17–28 September 2025
Sicily: From the Greeks to the Baroque, 18–27 September 2025
Early Railways: The North, 21–27 September 2025
Gastronomic Asturias & Cantabria, 21–28 September 2025
Basilicata & Calabria, 10–18 October 2025
Ravenna & Urbino, 13–17 October 2025
In Churchill's Footsteps, 13–18 October 2025 (ML820)
Siena & San Gimignano, 13–17 October 2025
The Douro, 13–20 October 2025
Castile & León, 13–22 October 2025
Eastern Turkey, 13–28 October 2025 (ML821)
Testimonials
“The itinerary was spot on; simply delightful.
”
“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.
”
“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.
”
“The itinerary was spot on; simply delightful.
”
“Being shown round Villa Cicogna Mozzoni by the current owner was a particular pleasure.
”
Related tours and events
Sign up to our e-newsletter
e-newsletter recipients are the first to hear about our future plans and our tours as they come on sale. By signing up you agree to our Privacy policy.
Or join our mailing list for a printed brochure
My Wishlist