Discover the gardens of Italy’s Lake Como and Lake Maggiore on a scenic multi-day tour (ideally April, May, September).
The lake region of Italy has had enchanted poets, composers, writers and gardeners since Roman times. The area’s unique climate makes it possible to grow a wide diversity of exotic and rare plants. Horticulturists and plant collectors alike have created incredible gardens on the banks of the lakes, some around major historic villas, others around more modest homes.
Admire hidden villas and enjoy lakeside lunches.
Villa del Balbianello’s dramatic terraced gardens and panoramic loggia perched on a wooded peninsula.
Ten levels leading up to the villa, resulting in a wedding cake of terraces and greenery.
A visit the botanic gardens of the canton of Ticino on the Island of Brissago in Switzerland.
Dramatic terracing, parterres and grottoes with an extensive landscape park and arboretum.
We meet at Milan Airport in the mid-afternoon, board our private coach, and drive to our hotel in Bellagio, on Lake Como.
We enjoy drinks and dinner overlooking the lake.
Today we board our private boat to sail down the western side of the lake, admiring the lake-shore villas, some of which are only visible from the water, and stopping to visit the gardens of a private villa.
We dock at a restaurant for lunch to enjoy our mid-day meal by the lake.
In the afternoon we visit Villa del Balbiannello, in Lenno.
The gardens of this 18th century villa creep up the steep slopes of a peninsula.
The loggia at the top of the promontory is open on both sides offering views of the Alps to the north and the lake to the south. A magical place!
We end the day at Villa Melzi, in Bellagio: an exceptional English style garden surrounding a neoclassical villa.
From there we walk back to town along the majestic avenue of sycamores by the lake.
This morning, again by private boat, we cross over to Tremezzo and visit Villa Carlotta.
Built as a summer residence for a Milanese aristocrat, the grounds combine dramatic terracing, parterres and grottoes with an extensive landscape park and arboretum.
The house contains notable collections from the Napoleonic period.
For lunch, we cross by private boat to Varenna. In the afternoon, we visit Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, both with extensive gardens, sloping down to the lake in a sweep of terraces, a bit like a balcony overlooking the lake.
Today we travel from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore, stopping on the way at Villa Cicogna, in Bisuschio.
Created in the mid 16th century the formal gardens extend around the villa, displaying water features as well as grottoes and follies.
In the afternoon we stop at a private garden, where the owner kindly invites us to tea.
We arrive at our hotel on Lake Maggiore in time for drinks and dinner on the terrace.
Today we visit the Borromean Islands privately owned by the Borromeo family since the 16th century.
We start at Isola Bella where the villa and gardens were created in the 17th Century by Count Carlo Borromeo III for his wife Isabella.
The gardens consist of a series of ten terraces leading up to the villa, perched at the top.
The effect of this baroque extravaganza is that of a wedding cake of terraces and greenery, floating improbably on Lake Maggiore.
We lunch on Isola dei Pescatori, the only inhabited island of the archipelago.
In the afternoon, we visit Isola Madre, the first Island to be purchased by the family in the 16th Century, and also the largest of the three. The gardens, established in the 1820’s in the English style, showcase citrus trees, camellia hedges, mimosa, dogwoods and azaleas. The palace, though uninhabited, is splendidly furnished with 16th- to 19th-century Italian masterpieces and paintings.
We start our last day at the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto.
Created between 1931 and 1940 by Scotsman Neil McEacharn to house his extensive collection of exotic plants, the gardens today contain nearly 20,000 plant varieties, representing more than 3,000 species.
From here we cross over to Switzerland and visit the botanic gardens of the canton of Ticino on the Island of Brissago.
We reach Milan airport in time to catch an evening flight.
The most common questions I get about the tours. If you have any further questions, send me a message here.
No, you don’t need to be a professional gardener.
The tours are designed for anyone who enjoys gardens and the natural world.
My travelers range from expert horticulturists to passionate amateurs, all of whom love discovering a country through its gardens.
Yes! Most tours include two or three free evenings on a week-long itinerary. This gives you time to explore local restaurants, enjoy a spa or massage, order room service, or simply relax at a café or hotel bar. Group dinners are lovely, but having personal time ensures the experience remains enjoyable and balanced.
You can contact me directly to book by clicking on the “Taking bookings. Enquire here” button on the tour page or via the contact page here.
If the tour is SOLD OUT, you can be put on the waiting list to receive information about the next tour here.
If you need personal assistance or have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me directly also.
Cancellations made up to four months before the tour receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a small administrative fee.
After that, cancellations are only possible if you find someone to take your place.
The ideal time depends on the destination, but as a general rule, spring and early autumn offer the most vibrant blooms and comfortable weather.
This is indicated in the summary information at the top of each tour page.
Specific gardens may have peak times for flowering or seasonal displays, which I consider when planning each tour.
Tours involve walking through gardens, which can include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths.
You should be able to walk at least a mile comfortably and manage steps.
Read my blog post for more information: How fit do I need to be for a garden tour?
Groups are intentionally small and intimate, with a maximum of 15 people.
This allows for a personal, immersive experience and easy conversation with fellow travelers.
Just let me know in advance, and I will ensure that the restaurants we visit accommodate your dietary needs.
Breakfast is included on all tours.
Lunch is usually a light meal to refuel after morning visits and give you energy for the afternoon.
Occasionally, we may enjoy a more elaborate lunch depending on the country or location.
Dinners are relaxed and carefully planned to showcase local cuisine and provide a memorable dining experience.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat for sun protection, and a camera or notebook if you like to record your impressions.
A more detailed list will be sent a couple of months before the tour dates.
Read my blog post for more information: Ten tips on what to pack for a garden trip.
All tours include private, comfortable transportation between gardens and accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Often transfers between to and from the airport may also be arranged.
Airfare to the destination is not included.
