Spring Gardens around Lake Como
26 – 30 April 2010
A newly discovered area in the 19th century, the climate and beauty of Lake Como
encouraged the creation of gardens around lakeside villas. The shelter of the Swiss
Alps to the north with sweet-chestnut-covered mountains descending steeply to the
lake, ensure a special micro-climate both for plants and travellers. Developing gardens
around the lake had the added advantage of the beautiful borrowed landscape. Azaleas
and rhododendrons thrive, as do wisteria and many more exotic plants.
We stay in Bellagio on the lakeside at the welcoming Hotel Florence with its garden
restaurant. Bellagio is perfect for an evening passegiata before dinner and has many
inviting restaurants to sample local specialities.
Beat Fischer, our Swiss botanist, will lead this tour.
Activity Level: On and off boats. Terraced hillside gardens.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – MONDAY 26 APRIL
Flights to Milan Malpensa airport, where you will
be met by Ambra. Transfer to Hotel Florence on the
lakeside at Bellagio. Optional walk around the town
in late afternoon. Aperitivo and short talk on the
programme before enjoying dinner together.
DAY TWO – TUESDAY 27 APRIL
We leave by private boat after breakfast to visit
the gardens of Villa Balbienello on a promontory
across the lake. A strikingly beautiful garden
with candelabra-shaped plane trees, tall cypress
and dominated by an elegant loggia. Originally
a monastery, it was ultimately owned by Guido
Monzino, a collector and explorer. Left to FAI,
the Italian National Trust, a guided visit of the
fascinating interiors is included. Continuing by
boat along the coast to Tremezzo we arrive at
Villa Carlotta at lunchtime, with an afternoon's
guided walk around the extensive garden banks of
flowering azalea and rhododendron. Return by boat
to Bellagio. Free evening.
DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY 28 APRIL
Morning visit on foot to Villa Melzi with its garden
stretching out along the lakeside at Bellagio. Built
by the Duke of Lodi, Francesco Melzi, in the early
19th century, the extensive landscaped gardens
with statues, a classic temple and orangerie now
used as a museum. Well planted with mature
trees and acid-loving plants. Depart by private
boat across the lake to the attractive lakeside town
of Varenna. Lunchtime free. Villa Monastero, a
superb scenic terraced garden along the lakeside
is a result of centuries of work, with important
renovations around 1900. Cypress avenues,
statues, balustrading lead to a coffee house with a
wealth of plant species thriving in the mild climate.
Return by boat to Bellagio.
DAY FOUR – THURSDAY 29 APRIL
We leave by minibus to visit the gardens of Villa
d'Este in Cernobbio. Now a luxury hotel, the
property was owned in the early 19th century
by Queen Caroline, wife of George IV. A walk
around the Baroque garden with Ambra will reveal
various chapters of this garden lying in such a
superb position on the lake. The head chef has his
personal potager garden with organic vegetables,
berries and herbs to be enjoyed with a light lunch
served at the lakeside restaurant. Return by lake
ferry to Bellagio. Dinner together in Bellagio.
DAY FIVE – FRIDAY 30 APRIL
Morning guided visit to part of the gardens of
Villa Serbelloni lying above Bellagio. It has been
bequeathed to the Rockefeller Foundation of New
York and is used for scholars and scientists. The
pathway to the hill top gives long views over the
extensive gardens, and over the full extent of Lake
Como. Afternoon departure for Milan Malpensa
airport for the return flights.
