25 April – 02 May 2012
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is now full, but we still have availability for Rome in May, Florence & Fiesole in May, or Lake Maggiore in September
Concentrating on the wealth of beautiful gardens around Lakes Como and Maggiore in Italy, and Switzerland to the north, this tour gives a balance between interesting botanic gardens and those of classic Renaissance and later Italian style. Sheltered by high Alps to the north, the sharply varied seasonal temperatures and the humidity of the lakes provide excellent growing conditions. The exuberant spring flowers are set against breathtaking scenery, in particular many varieties of azalea, wisteria, cornus and magnolia – a spectacular yellow variety is particularly eye-catching.
We commence in the delightful, family-run, Hotel Florence in the lakeside village of Bellagio, overlooking Lake Como and the mountains. We then transfer to the very comfortable Hotel Cannero on the quiet Maggiore lakeside. Of a high standard, it has recently been beautifully renovated by the architect, Mauro Bissattini, and is owned and run by the Gallinotto family who are most welcoming.
Beat Fischer, our Swiss botanist, will lead this tour. His knowledge of the region and its gardens and plants is recounted with great enthusiasm.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL
Flight to Milan Malpensa airport. Transfer to the hotel with time to relax or discover the village. Aperitivo and short talk on the week’s programme before enjoying dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY TWO – THURSDAY 26 APRIL
We leave by private boat to Villa Balbianello across the lake. A strikingly beautiful garden with candelabra shaped plane trees and tall cypress with an elegant loggia. 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 to Tremezzo to Villa Carlotta at lunchtime. Afternoon’s guided walk around the extensive garden with flowering azalea and rhododendron. Return by boat to Bellagio. Free evening.DAY THREE – FRIDAY 27 APRIL
Morning visit on foot to Villa Melzi with its lakeside garden at Bellagio. Built by Francesco Melzi, in the early 19th century with extensive landscaped gardens with statues, a classic temple and orangerie. Cross the lake to the attractive lakeside town of Varenna. Lunch time free. Villa Monastero, a superb scenic terraced garden along the lakeside. Cypress avenues, statues, balustrading and terraces with a wealth of plant species thriving in the mild climate. Return by boat to Bellagio. Free evening.DAY FOUR – SATURDAY 28 APRIL
We depart from Bellagio in the morning to Villa Cicogna-Mozzoni at Bisuschio. The Renaissance garden dates back to 1560 with its celebrated 16th century water staircase. Belonging to the same family for over 400 years, the current owner shows us around before lunch. Leave for the gardens of Villa della Porta Bozzolo, owned by FAI, the Italian National Trust. Arrive by lake ferry at Hotel Cannero late afternoon. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant (each evening).DAY FIVE – SUNDAY 29 APRIL
Leave by lake ferry to the Botanical Park and Nursery of Otto Eisenhut at San Nazzaro in Switzerland. Guided tour of the collections, one of the most comprehensive in Europe, specialising in magnolias, camellias, cornus and azaleas. We continue by lake ferry to the well-known Swiss botanical garden on Isole di Brissago for lunchtime. The retired head gardener will give a guided visit explaining the collections. Return by ferry to Cannero.DAY SIX – MONDAY 30 APRIL
Morning guided visit to the romantic garden of San Remigio, created early last century. Statues are based on Greek and Roman myths, the fountains are magnificent, and roses ramble over stone walls. At lunchtime walk to the nearby gardens of Villa Taranto where light refreshments are available. A superb collection of plants, in 44 acres, gathered from all over the world by Neil McEarcharn who created the garden in the 1930s. Tastings of Piedmont wines in the hotel ‘Cantina’ before dinner.DAY SEVEN – TUESDAY 01 MAY
We leave for the Borromean island of Isola Madre, essentially a botanic garden with its own microclimate, with citrus trees, mimosa, hedges of camellias, cornus and azaleas – a magical garden. Lunch time on the island. On to visit the island of Isola Bella with its superb, theatrical Baroque gardens. An architectural wonder, it was conceived as a ship in the early 17th century. On the final evening we enjoy northern Italian specialities in the hotel restaurant.DAY EIGHT – WEDNESDAY 02 MAY
Departure for Milan Malpensa airport and the return flights.
Tour Costs
Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1680pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Dinner on 5 evenings/1 lunch
Supplement – single use of double room £225
Lake view supplement from £190pp sharing
To extend your stay £105pp day/sharing hb (Hotel Cannero)
Taxi to airport £125
Activity Level:
On/off lake boats. Mostly level. Some steps. Good paths.
Additional Information:
Why not add a few more days at the Hotel Cannero.