02 – 07 May 2012
The Medici created gardens in Florence and the surrounding hills in the sixteenth century with grottoes, statues, boschetti and waterworks. Later, perspective gardens were designed in conjunction with the villa, often with terraces, and the early twentieth century marked the revival of the Italian formal garden. This rich heritage offers a fascinating programme of visits in the spring flowering season. The gardens chosen are mostly private and form a good balance encompassing the different periods. The vibrant city of Florence with its art treasures, churches and markets is an additional attraction.
Our comfortable, welcoming Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco in the heart of Florence is a perfect base, five minutes from the Duomo. Originating as a palazzo in the sixteenth century, now well restored, it retains its frescoed ceilings and architectural features.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 02 MAY
Direct flights from London City airport to Florence. Short transfer to our hotel in the centre of Florence for a light lunch. Guided visit of the historic centre of Florence with an excellent local guide. Aperitivo in the hotel bar before enjoying dinner together in town.DAY TWO – THURSDAY 03 MAY
We leave for Fiesole, an attractive hill village with views over Florence and the River Arno. The gardens of Villa Balze were designed by Cecil Pincent with ingenuity on a steep terraced hill-side with an exceptional panorama of the city. The gardens belong to Georgetown University. Nearby Villa Medici dates back to the sixteenth century. The garden, with Cecil Pinsent’s influence, is divided into three terraces with a limonaia. Lunch-time in the village of Fiesole. Afternoon visit to the enchanting late-sixteenth-century Villa Capponi with its secret gardens. The Queen Mother had holidays here as a girl. Again Cecil Pinsent’s influence is here and he added a library to the villa and created a hidden swimming pool area. Dinner together in the hotel’s Il Desco Bistro.DAY THREE – FRIDAY 04 MAY
Morning visit to Villa La Pietra, laid out in the early twentieth century by Harold Acton. Recent extensive restoration work of the formal garden has been carried out. Guided visit with Nick Dakin-Eliot, Head Gardener. Lunch-time in town. Afternoon visit to Giardino Corsini al Prato with the owner. Hidden behind a high wall, and originally in the countryside, the beauty of this seventeenth-century garden is breathtaking. A rare example of a late Renaissance town garden. Walk along the River Arno to the Ponte Vecchio. Evening free.DAY FOUR – SATURDAY 05 MAY
Crossing the Ponte Vecchio we visit the recently restored Giardino Bardini. Bounded by the River Arno and the medieval walls, the garden is in three parts, divided by a superb Baroque stairway with statues and a beautiful wisteria pergola. Refreshments are available in Villa Bardini at the top of the garden from where the Boboli gardens are entered. Started in 1549 by the Medicis, it still retains its Renaissance and later Baroque layout with amphitheatre, grotto, avenue of cypresses leading to the Isolotto Basin and many beautiful statues. Evening free.DAY FIVE – SUNDAY 06 MAY
Morning free, perhaps to visit the Duomo or the Uffizi (prior booking advisable). Afternoon visit to the gardens of Villa Gambaraia, reached down a country lane from the village of Settignano. The views over the olive trees to Florence and the Tuscan countryside are splendid. The garden, with its gabinetto di roccaglia, links the villa to the limonaia. It is well-known for its water parterre garden and cypress trees. We enjoy dinner together in town.DAY SIX – MONDAY 7 MAY
Morning visit to the Giardino dei Semplici, again created by the Medicis, which is near the hotel. Depart late morning to Florence airport for return flight.
Tour Costs
Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1490pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Dinner on 3 evenings/2 lunches
Single supplement £185
To extend your stay £105pp day/sharing b&b
Taxi to airport £50 for 2
Activity Level:
some terraced gardens,extensive walking in Florence.
Additional Information:
Why not stay an extra few days in Florence?