TOUR SUMMARY

This tour takes in the most memorable gardens of Lakes Como and Maggiore.
In spring the gardens are filled with colour with azaleas and rhododendrons in
abundance. Our tours take in visits to public and private gardens set alongside
these beautiful lakes.
We spend two nights on Lake Como and three nights on Lake Maggiore. As well
as seeing many magnificent gardens there is a chance to enjoy the scenery and
visit some of the outstanding palaces and villas built for wealthy owners and of
course enjoy the local food and wine.

EXAMPLE ITINERARY

Day One - Thursday

Flights from UK to Milan Malpensa and transfer to the charming town of Menaggio on Lake Como. Welcome dinner in your hotel.

Day Two - Friday

Morning visit to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Villa Carlotta is built on the hillside above the lake with a staircase descending to a picturesque, sculptured fountain. This villa will delight with its Italian Garden, Hedge Theatre, Rock Garden, Rhododendron Wood, Fern Valley and Bamboo Collection. Lunch - own arrangements. Then to Lenno for a short ferry ride to romantic Villa Balbianello. We visit the gardens bedecked with sculptures and take a guided tour of the villa with its collection of 18th century furniture. Evening at leisure in Menaggio.

Day Three - Saturday

We take a short ferry crossing to Bellagio where we visit Villa Mezli, built as a summer residence, with its landscaped garden fringing the lake with many specimen trees and shrubs. After lunch in a local restaurant (included) there is time to walk around and enjoy the old town of Bellagio. Then it is time to return to Menaggio for a short coach ride along the shores of Lake Como on the way to Lake Maggiore and our hotel in Baveno. Evening at leisure in Baveno.

Day Four - Sunday

After breakfast we visit the Borromean Islands, taking a ferry to Isola Madre, the largest island of Lake Maggiore, well known for its spectacular flowering plants and luxuriant botanical gardens. Then on to Isola Bella, which looks like a ship with a palace in the bows and a tiered, terraced garden at the stern. We visit the palace and meander through richly varied plants in the garden, including a huge camphor tree more than two hundred years old. Lunch (own arrangements) can be taken on Isola Bella or one of the other islands on the way back to Baveno. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Baveno.

Day Five - Monday

In the morning we visit Castello Monteoro and its gardens, shrouded in legend and reputed to grow plants with mysterious powers due to its location on an area with exceptionally powerful magnetic forces. Whether you believe the myths or not, they provide a fascinating backdrop to this outstandingly beautiful location. We take lunch at Castello Monteoro (included) before making our way to Pallanza and Villa Taranto. A real must when in the Italian Lakes. Its 16 hectares are home to over 20,000 plants, 80,000 bulbs and 15,000 border plants - so there is colour and interest at all times of the year. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy this wonderful house and garden before returning to Baveno. Evening at leisure in Baveno.

Day Six - Tuesday

On the way to the airport we visit Villa Cicogna- Mozzoni near Varese. A true masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and gardens blending as one. After lunch in Varese (own arrangements) we continue to the airport for return flights to UK.