Day 2 Monday May 10, 2010 Rome
On arrival in Rome our first-class chartered coach takes us to visit the unique Il Giardino e Rovine di Ninfa. The ruins of a medieval town were reclaimed as a garden in 1921 and today fragrant flowers, cascades of roses and trees adorn the ruins creating a fairytale setting. Streams and waterfalls punctuate these romantic gardens, which contain an astonishing collection of plants. Jennifer will ensure we enjoy this special garden. We continue our journey to our centrally located hotel in Rome. En route we pass some of the historic sites of Rome including the Colosseum and the Forum. Those who would like to dine together can meet the tour manager to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 3 Tuesday May 11, 2010 Sorrento
Today we travel south to the spectacular Amalfi coast. On the journey we visit the Palazzo Reale di Caserta and the English Garden. With its green lawns, hornbeam hedges and a string of fountains arranged in French style along a canal that stretches 5km behind the great palace this garden rivals that of Versailles. We continue to Sorrento where we stay for three nights in a picturesque town known for its spectacular setting overlooking the gulf of Sorrento. We will have wonderful views of the sea, with citrus groves dotting the surrounding countryside. Tonight we enjoy a welcome cocktail party at our hotel.

Day 4 Wednesday May 12, 2010 Sorrento
After breakfast we visit Villa Rufolo, one of the oldest surviving palaces in Italy. It dates from the 13th century and overlooks the sea from a series of garden terraces. There are formal beds of colourful annuals, plus palms, cycads and yuccas. On the middle level an oleander walk frames a breathtaking view of the coast. The charming town of Ravello clings to the steep slopes of the Dragon Hill, inspiring its description by Andre Gide as “nearer to sky than it is to the shore”. We have time for lunch among Ravello’s enticing alleys, stairways and roofed passages before continuing to Villa Cimbrone, set on a clifftop promontory. Full of statues and small temples, the garden features a long, wisteriaclad pergola, rose garden and bedding out gardens. The ‘Walk of the Infinite’ ends in a belvedere, situated where the views and its height above sea leave you breathless. On our return to Sorrento the tour manger will meet those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 5 Thursday May 13, 2010 Sorrento
Today we travel to the island of Ischia to visit the famous garden, La Mortella. Here we explore a garden massed with rare trees, palms, shrubs, ferns and bulbs to excite the plantsman and botanist. There are many interesting features including an Islamicstyle rill of water leading to a pool. This is part of an extension to the garden by famous designer Russell Page. Lady Walton, the present owner, has constructed a series of rock pools, their banks a home for bog plants, ferns and bamboo, which contrast with the parched Mediterranean hillside. There is even a tropical glasshouse with hummingbirds. This garden delights all the senses. On our return, the rest of the afternoon is free for individual exploration.

Day 6 Friday May 14, 2010 Siena
Our journey today takes us north to Siena. On the way we visit the ancient town of Orvieto in Umbria. Vineyards famous for their delicious white wines surround the town. Orvieto’s impressive Gothic cathedral houses some of Luca Signorelli’s beautiful frescoes. We travel on to Siena the best-preserved medieval town in Italy, renowned for its magnificent Piazza del Campo where the biennial Palio horse race festival is held. Dinner is included in the package this evening.

Day 7 Saturday May 15, 2010 Siena
This morning we enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Siena with a local guide. We will wander the famous Campo, the Palazzo Publico and view the spectacular Duomo. In the afternoon we visit Roseto Botanico ‘Carla Fineschi’ at Cavriglia. With more than 6500 different roses, it is the largest private collection in the world. Like a living museum, it presents roses historically and botanically, in a lovely setting. Our journey takes us through picturesque countryside.

Day 8 Sunday May 16, 2010 Florence
This morning we travel north to Florence. We first explore Villa Gamberaia, set in classic olive-grove country. Restored to its 16th century splendour, the garden is small but idyllic. The main terrace is laid out with parterres de broderie and the water gardens are reminiscent of Persian reflecting pools. We continue to Florence, where we soak up the atmosphere of this lovely city, capital of Tuscany. Home of Michelangelo and the Medici family, the city was the cradle of the Renaissance in Europe. This afternoon we have a walking tour of Florence. During our walking tour we see the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo is one of the largest cathedrals in the Christian world with Brunelleschi’s wonderful dome, the Campanile and the Baptistry. We also wander through the Piazza della Signoria, which contains the Loggia della Signoria, the Palazza Vecchio and nearby, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River.

Day 9 Monday May 17, 2010 Florence
This morning we visit Villa Le Balze an early masterpiece of English architect Cecil Pinsent who designed a Renaissance-style villa that’s set in just over one hectare of garden. The garden was created in 1914 on a very steep site overlooking spectacular views of Florence. To the sides of the house are enclosed formal garden rooms. The lemon garden next to the house has four box-edged grass enclosures surround a circular pool. The formal gardens give way to a bosco and olive groves. The afternoon is free for individual exploration.

Day 10 Tuesday May 18, 2010 Como
We head north today to the Italian Lakes district, staying for the next four nights at Como on the edge of beautiful Lake Como. The tour manager will guide those interested in dining as a group to a good restaurant.

Day 11 Wednesday May 19, 2010 Como
Continuing our tour of the Italian Lakes, our coach takes us to Lake Maggiore. We go by boat to Isola Bella, the most spectacular of the Borromean Islands. The magnificent villa is surrounded by one of the most dramatic 17th century gardens in Italy, with 10 terraces rising like a ship’s prow in the reflecting waters of the lake. Masses of roses and perfumed plants set among superb statues and fountains make this a garden to remember. We also visit the nearby island Isola Madre. This very different garden has lush sub-tropical planting of ornamental trees and shrubs including a fine swamp cypress and palms. On our return to Como, the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 12 Thursday May 20, 2010 Como
Enjoy a relaxing morning today shopping in Como or further exploring the spectacular lake. In the afternoon Jennifer will guide us on a visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi. The semi-classical villa stands on the shores of the lake, among gardens studded with an eclectic mix of sculptures, from Egyptian to Roman. We will have time to explore the town of Bellagio, nominated as one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

Day 13 Friday May 21, 2010 Como
A scenic trip along the west shore of Lake Como brings us to the picturesque village of Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta. This elegant 18th century villa has its own landing place on Lake Como and beautiful views over the lake. It was given as a wedding present to Carlotta, Duchess of Saxe-Meningen, who, with her husband, created the landscaped gardens and began the botanical collection. Around the house, an 18th century formal layout has lemon arbours on the terraces, tall camellia hedges and flowerbeds. We continue on to one of the jewels of the lake, Villa del Balbianello, located on its own small island. Steep steps covered with flowers lead from the landing to the gorgeous gardens and villa, chosen as the romantic setting for the movie A Month on the Lake. Ancient pollarded plane trees are a feature of this enchanting garden.

Day 14 Saturday May 22, 2010 Kent
Today we travel to Milan airport for our flight to London Heathrow. On arrival we will travel through the Kent countryside to Ashford, where we stay for three nights. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby to go out for dinner.

Day 15 Sunday May 23, 2010 Kent
After a late morning departure we visit two of the finest gardens in England. We first visit Scotney Castle Garden. This romantic garden followed the tradition established by William Kent. The formal garden overlooks a quarry garden while the grounds of the old castle enclose a rose garden. The lakeside planting adds an air of informality. Evergreens and deciduous trees provide structure while many shrubs and flowering plants ensure something in bloom at every season. We travel on to visit the house and gardens at Great Dixter. One of the best-known gardens in Britain surround a thatched 15th century manor house originally bought by Nathaniel Lloyd in 1910 and restored by the celebrated designer, Edward Luytens. The sunken garden was designed and constructed by father and son Christopher. Christopher Lloyd, a noted plantsman, gardener and writer lived and gardened here all his life composing of a series of gardens, including fine topiary and a magnificent mixed long border. This garden is a true gem.

Day 16 Monday May 24, 2010 Kent
Late morning we visit the renowned garden at Sissinghurst Castle, created by Vita Sackville West and her husband Harold Nicholson. This romantic garden is one of the outstanding gardens of the world. Now owned by the National Trust, the garden is in immaculate condition with changing vistas at every turn. Jennifer will make sure that you get the most out of this inspiring garden. We return to bustling Ashford where the remainder of the afternoon will be free for individual activity.

Day 17 Tuesday May 25, 2010 London
We travel to London where we will spend the next three nights. To begin to understand this fascinating city, we meet our London blue badge guide for a comprehensive tour of the main sights of this historic city. We will see Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, The Strand, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to shop amidst the bustle of the city. Our tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in lobby to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner or you may like to take in a show in London’s theatre district.

Day 18 Wednesday May 26, 2010 London
Today we travel to Hampton Court Palace and Garden. The Palace is an interesting place to visit to study the activities of British monarchs from Henry VIII onwards. The garden is most famous for its Great Vine, planted in 1768, which still produces hundreds of Black Hamburg grapes each year. The Pond Gardens offer a magnificent display of bedding plants. The newly restored Privy Garden of William III is a spectacular example of the Baroque, with parterres, cut work, clipped yews and spring and summer displays of 17th century plants. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 19 Thursday May 27, 2010 London
The highlight of our time in London is our escorted visit with Jennifer to the famous Chelsea Flower Show. Chelsea is the main event in the English horticultural calendar and boasts fine displays of flowers, plants, trees and amazing display gardens. For gardeners, it is the experience of a lifetime. We will return to our hotel early afternoon, with a drop off at Harrods for anyone who would like to do a spot of shopping. The rest of the afternoon will be free for independent activity. We will have a farewell dinner this evening to say good-bye to our new friends.

Day 20 Friday May 28, 2010 Departure
After breakfast we travel to Heathrow airport for our return flight to Australia.

Day 21 Saturday May 29, 2010 In flight and arrival
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.