I’m thrilled to announce that my 2026 Italy Garden Tour is ready to launch!

This journey is one of the most inspiring and beautifully balanced itineraries I’ve ever created. Over 13 unforgettable nights, we’ll travel from Rome to Venice, exploring Italy’s most extraordinary gardens, historic villas, and cultural treasures along the way.

As a professional garden designer, horticulturist, and tour leader, I will personally manage and accompany the tour from start to finish, ensuring a seamless experience for our group. My focus is on connecting every visit—whether a Renaissance villa, a hillside lemon grove, or a contemporary botanical garden—to the broader story of Italian garden artistry and its influence on design around the world.

Our tour includes private coach transportation, expert local guides, and admission to more than twenty remarkable sites. You’ll enjoy six lunches and five dinners, thoughtfully arranged to highlight regional flavors and provide a taste of Italy’s rich culinary traditions.

We’ll stay exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels, with upgraded rooms wherever possible—including superior rooms in Sestri Levante for added comfort. Each property has been hand-selected to reflect the character of its region, so that every evening feels like a continuation of the experience rather than just a stop along the way.

I truly believe this itinerary offers exceptional value. Many tours compromise with 3-star accommodations or limited inclusions, but my goal is to provide our group with the full Italian experience—beauty, comfort, and seamless travel from start to finish. Optional extra nights can be booked before or after the main tour to extend your adventure.

Cancellations and Refunds:

Individual cancellations received in writing on or before 10th July 2026 will be subject to a forfeiture of deposit payment. Thereafter, individual cancellations will be subject to the following forfeit of the tour price: (a) if received in writing after 10 July 2026 and on or before 07 August 2026: 30% of the tour price; (b) if received in writing after 07 August 2026 and on or before 04 September 2026: 50% of the tour price; (c) No refund for cancellations received after 04 September 2026

Limitations and Conditions of Operator's Responsibility:

Pathfinders, operator of the tour herein outlined, its subsidiaries and/or its associated agents act as agents only for all services and disclaim any and all liability for property loss or damage, and/or any and all damages resulting from death or personal injuries, including loss of services which may be sustained on account of, or rising out of, by reason of, or while engaged on any aspect of this tour whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any vehicle, common carrier, inn, restaurant or other, or whether caused by failure or delay or by any transportation company due to any cause whatsoever occurring during this tour under its management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise. All tickets, vouchers and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to these terms and conditions and to any and all terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or any other service provided thereby are offered or supplied by owners or operators for whom Pathfinders acts solely as agents.

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, Pathfinders reserves the right in its discretion to alter any part of the itinerary or change any feature without allowance or refund.

Pathfinders reserves the right to cancel the tour and to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour at any time for reasons of health, safety and/or general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. In such case, the refund will be based on actual costs of services remaining in the unfinished portion of the tour. 

Please note that the tour price is based on a minimum number of 15 people travelling. If the number of people booked does not reach this minimum total then we reserve the right to cancel the tour.

Payment is possible by credit card or bank transfer. Note that if paying by credit card, fees will be added to the transaction.

"Your patience, attention to detail and care you give to everyone on the trip is amazing.

We enjoy all the different venues and excursions you seek out. From grand architecture and gardens to wine tastings and of course shopping. Although we covered a lot, we would not have it any other way and love that you maximize seeing and doing as much as possible.

You handle the challenges with grace!"

"The Splendors of France trip was absolutely fantastic! I was so excited to go on a trip like this with plant loving people. It exceeded all my expectations. I loved the group! Thanks you Claire for putting together another amazing trip".

" You always do a super job especially with the weather. Had a wonderful trip with the Maryland Gardeners- Loved the photo sheet and your detailed agenda".

"What a trip! Thank you for organizing a trip of a lifetime to Japan. We saw so many things including gardens, performances, castles, and Buddhas. It wasn't until I started to organize my photos that it really connected on the variety of sites and experiences that we saw. I found that I love Japanese food-never thought I would eat squid or salmon roe! Never thought a public bath would be my thing but what a nice experience after a long day."

"You've done it again-- mounted a flawless and endlessly enjoyable tour.

Can't believe you managed to fit so much into the time allotted".

4* Starhotels Metropole in Rome x 2 nights

5* Anglo American Hotel in Florence x 4 nights

4* Hotel Vis a Vis in Sestri Levante (Ligurian Coast) x 2 nights

4* Grand Hotel Bristol in Stresa, Lake Maggiore x 3 nights

4* Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice x 2 nights

Our journey begins in the Eternal City, where layers of history and horticultural heritage intertwine. This afternoon, we explore the Farnese Gardens, created in 1550 by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and considered the first true botanical garden in Europe. Designed by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola atop the ruins of imperial palaces, these Renaissance gardens blend classical art and rare plants, offering magnificent views over the Roman Forum. Evening brings a convivial welcome dinner where we savor Roman cuisine and raise a glass to the adventures ahead.

Welcome dinner.

O/N Rome  (-/-/D)

We begin in Tivoli, home to some of Italy's most remarkable gardens. At Villa d'Este, a UNESCO World Heritage site, playful fountains, terraced walkways, and formal parterres showcase the genius of Renaissance water engineering. Nearby, Hadrian's Villa reveals vast imperial gardens, pools, and pavilions, a landscape designed for emperors. After included lunch, we journey to the Garden of Ninfa, often called the most romantic garden in the world. Built upon the ruins of a medieval town, Ninfa is a lyrical blend of crumbling stone and exuberant planting, where roses scramble over towers and waterways thread through orchards. Return to Rome for the night.

O/N Rome (B/L/-)

Leaving Rome, we travel north into Umbria to Deruta, renowned since the Renaissance for its hand-painted majolica pottery. Here, artisans still use centuries-old techniques to create intricate designs in vibrant blues, greens, and yellows. After included lunch and free time to explore the shops, we continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. A late-afternoon walking tour introduces the city's landmarks, the majestic Duomo, medieval Ponte Vecchio, and the artistic heart around the Uffizi.

O/N Florence (B/L/-) 

Heading into the heart of Tuscany, we arrive in San Gimignano, the famous town of towers. Its medieval skyline is framed by rolling vineyards and olive groves. Stroll the cobbled streets, admire artisan workshops, and perhaps sample the town's celebrated gelato while soaking in the panorama from its hilltop setting. We continue to Siena, renowned for its striking striped cathedral and the richly decorated Piccolomini Library. In the Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped heart of the city, history and architecture converge. Our day concludes at a family-run Tuscan winery, where we enjoy a convivial tasting of local vintages before returning to Florence.

O/N Florence (B/L/-) (light lunch of small bites included with wine tasting)

This morning, we venture into the Mugello countryside for an authentic truffle hunt, guided by experienced truffle hunters and their loyal dogs. After exploring oak groves and learning about this prized culinary treasure, we savor a gourmet truffle-themed lunch. Returning to Florence, we wander through the Boboli Gardens, a living museum of 16th- and 17th-century garden design. Terraced walks, classical sculptures, grottoes, and sweeping city views reveal the Medici family's vision of power expressed through landscape. The afternoon and evening are free to discover Florence's artisan workshops and trattorias at your own pace. Overnight in Florence.

O/N Florence   (B/L/-)

Leaving Florence, we journey south into Lazio to explore two of Italy's most evocative historic gardens. At Villa Lante, water runs like a silver thread through box parterres, fountains, and shaded boschi, epitomizing the Mannerist ideal of beauty through structure and geometry. By contrast, nearby Sacro Bosco at Bomarzo surprises with moss-covered stone giants, grotesques, and mysterious allegories carved into a woodland ravine. This Park of Monsters captures the imaginative spirit of the Renaissance like nowhere else. Return to Florence in the late afternoon for included dinner.

O/N Florence (B/-/D)

We depart Florence for Pisa, where the world-famous Leaning Tower rises beside the cathedral and baptistery on the grassy Field of Miracles. From here, we continue to Lucca, a jewel of Renaissance urban planning. Its tree-lined walls invite leisurely strolls or bike rides, and its historic center is dotted with Romanesque churches and elegant piazzas. At Villa Reale di Marlia, we explore a landscape that blends

Baroque theatricality with romantic parkland. Continuing west, we arrive at the Ligurian coast in Sestri Levante framed by palm-lined promenades and sea views of the Ligurian Riviera.

O/N Sestri Levante (B/-/D)

This morning we visit La Cervara, a former abbey perched on a cliff above the sea. Its cloisters, terraces, and Mediterranean gardens offer tranquil vistas of the Ligurian coast and a glimpse into centuries of monastic history and horticulture. We continue inland to Il Monte Agriturismo, where a farm-to-table lunch celebrates Liguria's seasonal bounty: olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and fresh cheeses. The afternoon is free to relax or enjoy the waterfront in Sestra Levante.

O/N Sestri Levante (B/L/-)

Traveling north, we arrive at Lake Maggiore, where alpine air meets Italian elegance. At Villa Taranto, botanical collections flourish in meticulously designed terraces, showcasing rare trees, dahlias, and seasonal plantings. A ferry carries us to Isola Madre, famed for its exotic plantings, peacocks, and tranquil atmosphere, then to Isola Bella, where a baroque palace and tiered gardens rise dramatically from the lake. This day blends horticultural grandeur with spectacular scenery. We settle in Stresa for the evening.

O/N Stresa  (B/-/-)

A scenic drive takes us to Villa Carlotta on Lake Como, where rhododendrons, camellias, and centuries-old trees frame breathtaking lake views. The villa's terraced gardens and sculpture galleries reveal a harmonious marriage of art and nature. We then continue to Lugano, Switzerland, for a leisurely lakeside stroll, optional funicular ride to panoramic viewpoints, and a taste of Ticino's Italian-Swiss blend of culture with an included lunch. Return to Stresa for a relaxing evening

O/N Stresa  (B/L/-)

Today we explore Bellagio, often called the Pearl of Lake Como. Elegant villas, cobbled alleys, and lakeside cafes invite exploration and shopping for silk or handmade crafts. A highlight of the day is Villa Balbianello, set dramatically on a wooded promontory jutting into the lake. Its terraced gardens and loggias have inspired writers, filmmakers, and garden lovers alike. We return to Stresa in the late afternoon for an included dinner.

O/N Stresa (B/-/D)

We journey east across the Lombard and Venetian plains to Venice, the fabled city of canals. Upon arrival, we board private boats for a guided cruise through quiet waterways and grand canals, passing palaces and hidden campi. This introduction by water offers a breathtaking first impression of the city's unique urban fabric. The afternoon is free to wander at leisure.

O/N Venice (B/-/-)

This morning, we explore lesser-known neighborhoods such as Dorsoduro and Cannaregio with a local guide, revealing the quieter, more authentic side of Venice. We visit artisan studios where traditional crafts such as mask-making, paper marbling, and glasswork are still practiced. For art lovers, optional visits to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the atmospheric Fortuny Museum offer cultural enrichment. Later, enjoy free time before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey through Italy's gardens and landscapes.

Farewell Dinner tonight.

O/N Venice (B/-/D)

Transfer included to Venice Marco Polo Airport for return flights. As we depart, we carry with us a rich tapestry of gardens, history, art, and culinary delights from across Italy.

(B/-/-)