Italian Garden Tour with garden designer and author, Marjorie Harris

Italian Garden Tour with garden designer and author, Marjorie Harris
September 26 to October 9, 2012
© M.K. Hoffman
"To write and to garden are the two passions of my life. The garden is beyond
being a hobby or a pastime. It is a library, it is a teacher, and to be in the garden is
to be part of something so wonderful and beyond all our control that we cannot
help but learn something about nature every time we hit the dirt. We are the
stewards of this planet and by making good gardens and practicing good garden
techniques we can leave it just a little better than we found it."
Marjorie Harris's Website
HIGHLIGHTS








7 Marjorie Harris mini presentations
Personal critique by Marjorie Harris regarding your own garden (bring your photos)
Visit 14 outstanding gardens, both public and exclusively private, often with the owner or head gardener as guide
Castello Ruspoli garden music festival
La Patraia lunch
Castello Argiano wine tasting & reception
Welcome dinner in Lucca featuring local cuisine
Farewell dinner in Frascati


English speaking escort/guide throughout
13 nights superior accommodation
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Lucca – Villa Pfanner
Our well-informed guide is available to accompany us on a stroll around this beautiful, wealthy little Tuscan city. The Renaissance-era city
walls are intact and enclose some of Italy’s finest medieval and Renaissance architecture. We will visit the gardens at Villa Pfanner and later
enjoy a superb dinner of local flavours.
Overnight at Hotel San Lucca Palace
© Villa Massei
Day 2 – Lucca – Villa Massei
A visit to Villa Massei--often called a “personal paradise on earth”—will include visiting with the garden designer and owner to learn about
how this elegant compact garden has evolved. It’s a dramatic change from the original overgrown Renaissance hunting lodge. Now it is a
sensuous example of ancient meeting modern, featuring a 16th century grotto, fountains, terracing and intimate rooms full of architectural and
horticultural delights.
Lucca is every foodie’s dream. On our return to Lucca, you can enjoy a relaxing lunch at leisure and we’ll provide a list of really delicious
trattorias. Then enjoy some free time exploring the delightful shops; walking the perimeter wall of the old city or visit the Botanical garden.
Overnight at Hotel San Lucca Palace
Day 3 – Villa Reale Cosimo and Villa Medici Fiesole and Cortona
No garden tour of Tuscany is complete without visiting gardens of the infamous Medici family. Our guide will lead us through the history and
splendour of two landmark villa gardens displaying the opulence of the family and the era. These two outstanding gardens represent the
achievements of several generations of the Cosimo Medici family. At Castello, secretive Cosimo I de Medici, both a hunter and a patron of the
arts, produced a garden with terraces, sculpture and medieval walls. Then we move along to stand on the salon terraces at Villa Medici
Fiesole soaking in the magnificent panoramic views and imagining the concerts hosted by Cosimo’s grandson, Lorenzo, in these spectacular
gardens.
A quiet lunch in the historic Etruscan village of Fiesole, overlooking Florence, will be the perfect place to contemplate our afternoon travel
through the rolling hills of Chianti. Who could not look forward to staying in Cortona. Yes, the very same Cortona that was the setting for the
filming of “Under the Tuscan Sun”! You too will have a chance to see shutters being thrown open to welcome the morning sun, watch
merchants setting up in the piazza or enjoy a morning stroll. While sipping a cappuccino in the piazza all the charm and a little of the history of
this 3000-year-old gem will lead your way to exploring the town in the afternoon and evening.
Overnight at Hotel San Michele, Cortona
Day 4 – Arezzo Giardino Reinhardt
©Reinhardt Park & Garden
Like Lucca, Arezzo is both charming and dazzling. What a splendid place to enjoy the enticing aromas, regional flavours, vignettes and
sounds of a weekly Saturday market. As always we will give you our recommendations for exploring the safe, glamorous and utterly
captivating hilltop town center. Even the non-shoppers won’t want to leave empty handed. Our guide will help us enjoy the colourful layers of
stone, brick and stucco Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior of San Francisco
Basilica…inside you will find Piero della Francesca’s magnificent fresco “Legend of the True Cross”.
We’ll be talking a great deal about ancient meeting modern on this tour. Thomas and Martina Reinhardt have created one of the finest
modern gardens in Italy--just south of ancient Cortona. Their passion for collecting plants, unusual garden design and vistas reveal
themselves as you meander along the narrow paths of fragrant herbaceous borders, ancient olive groves, and experiments with a bold subtropical paradise while overlooking the views of Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in Central Italy. Here is a garden where you will truly find
unforgettable plantings.
Overnight at Hotel San Michele, Cortona
Day 5 – The Hills of Chianti
Across rolling hills and densely wooded forests, we will have vista after vista of the hills of Chianti leading up to the enchanting La Petraia
estate, located in the very heart of Tuscany's oldest wine regions. The villa affords breathtaking views of the famous Gallo Nero vineyards and
of Siena more than 35 kilometers to the south as well as the sweeping Valley of the Arno River and the Casentino Mountains to the north.
Marco, the farm’s engaging resident agronomist will share the story of how La Petraia evolved from a 900 year-old-ruin to a luxury organic and
biodynamic agriturismo that is “a self-sustaining kingdom and a cook’s dream.” We will be treated to a spectacular lunch with estate owner,
chef and cookbook author, Susan McKenna Grant. She will delight us with a sumptuous feast featuring her exceptional “Field to Table” fine
cuisine, in this magnificent rural setting.
©
La Petraia
Overnight at Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza
Day 6 – Pienza and Il Bosco Ragnaia
It’s impossible to ever tire of a quiet morning stroll in the spectacular hilltop town of Pienza. Looking out over the walls of this UNESCO world
heritage site to the glorious hills, fields, and cypresses of the historic Val D’Orcia is a dazzling experience. See firsthand why Pienza is often
described as “the utopian city” for its balanced relationship between man and nature. Slightly northwest of Pienza, garden designer and artist,
Sheppard Craige has used the same principles to create unique magic and mystery at Il Bosco Ragnaia. Among the trees his sculptural
pieces seem as natural as the plants and landscape itself. In the distance we will likely see Sheppard with his spade and wheelbarrow ready
to address our curiosity.
© M.K..Hoffman
With lots to talk about after our visit at Il Bosco della Ragnaia, town map and restaurant recommendations in hand, we will be ready for a
refreshing lunch at leisure in Montalcino, home of world-famous Brunello wine. Most quarters of the town can be explored on foot since the
beautiful streets here are not very crowded. The Centro Storico is the historical center of Montalcino and one of the most interesting places to
visit in the town. Like most places in Italy, the historical center is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that lead to rows of old houses stacked
against one another, old villas and mansions and small shops and ancient churches. The imposing fortress of Montalcino with one of many
excellent wine tasting centres, is one of the most visited sites in the town. Built in 1361 as part of the ancient walls, it is the highest point in
Montalcino. Will you venture to climb to the top of the tower for the outstanding panoramic photos?
Overnight at Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza
Day 7 – Pienza and Castello Argiano
Pienza is also famous for its numerous Pecorino cheese shops and
cafes serving wild boar sandwiches. Choose between a guided tour
of Pienza or some free time to rest and explore the safe, charming
and vehicle-free squares and side streets. This is one time to have a
very light lunch—the afternoon wine tasting reception at Sesti is
going to be substantial. But before we get there, we’ll visit one of the
finest Romanesque churches in all of Italy. The beautiful Abbeye
Sant’Antimo is still used daily for worship by the monks in the
nearby buildings. With any luck, we will hear one of their serene
prayer chants before leaving for a fabulous visit at a very secluded
vineyard and olive oil estate. At Castello Di Argiano, Marjorie’s
friends Giuseppe, Sarah and their daughter Elisa have invited us for
a wine tasting reception set in Sarah’s magnificent garden. With the
slopes of Mount Amiata on the horizon as a backdrop Elisa’s
captivating stories will gently teach us about some of the magic
behind the production of their award winning vintages.
© M.K. Hoffman
Overnight at Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza
Day 8 – Montapluciano and La Foce
The biggest, highest and some say, most stupendous southern Tuscan town is Montepulciano. Complete with a map, our list of
recommendations and the knowledgeable enthusiasm of our guide, we’ll explore the labyrinthine medieval alleyways and immerse ourselves
in its exquisite art, outstanding food, Renaissance churches, and the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Get rested up with a glass of Vino
Nobile with lunch at one of the many superb restaurants before our afternoon visit at one of Italy’s most famous gardens, La Foce.
This exquisite private garden is not an easy one to visit. The timing has to be right and we have managed to do just that! This enchanting,
twentieth-century garden was designed by
Cecil Pinsent. Designed and built for
author and historian Iris Origo, the garden
is a remarkable example of Pinsent’s
ability to combine Italian baroque features
with the English Arts and Crafts style.
When we return to Pienza there’s plenty of
time to enjoy a dinner in one of the many
little restaurants serving excellent local
cuisine.
Overnight at Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza
Day 9 – Orvieto
Imagine an elegant hilltop town sitting on top of Etruscan and
Medieval tunnels and caves. Place this town about halfway between
Florence and Rome and you will be in Orvieto. Our personal guide
will lead us through the stately heart of a majestic hill town. We will
discover why such a little town is known for its wine, ceramics, and
impressive Duomo. There will be time to tour, lunch and explore
before continuing our southern journey.
Our next stop is Civita Castellana in Lazio, a perfect base for the
exciting upcoming garden visits.
© M.K. Hoffman
Overnight at Relais Falisco in Civita Castellana
Day 10 – Viterbo and Villa Lante
After such a full day of travel, a relaxed departure will be welcomed.
We slow down the pace just a bit by visiting the quiet Papal town of
Viterbo where a short guided tour will introduce us to most of the
significant buildings and architecture in the walled city centre. This
sets the stage for a short drive to the spectacular Villa Lante.
Designed in the Mannerist phase of the Italian renaissance it is a
superb example of perfect proportions, outdoor living, rich detail,
grottos and water features, including a stone water table for al fresco
dining!
© M.K. Hoffman
Overnight at Relais Falisco in Civita Castellana
Day 11 – Palazzo Farnese and Castello Ruspoli
After a relatively late departure, we’ll visit the dramatically located Palazzo Farnese in the town of Caprarola. It is a small Renaisance garden
of formal and informal surprises. This little adventure will be followed by a wonderful afternoon at Castello Ruspoli, where the Countess of
Ruspoli has honoured us with an invitation to the annual Prince Fransceso Maria Ruspoli Baroque music festival being held in the magnificent
setting of the castle’s 17th century parterre garden. She has added a personal touch by arranging our lunch of local cuisine at a family trattoria
in the village and then her own personal and enchanting tour of her home—the castle.
© M.K. Hoffman
Overnight at Relais Falisco in Civita Castellana
Day 12 – Villa D’Este and Frascati
From a musical feast to a visual feast—the masterpiece of the Italian Garden and recently restored Villa D’Este in Tivoli. Many of the gardens
we have seen on our tour have been influenced by this incredible UNESCO world heritage site with its many Mannerist and Baroque
fountains, nymphs, grottoes, terraces and waterfalls and eccentric plays of water engineered to entertain. Our guide will help make the feast
complete so that we can imagine the colours, scents and sounds of period.
© Wikipedia
After a quick lunch enroute, we proceed south of Rome to the serene and compact city of Frascati, famous for its good food and signature
white wine. For centuries Frascati has been a destination of choice for well-heeled Romans wanting to escape the heat and bustle of Rome.
Enjoy some free time to rest and explore or, with the assistance of our guide, take an hour to visit the majestic, Baroque style Villa
Aldobrandini garden. Or simply view it from the town square while enjoying an icy glass of Frascati. As a perfect conclusion to our day we
gather in a fabulous local restaurant to say good bye to superb eating and new friends.
Overnight at Holel Flora, Frascati
Day 13 – Velletri and Ninfa
After a leisurely departure we head further south to the ancient Roman town of Velletri.
Amphitheatre then enjoy a lunch at leisure before a short drive to Ninfa.
Here we’ll have time to explore the Roman
Some may say that we’ve saved the best for last. The New York Times has called today’s garden the “most beautiful garden in the world.”
The garden of Ninfa is unlike anything else on the tour and certainly not like anything you’ll ever see again. Built upon the ruins of the ancient
village of Ninfa, the garden was neglected for centuries. In the early 1900’s, descendants of the original family began making a picturesque
botanical collection using the ruins to frame the plantings. The head gardener will be our guide as we stroll the ancient avenues making it clear
why the meandering streams were dedicated to nymphs during Roman times.
What better place than the beautiful Frascati for our final evening with dinner at leisure in one of the many excellent restaurants.
© M.K. Hoffman
Overnight at Hotel Flora, Frascati
Day 14 – End of Tour
Transfer from our hotel to Fiumicino airport, Rome for flight departures.
Price per person:
Double occupancy
CAD $ 4989
Single supplement
CAD $ 689
Included:

















7 mini presentations by Marjorie Harris
Personal critique by Marjorie Harris regarding your own garden (bring your photos)
Visit 14 outstanding gardens, both public and exclusively private, often with the owner or head gardener as guide
Air conditioned luxury coach with private driver
Castello Ruspoli garden music festival
La Patraia lunch
Castello Argiano wine tasting & reception
Welcome dinner in Lucca
Farewell dinner in Frascati
Garden admission fees
English speaking escort/guide throughout
Garden and town tours as indicated
13 nights superior accommodation
13 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 2 lunches
Porterage
Recommendations for restaurants and sites of interest
End of tour transfer from hotel to Fiumicino airport
Not Included:






Flights
Travel/medical insurance
Entrance fees to museums, galleries and other venues not expressly indicated in the itinerary
Lunches and dinners except as indicated in inclusions
Personal expenses
Fees for pre/post tour options
Flights:
Travel Specifics will be pleased to assist you with booking flights at the best possible rates or with your reward points.
Pre or Post Tour Options
Travel Specifics would be pleased to assist you in extending your vacation for a few days before or after our tour. You might like to begin the
tour with several days in Florence or perhaps have us plan a full day train and boat tour of Cinque Terre from your base in Lucca. Or, ending
the tour with some time in Rome may be the perfect conclusion to our garden tour. We can plan your itinerary and organize your hotel and any
necessary transportation.
Marjorie is one of Canada’s leading garden writers. She has been the gardening columnist for ‘The Globe and Mail” since 1990,
makes speeches across the country, was Editor-at-Large of ‘Gardening Life’ magazine for 12 years and hosts tours to gardens in
wonderful places, such as Italy, France and England. She has written 15 gardening books and has a plant consulting business in
Toronto.
TravelSpecifics.com
519 823 5849 or toll free 1 800 823 5849
www.travelspecifics.com
[email protected]