Gardens of Italy & France from Venice to Bordeaux – GIF

Itinerary

Day 1 – Venice

Welcome to Italy and the beginning of our garden journey. On arrival in Venice, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in after your travels. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to enjoy a gentle stroll nearby, find a welcoming café or simply relax before our touring begins. This evening, meet your tour host and fellow travellers over our included Welcome Dinner. It is a lovely opportunity to get acquainted and look forward to the gardens, landscapes and experiences ahead.

Accommodation: 1 night – Le Lagon Hotel or similar, Venice Meals: D

Day 2 – Padua Botanic Garden & Romantic Verona

Leave Venice this morning and travel to Padua, home to a remarkable World Heritage-listed Botanic Garden. Established in 1545 for the study of medicinal plants, the garden has played an important role in the development of botanical knowledge. Explore its historic layout, where carefully arranged beds, mature trees and diverse plant collections tell the story of centuries of discovery. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy seeing how beauty, scientific study and the practical uses of plants come together. Continue to Verona, a city of elegant piazzas, historic buildings and enduring romance. Discover the setting associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, including the famous balcony, and enjoy the atmosphere of its characterful streets. Settle into our accommodation for two nights.

Accommodation: 2 nights – Hotel Due Torri or similar, Verona area Meals: B

Day 3 – Giardino Giusti & Verona at Leisure

This morning, visit Giardino Giusti, one of Italy’s admired Renaissance gardens. Formal hedges, classical statues, fountains and tall cypress trees create a graceful series of outdoor spaces beside the historic palace. Take time to appreciate the garden’s symmetry, carefully framed vistas and contrast between formal planting and the hillside setting. Those wishing to explore the upper paths can discover further perspectives over the garden and city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy Verona. Perhaps admire the Roman Arena from Piazza Bra, browse the shops around Piazza delle Erbe or settle into a café for coffee and something delicious. You are equally welcome to return to the hotel for a restful afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel Due Torri or similar Meals: B

Day 4 – Villa Gamberaia & Florence

Travel south into Tuscany, where rolling countryside and historic hill towns introduce one of Italy’s most loved regions. Our garden visit today is Villa Gamberaia, set in the hills at Settignano above Florence. Its celebrated design combines clipped greenery, reflecting pools and beautifully balanced spaces. The famous water parterre demonstrates how thoughtful planting and reflection can create a remarkable sense of depth and tranquillity. Continue into Florence for an orientation of the historic centre. Discover handsome squares, Renaissance architecture and the magnificent cathedral exterior, gaining an introduction to the city’s extraordinary artistic heritage. During free time, you may wish to browse artisan shops, enjoy lunch or visit the Boboli Gardens independently, at your own expense and time permitting. Later, settle into our accommodation in the Florence area before an included dinner.

Accommodation: 2 nights – Villa Olmi or similar, Florence area Meals: B, D

Day 5 – Venzano Garden & San Gimignano

This morning, travel through the Tuscan countryside to Venzano, a historic property centred on a restored medieval monastery. Our planned garden visit introduces a more intimate style of gardening, where English influences meet a distinctly Tuscan landscape. The setting provides an appealing contrast to the grander formal gardens visited earlier, with inspiration drawn from the relationship between the garden, historic buildings and surrounding countryside. Continue to World Heritage-listed San Gimignano, instantly recognisable by its medieval towers. Built as expressions of wealth and influence, the surviving towers create a striking skyline above the town. Enjoy exploring stone-paved lanes and welcoming piazzas. There is time to browse local shops, admire the architecture and perhaps purchase a gelato before returning to our hotel.

Accommodation: Villa Olmi or similar Meals: B

Day 6 – Villa Torrigiani, Lucca & the Ligurian Coast

Visit Villa Torrigiani, approached along an impressive avenue of cypress trees. Its richly decorated façade provides a magnificent backdrop to gardens shaped by changing tastes over the centuries.

Discover formal ornament, pools, statues and sweeping English-style lawns. The combination of architectural detail and garden design offers plenty to admire and photograph. Continue to Lucca, a delightful historic city enclosed by broad Renaissance walls. Visit its Botanic Garden, a peaceful retreat within the city, before enjoying free time to explore. Perhaps wander towards Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, whose distinctive oval shape follows the site of a Roman amphitheatre, or find a café among Lucca’s inviting streets. Later, travel to Santa Margherita Ligure, our coastal base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: 2 nights – Hotel Metropole or similar, Santa Margherita Ligure Meals: B

Day 7 – Cinque Terre

Today we discover selected villages of the beautiful Cinque Terre, where pastel-coloured houses gather around small harbours beneath steep, terraced hillsides. These coastal communities offer a wonderful combination of sea views, village lanes and distinctive local character. Enjoy time to appreciate the scenery, take photographs and explore the areas included in our excursion. You may wish to purchase lunch at a local restaurant or café, enjoying the atmosphere of this special stretch of the Ligurian coast. Our excursion focuses on village visits, with the precise transport arrangements confirmed for the departure. Village streets can include slopes and steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Return to Santa Margherita Ligure later in the day.

Accommodation: Hotel Metropole or similar Meals: B

Day 8 – Menton, Serre de la Madone & the French Riviera

Follow the coast into France, where Mediterranean light and elegant seaside towns welcome us to the French Riviera. Near Menton, visit Serre de la Madone, created by renowned plantsman Lawrence Johnston. Sheltered terraces provide a home for rare and unusual plants gathered from around the world. Winding paths lead through abundant greenery, revealing pools, fountains and statues along the way. The garden offers an absorbing experience for plant lovers, with interesting combinations and quieter corners to appreciate. Continue to the Cannes–Mandelieu area and settle into our hotel for three nights, providing a comfortable base for our Riviera excursions.

Accommodation: 3 nights – Pullman Cannes Mandelieu or similar Meals: B

Day 9 – Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild & Renoir Museum

Begin with a visit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Built for Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild, the elegant pink villa enjoys a magnificent Mediterranean setting. Explore its themed gardens, where contrasting planting styles, ornamental features and sea views create a succession of delightful discoveries. The villa’s interiors reflect the baroness’s enthusiasm for art, fine furnishings and beautiful objects. Later, travel to Cagnes-sur-Mer to visit the Renoir Museum at Les Collettes, the artist’s former home. Surrounded by olive trees, the property provides an insight into his later years and the landscape that inspired him. Return to our hotel after a rewarding day of gardens and art.

Accommodation: Pullman Cannes Mandelieu or similar Meals: B

Day 10 – Villa Noailles & the Fragrances of Grasse

Today’s excursion takes us to Grasse and its surrounding countryside. Visit the garden of Villa Noailles, developed by art lover and plantsman Charles de Noailles. Its hillside setting and carefully considered planting reveal another approach to Mediterranean gardening, with an emphasis on the relationship between plants, space and the landscape. Continue to a local perfumery to discover how flowers and other ingredients are transformed into fragrance. Learn about the skill of selecting and blending scents, and the traditions that have made Grasse synonymous with French perfume. Return to our hotel, with the remainder of the day available to relax.

Accommodation: Pullman Cannes Mandelieu or similar Meals: B

Day 11 – La Louve, Bonnieux & Avignon

Leave the Riviera and travel into Provence to visit La Louve in the hilltop village of Bonnieux. Created by former Hermès designer Nicole de Vésian, this distinctive private garden shows how texture and shape can create beauty through a restrained palette. Sculpted shrubs, stone terraces and subtle shades of green and grey complement the surrounding countryside. Take time to appreciate its thoughtful composition and the way individual plants contribute to the overall design. Continue to Avignon for an orientation introducing its medieval character, historic ramparts and famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. The surviving arches of the celebrated bridge reach into the Rhône, recalling its former importance as a river crossing. Enjoy an included dinner together this evening.

Accommodation: 2 nights – Grand Hotel or similar, Avignon Meals: B, D

Day 12 – Brantes & Saint-André Abbey Gardens

This morning, visit the garden at Château de Brantes near Sorgues. Tuscan influences are reflected in its pools, cypress trees and carefully arranged planting, creating a pleasing balance of water, greenery and seasonal colour. We then explore the gardens of Saint-André Abbey in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Here, Mediterranean plants and ancient olive trees grow around historic religious remains, bringing together layers of garden and architectural history. The elevated setting provides wonderful views towards Avignon and the surrounding countryside. Later, enjoy free time in Avignon. You may wish to visit the imposing Palais des Papes independently, at your own expense, browse the shops or relax over refreshments in a shaded square.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel or similar Meals: B

Day 13 – Carcassonne & Canal du Midi Dinner Cruise

Travel to Carcassonne, where towers and fortified walls create an unforgettable first impression. Within the medieval citadel, explore narrow lanes, stone buildings and small squares. The extensive defences reveal the town’s strategic importance, while the streets within offer an atmospheric setting for discovering its history.

There is time to appreciate the architecture and enjoy the character of this remarkable fortified town. This evening, gather for an included dinner cruise on the Canal du Midi. Settle in as we glide along the historic waterway, enjoying dinner and the passing scenery—a lovely way to conclude the day.

Accommodation: 1 night – Hôtel de la Cité or similar, Carcassonne Meals: B, D

Day 14 – Cahors & Cliffside Rocamadour

Travel via the Toulouse area and continue north to Cahors, set beside a bend in the River Lot. Our short stop introduces the town’s medieval character and its celebrated fortified Pont Valentré. Continue to Rocamadour, one of the most striking destinations on our journey. Stone buildings rise in tiers against a sheer limestone cliff above the Alzou Valley, creating a truly memorable setting. Arrive with time for an introduction to the village and its long pilgrimage history. The sanctuary associated with the Black Madonna remains an important focus for visitors. Rocamadour has steep lanes and many steps. The extent of walking can be chosen according to personal interests, with available lift arrangements checked locally.

Accommodation: 1 night – Rocamadour, hotel to be confirmed Meals: B

Day 15 – Sarlat, Lascaux IV & Bordeaux

Depart for Sarlat-la-Canéda, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval streets and warm, golden stone. Enjoy a short exploration of the historic centre, discovering characterful lanes and attractive squares. If our visit coincides with market day, there may also be an opportunity to browse stalls showcasing regional produce and specialities. Continue to Lascaux IV, where a full-scale replica recreates the extraordinary prehistoric painted cave. Images of horses, bulls and other animals reveal the remarkable observation and artistic skill of people who lived thousands of years ago. The original cave remains closed for conservation. Afterwards, travel directly to Bordeaux and settle into our hotel for three nights.

Accommodation: 3 nights – Best Western or similar, Bordeaux Meals: B

Day 16 – Bergerac & Les Jardins de Sardy

Today we return to the landscapes of the Dordogne for an excursion combining a charming riverside town with a romantic garden. In Bergerac, enjoy time among historic streets, timber-framed buildings and small squares. Its setting beside the Dordogne River adds to the appeal, with opportunities for photographs, browsing and purchasing lunch. Continue to Les Jardins de Sardy, where Italian-inspired structure meets the softer planting of an English country garden. Pools and cypress trees provide a framework for abundant borders, creating lovely contrasts of form, texture and seasonal colour. Enjoy this final dedicated garden visit before returning to Bordeaux. The evening is free to choose a restaurant or relax at the hotel.

Accommodation: Best Western or similar Meals: B

Day 17 – Bordeaux & Saint-Émilion

Begin with an orientation of Bordeaux, discovering its elegant historic centre and handsome riverfront. Highlights include Place de la Bourse and the setting beside the Garonne, which helped shape the city’s prosperity and character. Later, travel through vineyard country to Saint-Émilion. Its limestone buildings, medieval lanes and surrounding vines create an inviting setting for our final excursion. An arranged cellar visit introduces an aspect of the area’s wine traditions and historic use of the limestone beneath the town. Enjoy a glass of bubbles and traditional almond macarons before returning to Bordeaux. Tonight, celebrate our journey over our included Farewell Dinner, sharing favourite gardens, discoveries and memories with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Best Western or similar Meals: B, D

Day 18 – Bordeaux

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Meals: B

For those wishing to extend their stay, Bordeaux offers plenty to enjoy independently. You might visit the Botanical Garden, discover another museum or simply spend time in the city’s welcoming cafés and riverfront spaces. Depart with wonderful memories of beautiful gardens, distinctive landscapes and the friendships formed along the way.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.