Step aboard for a relaxed Italian garden holiday, created for travellers who appreciate beautiful places, rich history and time to enjoy each experience.

Travelling at an easy pace, this special journey links Venice and Florence through Italy’s waterways and gardens.

Spend six restful nights aboard a boutique river ship. Unpack once and watch the scenery unfold as you sail past the Venetian Lagoon’s market gardens and explore magnificent Renaissance estates along the Po River.

Then settle into a charming Tuscan villa and discover Florence’s celebrated Boboli Gardens and the surrounding hills. With visits planned for the warmth and beauty of late May, this holiday brings together inspiring gardens, Italian heritage and plenty of time to savour the journey.

Includes

  • Twin share accommodation.
  • Meals as per final itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch or afternoon tea, D = Dinner.
  • Transportation by river boat and air-conditioned road transport.
  • Entrance fees where prepayable from New Zealand.

Excludes

  • Travel insurance.
  • Flights.
  • Gratuities.
  • Any items not specified as included in the final itinerary.
  • Entrance fees, local taxes and fees not included in the tour price.

Gardens and Rivers of Italy

Highlights

Venice Lagoon Sunset Cruise, Sant’Erasmo Island Market Gardens, Padua’s Historic Botanical Garden, Po Delta Nature Reserve Cruise, Bagnoli Estate Renaissance Gardens and Wine Tasting, Giardino di Valsanzibio Fountains and Maze, Mantua Lakes and Sigurtà Garden Park, Florence’s Boboli Gardens and Tuscan Villas

Pricing From

NZD$14,950
If you prefer to pay in AU dollars, pay just:
AUD$12,095

Trip Ref

GRI

Duration and Pace

11 Days | Pace: Mod

Commences / Concludes

Commences: Venice
Concludes: Florence
Start Date: On application

Special Offer

Earlybird: SAVE $500 pp
Offer until: On application

Book this tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Venice

Arrive in magical Venice. Board our river cruiser in the afternoon. Enjoy a welcome cocktail party on deck as you take in a spectacular, crowd-free sunset cruise through the Giudecca Canal. D

Day 2: Venice Islands

Take a private boat to the peaceful island of Sant’Erasmo to explore its unique market gardens. In the afternoon, relax on board as the ship glides past the historic islands of the Venetian lagoon. B,D

Day 3: Padua’s Botanic & Historic Treasures

Travel by private coach to Padua to visit the world’s oldest academic botanical garden. Rejoin the ship for a peaceful afternoon cruise through the Po Delta nature reserve, stopping at Villa Ca’Zen for an elegant private afternoon tea. B,D

Day 4: Renaissance & Wine Tasting

Cruise into the charming town of Adria. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the grand Bagnoli Estate. Tour the historic Renaissance gardens at a gentle pace, followed by a private tasting of the estate’s renowned wines. B,D

Day 5: Garden and Fountains of Valsanzibio

A true highlight. Visit the monumental Giardino di Valsanzibio, famous for its exquisite water fountains, statues, and historic boxwood maze. The pathways here are flat and beautifully maintained, making for a highly accessible and enchanting morning stroll. B

Day 6: Mantua Lakes & Sigurtà Park

Arrive in Mantua, surrounded by three lakes. Tour the historic Ducal Palace, followed by a spectacular visit to Parco Giardino Sigurtà, one of Europe’s top award-winning gardens. (Tip: Golf carts or a panoramic little train are available here to save your feet, but must be prebooked). B,D

Day 7: Mantua, Tuscany & Bologna

Bid farewell to the cruise crew and travel south by luxury, air-conditioned coach. Stop in Bologna—Italy’s culinary capital—for a relaxed, gourmet lunch. Arrive at your charming Tuscan villa accommodation in the late afternoon to unpack for the next three nights. B

Day 8: Treasures of Florence & Villa Gamberaia

Spend the morning exploring Giardino Torrigiani, Europe’s largest private city garden, hidden behind Florence’s ancient walls. After a leisurely lunch, visit Villa Gamberaia, famous for its panoramic views over the Arno Valley and its immaculate, classic Italian border gardens. B

Day 9: Royal Boboli Gardens

Enjoy a dedicated day in Florence visiting the grand Boboli Gardens, located directly behind the Pitti Palace. Your guide will ensure you navigate the most spectacular terraced sections comfortably, showcasing the geometric hedges, grottos, and grand fountains that defined Renaissance landscape design. B

Day 10: Florence

Today is a free day to explore Florence at leisure including the Duomo, Baptistry, Ponte Vecchio, galleries, etc., then join us this evening for our included Farewell Dinner. B,D

Day 11: Florence

Enjoy a final, relaxed breakfast at your Tuscan villa before your transfer to central Florence or the airport, concluding your unforgettable Italian garden holiday. B

Notes

The Pace: Our first 6 nights are on the canal boat with minimal walking required to see the sights. The final 3 nights in Tuscany involve more walking on gravel paths and some gentle slopes in the gardens, so bring well-fitting walking shoes with good grip.

Weather (Late May): Late May is the absolute premium time to visit. You will miss the scorching mid-summer heat, but it will be lovely and warm (approx. 22–24°C). Pack light, breathable layers and a sunhat.

Time Zone & Flights: Coming from New Zealand, the jetlag may be tiring. It is highly recommended to fly into Venice 1 or 2 days before the tour officially starts.

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

Available dates: On application
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.