SCATTERED WITH HILLTOP VILLAGES and cypress-studded horizons , mediaeval towns , and humble trattoria serving rustic feasts in cobbled courtyards often overlooking the plains , Tuscany has called to sunstarved north Europeans – and the British in particular – like nowhere else in Italy . Not for nothing Shelley described it as a ‘ paradise of exiles ’. Bookended by the Alpi Apuane mountains to the north ( whose quarries supplied the marble for Michaelangelo ’ s David ) and the sun-baked clay hills of the crete to the south , Tuscany packs an astonishing variety of landscapes into a relatively tiny area , making it possible to gorge on duomos and campaniles by morning , gardens by afternoon , with simple , sumptuous , sunkissed lunches in between . In Tuscany it is the influence first and foremost of the Medicis that shaped their country dwellings and their land into the classical landscape that we think of as Tuscany today .
TO THE NORTH , THE VENETO AND THE ITALIAN LAKES have a more alpine accent , split between the lush , mountainous splendours of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore , where microclimates allow for some fascinating plants and trees , and the plains of the River Po and the Brenta canal , where water and shelter from north winds play a vital role . Here you find terraced gardens , as well as wilder English-style parks , the influence of Palladio and then the French Baroque with many surprisingly exotic trees , shrubs and plants , collected from all over the world .
IN THE FAR SOUTH you explore the rugged , breathtaking cliff-gardens of the Amalfi Coast and Capri , inspiring of artists , poets and musicians . Here are traces too of the origins of gardens and plants from Roman times in the excavations of Pompeii and the remains of Tiberius ’ s Villa Jovis on Capri . Even ‘ modern ’ gardens such as that of Axel Munthe are based on the classical and are constructed with ancient artefacts in prime positions . The climate of this region which is suitable for olives , oranges and lemons is also suitable for tender exotics . The soil is rich and fertile around Naples .
AT THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY , in the vicinity of Rome , much influenced by Roman emperors , the Papacy and Italian aristocrats , are truly amazing gardens that have shaped the design and structure of gardens the world over dating from the Renaissance in the 16th Century . On the whole plants are less important than structure in this region . Key features include terraces , steps , ramps , central perspective , symmetry and proportion and the use of water . These Renaissance gardens are prime examples of art and nature being manipulated by man to create a third nature , and they reflect the classical Roman purpose of a villa and its garden .
Expressions garden tours for small groups A unique feature of our tours is that they operate for small numbers only . You have a local guide to accompany you to the garden visits but not in between . You stay in Expressions tried and tested hotels or ones that we have known about and used for our individual guests for 30 years .
Different travel arrangements If you want us to arrange flights for different dates and from UK regional airports or to extend your holiday with a stay elsewhere in Italy , just let us know . We will adjust the details and the price accordingly .
Important information for all tours Please refer to the important information detailed on page 15 of this leaflet .
Gardens on the Italian Lakes
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