Lakes & Flowers

Seven Days Through the Most Beautiful Gardens of Italy's Great Lakes

Discover the extraordinary botanical heritage of Northern Italy on a journey through the three most celebrated Italian lakes. From the elegant gardens of Lake Maggiore to the iconic villas of Lake Como and the Mediterranean landscapes of Lake Garda, this tour combines spectacular blooms, historic estates and breathtaking scenery.

Camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, palms and exotic plants flourish thanks to the mild climates of the lakes, creating one of Europe's finest destinations for garden lovers.

Tour Highlights

Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
Nursery specialising in camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons
The Borromean Islands
Borromeo Palace and the gardens of Isola Bella
Botanical Park of Isola Madre
Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio
Lorella Garden
Villa Carlotta on Lake Como
Heller Garden
Isola del Garda

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at Lake Maggiore

Arrival at the hotel, check-in, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Villa Taranto & the Flowers of Lake Maggiore

Visit the world-famous Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, home to more than 20,000 botanical species and varieties from across the globe.

In the afternoon, discover a specialist nursery dedicated to the cultivation of the lake's iconic camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, gaining insight into one of the region's most important horticultural traditions.

Day 3 – The Borromean Islands

Travel by private boat to the magnificent Borromean Islands.

Visit elegant Isola Bella, with its spectacular Baroque palace and terraced gardens, stroll through the charming Isola dei Pescatori, and finish at Isola Madre, renowned for its magnificent botanical park where peacocks and pheasants roam freely.

Day 4 – Lake Orta & Lorella Garden

Explore the enchanting Lake Orta, visiting the medieval village of Orta San Giulio and the peaceful Island of San Giulio.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Lorella Garden, an English-style private garden overlooking the lake, where centuries-old trees, camellias, hydrangeas, azaleas and rhododendrons create a truly tranquil setting.

Day 5 – Villa Carlotta & Lake Como

After checking out, travel to Lake Como.

Visit the magnificent gardens of Villa Carlotta, internationally renowned for their spectacular collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and rare botanical species.

Continue to Como for a guided walk through its elegant historic centre before travelling onwards to Lake Garda.

Day 6 – Heller Garden & Isola del Garda

Spend the day discovering the botanical treasures of Lake Garda.

Visit the remarkable Heller Garden, where exotic plants from around the world blend harmoniously with contemporary sculptures, ponds and artistic installations.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion to Isola del Garda, home to an impressive Venetian Neo-Gothic villa surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, ancient trees and palms.