Arts and Gardens of Florence and Tuscany

Summary

The Italian heartland of Tuscany represents perhaps the archetypal image of Italy, with its walled towns, hilltop villages, rolling vineyards and, of course, the beauty of Renaissance Florence itself. Stretched along both sides of the River Arno, with a skyline that has inspired countless artists, Florence seems somehow already familiar...

Exquisite Florence needs little introduction. We begin in the tranquil surroundings of the Giardino Corsini, which is off the main tourist trail which tends to be less crowded and forms an oasis of calm in the city centre. Dating back to 1594, the garden was commissioned by an aristocrat with a passion for botany, and later skilfully adorned with statues. Nearby is the splendid Palazzo di Corsini, one of the rarest and most prestigious examples of Baroque style in Renaissance Florence.

No visit would be complete without taking in the Boboli Gardens. A superb collection of sculptures sit amongst many fine trees and formal gardens. Ascending the great flight of steps at the Bardini Gardens, we stand upon a belvedere with expansive views over Florence.

Travelling out into the rolling hills of Tuscany, we visit the Villa Gamberaia, which is one of the most celebrated Italian gardens here and it’s easy to see why – with box hedges, topiary, yew pillars and stunning flower beds. At Villa La Pietra we will admire an exquisite collection of art, furniture, tapestries, books, silver and sculpture.

We are also privileged to be joined by a lecturer from the British Institute for historical walks around Florence and Siena and guided tours of the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia, with a full day given over to exploring the delights of Florence at your own pace.

Tour highlights:

Previous

Next

• Get an unforgettable perspective on Florence's red-tiled rooftops and Renaissance skyline from the belvedere at the Bardini Gardens
• Stray from the beaten track on a visit to the Giardino Corsini, a tranquil garden off the main tourist trail
• Tour of the 17th century Villa Medicea di Lilliano with wine tasting and lunch
• Guided tours of the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Academia with a British Institue Lecturer.