Country Life | Gardens & Palazzos of the Veneto

5 days | £4995 per person with flights | 4 - 8 October 2027

With a morning spent in Venice, bathed in early light

Venice and the Veneto contain many of Europe’s finest a works of art and architecture including many stunning gardens, though we concentrate on gardens, we also include two of the architect Andrea Palladio’s finest works and see Giotto’s famous frescoes in the Cappella degli Scrovegni. We rise early one day to take in the charms of Venice. Before the crowds descend, we breakfast at famous Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco. The gardens range from a recently restored Venetian productive monastic garden and Royal Park to private palazzo gardens, some with special invitations to lunch. An exquisite green theatre, water tricks, sensational intricate parterres, and the most charming Botanic Garden are all highlights. We have carefully selected two beautiful hotels: The 4-star Hotel Majestic Toscanelli a boutique hotel in the charming old streets of Padua, just five-minute walk from Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta and dei Signori, and the 5-star, Hotel Due Torri in the historic heart of Verona.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

We depart by flight from London to Venice. Travel towards Padua to visit the famous 17^th century garden of Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani, at Valsanzibio with an exquisite water gate, pools, statues, maze and rabbit island. We will enjoy a special garden tour, with the Owner of the Villa. Continue the short distance to the heart of the old town of Padua with time to settle in at Hotel Majestic Toscanelli before dining together.

Day 2

Take a taxi to the Railway Station and then the fast train fast to Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station for a short stroll to take a boat down the Grand Canal in time for breakfast at Caffè Florian. This is followed by a quiet stroll through Piazza San Marco and Giardino Reali. The Royal Garden are an exquisite public park that has recently been restored by Italian Garden Designer, Paolo Pejrone who worked with architect Alberto Torsello to create a beautiful garden in the heart of Venice. We then take a boat to visit Il Giardino del Redentore on the Giudecca, stretching from the Giudecca Canal to the lagoon, the Redentore complex was built by the Serenissima and Pope Gregory X111 as a symbol of gratitude and rebirth after the plague of 1575-1577. These gardens have also recently been restored with the help of Paolo Pejrone. Following lunch, return by boat to Santa Lucia Railway station to return to Padua by train. This will leave time some free time. An early evening visit has been arranged to view the famous Giotto fresco cycle in Cappella degli Scrovegni. The fresco depicts the lives of Joachim and Anna, Mary, and Christ. This evening is then free for you to find your own place to eat out in Padua.

Day 3

Before leaving Padua, we visit Orto Botanico di Padova. This is the oldest University Botanic garden in the world and was founded by the Venetian Republic in 1545 for the cultivation of medicinal plants. It still preserves its original layout, a circular central plot, symbolizing the world surrounded by a ring of water. Then drive to Vicenza to visit the stunning Teatro Olimpico A masterpiece and Architect, Andrea Palladio's final work, commissioned in 1580. Then free time to find your own lunch in Vicenza before visiting La Rotunda, otherwise known as Villa Almerico Capra, which is probably the most famous of Andrea Palladio’s many buildings. Built in 1570, it has been well visited and admired for its pure perfection. Continue the journey to Verona with time to check in at the Due Torri Hotel before dining together in the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 4

Start the day discovering the exquisite sixteenth century creation of Giardino Giusti and partake of an aperitif overlooking the garden from the newly restored 16^th century palazzo. Originally designed for Count Agostino Giusti, a powerful figure in the political and cultural life of Verona and was often used as a setting for plays and concerts. Visit to a special private garden and time for an included lunch. We then visit Villa Rizzardi Pojega to see the 18^th century garden most famous for its magnificent green theatre. Return to the Due Torri Hotel for an included meal together.

Day 5

A free morning in Verona followed by a visit to the Villa Trenta da Schio. The villa complex dates principally from the 17th century, and the setting is unusually dramatic because it sits among the limestone hills and caves of Costozza. The complex comprises three elegant historic residences surrounded by a scenic garden. We will have time to explore the gardens and will enjoy an included lunch together before making our way to the airport for our return flight to London.

Hotel Majestic Toscanelli

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Padua’s historic centre, housed in a 16^th-century building, it offers classical charm and comfort for guests exploring the city. Just a short stroll away, guests will find iconic squares like Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, both of which offer an array of local Italian dining spots.

Hotel Due Torri

Hotel Due Torri offers a luxurious stay surrounded by the history and character of Verona. Located beside Piazza Sant’Anastasia, the hotel stands in an area shaped by centuries of Roman, medieval and Renaissance history. Its elegant rooms combine traditional Italian design with modern comfort and high-quality service. Guests can also enjoy impressive views across Verona’s historic rooftops from the hotel’s panoramic terrace. With its rich surroundings and refined atmosphere, Hotel Due Torri provides a memorable way to experience one of Italy’s most historic and romantic cities.

With Flights: £4995

Join Direct: £4845

Single Supp: £440

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

4 - 8 October 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Venice
Two nights’ bed and breakfast at Hotel Majestic Toscanelli
Two nights' bed and breakfast at Hotel Due Torri
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and three lunches
Guided visits to the sites listed in the programme
Services of the tour host and a tour leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Daniele Altieri

Daniele Altieri is an Italian-born garden designer and former scientist. After leaving his scientific career in Italy, he retrained in horticulture and worked as a gardener at Sutton Place and in National Trust gardens including Sissinghurst, The Courts and Smallhythe Place, where he was Head Gardener. Trained by John Brookes, the doyen of British garden design, he has designed gardens in Italy, Japan, and England. He is an experienced tour leader and lectures frequently on garden design, including training Sissinghurst gardeners. Daniele uses his designer’s eye to reveal how gardens create emotional responses, showing how spaces can delight, surprise or draw visitors into a deeper appreciation of the garden.

Marion Mako

Based in the Cotswolds, Marion is an accomplished freelance garden designer, historian, researcher, author, and tour leader. Inspired by a trip to Italy, she left the corporate world to study garden design and practical horticulture, later earning a Master’s in Garden History from the University of Bristol, where she focused on the Arts and Crafts era and the artist and garden designer Alfred Parsons. Marion has written five books, contributed to journals, and appeared on British TV and the American PBS series ‘A Short History of the English Garden’. For over twenty years, she has led garden tours across England and Europe. It is her great joy to discover and share new gardens with fellow garden enthusiasts and she is renowned for her engaging storytelling about the creators of these places.

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.