In the glorious springtime month of April, join ‘gourmet gardener’ Julie Kinney for this delightful sojourn from the Mediterranean coast of France and its hinterland, to the spectacular gardens and villas of Lake Como in the footsteps of the Swiss Alps. On the way, discover a stunning array of villas and chateaux, private homes and royal residences, gardens and parks, and enjoy the superb food and wine, art and culture for which these regions are renowned.
Enjoy leisurely stays in Aix-en-Provence, Juan-les-Pins, Menton and Lake Como, from where you will explore a mouthwatering selection of gardens. Highlights include the Château Val Joanis and La Louve near Aix, the Villa Ephrussi, Villa Thuret, Château de Gourdon, ‘La Casella’ and Villa Noailles on the Côte d’Azur; ‘La Mortola’ and ‘Clos du Peyronnet’ at Menton; the villas Melzi, Carlotta and del Balbianello at Lake Como; Isola Bella and Isola Madre on Lake Maggiore.
Other highlights of the tour include Cézanne’s house and studio, the medieval ‘perched villages’of Eze, Gourdon and Grasse, the Château Grimaldi (Picasso Museum), the Swiss lakeside city of Locarno, and four nights at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Many of the old town centres and private gardens are built in terraces and on hillsides. You will be required to walk on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, unsealed tracks and on hilly terrain and navigate many steps during walking tours of 2-3hrs. A good level of fitness is required.
Prices: Land only $8350 per person twin share, Travel with Me can book your airfare, please call for a competitive quote.
Please click on Inclusions and Conditions buttons below for further details