Christine started her horticultural career as a ten-year-old, when she grew flowers and vegetables on her allotment to sell to teachers and neighbours. During her career, she has worked at The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, before moving into presenting on Gardeners' World, Christine's Garden, The Great British Garden Revival and the Royal Television Society Award-winning Glorious Gardens from Above. She is currently a panel member on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time.
Nature and gardens
Explore the elegant gardens of Northern Italy with Christine Walkden
The northern Italian lakes' scenery and sunshine have long attracted aristocrats and celebrities, whose elegant villas and lush gardens are nestled among the natural landscapes.
This tour showcases the best gardens and villas on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and the Gulf of Borromeo. Gardening expert Christine Walkden joins for part of the trip, giving an exclusive talk and exploring the Borromean Islands with you.
Visit Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori to see beautiful walled gardens, woodland walks, and flower-filled terraces. A highlight is the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society, with over 500 plants.
Tour Lake Maggiore's Villa Taranto, and the ancient church on San Giulio Island, Lake Orta. On Lake Como, enjoy private tours of Villa Cicogna Mozzoni and Villa Carlotta.
Stay four nights at Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac in Stresa and three at Hotel Barchetta Excelsior on Lake Como, enjoying fresh Italian delicacies daily.
Reasons to book
Four-star hotels
The Italian Camellia Society
Isola Pescatori
Meet Christine Walkden
Villa Carlotta
Villa Taranto
You'll be joined by
Price includes
- Four nights' dinner, bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac on Lake Maggiore
- Three nights' dinner, bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Barchetta Excelsior on Lake Como
- Flights from London to Milan (other airports available on request)
- Lunch on your first and fourth days
- Exclusive visit to the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society
- Guided tour of the garden at Villa Cicogna Mozzoni with the owner
- Visits to Isolas Bella, Madre and Pescatori
- Visits to the gardens of Villa Taranto, Carlotta, and Balbianello, two private gardens, San Giulio and Lake Orta
- Services of officially accredited local guide Kate Williamson
- Talk and Q&A, plus a full days excursions with Christine Walkden
Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £450. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. A good degree of mobility is required. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Itinerary
-
Day1Arrive in StresaStresa, Italy
Today your Italian adventure begins as you depart from London to Milan.
On arrival, you'll continue by comfortable coach to your hotel for the next four nights, the four-star Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac, located in the centre of Stresa on the sunny shores of Lake Maggiore.
Once you've settled in, you'll enjoy lunch in the hotel's restaurant, with exceptional views over the lake. You'll then have some spare time to get to know your surroundings and the hotel's facilities. Perhaps take a stroll down to the pier and watch the boats come and go on the lake.
In the evening, a welcome drink will be served followed by dinner in the hotel's restaurant.
-
Day2Villa Taranto and Lake OrtaLake Orta,
Today begins with a visit to the gardens of Villa Taranto. Bursting with rare plants, this early 20th-century garden was developed by Captain Neil McEachern, a Scottish horticulturist, who bought the estate after seeing it advertised in the Times.
In the afternoon, you'll head to charming little Lake Orta with free time to find lunch in the picturesque old town of Orta San Giulio.
In the afternoon, look forward to a private boat trip over to the tiny island of San Giulio to visit the island's ancient church. On return to the mainland, you'll visit an interesting private garden perched on the hillside above the lake.
Later in the afternoon, you'll return to the hotel. Tonight you'll enjoy a very special dinner at the hotel, followed by a talk and Q&A with Christine Walkden.
-
Day3Borromean IslandsIsola Bella, Italy
Today, after breakfast, Christine Walkden joins you for a full day exploring the famous Borromean islands.
Your day starts with a cruise from Stresa to Isola Bella to see the vast baroque palace built from the island's rock and surrounded by terraced gardens that were inspired by the 'Hanging Gardens of Babylon'.
The magnificent palace was built in the 17th century by Carlo III and was the scene of lavish parties, attended by the cream of European nobility. Out in the gardens, you'll find low box hedges and brilliantly coloured flowers, a pond adorned with blue and pink water lilies and oranges, grapefruits, orchids and more.
You'll then continue to Isola Pescatori, the 'island of fishermen', with its narrow cobbled streets and pretty harbour. The church on the island is worth a visit and there is a good choice of restaurants and snack bars for lunch.
Your final visit is to Isola Madre, where tropical and Mediterranean plants bloom, alongside citrus fruits, crape myrtle, hibiscus, bougainvillea, protea and agaves.
After a busy day, you'll return to the hotel where dinner will be served.
-
Day4Private garden visitStresa, Italy
Today, following breakfast, you'll visit the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society.
The garden is perched above the shores of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by mountains. Since the 1950s, due to the combination of acid ground, a mild climate and frequent rainfall, the garden has housed a remarkable collection of camellias, grown by Antonio Sevesi, the founder of the Italian Society of Camellias.
The camellia collection includes 500 plants and 318 cultivars. The garden is in full bloom in spring, but is a delight to visit at any time of the year and provides the perfect backdrop to our delicious and relaxed lunch here.
After your visit, you'll have the afternoon free in Stresa to explore at your own pace before returning to the hotel for dinner.
-
Day5Villa Cicogna MozzoniComo, Italy
Today, following a final breakfast at Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac, you will visit Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, in the foothills between Varese and Lake Lugano.
You'll enjoy an informative private guided tour with the owner. The garden was established by Ascanio Mozzoni, who was inspired by his travels to arrange his garden over seven levels.
The villa boasts several well-preserved frescoes, and merges perfectly with the garden. A two-flight stairway with a brook running in between leads directly to the halls of the Villa. The walled garden is a typical formal Italian garden with box hedges, water basins, fountains and a grotto.
After your visit, you'll continue to the town of Como where you'll check into your new lakeside hotel, the Barchetta Excelsior. The hotel is located in the heart of Como and is only accessible on foot or by horse-drawn carts.
This evening, enjoy your first dinner at the Barchetta Excelsior in the elegant bistro.
-
Day6Free timeComo, Italy
Today you'll have the whole day free to shop and sightsee at leisure.
It is very easy to hop on board one of the many ferries or hydrofoils which sail to Bellagio, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the Villa Melzi d'Eril. Your tour guide will be on hand to assist and answer any questions.
-
Day7Villa Carlotta and Lake ComoComo, Italy
Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive along the lake shore roads for a day on Lake Como.
On arrival in Tremezzo you'll visit the elegant 18th century Villa Carlotta, where, in the spring, azaleas and rhododendrons burst into a simply dazzling display. The house itself has its own story to tell, full of neo-classical art treasures including paintings by Hayez and sculptures by Canova.
After Villa Carlotta, you'll have a relaxing break in Tremezzo before catching the ferry to Villa Balbianello on the Lavedo Point. Set among pine trees, soaring cypress and oak, with pollarded plane trees, manicured lawns and flowerbeds, the villa has unparalleled views down the three branches of the lake.
Later you'll return to your hotel where dinner is served in the evening.
-
Day8DepartureMilano, Italy
After breakfast today it's sadly time to check out of the hotel. You'll return to the airport in time for your return flight to London as your Italian holiday comes to an end.
Accommodation
Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac
Four-star hotel in Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Feel at home at Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac, which has 164 rooms distributed across two adjacent buildings, and has been welcoming guests since 1859.
The hotel is located in the centre of Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, overlooking the beautiful Borromean gulf. The bedrooms are decorated in a classic and timeless style and are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries and free WiFi.
Hotel Barchetta Excelsior
Four-star hotel in in the heart of Como
At the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior you are surrounded by beauty: the villas with their gardens, art exhibitions, silk outlets, boutiques, romantic boat trips, renowned golf clubs.
Comfortable and quiet rooms offer views of the surrounding streets and the cathedral's dome and guarantee total privacy. Suites offer stunning views of the lake. All of them feature elegant and minimal furnishing with modern comforts. There is a lovely bistro and bar, and a summer terrace for alfresco dining.
There is 24-hour reception, a dry cleaning service, a bar and bistro restaurant and golf.
Brought to you by
To view Brightwater Holidays’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £450. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. A good degree of mobility is required. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).