Country Life Sicilian Gardens
We are privileged to have Charles Quest-Ritson, author of *The English Garden Abroad* and *Gardens of Europe*, and Kirsty Fergusson to host and lead this special tour of Sicily's gardens. The surprising thing about Sicily is the green lushness of the natural landscapes in spring. Palermo, which enjoys a higher rainfall than the eastern parts of the island, supports a subtropical range of plant species. The slopes of mineral-rich Mount Etna support groves of citrus, olives, pistachio, palms and outsized flowering specimens of species only known as diminutive houseplants in UK. We introduce you to some passionate local gardeners as well as show you some extraordinarily beautiful palazzos and villas: this is an island with a rich history and deep traditions. The tour includes special invitations to lunch in some of the finest Sicilian homes.
Your Tour Includes
- Return flights from London to Catania Airport
- 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in the 5-star Villa Flora-Belmond Grand Hotel, Timeo
- 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in the 5-star Rocco Forte Hotel Villa Igiea
- 4 evening meals with wine at the hotel plus 4 lunches
- Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
- Services of the Tour Leader and Hosts
- Detailed programme and garden notes
Charles-Quest Ritson
Charles Quest-Ritson started out as a lawyer but is better known as a writer, journalist and translator. His many books include The English Garden Abroad [1992], Olive Oil [2004] and Ninfa [2009]. He has also edited the RHS Year Book and written two prize-winning books on roses. Until Brexit intervened, he and his wife Brigid gardened in Normandy with 12 acres of woodland and apple orchards, where they grew 1200 roses, Now they garden on 2½ acres of chalk in Hampshire's Itchen Valley. He is a popular lecturer and columnist for Country Life magazine.
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
We depart from London Gatwick and arrive in Catania Airport at midday. We first visit the home of Rossella Pezzino de Geronimo for a tour of her luxuriant autobiographical garden, Le Stanze in Fiore. Rossella will lead you through the story of her life as depicted in her garden - an exceptional experience. We will then enjoy a lunch of Sicilian specialities, many made from recipes passed down from Rossella’s grandmother. Later, we drive to our 5-star accommodation in Taormina and relax before dining together in the hotel restaurant.
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Overview
We journey south to Il Biviere for a guided tour of Princess Borghese’s extraordinary family garden, created on land once occupied by a lake. After a delicious lunch we are invited to San Giuliano, a citrus growing estate renowned for its delightful English-style gardens, filled with exotic plants, which has belonged to the family of Marchesi Paternò Castello di San Giuliano for more than 800 years. Return to Taormina with time to rest, or alternatively visit the Greek Theatre or the Trevelyan Gardens before dinner.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
On the outskirts of Catania we find a private garden designed and owned by the late Marchese Ettore Paternò del Toscano, Sicily’s most important twentieth-century landscape architect. We are invited to lunch with his daughter, Barbara Notarbartolo, before we travel across the scenic island to Palermo, stopping en route at Villa Palagonia. The garden wall of this extraordinary, eccentric palazzo is decorated with grotesque caricatures and bizarre creatures carved in stone. We then check into Hotel Villa Igiea with time to settle before dining in the hotel’s spectacular restaurant.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
We start the day with a visit to Palermo’s world-famous Orto Botanico. Established in 1789, this important botanic garden holds collections of cycads, palms, majestic trees and a huge, aerial-rooting Ficus macrophylla which is nearly 200 years old. We then walk through the old town for lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to a sumptuous private Palazzo. Later in the afternoon, we drive to the outskirts of Palermo for a special visit to the house and gardens of Villa Tasca, home of the illustrious Sicilian wine making family of the same name. A garden that has successfully embraced change, this 20 acre park is filled with citrus trees, majestic centenarian trees and lush, subtropical planting. We are invited to drinks and Sicilian canapés and an early evening meal before returning to our accommodation.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
We drive to Catania Airport for our return flight to London Gatwick, passing the exotic Palazzo Cinese (Chinese Palace) built by King Ferdinand III, historic Montepellegrino (now a nature reserve), the beaches of Mondello and the private estates of Palermo’s millionaires, .
Includes Breakfast
Single Room Supplement from £590.00 (5 days).
Accommodation
You will stay for two nights at the Villa Flora-Belmond Grand Hotel and two nights at the Rocco Forte Hotel Villa Igiea.
Villa Flora - Belmond Grand Timeo Hotel
The first hotel to be built in the city of Taormina gazes out across the coast towards Mount Etna and beyond. Here you can breathe in the full spectacle of Sicily. Bask in six acres of manicured gardens, savour sensational cuisine and fuel your imagination with a stroll along mediaeval streets boasting some of the best shops in Sicily, followed by cocktails at Bar Timeo — just like generations of celebrated guests before you. This hotel offers double bedrooms or update to a luxury suit which have a balcony for you to enjoy the sea view.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Free Wifi
General
- Restaurant
- Outdoor Swimming Pool (Seasonal)
- Sauna or Steam Room
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
Villa Igiea - Rocco Forte
In 2019, Villa Igiea was acquired by Rocco Forte Hotels, beginning a new era for Palermo's opulent coastal resort. Working in collaboration with Nicholas Haslam Studios, Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design, has carefully restored this Grade 1-listed landmark, preserving its unique heritage features whilst reimagining and updating all areas of the hotel. This classical hotel offers you beautiful interior as well as 78 comfy beds and 2 well hosted restaurants. There's a pool where you can relax and view the ocean which is just ahead.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Room
- TV
- Safe Box
- Free Wifi
General
- Restaurant
- Outdoor Swimming Pool (Seasonal)
Hotel
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
