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Tour

Italy - The Great Gardens - 11 day itinerary (11 days)

Tour Operator
Abercrombie & Kent Italy

Lake Como , Italy to Rome, Italy

Valid for Departures Now Through: 09 Apr 2026
For availability and pricing:

An exclusive itinerary visiting some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy.

Itinerary

Day 1
Lake Como , Italy

Hotel: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Meals: None

You are met at the airport in Milan by your local representative and transferred to your lovely 19th-century hotel on the banks of Lake Como.


The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in your superb surroundings.

Day 2
Lake Como , Italy

Hotel: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Meals: Breakfast

This morning there will be time to stroll around delightful Bellagio, whose incomparable setting on the banks of Lake Como and marvellous views across to the Alps mountains have inspired poets and romantics for centuries.


This afternoon board a private boat and cross the lake to visit Villa Carlotta, built in 1745 for the spendthrift Marchese Giorgi Clerici. The gardens, laid out by Princess Carlotta, are a fine example of 18th-century bosco, with lemon-scented terraces and exotic planting.


Continue to the beautiful gardens of Villa Balbianello, isolated on a peaceful promontory that juts into the lake. Returning to Bellagio at the end of the afternoon. This evening you are free to dine independently.  

Day 3
Lake Como , Italy

Hotel: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Meals: Breakfast

This morning drive to the banks of lovely Lake Maggiore to visit some of its exquisite gardens, the highlight of which is the island of Isola Bella. See the eccentric 17th-century palace and its ten terraces of gardens cascading down to the lake. The magnificent flowering trees and shrubs add a soft and romantic beauty, enhanced by white peacocks and aromatic shrubs scenting the air.

Day 4
Florence, Italy

Hotel: Hotel Savoy
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Milan this morning where a fast intercity train takes you to Florence. Please note that lunch is payable locally.


On arrival transfer to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a panorama of Florence and visit the exquisite 12th-century Romanesque church of San Miniato, with lovely frescoes adorning the sacristy.


Returning to the city centre, walk through the heart of the old quarter, visiting the great Duomo cathedral and the 12th-century Baptistry whose gates Michelangelo described as the "gates of paradise".


This evening you may wish to dine in a lively local trattoria.

Day 5
Florence, Italy

Hotel: Hotel Savoy
Meals: Breakfast

This morning visit the Boboli Gardens, laid out for the Grand Duke Cosimo de Medici in 1551. The garden was designed for great ducal events and commands fine views over the city of Florence.


In the afternoon you are free to explore the city on your own, or perhaps to shop in the fine boutiques. Or join your guide for a visit to the great Uffizi Gallery at the end of the afternoon. The evening is yours to experience the sights and tastes of Florence.

Day 6
Florence, Italy

Hotel: Hotel Savoy
Meals: Breakfast

Today you will visit the Villa Gamberaia, a fine example of 15th-century Italian Renaissance layout, and considered to be perhaps the most pleasant and most typical of all Tuscan gardens. From the grassy terrace in front of the house admire the skyline of Florence, seen in the distance across olive groves and vineyards.

Day 7
Rome, Italy

Hotel: Hotel De Russie
Meals: Breakfast

A fast morning train takes you across Tuscany and Umbria to Rome.


This afternoon tour ancient Rome, seeing the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Pantheon. Checking into your superb hotel in the very centre of Rome, dine à la carte tonight either at the hotel or at a restaurant of your choice (payable locally).

Day 8
Rome, Italy

Hotel: Hotel De Russie
Meals: Breakfast

Drive up to Tivoli to admire the splendid gardens of the Villa D’Este, laid out in 1550 for the Cardinal Ippolito d’Este and adorned with fountains and statues, creating a graceful ensemble in the Mannerist style.


After lunch, which is at leisure, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent and secret Pope’s Gardens which overlook the lake of Castel Gandolfo. Delight your senses as you explore the wonderful harmony of nature and art at these previously inaccessible gardens. Your guide leads you through the charming Magnolia Garden, the Path of Roses and the Path of Aromatic Herbs. Pause among the ruins of the imperial theatre and admire the panoramic view extending out to the sea as you look out over the Piazzala Quadrato or the Belvedere Gardens. Pope Francis could not have offered a more beautiful gift when he decided to open these gardens to the public!

Day 9
Rome, Italy

Hotel: Hotel De Russie
Meals: Breakfast

This morning visit the great Vatican Museum to admire its wealth of treasures. Continue to the Sistine Chapel with its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Afterwards enter St Peter’s Basilica in St Peter’s Square, an awe-inspiring building that contains, amongst many other treasures, Michelangelo’s lovely Pietá and Bernini’s soaring baldaquin. The afternoon is yours to relax and wander in the Eternal City.

Day 10
Rome, Italy

Hotel: Hotel De Russie
Meals: Breakfast

This morning begins with a very special treat, a private invitation to visit the lovely gardens of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta on Monte Aventino, with unique views over the city of Rome.


Afterwards see the Chapel of the Knights of Malta and St John, beautifully decorated with frescoes by Piranesi, and then take lunch at the grand Palazzo Orsini on the River Tiber.


After this exclusive morning, drive to the restored Villa Borghese to visit its sumptuous decorations and objets d’art. The villa is located in the famous Borghese Gardens.

Day 11
Rome, Italy

Hotel: None
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer by private car to Rome airport for your onward journey.

Product Terms & Conditions

1. CONTRACTING PARTIES

These Terms and Conditions are legally binding between the traveller(s) and Abercrombie & Kent Italy Srl, herein after referred to as A&K.


2. ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS

PLEASE NOTE: Acceptance of a quotation from A&K constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions which take effect immediately.


3. ACCOMMODATION:

All accommodation, room type(s) and specification are as shown in the itinerary.


4. MEALS:

Meals are as shown in the itinerary.


5. TRANSFERS:

Transfers are provided on arrival and departure from airport to hotel and return only where specified in the itinerary.


6. ITINERARY:

Accommodation and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond A&K’s control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.  A&K also reserves the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the tour inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.


In case of any appreciable variation in the tour price due to these circumstances, A&K reserves the right to make adjustments to the tour costs as necessary.


7. SPECIAL REQUESTS:

Specific requests should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure special requests, however; they cannot be guaranteed.


8. TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation will be as specified in the itinerary.


9. BAGGAGE:

A&K provides handling of baggage only as specified in the quotation. Weight restrictions for baggage on some routes on internal/domestic flights may apply; details of which will be provided with pre-tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout the tour and A&K assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Baggage insurance is strongly advised.


Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flight.


10. TAXES AND GRATUITIES:

Hotel taxes as imposed by city and state governments are included. Airport taxes are included where specified in the itinerary.


Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, camp staff, ship crew and Tour Managers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveller.

11. PRICES & ARRANGEMENTS:

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges and is quoted based on the current rates of exchange and tariffs. Entrance fees as part of scheduled sightseeing tours are also included in this price.  This price is subject to revision in line with significant changes in foreign currency, tariff rates, taxes etc.


12. EXCLUSIONS:

The cost of obtaining passports, visas, excess baggage charges, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, fax charges and excess baggage charges unless expressly included in writing, are not included in the tour price.


13. PHOTOGRAPHY:

A&K reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with A&K, travellers agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Travellers who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to A&K prior to final payment and they will be exempted from this photography waiver clause.


14. REGISTRATION:

A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required at the time of booking. The remainder of the tour cost is payable 60 days prior to departure. If the reservation is made within 60 days of departure, the entire tour price must be paid at the time of confirmation.


15. PAYMENT METHOD:

Payments may be made by the following methods:

• Credit card

• Cheque

• Bank transfer


A&K cannot guarantee that all payment methods will be accepted and A&K will therefore advise of the most suitable payment method at the time of deposit.


15.1 No card handling fees apply when booking via a Virtuoso agency


15.2 Please use the following account details for bank transfers:


Account Name:     Travelex Global Business Payments Limited

For Credit to:        Abercrombie & Kent Italy IT3925

Account Number:  GB20 MIDL 4005 1569 4832 44

Bank:                   HSBC BANK PLC

Bank Address:       8 Canada Square, London E14 5LX, United Kingdom

Sort Code:            40-05-15

Swift Code:           MIDLGB22


15.3 For payment by bank transfer please confirm with A&K by fax or email the date on which payment has been made.


15.4 Travellers are liable for all bank and related transaction charges.


16. CANCELLATION:

All cancellations must be received in writing.


16.1 Cancellations received between the date of booking and 60 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit.


16.1.1 Cancellations received 60 - 45 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 15% of the tour price.


16.1.2 Cancellations received 45 - 28 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 25%of the tour price.


16.1.3 Cancellations received 28 - 14 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price.


16.1.4 Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price.


16.2 Cancellation of airline tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each individual

airline and may be greater than the percentages above particularly when low cost/net based fares are used.


16.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. Please refer to the specific event policy for details.


16.5 A&K reserve the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred as a result of cancellation.


17. CLAIMS AND REFUNDS:

Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT’S RESPONSIBILITY clause below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. A&K will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your program. All claims for days missed while travelling should be made in writing within 30 days of the program.


18. LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT’S RESPONSIBILITY:

Abercrombie & Kent Italy Srl, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip with the exception of a limited number of vehicles. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.


In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection to the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transport mechanism to arrive or depart on time.


There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these trips take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.


18.1 In the event of a cancellation or material alteration to the trip as a result of the circumstances as described in this clause A&K may in their sole and absolute discretion:


a) offer the traveller(s) alternative travel arrangements or products of comparable standard as may be appropriate in the circumstances; or


b) if alternative travel arrangements or products are not offered by A&K, A&K will make a prompt proportional refund of monies paid by the traveller.


18.2 A&K may charge a reasonable fee to cover the administration costs associated with providing alternative travel arrangements or products.


18.3 If a material alteration becomes necessary within 90 days of the departure date for any reason other than the circumstances described in this clause, A&K will endeavor to offer comparable products or a full refund of all monies paid by the traveller(s).


19. HEALTH PRECAUTIONS:

Please ensure that you consult your personal physician about anti malaria precautions and other inoculations and vaccinations before travel. Where applicable, please ensure that whilst travelling you carry a valid Yellow Fever certificate.


20. TRAVEL ADVISORIES/WARNINGS:

It is the responsibility of travellers to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to their respective government agencies. In the event of an active State Department or government agency Travel Warning against travel to specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.


21. TRAVELLERS’ REPRESENTATIONS:

Traveller(s) represent(s) that neither he nor anyone traveling with him has any physical condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the sole expense of the traveller, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.


22. AIR TRANSPORTATION:

Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event occurring while passengers are not on board their aircraft. International air carriers are also subject to international air conventions limiting their liability. These limitations of liability are explained on the e-ticket or on the reverse of the airline ticket and when issued, this constitutes the sole contract between the respective air carrier(s) and their passengers.


23. PASSPORT & VISAS

Please note that passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry.  Please note also that passports must be valid for six (6) months before departure and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations stamps. A&K cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements.  


24. TRAVEL INSURANCE:

A&K strongly recommend all clients take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to date of travel.  This insurance should cover cancellation and curtailment, all medical expenses including evacuation/repatriation, personal baggage, personal liability, death and permanent disability and travel document insurance.  A&K cannot be held responsible for any costs arising from such loss or injury.


25. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT:

Any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on A&K’s Responsibility clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled in the first instance by binding arbitration in the applicable legal forum as detailed in clause 26 of these Terms and Conditions. In lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means. Arbitration is the exclusive forum in the first instance for dispute resolution and except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.  


26. APPLICABLE LAW AND FORUM:

This agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with, and shall be governed by the laws of Italy. It is agreed between A&K and the travellers that all lawsuits against A&K arising under, in connection with, or incidental to the tour shall be filed, if at all, in the courts of Italy to the exclusion of the courts of or in any other country or jurisdiction.



1. REGISTRATION:

A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required at the time of booking. The remainder of the tour cost is payable 60 days prior to departure. If the reservation is made within 60 days of departure, the entire tour price must be paid at the time of confirmation.


2. PAYMENT METHOD:

Payments may be made by the following methods:

• Credit card

• Cheque cafés

• Bank transfer


A&K cannot guarantee that all payment methods will be accepted and A&K will therefore advise of the most suitable payment method at the time of deposit.


2.1  No card handling fees apply when booking via a Virtuoso agency


2.2 Please use the following account details for bank transfers:


Account Name:     Travelex Global Business Payments Limited

For Credit to:        Abercrombie & Kent Italy IT3925

Account Number:  GB20 MIDL 4005 1569 4832 44

Bank:                   HSBC BANK PLC

Bank Address:       8 Canada Square, London E14 5LX, United Kingdom

Sort Code:            40-05-15

Swift Code:           MIDLGB22


2.3 For payment by bank transfer please confirm with A&K by fax or email the date on which payment has been made.


2.4 Travellers are liable for all bank and related transaction charges.


3. CANCELLATION:

All cancellations must be received in writing.


3.1 Cancellations received between the date of booking and 60 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit.


3.1.1 Cancellations received 60 - 45 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 15% of the tour price.


3.1.2 Cancellations received 45 - 28 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 25%of the tour price.


3.1.3 Cancellations received 28 - 14 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price.


3.1.4 Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price.


3.2 Cancellation of airline tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each individual

airline and may be greater than the percentages above particularly when low cost/net based fares are used.


3.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. Please refer to the specific event policy for details.


3.5 A&K reserve the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred as a result of cancellation.