CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > The Villa Gardens of Tuscany

The Villa Gardens of Tuscany

May 27-June 4, 2008

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Overview

Few regions of Europe are as rightfully treasured as Tuscany, the rolling hill country of central Italy whose associations range from Caesars and Popes to Michelangelo and the Medicis, from leaning towers and hillside villas to grape arbors, flower-covered fields, walled cities, fine wines, wonderful food, and excellent espresso. And dotting the Tuscan landscape are not only several of the world’s most marvelous cities—Lucca and Florence among them—but countless lesser known villages containing special treasures.

Faculty

The luxuriant array of gardens in Tuscany’s river valley is the focus of this tour. Led by CAU favorite Don Rakow, professor of horticulture at Cornell and the Elizabeth N. Wilds Director of Cornell Plantations, we will immerse ourselves in Tuscany’s famed and riveting collection of private villas, ancient botanical gardens, and exquisite parks. As always, Don will provide us with overviews of the places we visit and will help us understand the historical contexts for their plants, designs, and horticultural traditions. We’ll also meet with garden owners and designers (including a contessa or two) and learn from them the challenges and opportunities of the Tuscan landscape, climate, soil, and seasons. And, like all good Tuscans, we’ll take time to enjoy wonderful local cuisine and wines wherever we go.

Itinerary

We’ll gather in Puccini’s hometown, Lucca, one of the most delightful small cities in Italy, one happily not overrun with tourists. We’ll stay at the four-star Hotel Ilaria, in the center of town, a short walk from all of Lucca’s delights—its churches, medieval walls, piazzas, and unique coliseum. From Lucca we’ll drive each day to a splendid assortment of gardens, including Villa Torrigiani (the Botanical Garden of Lucca), Villa Reale di Marlia-Lucca, the Villa Massei, and the Villa Medici.

Our next homebase will be the pinnacle of Tuscan urbanity, Florence, where we’ll stay at the four-star Hotel Santa Maria Novella. We’ll divide our time between Florence’s city gardens and villas and gardens in the surrounding countryside, including the Boboli Gardens, the Palazzo Corsini al Prato, Villa Medici di Castello, Villa Le Balze, and Villa Gamberaia. Busy as we’ll be, you’ll also have time to explore your favorite Florentine museums, churches, piazzas, and cafés.

Program Cost and Travel Arrangements

The program fee of $5,790 (per-person, double-occupancy) includes all lodging, most meals, all ground transportation, site visits, admission fees, escort services, taxes, gratuities, emergency medical-evacuation insurance, and the full educational program. The supplement for single occupancy (limited availability) is $695. An escorted flight from New York will be offered, but you are free to make your own air arrangements.

Program Notes

This is a moderately strenuous program. We will be walking a mile or more in many places over uneven, hilly terrain, and climbing many flights of steps. Weather this time of year should be just about perfect.