Tuscan Gardens – Escorted
Edith Wharton wrote in her book, Italian Villas and their Gardens: ‘to learn what an old Tuscan garden was, one must search the environs of the smaller towns, and there are more interesting examples about Siena than the whole circuit of the Florentine hills.’
Our itinerary looks at gardens (and sometimes the villas that host them) in three main areas: Lucca, Florence and Siena. We have chosen characteristic gardens from each area so that you can judge for yourself whether Edith Wharton’s appraisal is still valid.
The area we visit is the central part of Tuscany — a landscape characterised by medieval hilltop villages, undulating vineyards, olive groves and dense woodland. Its gently rolling hills are disarmingly familiar as the classical backdrop of Renaissance art and its particular charm is a changelessness that merges medieval and modern worlds.
Duration: 8 days
Trip dates:
05 - 12 May 2026
Itinerary
From Pisa or Florence airport we travel by road to our hotel in the delightful, walled city of Lucca.
This provincial capital conserves its rich Romanesque architecture and high Renaissance palazzi from its heyday as a centre for the silk trade and banking world. Today this very charming small city is comfortably wealthy, with much of its wealth being brought in from the production of its renowned olive oil. Its famous perimeter walls support a public park that encircles the city.
Elegant hotel in the heart of the historic centre of Lucca
This morning we visit two historic properties: Villa Reale di Marlia, an historic garden that once belonged to Elisa Bonaparte; and Villa Torrigiani, an elaborate villa set in a simple, formal garden. After lunch, free time to explore Lucca.
Villa Reale di Marlia
The villa, just outside Lucca, which has always been inhabited by noble families, was acquired in the 17th century by Napoleon's sister, who developed the gardens. Today, these are slightly 'untended' but nevertheless full of diversions: grottoes, streams, lakes, a 'topiary' theatre, palaces, summer houses and splendid trees.
Villa Torrigiani
A magnificent Lucchese country mansion-house, the original building dates back to 1500, but it was radically rearranged a century later by Maurizio Oddi. The approach is lined with cypresses and has a pompous gate from where the façade can be seen, so rich and adorned that it seems to be embroidered on the stone and marble in a triumph of niches, statues and balustrades. The 'garden of Flora' is the clearest example of the Lucchese taste, a bright and surprising ensemble of grottoes, nymph temples, flowers, masks, and play of water.
Elegant hotel in the heart of the historic centre of Lucca
We drive (1.5 hours) to Florence and visit (subject to opening) one of the historic Medici properties to the north of the city, Villa di Castello or Villa Petraia. After lunch we visit the delightful garden of Villa Gamberaia, much appreciated by Edith Wharton, before continuing to Pieve a Castello (1 hour, 15 mins).
Villa di Castello
Built in medieval times on the outskirts of Florence, the villa was acquired by the Medici family in the late 15th century, who over several centuries built a number of Tuscan villas with grandiose, ornate gardens and effectively financed the Italian Renaissance. The villa is famous for the artistic symbolism that forms its tribute to Cosimo di Medici, its vast collection of citrus plants and its elaborate and fantastically sculpted grotto.
Villa della Petraia
The splendid Villa of Petraia was created from a former castle purchased by the Medici after they returned to Florence in 1530 and expanded into the present villa in the late 16th-17th century. The villa then underwent structural changes under Savoy rule. The villa itself is of great interest, having both a rich history and being still extensively furnished; guided visits are available. The palace sits high above Florence, with commanding views, and its broad, terraced gardens enjoy the same splendid outlook. The gardens' parterres offer fine displays of roses and iris in the Spring.
Villa Gamberaia
Among the outstanding gardens of Tuscany, few have retained through the course of four centuries as much of their original design and distinctive character as Villa Gamberaia. Built in the early 17th century and acquired by the Marchesi Capponi in the 18th century, the villa contains many features such as the famous engraving by Giuseppe Zocchi (1744): the cypress allée, bowling green, nymphaeum, grotto garden, boschi, parterre d’eau and lemon terrace. Over the centuries, the gardens have been further embellished and the current owners have continued their restoration and conservation.
View of the pool at Pieve a Castello
We drive (35 mins) to visit Villa Geggiano, just outside Siena, with its elegant gardens, theatre and wonderful views over the city. Optional free afternoon in Siena, or return to Pieve.
Villa di Geggiano
Originally built in the 14th century and renovated around 1780, the Villa di Geggiano, to the north of Siena, and its winery have been home to the Bianchi Bandinelli family since 1527. Declared a National Heritage site, the villa contains its original decorations and furnishings. Its modest garden contains an open-air theatre which hosts classical music concerts in the summer.
Siena
Siena is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe, with an abundance of outstanding 14th and 15th century art and architecture, from the famous Piazza del Campo, scene of the spectacular horse race ‘Il Palio’ contested by the historic ‘contrade’ into which the city is traditionally – and passionately! – divided, to galleries filled with iconic medieval masterpieces, and the great cathedral.
View of the courtyard at Pieve a Castello
We drive (25 minutes) to Villa Vicobello, and visit the fine Renaissance garden built by Baldassare Peruzzi for the Chigi family in the 16th century. Optional afternoon walk (1 hour). Evening: private concert in the church at Pieve a Castello.
Built for the Chigi family in the 16th century (owned by the family ever since) this fine villa with terraced gardens is attributed to Baldassare Peruzzi, architect of many notable villas and gardens around Siena.
One of the bedrooms
We follow scenic roads south to the villages of San Quirico (1.5 hour) and Pienza (25 mins), pausing in each to visit small, historic gardens. After lunch we continue (30 mins) to the superbly designed gardens of La Foce, creation and former home of writer Iris Origo.
San Quirico
A small and pretty medieval Tuscan town located south of Siena on the historic Via Francigena, and hence boasting a very fine Romanesque Collegiata (church). It also offers a rare example of a public formal garden dating from the Renaissance, the Horti Leonini.
Pienza
As birthplace of Pope Pius II, who then had the modest village converted into a miniature ‘Renaissance city’, Pienza has some disproportionately fine buildings for its size, including a Bishop’s Palace and an impressive Duomo. Adjacent to the latter, Piccolomini’s own palace includes an interesting example of a formal Renaissance garden that is ‘hanging’ (supported from below by pillars).
Villa La Foce
15th century villa on the hills overlooking Val d’Orcia, originally built as a hostel for pilgrims on the Via Francigena to Rome. The estate was bought in 1924 by Antonio and Iris Origo, who enhanced the villa and created the garden with English architect Cecil Pinsent. The estate is today run by the Origo daughters.
Picnic on the terrace at Pieve a Castello
We drive (30 minutes) into the wooded hills behind Pieve a Castello to visit the ‘Peruzzi’ gardens of the Castello di Celsa. We enjoy a scenic drive through the Monagnola, with an optional walk (1.5 hours). Evening: gala dinner.
Home to the aristocratic Aldobrandini family, the private castle and its well-tended gardens are in a spectacular setting, just 8 miles from Siena and with views of the city, but in tranquil countryside.
The courtyard at Pieve a Castello at night
Departure day.
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Easy walking. This is an 8-day trip, with walks of 1-2 hours plus garden visits. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
The escorted walking is gentle, along established paths, dirt roads and woodland tracks. Some of our walks are weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
For keener walkers, the gentle guided walks in the itinerary may freely be supplemented with self-guided walks at Pieve a Castello, where a wide selection of routes, with ATG ‘Footloose’-style walking directions (complete with measurements, maps, GPS coordinates and a wealth of other information) are available for anyone to enjoy.
Walking & Terrain
Easy walking. This is an 8-day trip, with walks of 1-2 hours plus garden visits. Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
The escorted walking is gentle, along established paths, dirt roads and woodland tracks. Some of our walks are weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.
Our support vehicles allow you the flexibility to walk 'as much or as little as you like', with drop-offs and pick-ups appropriate to the given day's itinerary. The Tour Leader will tell you each evening about the following day's walking options.
For keener walkers, the gentle guided walks in the itinerary may freely be supplemented with self-guided walks at Pieve a Castello, where a wide selection of routes, with ATG ‘Footloose’-style walking directions (complete with measurements, maps, GPS coordinates and a wealth of other information) are available for anyone to enjoy.
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
We spend the first two nights of this trip outside Lucca followed by 5 nights at Pieve a Castello.
There are 10 bedrooms at Pieve a Castello, originally used for multiple-occupancy by medieval travellers. In a protected building of this antiquity, every room is different, each with unique features and all with views of the central courtyard and open countryside. Please let us know any room preferences when you book, which we will confirm subject to availability.
All evening meals are included and Pieve a Castello has a resident chef who combines first-class ingredients, including the organic produce from his vegetable and herb gardens at Pieve a Castello to produce delicious and elegant dishes that showcase the best traditions of Tuscan cookery.
At Pieve a three-course dinner is preceded by pre-dinner drinks and canapés, served in the library or its adjacent terrace (the ‘sunset terrace’).
Each day the Tour Manager will prepare one of ATG’s celebrated picnic lunches. You will be greeted with mineral water and a starter followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, substantial salads, bread and fruit…and pudding. If it is cold there will be a hot dish.
Room 1: Large, first-floor room with writing room, bath-shower (double/twin)
Room 3: Large, second-floor room with unique shower room (double/twin)
Room 5: Former dovecote on second floor with spacious shower (double)
Room 8: Courtyard room with bath-shower and side door to garden (double/twin)
Room 10: Cosy courtyard room with shower (single room with single bed with no single room supplement)
Room 2: Large, second-floor room with writing room, bath-shower (double/twin)
Room 4: ‘Cosy’ room on second floor with four-poster bed, bath-shower (double)
Room 7: Courtyard room with bath-shower and side door to garden (double/twin)
Room 9: Charming, corner courtyard room with shower (single room, French-sized double bed with no single room supplement)
Room 11: Courtyard room – with writing niche, shower and 8th-century apse (!) (double)
Food & Wine
Tuscan food is simple and uses good local ingredients which complement the excellent robust wines of the region. It is seasonal food usually prepared with home grown ingredients. Although the Tuscans are called ‘bean eaters’ (mangiafagioli) the main staple of their diet, apart from pasta, is bread, which is traditionally unsalted to complement the salted prosciutto, salami and strong sheep’s cheeses. Whilst it is a traditional cuisine, it is not a poor one, and meat and game feature strongly, preferably cooked on an open fire. The Tuscans also have a sweet tooth, producing a variety of rich spicy cakes full of candied fruit and nuts, and light biscuits. The local cheese is predominantly pecorino (a sheep’s cheese: ‘pecora’ means ‘sheep’) enjoyed at varying stages of maturity.
During the course of your holiday you will see the vineyards of Italy’s most famous wine, Chianti. Known originally in England as ‘Florence Red’, the wine gained renown in the 19th century, when Barone Ricasoli (Italy’s second Prime Minister) developed the grape composition found in today’s wines. Chianti now occupies a large area of hills to the south (and east) of Florence, and Pieve a Castello is located in the designated Chianti zone called Colli Senesi (Sienese Hills), one of seven regions within Chianti. Alongside the more ‘serious’ Chianti Riserva are produced other, less expensive ‘quaffing’ Chianti made to be drunk within a year or so of production – an excellent accompaniment to local dishes. To the south of Siena, there are other superb local red wines, notably Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which, with their full-bodied character and strong tannins, complement Tuscan cuisine very well. The less aged red of Montalcino is also very good indeed. You may have the opportunity to try other excellent Tuscan wines including Vernaccia, the white wine for which nearby San Gimignano is famous, the delicious wines from Bolgheri in the coastal province of Livorno, as well as the delicious Tuscan ‘passito’ dessert wine, Vin Santo.
History
Most of the towns and villages in this area are built on Etruscan foundations. Roman colonisation occurred from the 2nd century BC. Wealth in the Middle Ages, from trades such as banking and wool, led to the prominence of Siena, which became one of Europe’s greatest cities. During the 14th century, Guelph-Ghibelline disputes resulted in the annexation of Sienese territories by Florence. Sienese towns and villages declined and have remained essentially preserved in their medieval state to the present day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Escorted trips are accompanied by two of ATG’s fully trained Tour Consultants, from the moment they welcome you at the airport, through to the end-of trip airport transfer. The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Tour Leader will lead each day’s walk, and after dinner each evening will tell you about the following day’s itinerary. Both Tour Consultants will explain their role, and how the trip will run, on the first evening at dinner.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Tour Consultants can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Tour Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently. We will advise you of the group meeting time at the destination airport and return transfer time to the airport at the end of your trip to enable you to book compatible flights.
Yes. All of our escorted trips can be booked privately, you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances if the group is 13-16 clients we will offer the trip at the published price. For 12 or fewer clients we would provide a bespoke costing.
On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from items of a personal nature and snacks or drinks outside of the set meals.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Your Tour Leader will be able to tell you about the ATG Trust project at Monteriggioni, a tiny medieval village near Pieve a Castello, involving the restoration of the Porta Romea. This restoration formed part of a much larger project to restore the walls around the village of Monteriggioni. The Porta Romea is the gateway facing Rome through which many ATG clients will have walked.
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