The Villas & Gardens of Florence Traveller Reviews

The peerless James Hill provided the historical context and the excellent Caroline Holmes opened our eyes the the planting and designs of the gardens we visited. It could not have been better and how they manage to gain access to some of the private villas where we are welcomed by Italian aristocrats is a wonder as are the private lunches.By and large the weather was also cooperative.

This is the third trip we have done with this company and once again we could not fault their organisation. The outward flight to Florence was quite delayed but we received emails from the company keeping us informed and advice as to where to claim vouchers for refreshments whilst we waited. You felt they were always proactive in ensuring the arrangements went well despite aspects out of their control. Very reassuring.

Excellent hotel, programme, lunches and dinners

James Hill excellent as always. Caroline Holmes, new to Ciceroni Travel, excellent gardens guide. An excellent team.

Staying in a delightful hotel in Fiesole we sallied forth each morning to explore villas in the surrounding hills dating from the fifteenth to the twentieth centuries. We enjoyed both convivial lunches in estate restaurants and dinners in our hotel or Fiesole. On this, my first visit to Tuscany, I was bowled over not only by the style and artistic contents of the villas, but by the views from their balconies and garden balustrades. Four days of glorious sunshine made the trip also a photographer's dream. Rain on the last curtailed our plans, but fortunately the frescoed courtyard of Villa La Petraia, encapsulated the glories of the art we had previously enjoyed.

Excellence is par for the course of Ciceroni's tours , both at home and abroad. After the first one or two, one encounters old friends - and they are friends - whose shared tastes make conversation easy as well as informative. Congenial company and convivial meals make each tour enjoyable. Tom Duncan and, in Italy, James Hill deploy their expert knowledge of art, architecture and gardens with ebullient enthusiasm which infects us all with their own pleasure at introcucing us to new experiences.

an interesting and enjoyable programme of visits to villas and gardens. A stimulating and comfortable experience with good food and a nice hotel, with a view from my window of Florence. And a Tuscan spring is a delight.

Efficient and charming, with erudite explanations of what we were visiting

A trip with guides who communicated very well and passed on their extensive knowledge with a sense of humour. Good hotel chosen and food and wine on the meals included were a bonus.

Small company with personal service and they look after their clients very well.

Excellent

Excellent

Extremely good. Well managed and most interestingly and excellently taught by masters of the art.

An excellently run company.