The Gardens of Southern Italy - From Sicily and Sorrento to Rome with Target Travel Luxury DMC

Italy’s charms are many, but its intense, intoxicating natural beauty is often what calls visitors back time and time again - that enduring promise of a new gem of a setting to discover and forge the kind of travel memories that are treasured for a lifetime.

To gently guide your guests to some of the best transformative, nature-filled experiences around, we’ve turned to our Italy aficionados ​Target Travel​ DMC - and they’ve delivered in stunning style with a carefully curated itinerary that takes in some of the most spectacular and magical gardens from Sicily to Sorrento.

From a lush, palm-shaded paradise in Ortigia to the botanical wonders of Capri and Ischia; the fertile vineyards of Vesuvius to a verdant revival of a 12th-century town in Lazio, this journey dives deep into the rich, relaxed rhythms of the landscape with every destination.

And of course, there’s plenty of Italy’s other bounties to be enjoyed along the way, with gastronomy, culture and community all well covered - not to mention the chance to conclude the experience with an exploration of that most famous of ancient capitals, Rome.

This is a side of Italy rarely seen by the casual tourist - a journey designed to captivate their senses and see them longing to return. We head first to Sicily…

The Island Charms of Ortigia (Siracusa, Sicily)

Flying into Catania Airport on Sicily’s Eastern coast, guests are whisked in luxury to the gorgeous island of Ortigia, accessed by bridge in minutes from the southernmost point of the Syracuse coast. Often referred to as the historical heart of Siracusa, Ortigia is renowned for its charming narrow streets, ancient Greek ruins and Baroque architecture and, despite its proximity to the mainland, feels like a world of its own - one full of a unique history and culture.

Here, guests have time to settle and unwind into one of two hand picked hotels - the ​Algilà Ortigia Charme​, a beautiful boutique treasure with a rich sense of place, or the opulent 5* ​Ortea Palace Hotel​, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

And, feeling refreshed and renewed, the evening is the perfect time to explore Ortigia in greater depth, wandering the winding lanes and soaking up views of the Ionian Sea before dining at ​Don Camillo​, an unmissable culinary institution where the flavours of Sicily come alive in a stunning and romantic 15th-century setting.

The Storied Gardens of Siracusa

Morning brings the opportunity to take a first step into the storied gardens of Sicily. We begin at ​Giardino di San Giuliano​, the elegant estate of one of Sicily’s oldest families. Lush citrus groves and blooms tended with care for centuries, as well as a stunning, late 15th century fortified farmhouse. Here, a leisurely lunch served in the gardens is the perfect opportunity for your guests to soak in the tranquil beauty of the Sicilian countryside,

Continuing on we visit the lush splendor of Giardino del Biviere - a botanical masterpiece featuring palms, succulents and Jacaranda trees. It is also possible to visit their Organic and Biodynamic Farm to learn how citrus fruits are grown in an organic farm. They rest of the afternoon can be spent discovering more of Ortigia - browsing the irresistible wares of artisan shops and exploring the architecture to their heart’s content.

Capers, Cooking & Chocolate in Scicli and Modica (Sicily)

Today sees guests embark on a full-day excursion to nearby Scicli and Modica. In the village of Scicli, Gli Aromi Farm is a fragrant paradise of more than 200 varieties of herbs and plants, from that masterpiece of Sicily, capers, to ornamental sages, thymes, lavenders and more. Here, guests will learn to cook authentic Sicilian dishes using herbs freshly picked from the gardens - a fabulous, hands-on experience sure to cement their appreciation of the Island’s culinary heritage.

The UNESCO-listed town of Modica is as famous for its chocolate as it is for its Baroque architecture, and rightly so. Visiting Antica Dolceria Rizza, one of Sicily’s oldest and most important chocolate workshops, guests can witness the creation of this sensational sweet, made using an ancient Aztec technique, with a private and oh-so decadent tasting of treats including chocolates, hot chocolate, chocolate liqueur, nougat and the iconic "mpanatigghi" biscuits.

Catania’s Famous Markets and Fusion Gardens (Sicily)

The vibrant streets of Catania come alive in the morning, so a post-breakfast departure from Ortigia lets your guests explore the famous Fera ‘o Luni Market at its bustling best. This renowned marketplace is a true feast for the senses and, brimming with local produce and famous for its' seafood is a delicious and completely immersive way to experience the vivacity and energy of Sicilian daily life.

The afternoon is the perfect time to visit ​Le Stanze in Fiore di Canalicchio​, a contemporary garden that blends tropical and subtropical species in a fascinating fusion. This oasis, just outside the walls of Catania, is a unique perspective on Sicilian horticulture - 7 acres of flowers and plants surrounding a beautiful neoclassical country villa built in the 1800s.

Tonight, guests can rest in the utmost comfort at the luxurious ​Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo​, with its beautiful, Sicilian-style rooms spread across the main Timaeus building and the nearby Villa Flora - both offering a top-class stay with breathtaking views of the coastline and Mount Etna.

Taormina - one of the world’s most beautiful places (Sicily)

High above the sparkling Ionian Sea, Taormina is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Blending breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos with the scents and sights of lush foliage, artisan shops and cafes and a historic heart of Medieval and ancient Greek architecture, this timeless place offers romance, heritage and beauty from corner to sun-drenched corner.

Here, guests can begin the day strolling the streets, exploring shops and lively piazzas. Later, they’ll visit Villa Trinità Garden, a private sanctuary nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna housing a historic garden steeped in layers of history, from Hellenistic remains to Roman ruins, all interwoven with Mediterranean flora. The perfect way to finish this experience? How about a wine-tasting experience on Mount Etna, where guests can sample wines born of volcanic soil, paired with locally sourced delicacies - an opportunity to savour the essence of the land with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside stretching out all around.

Tomorrow sees guests leave Sicily in this inspirational itinerary, but for those who’d love to linger? It’s no problem, thanks to Target Travel’s bespoke service. Want to discuss the options? Get in touch today.

The Secret Garden of Sorrento (Amalfi Coast)

Next stop on our tour of Southern Italy is Sorrento, beginning with a flight to Naples. Settling first in the 5* ​Hotel Bellevue Syrene​, an elegant retreat perched right on the Bay of Naples, a visit to the Giardino Segreto dell’Anima is the perfect introduction to this stunning region. This enchanting garden is a real hidden gem - transformed from a terraced vineyard into a verdant sanctuary, with artful plantings and an intimate atmosphere that provides a perfect moment of peace and reflection.

After? The evening can be spent enjoying the hotel’s refined dining and glam bar, or wandering Sorrento’s stunning streets arm in arm, soaking up the romantic mood of the cobblestone streets, sun-dappled piazzas and citrus-scented air.

Capri’s Garden Masterpieces

How better to experience the natural beauty and famous charm of Capri than with a full-day visit? Beginning at the beautiful Gardens of Augustus (once known as the Krupp Gardens), where terraced blooms frame sweeping views of the Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola bay, visitors move on to explore the gardens of Villa San Michele. This gorgeous place, housing the gardens and a museum, was created by Swedish physician Axel Munthe, who picked his spot with care - choosing the most scenic place on the island, set high above the sea in Anacapri on a site where once stood an Imperial Roman villa and a Medieval chapel.

From lunchtime onwards, guests are at leisure to explore Capri themselves (unless they want an arranged experience, which of course Target Travel can organise) - but if they want a recommendation for the perfect magical meal? The beloved, family-run ​Da Paolino restaurant​ is an island institution celebrated for its stunning setting and exceptional food - with extraordinary dishes served to tables nestled beneath a canopy of fragrant lemon trees - the perfect, quintessential Capri experience.

La Mortella Gardens- one of Europe’s finest Private Gardens (Ischia)

Back in Sorrento, a short morning boat trip brings guests to the volcanic island of Ischia, a paradise of natural beauty and restorative tranquility. Here, healing, thermal springs bubble from the island’s core, and the fertile, volcanic soil is ideal for growing plants and vines of all kinds - and its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and picture-perfect fishing villages offer opportunities for endless exploration. The island's crown jewel is La Mortella Gardens, a stunning botanical wonderland filled with exotic plants, serene water features and artistic sculptures. Created by Lady Susana Walton, wife of the English composer Sir William Walton, this serene place is the ultimate retreat - created over 50 years as a verdant refuge where Walton could create in peace and isolation.

After, a slow, languid lunch at La Rondinella, known for serving dishes with the freshest of seafood alongside stunning views and exceptional hospitality, is a perfectly idyllic way to complete the day.

The Vineyards of Vesuvius - and a tour of Pompeii

A new day brings a truly exclusive experience, with a journey to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and the 16-hectare organic vineyard of heritage winery, Lacryma Christi. A guided tour here uncovers the meticulous process that goes into the production of these finest of wines, and is followed by a private wine experience that takes guests into the vineyard owners’ home for a gourmet 4-course meal. Welcomed by the executive chef, guests are treated to a series of mouthwatering dishes paired with exceptional wines, immersed all the while in the stories and traditions of the family - an unforgettable exploration of the flavours and heritage that make the Vesuvius region so completely unique.

And how do you follow such an incredible experience? Well, you head to Pompeii. This immense archaeological site is absolutely unmissable, the excavated ruins of its ancient streets, frescoes, villas and more telling the story of an unimaginable catastrophe that froze this once-thriving city in time.

Rome - via the Gardens of Ninfa

This journey typically concludes in Rome, but not without a stop at the fascinating Gardens of Ninfa on the way. In Cisterna di Latina in the Lazio region, these stunning gardens are one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, known mostly to gardening enthusiasts and ardent horticulturalists. Here, what was once a ruined medieval town deep in the estate of the aristocratic Caetani family was transformed in the 20th century into an enchanting botanical paradise. Here, winding paths meander through wildflowers, over ancient stone bridges across bubbling streams and past ivy-covered ruins and crumbling walls. Roses, wisteria and magnolias bloom in vivid bursts of colour and the scents of meticulous planting are carried on soft breezes, creating an ethereal, storybook vibe. The garden’s tranquility and artistry reflect the careful restoration by the Caetanis, who transformed the once-abandoned site into a living masterpiece - a step back in time, where nature and history come together in a dreamlike space.

Rome - Grandeur, Gardens and Culture Galore

And so at last, your guests come to the Eternal City to take in the grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic capitals. Here, the opportunities for exploration are endless, and Target Travel can of course arrange an experience that’s perfect for your guests’ needs and interests.

And, for those with more time, extended stays in Italy provide endless opportunities for exploration - from discovering more of the ancient or natural world to taking part in unique culinary experiences, like learning the history of the famed Ovale Sorrentino lemon or making their own mozzarella from scratch.

Whatever they choose, ​Target Travel​ DMC can redefine luxury travel throughout Italy for your guests, with unforgettable, inspiring tours rooted in authenticity, sustainability and community.

To discuss an Italian adventure that your guests will treasure for years to come, get in touch for an introduction to the ​Target Travel​ DMC team today!