Arrive in Tenerife today before 5.00 pm and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get to know your fellow travellers.

Tenerife has its own microclimate, which sustains a diversity of plants. Wander through groves where junipers, olives, palms and old dragon trees grow side by side. This morning, enjoy a visit to Palmetum, a 12-hectare botanical garden harbouring Europe’s largest collection of palms. The former rubbish dump has been beautified as a result of this transformation; the spectacular garden also boasting stunning ocean views. On the island’s opposing coast, we then discover a wonderful orchid collection at Sitio Litre Garden.  Further inland, the wildflowers of Mount Teide are on display. Later this afternoon, embark the small ship, MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy a recital of Spanish songs and opera pieces by soprano Judith Dodsworth and pianist Philip Walsh aboard the ship this evening. The program will include Rodrigo’s ‘Four Amatory Madrigals’, de Falla’s ‘Seven Popular Spanish Songs’, and excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen.

Today, we explore La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands.

You may choose to join a guided tour to Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient laurel forests, which are some of the best-preserved in the world. Marvel at the striking monolith, Roque de Agando, which rises dramatically from the island’s volcanic landscape.

Or, for the more active, begin your day with a visit to the Vallehermoso Botanical Garden. Explore its remarkable collection of endemic and rare plant species that are unique to the Canary Islands. The garden offers an introduction to La Gomera’s extraordinary biodiversity and provides insight into the ecological evolution of the island. Afterwards, trek through the misty laurel forests of Garajonay National Park. Follow winding mountain trails beneath ancient, moss-covered trees, and pause at breathtaking viewpoints where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.

Further west, we arrive at El Hierro, the smallest of the seven main islands within the archipelago. Plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke referred to it as 'the botanical Galápagos of Europe' owing to its many rare, endemic plant species. Our guide brings us to the Guinea Ecomuseum, where traditional houses are composed of lava rock. The more active among us may instead choose to hike to La Llania, which leads to the La Hoya de Fireba crater.

This afternoon, complimentary shuttle buses will run into Valverde, the hilltop capital of El Hierro. Explore at your leisure, strolling whitewashed streets and sampling regional specialties. Perhaps visit the Church of Santa María de la Concepción, which overlooks the sea.

This afternoon, Kenneth Park will present an engaging lecture on Plant Hunters of the Canary Islands. Hear fascinating stories of early botanists and explorers who documented the archipelago’s endemic flora.

Back aboard the ship, Judith and Kym take to the stage again, performing a selection of Latin music with lively rhythm and flair.

Due north of El Hierro, we discover the natural beauty of La Palma, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002. Its coastline, mountains and volcanoes make for a diversity of terrain to explore. Choose from the following three optional tours today.

In the town of El Paso, pay a visit to the local silk museum and explore the geological wonder of Caldera de Taburiente.

Perhaps opt for a more active exploration of the nearby El Pilar region and admire its towering pines.

Otherwise, enjoy a guided walk through the laurel forest of Los Tilos. Walk trails lined with mossy trees, ferns and streams, and discover an array of endemic wildflowers in bloom within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s fragrant forest.

This afternoon, enjoy free time in Los Llanos de Aridane. Stroll through its bustling streets, browse shops and markets, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere and charming Canarian architecture.

This evening, join Judith and Kym for an entertaining musical performance as we cruise toward Madeira.

This morning, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy a presentation by Tracy Foster on Madeira as we sail. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and personal experience, Tracy will provide an engaging overview of the island’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Kenneth Park will then deliver a talk on art and architecture, revealing the island’s distinctive styles, historic landmarks, and cultural influences. After sailing north across the Atlantic, we arrive in Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Set off on a garden discovery during a visit to Quinta da Boa Vista, which features an impressive collection of prized, rare orchids. We then travel to Palheiro Gardens, a stunning hillside estate known for its rich botanical variety and landscaped grounds. Spanning 14 hectares, the gardens feature centuries-old trees and vibrant camellias that bloom from late autumn to spring. Wander tranquil paths with fountains and grottos, and enjoy panoramic views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy another performance by Judith and Kym this evening.

Board a cable car to Monte this morning. Here you’ll encounter the district’s elegant palace, set within a garden paradise. Known as the Monte Palace Madeira, it houses a vast collection of plants from around the world. Close by, we visit the exquisite Madeira Botanical Garden. Boasting spectacular views over Funchal, the vibrant, colourful garden is home to more than 2,000 distinct plant species. Should you prefer, head to the coast and arrive at the world-famous Belmond Reid’s Palace. Take in stunning North Atlantic views while enjoying afternoon tea along the hotel’s perfectly positioned clifftop terrace. Back aboard the Hebridean Sky, cruise to Porto Santo. Simon Rickard will present an engaging lecture on Spain and Portugal, offering insights into the history, culture, and distinctive landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula.

Disembark at Porto Santo, the smallest inhabited island of Madeira’s archipelago. A relaxed day of exploring here includes a tasting of the island’s wines. At the viewpoint of Pico de Castelo, admire the contours of Porto Santo’s coastline. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure back aboard the ship. A Q&A session with our Botanical Guides gives us the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the plants, gardens, and ecosystems we’ve explored. Later in the afternoon, inspired by the region’s distinctive flavors, we indulge in a matched-wine and musical experience with performances by Judith and Kym, combining local culinary delights with lively music for a memorable sensory experience.

As we cruise toward mainland Portugal, Tracy Foster will present an informative talk on everything you need to know about Chelsea Flower Show, from its history to its iconic displays, and the latest trends in horticulture. Tracy is an experienced show garden judge and Chelsea gold-medal-winning garden designer and offers an insider’s perspective on this world-famous event. Perhaps attend a lecture given[PS1] by your Botanical Guide, who will brief you on some of the sights we will encounter tomorrow. We will also hear from Judith Dodsworth on the music of Portugal. Learn about Fado, the country’s celebrated musical style. Take the opportunity to participate during this exploration of the language, rhythms and melodies of this popular folk music.

Arriving in Lisbon, we disembark the ship after breakfast. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Venice.  

Upon arrival at Venice Marco Polo Airport, a private water taxi will transfer you to your accommodation in Venice. Enjoy time at leisure to settle in and relax before gathering for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant

Today, meet your local English-speaking guide and discover the secret green heart of Venice. The tour begins with a pleasant walk through Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most lively districts, and which is known for its charming canals, vibrant atmosphere, and historic landmarks, including the Jewish Ghetto. We also visit the gardens of Palazzo Rizzo Patarol, home to the Grand Hotel dei Dogi. The vast private garden was created in the 18th century by botanist Lorenzo Patarol and remains one of the largest in Venice. Winding paths, ancient trees, and rare flowers still reflect the elegance of its original design. Then transfer by public vaporetto to La Giudecca Island to visit the Redentore Gardens, a tranquil space adjacent to Palladio’s famous church. Restored with orchard trees, aromatic plants, and flowering pergolas, the garden offers a peaceful retreat overlooking the lagoon. At the end of the tour, enjoy free time for lunch and the afternoon at leisure to continue exploring Venice independently.

Enjoy a free morning in Venice before a private water taxi transfer to the Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice. From here, you will transfer to La Bella Vita for a Prosecco welcome. An afternoon cruise takes us along the Giudecca Canal, past some of Venice’s most famous monuments: the Chiesa del Redentore, the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana. We then reach our mooring outside the Naval History Museum. This afternoon, visit Borges Labyrinth, located on the ancient monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board our river ship.

This morning we visit the lagoon island of Sant’Erasmo for a walking tour. The island is known as Venice’s countryside. This agricultural zone of the city is full of flower and vegetable fields and was historically the “Doge’s Vegetable Garden”. Late this afternoon, we cruise to Pellestrina, which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. We traverse the Canal of the Orphans, passing lagoon islands with their ancient monasteries, painted fishing boats and tiny churches. There may also be time for a walk, or perhaps a ride, along the 18th-century Istrian sea wall.

After breakfast, we cruise to Chioggia, the setting of one of Goldoni’s plays. From here, we visit the Padua Botanical Garden. Founded in 1545, it is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We rejoin La Bella Vita at Porto Levante to cruise through the Po Delta nature reserve, where we may see flamingos and the occasional heron, snipe and other wildfowl. We continue upriver to Taglio di Po. Here we visit the beautiful 17th-century villa Tenuta Ca’Zen. This private and stately home sits along the river, surrounded by private gardens. It was here that Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli, inspiring some of his best poetry.

This morning we join the Bianco Canal, cruising to Adria, an ancient Etruscan town. Here, we visit the National Archaeological Museum. After lunch on board, we drive to the Bagnoli Estate to tour the Renaissance gardens and wine cellars of the 17th-century Villa Widmann Borletti and enjoy a private tasting of their renowned estate-grown vintages. We take a stroll around its vineyards, orchards and formal gardens with topiary and statues of theatrical characters. Afterwards, we rejoin La Bella Vita at its moorings in the town of Zelo, enjoying dinner on board.

This morning, visit Giardino di Valsanzibio, with its tree-lined avenues, fishponds, fountains and statues. Built between 1665 and 1696 by one of Venice’s most eminent families, the Barbarigo’s, the garden was intended as a thank you to God for sparing them from the plague of 1630-31. The garden’s design seeks to convey to visitors a positive message: that one should stop and meditate, live life with joy, and that there is always a solution to life’s difficulties. Return to our river ship, moored in Trevenzuolo, for an afternoon canal cruise past villages and farmsteads to Governolo. This evening, we enjoy dinner on board.

The final leg of our cruise sees us approach the city of Mantua, which enjoys a captivating lakeside setting and was once home to the poet Virgil, as well as the artists Mantegna and Donatello. Mantua displays extraordinary neo-classical and baroque architecture, as evidenced in the 14th -century Ducal Palace, which houses some 15 gardens and courtyards, a museum, basilica and theatre. As we wander from room to room, we see intricate frescoes, the Gallery of Mirrors, the exquisite Rivers Room and around 12,000 paintings and sculptures. This masterpiece of art and architecture represents a grand finale to our Italian Renaissance adventure. Afterwards, a visit to the Parco Giardino Sigurta in Valeggio sul Mincio enables us to wander a beautifully landscaped area over 600 hectares in size. The park boasts vast lawns, a rose garden, a hermitage and a medicinal herb garden among many other features. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, we depart our ship and make our way to Bologna. On arrival, enjoy a short tour of the city, which includes Piazza Maggiore; San Petronio; the leaning towers of Bologna. Enjoy free time afterwards or visit Orto Botanico, the city’s botanical gardens. During the 16th century, herbs for medicines were grown here. Continue to Tuscany and our beautiful villa, located in the serene countryside.

Today we make our way to Florence to visit three incredible gardens. Villa Gamberaia is a historic villa, built in the early 1600s and known for its magnificent gardens overlooking the Arno valley. Next we visit the romantic, English-style garden of Giardino Torrigiani, the largest privately owned garden situated within city boundaries in Europe. Finally visit Boboli Gardens, originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Pitti Palace to view the vast museum and collection of works.

Today we visit two special gardens near the city of Lucca. At Villa Torrigiani, travel along the cypress avenue which leads to the entrance of this baroque garden and its incredible fountains. Next we visit another garden featured on Monty Don’s series, Villa Reale di Marlia. The range of gardens set around the villa include an Italian and Spanish garden, camellia walkways and a lemon garden. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Florence as our journey reaches its end.