From £715

300 professionals and 145 tonnes of citrus fruit are involved in making the Menton Lemon Festival one of the largest and most colourful events on the south coast of France. In addition to a full day of fruity fun in Menton, we visit some of the finest gardens that were created here in this sun-kissed playground of the rich in the 19th Century.

Clos du Peyronnet, also in Menton, is a private garden reflecting the passion of its owner who takes full advantage of the climate to nurture exotic plants, South African bulbs being a speciality. At St Jean Cap Ferrat we visit two wonderful gardens, originally part of the same property. Les Cedres were begun with the aim of creating the finest private botanical garden in the world. The exquisite gardens of the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild contain many interesting plants and are surrounded by marvellous sea views. Just over the border in Italy are the incomparable Hanbury Gardens, arguably the greatest of all the Riviera gardens, in the richness of their collection. A scenic train journey along the glittering Cote d'Azur completes this most colourful of our tours, which we are pleased to offer in association with Brightwater Holidays. Lending his own bonhomie to proceedings is Alan Mason, the well-known garden designer and broadcaster, who has extensive experience of French gardens.

From £355

Suffolk is a predominantly rural county of gentle landscapes and big skies, with a host of appealing gardens adapted to the mild, dry climate here.

Our tour starts with Beth Chatto Gardens, created in 1960 by Beth and Andrew Chatto from overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows now transformed to an inspirational informal garden. Henstead Exotic Garden is filled with palms, bananas, bamboos and jungle plants. Bedfield Hall follows a more traditional design, while at the Lucy Redman School of Garden Design, we find a quirky plantsman's garden. Further highlights include Rosemary, a romantic cottage style garden and the stately parkland and rose-scented borders of Helmingham Hall. We conclude with a visit to the garden of RHS Hyde Hall at Rettendon.

From £795.00

Open only by special arrangement, we are delighted to offer this unique opportunity to visit the ancient and beautiful gardens of Ninfa.

The romantic flower-covered ruins at Ninfa, just to the south of Rome, are as close to gardening perfection as you can get. Scented roses, hydrangeas and jasmines are among the many plants, which curtain what remains of the walls of medieval houses and churches, and entwine soaring cypresses which line what were once streets. Paths now meander beside a crystal-clear river through Ninfa's tranquil setting. Our tour will visit two other important Italian gardens. The Villa Lante is a study in geometry and symmetry dating back to the 16th century. Water features are everywhere, including a huge, balustraded water fountain which is a superb example of late-renaissance style. The 16th century gardens at Villa D'Este, also renowned for their use of water, are romantically overgrown with tall pines, evergreen oaks and cedars. From the upper terrace the valley seems to be full of sparkling spray and the senses are confused by the continual sound of cascading water.