Next Retreat: 7 nights from 19th to 26th April 2025
We’re excited to announce that our ever-popular gardeners’ retreat is making a comeback next year – for the fourth season in a row! This exclusive wildflower- and garden-themed holiday, is once again timed to coincide with the awakening of the spring orchids, an unmissable spectacle in this part of Italy.
Hosted by garden guru David Hurrion and photography expert Sarah Cuttle, there’ll be wildflower walks, garden tours and visits to the historic city of Cortona and the ancient, picturesque towns of Pienza and Anghiari, PLUS garden talks and Q&A sessions, as well as photography workshops.
All this together with time to relax, swim and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Villa Pia at the heart of historic Lippiano in glorious scenery on the Umbrian-Tuscan border.
The price for the garden week will be £1650 per adult in a single room with en suite and £1250 in a two person shared room with en suite, flights are not included. Included in the price will be:
- Accommodation at Villa Pia, Lippiano, Umbria
- Breakfast each day
- Breakfast each day
- Buffet lunches (except on full-day excursions) and dinners at Villa Pia
- Fresh fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol available all day, at no extra cost
- Expert hosts, guides, entrances and tutoring
- Coach transfers from and to Perugia Airport, and transport for visits
For bookings and enquiries, please get in touch via the VILLA PIA BOOKING PAGE.
Itinerary Highlights Planned*
- Guided walks to see orchids, wildflowers and spectacular landscape views in the countryside around Lippiano, led by your expert hosts.
- Full-day excursion to the historic Tuscan hill town of La Pienza, and the sumptuous gardens of La Foce with its far-reaching views of the Val d’Orcia.
- A special tour of the extraordinary gardens at La Scarzuola with it’s extraordinary architecture. Plus time to explore the stunning city of Cortona, surrounded by walls dating back to Etruscan times and its wealth of stunning buildings.
- A visit to the award-winning project Archeologia Arborea which safeguards heritage fruit orchards which are carpeted with wild flowers.
- Time to discover the picturesque, local hilltop town of Anghiari and its delightful, artisan shops.
- An exclusive talk on making the most of your garden and a Q&A session with David Hurrion who’ll share tips on gardening and growing.
- An exclusive talk and Q&A session with David Hurrion who’ll share tips on gardening in a changing climate.
- Photography workshops with Sarah Cuttle, who’ll give individual support on flower walks and visits to get the best shots, no matter what camera you use!
PLEASE NOTE: there will be easy to moderate walking (FULL day and HALF day) in towns, and on paths and woodland trails.
*This provisional itinerary may be subject to minor changes due to operational reasons.
About David Hurrion
Having started gardening as a child, David has been growing plants for more than 50 years. His extensive knowledge and experience of plants and growing techniques is based on a botanical and scientific training, complemented by an in-depth understanding of garden design, wildlife, geology and climatology.
He is currently Associate Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and is a Judge for the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as sitting on their Tender Plant Committee.
David has travelled to every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, to discover plants and gardens, and on more than 50 trips accompanying groups of gardeners.
About Sarah Cuttle
As a professional garden and plant photographer, Sarah’s career spans 18 years and has taken her across the UK, Europe and the Americas. She is a regular contributor to Gardeners’ World magazine, working with the presenters and production team from the BBC series.
She works with other magazine titles such as RHS The Garden, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, House & Garden and Country Living and has had the privilege of meeting passionate plant specialists, garden designers and garden owners.
Sarah also works with the RHS for the coverage of their Annual shows and enjoys the title of Associate Photographer for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
What people are saying about the hosts:
“We had such a wonderful time, our hosts and guides were so knowledgeable and easy to get on with. Villa Pia was incredible and we were made to feel very much at home”
– Duncan & Mary, April 2023
“Beautifully organised trips to fascinating destinations and delicious fresh, Italian food. A richly rewarding insight into the glorious landscapes and gardens of this area”
– Phil, April 2022
“Sarah has a genuine passion for gardens, plants and the beauty of garden making, but also working with people. Her images show this in all she does – whether it’s a shoot that focuses on the people who’ve made the outdoor space, or the plants that happily grow there.”
“During our cruise holiday David was the perfect horticultural guru and companion – accessible, helpful, hugely knowledgeable, never overbearing or patronizing. He listens carefully and is thoughtful with his replies. His group talks are truly interesting, well researched and interactive.”
“David’s knowledge of plants from all corners of the world, never ceases to amaze together with his professionalism, care and concern for clients, and infectious smile, all goes hand in hand to make him a great host and person to share your travels with!”
“Torrential rain or blinding sunshine? Sarah tackles the challenges of garden photography with both professionalism and humour.”
