Top 5: Gardens in Italy

Villa D’este

This palace and expansive gardens are a remarkable example of a 16^th-century garden. Its design had a profound influence on the development of garden design throughout Europe and its extraordinary system of fountains is an engineering marvel of its time.

Isola Bella

Isola Bella, which translates to beautiful island, is a small island located off the seaside town of Stresa. Its only contents on the 320 by 400-meter surface are a small fishing village, and the palace and Italianate garden, a tourist destination for its beauty.

Villa Corlotta

This 70,000 square meters of 17^th-century museum and garden on Lake Como offers incredible views of the surrounding lake and mountains. The gardens are famous for the rhododendrons and azalea spring blooms of 150 varieties, but the grounds are beautiful and thriving year-round.

Boboli Gardens

This Florence garden is one of the largest and most elegant Italian-style gardens. The park boasts centuries-old oak trees, remarkable sculptures and fountains and beautiful colors. Its design inspired many royal gardens, including Versailles. It contains work from many legendary artists, including Michelangelo.

Villa Rufolo

Located on the famed and beautiful Amalfi Coast, Villa Rufolo is a stunning coastal treasure. The grounds and villa are a 13^th-century marvel. Its garden, known as the Garden of Soul, is two levels and filled with lush trees, ancient walls and Victorian romance.