Lake Como scented with citrus and herbs Varenna is the perfect Italian village, from its hilltop castle to the shore of Lake Como. Easily accessible by train or ferry, it is host to a spectacular botanic garden. The meandering Passeggiata degli Innamorati – the Lovers’ Footpath – brings you in 20 minutes from the ferry to Villa Monastero (entry €10, open March-November).
With pillars and pergolas, palm trees and pines framing views of the deep blue lake and mountains beyond, scented by citrus and herbs, the garden is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. And there’s a bar. Perfect happiness.
Maartje Scheltens Dutch mastery near The Hague View image in fullscreen Photograph: STR/AFP/Getty Images From Piet Oudolf’s garden at the back of the Voorlinden Museum near The Hague you can watch people enjoying the exhibits from grassy mounds and wide borders created by one of the world’s most influential garden designers. From inside the museum, the large windows frame the naturalistic flowers and grasses swaying in the breeze. It is a garden that demonstrates the Dutch style of integrating design, planting, art and architecture to create beautiful, relaxing, fun spaces.
There is so much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam, and the Voorlinden brings together the modern Dutch masters of garden design and contemporary art. Admission is €19.50.
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