Hear from Sophie Thomson about Italy & Croatia

Admire the breathtaking scenery of the Italian Lakes District, and marvel at Verona’s beautiful Giardino Giusti. These formal, cultivated gardens of northern Italy contrast with the idyllic, natural setting of Slovenia’s Lake Bled. Our private charter of the small ship, Lady Eleganza, also sees us enjoying an intimate cruise of the spectacular Adriatic Coast and Croatia’s islands. On this journey, you will be joined by Sophie Thomson, who combines her more-than 35 years of gardening expertise with an infectious passion for sharing it with others. Below, Sophie reveals what she is most looking forward to during next May’s departure.

Botanical Guide, Sophie Thomson

National media personality and horticulturist Sophie Thomson combines over 35 years of gardening expertise with an infectious passion for sharing it. Winner of the 2024 Inspiring South Australian Women’s Award, she champions the wellbeing power of nature in everything she does. Sophie serves as a board member for the South Australian Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.

Europe’s Captivating Scenery

This itinerary brings together some of Europe’s most beautiful garden landscapes. The great lakeside gardens of northern Italy will be a highlight; their terraces, specimen trees, water features and breathtaking views are remarkable, while they also complement the region’s historical architecture. As we move through Slovenia and along the Croatian coast, we come across smaller, more intimate gardens and landscapes. These reveal how their gardeners work with stone, slope, sun, and limited water in a very elegant way.

The Convenience of Cruising

During our cruise of Croatia, we wake up somewhere new each day. It’s a real pleasure to unpack once and have more time to discover the historic towns, islands and coasts that larger vessels don’t approach. The journey feels more personal and unhurried: we travel together, sharing what we’ve seen, while avoiding the constant packing, airports and hotel changes. It is a wonderfully relaxed way of travelling.

Colourful & Compelling Contrasts

The region is a fascinating meeting point of climates and cultures. You can see and feel the lush, cool influence of the lakes and mountains, alongside the dry, aromatic planting of the Adriatic coast. The Italian Lakes have that extraordinary combination of grand historic gardens, mountain backdrops and beautiful water. While Slovenia and Croatia offer a more natural, layered Mediterranean character.

Inspiration For Your Own Garden

I’m especially excited to share all of this with Australian gardeners. There will be so much to learn and so much inspiration to take home with you. Much of the region contends with hot summers and dry conditions, which is particularly relevant for Australians. Although, despite the bright light and challenging soils, the gardens still feel abundant and deeply connected to their setting.

Many of the key principles adhered to here translate beautifully: planting for the climate; using drought-tolerant and silver-leaved plants; embracing herbs and fragrant shrubs; creating shade; and using stone, gravel and terraces to make a garden feel settled in the landscape. It is less about copying a European garden exactly, however, and more about adopting its confidence in working with nature, rather than against it.

Whether you are a serious gardener or simply love beautiful places, you will find daily inspiration here, with plenty of time to enjoy it properly.

A Rare Opportunity

This carefully designed journey presents a wonderful mix of outstanding gardens, beautiful landscapes, food, history and culture. The combination of the Italian Lakes, Slovenia and Croatia makes for an exceptionally rich and varied journey.

There will be plenty of opportunities for walking and photography, as well as discoveries of the local food and the distinct character of each destination. My advice would be to travel with an open and curious mind, bring some comfortable shoes, and save a little room in your suitcase for new garden ideas. I hope you will consider joining me.

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