Italy is a country with a great ornamental horticulture tradition, dating back to the Roman era. The industry is still strong, with regions such as Tuscany and Puglia being major producers in Europe. There is a lot to learn from the Italian industry, which is why AIPH and FCI have arranged a horticultural tour of the country from 2-10 May 2025.
Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), FloraCulture International (FCI), and Explorations by Thor, this tour offers the perfect opportunity for horticultural professionals to discover more about Italy and the Italian industry.
Explorations by Thor is a U.S. based company that specialises in creating custom agriculture tours. These tours may be a variation of agriculture related study abroad trips, classic agribusiness, horticulture or market trade missions.
Hundreds of years ago, the Romans engaged in large-scale cultivation of roses in Pompei and imported other varieties from Egypt. Since that time, Italy has expanded into many other areas, including potted citrus trees, palms, and Mediterranean plants.
The trip will begin in the heart of Milan on Friday 2 May, where guests will be taken on a tour of the city’s impressive historical centre. The following day, Saturday 3 May, the tours will continue onto the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore, north of Milan. Not only are these islands steeped in history, they are also home to stunning gardens. Isola Bella features baroque gardens, which were completed in 1671, while Isola Madre boasts English-style gardens that cover eight hectares.
On Sunday 4 May, delegates will be taken to the AIPH-approved International Horticultural Show Euroflora in Genoa. The 13th edition of the ornamental plant show returns to the revitalised Waterfront of Levante and will showcase a blend of Italian horticulture and art. Euroflora’s theme, “Nature Makes Space”, is not just a phrase but a captivating exploration of the relationship between nature and our surroundings.
From Genoa, the tour will continue onto Tuscany via the Cinque Terre, a series of towns along the Tuscan coast, to arrive in Pistoia for Tuesday 6 May. Here, delegates will visit local nurseries in this horticultural centre before moving on to the iconic city of Florence.
On Wednesday 7 May, guests will travel to the magnificent capital of Italy: Rome, where the remainder of the tours will take place. In addition to visiting Rome’s impressive historical sites, such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, AIPH and FCI have arranged tours of local nurseries. The trip will conclude with a visit to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday 9 May.
Reservations for the tour cost $3,525 for double occupancy rooms and include accommodation, transportation, tours, and meals. Single occupancy rooms can be reserved for a supplement of $750. The deadline for registration is 1 February 2025. For more information and to register, please visit the AIPH Website.
