Travel to europe in august

[fiji jim]

Hi all, especially to any Italian viewers.

My wife and I are travelling to London from Fiji in August as my 50th birthday celebration and a few weeks of some things that I have always wanted to do but never have got around to.

Main event is the Rollingstones concert in London on 21st. Always wanted to see them but things have got in the way at other times like work etc.

Also want to spend about 2 weeks in Italy.

Fine food, vino etc. Not concerned to see Vatican and other tourists haunts but some good gardens, great scenery, fun people and real experiences.

What can you recommend ?

[bgl]

Jim,

Wow, that'll be quite the birthday celebration! Sounds like a great trip. I'm sure you alrready know about Kew Botanical Garden outside of London - make sure you don't miss it!

Even though I've been to Italy many many times, that was long before I became actively interested in palms, so can't help you there, but hopefully Carlo will see this thread and add his input. However, I do know of (and have been to) some beautiful gardens in northern Italy, by Lake Maggiore, but you would probably see more of a palm variety in southern Italy. If you visit Lago Maggiore, all you really have to do is drive along the lake.

Aloha!

Bo-Göran

[fiji jim]

Thanks Bo,

My wife, Marijani has been to that lake and loved the area but you are right that I would rather see more of palms.

Also bring on the vino and cheese.

Cheers

Jim

[Carlo Morici]

Italy is the country with the highest density of botanic gardens and the best palm displays are held by the public botanic gardens in Southern Italy. The best collections can be seen in the three botanic gardens of Sicily, located in Palermo, Catania and Messina. More palms can be seen in the BG's in Napoli and Rome, further north. Napoli has hundreds of Cycad species in pots, which can be seen by appointment.

Up north the nicest palm collections can be seen in Sanremo and Firenze. The BG of Firenze which is quite in the cold north keeps a collection of palms in large pots, including old and uncommon species. Sanremo in the Riviera is also a leading palm place.

You can also contact IPS members (check the roster) in Italy. Some will surely be happy to show you their gardens.

I will actually be in Sicily during the whole month of August, we might coincide if you pass by my area.

Carlo

[fiji jim]

Hey thanks Carlo,

Great to have that information.

We are planing to be in Italy for the first 2 to 3 weeks of August. When we are more certain of our moves I will contact you.

Jim

[junglegalfla]

I lived in northern Italy near Pordenone for about a year.  You can drive down virtually any rural road and hit tons of family vineyards along the way.

I would also HIGHLY recommend visiting Lake Barcis in the Italian Alps. The water color and scenery is amazing.

[Darold Petty]

Jim;

 I visited the Rome Botanic Garden last January.  It was a big disappointment.  The only palm of any interest was a very old Nannorrhops.  Don't waste your precious time.  In hindsight, I wish that I had gone back to the Borgese Gallery a second time.

[fiji jim]

Thanks for the replies Junglegal and Darold.

This is all precious info that will make sure that we do not waste our time.

Thanks again.

Jim