Excursion Biviere farm & garden tour at Syracuse

Explore the nature of Sicily during this half-day excursion visiting the Beautiful Biviere Gardens.

Depart the pier for the 60-minute drive towards Lentini, and a visit to the Biviere Farm.

Biviere Farm, Guided Tour, Fruit Trees, Processing Centre

"Biviere" is the name of a lake that held great historical importance. Its ancient origins can be traced back to Greek mythology. Until the 1930s, the lake, which contained a lot of fish, ​​was very important for the economy of all the surrounding districts and was rich in flora and fauna. Land reclamation works, which had begun in the fascist era, ended in the 1950s. It was during those years that Il Biviere became the residence of the Borghese Princes, Scipione and Maria Carla, who, with love and passion, decided to transform the ancient family estate into an exotic Mediterranean garden and began to plant the first citrus groves.

Today new energies are shaping Il Biviere. Giangiacomo and Virginia have brought life to a dream that embraces nature, healthy nutrition, ecology and a harmonious lifestyle, waiting for everyone who wants to get involved!

Here, approximately 272 acres (about 110 hectares) are cultivated with red and blond oranges, lemons, clementines, pink grapefruits, flat peaches (tabacchiere), and apricots. Upon arrival, meet your host, Virginia Gattai Borghese, who escorts you on a guided tour of the farm and garden. Pass through the fields, where, depending on the time of year, you can learn about and observe the care and maintenance of the trees, then step inside the Processing Centre to observe the fruit selection and packaging processes.

Biviere Garden, Refreshments

Next, proceed for a visit to the exquisite Biviere Garden. Created by the Princess with great love and passion, this garden is a magical and fascinating place, and filled with botanical species from all over the world. It has hosted many luminaries, and, in 1988, had the honour of a visit by the Queen Mother of England. Refreshments including tea, fruit juice and home-made cakes are offered inside the Biviere Garden during your visit. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 60-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Biviere Farm & Garden, Guided Tour, Fruit Trees, Processing Centre, Refreshments

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles-0.6 miles (about 0.8 kilometres-one kilometre), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and at the Biviere Garden (no handrail). This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes (that can get wet and dirty), and bring sun protection, bottled water, insect repellent, and Euros and/or credit cards for purchases from the ship.The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. In the event Virginia Gattai Borghese would not be availabe, a family menmber or an experienced member of the team will lead the visit. Please note that guides may have accents reflecting their regional backgrounds, which adds to the diversity and richness of the experience.