Springtime in Italy's Gargano Peninsula

Explore Italy’s beautiful and botanically rich Gargano Peninsula in search of unique flora - especially a profusion of orchid species, enjoying gentle walks amongst a spectacular and varied landscape, sampling excellent local food and wines.

Naturetrek still has availability on its 8-day, two-centre Flowers of Italy's Gargano Peninsula tour, departing London 25th April 2009.

Until recently, the Gargano Peninsula has remained a relatively unknown region of rolling limestone hills, arid fields, and small medieval towns set amongst a landscape scarred by numerous caves, swallow holes, deep gorges and rock bridges. Along the northern side of the peninsula, Aleppo Pines and elegant spires of Italian Cypress line the white cliffs, which plunge to the Adriatic Sea.

The peninsula is host to over two thousand plant species, including 69 orchids - the greatest concentration of different orchid species in Europe. For this reason the Gargano Peninsula was recently declared a national park. The initial base for this two-centre holiday is located one kilometre out of Monte Sant’Angelo, a pretty, clustered medieval town set on a limestone escarpment and home to the famous shrine of St. Michele Archangelo.

The hotel itself is surrounded by flower-strewn terraces and offers wonderful views of the Adriatic and port of Manfredonia. From here, explore nearby rocky terraces and wander amongst colourful rockroses, asphodels and large patches of pink Butterfly Orchids, along with the endemic pale Goldendrop (Onosma lucana).

Next, explore Bosco Quarto on foot, an area of Oak and Hornbeam woods and small rocky fields, keeping watch for Iris pseudopumila and possibly the rare Dactylorhiza markusii, en route. Discover the old ruins of St. Maria abbey on top of Monte Sacro, ascending through flower-filled fields, and passing orchids including Ophrys parvimaculata and O. biscutella.

The focus for the latter part of the holiday shifts to Peschici, a charming fishing village on Gargano’s north coast. From here, time is spent exploring the coastline, stopping at Bosco di Spinapulci, a rocky hillside with many familiar Mediterranean plants, including Cyclamen repandum and orchids, such as Serapias apulica, before visiting Gargano’s largest doline (steep-sided depression caused by the collapse of a limestone cavern roof) at Pozzatina. These characteristic limestone features are seen all over the region and offer interesting flower species.

The tour costs £995 p/p including flights from London, taxes, transfers, accommodation with all meals and expert botanical guiding.

For more information and bookings, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.