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Princess Borghese Private Gardens

  • Catania
Visit an exotic garden fit for royalty — no joke, it belongs to a prince and princess of the Borghese dynasty.
The villa dates back to the 17th-century, and the garden, Il Biviere, is shrouded in myth where — long story short — Hercules played a role in the formation of the garden’s lake. In recent years, the Borgheses created an organic, biodynamic oasis featuring exotic species from all over the world — revealing every shade of green from the moment you arrive through its fauna-adorned gate. After your garden stroll, enjoy seasonal snacks with local wines served in the succulent surroundings.

Shore Thing Highlights

  • Through the gardens and perfected walkways, a guide will illustrate the variety of succulents found on the property

  • The lovely gardens surrounding the house were initiated in 1967 at the behest of the Borghese princes

  • The exotic plants are comprised of Mediterranean species, with others imported from Brazil, Australia, Tanzania, and other countries

Need to know

  • Approximately 1-hour drive to/from the Borghese Gardens

  • Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible

  • Light bites and local wine

  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price. 

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.


Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
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