Troy B Marden Travel

Culinary Delights of the Italian Piedmont--September 4-15, 2022
2022-09-04 - 2022-09-15
Sold Out
A food-focused tour that will explore the delicacies of Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region. Here, traditional Italian cooking blends with the cuisine of its border countries, France and Switzerland. The tomato sauces of central and southern Italy give way to rich and hearty cream sauces and buttery delights. Cheese reigns supreme and truffles abound.
Beginning in Genoa and ending in the lakeside spa town of Stresa, this tour will include the Asti Food Festival in Asti (also home to the bubbly Asti Spumante), a visit to the village of Bra (the foundation of the “Slow Food” movement), the Barolo wine region, the Sacra di San Michelle, a cable car ride at Monte Bianco, a truffle hunt, and much, much more! We will also stay in the deeply historic city of Turin, with its famous shroud and a second-to-none culinary scene, and spend two nights in the heart of the ancient city of Aosta. As we relax in the spa town of Stresa at tour’s end, we will explore the garden islands, Isola Bella and Isola Madre, of Lago di Maggiore, as well as a nearby private garden.
Cost: $4,450.00 per person, double occupancy, ground only
Single Supplement: $750.00
For more information or to make reservations: troy@troybmarden.com

Epic Ireland! 15 Days of Castles, Gardens, and Natural Wonders--August 10-24, 2022
2022-08-10 - 2022-08-24
Join me, along with well-known horticulturist and garden guru, Jason Reeves, curator of the UT Garden at the University of Tennessee’s Jackson, TN research station for an EPIC adventure through the most beautiful gardens of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Beginning and ending in Dublin, we’ll make two complete loops through Ireland. The first, west across central Ireland to Limerick, south to Bantry Bay, and finally back east to County Wicklow. Then, we’ll head north to Belfast for three nights while we explore the wild and wonderful sights of the north country before heading back to Dublin for our return to the U.S.
Along the way, we’ll see sights like the National Botanic Garden Glasnevin, Heywood Gardens (part of which is an Edwin Lutyens/Gertrude Jekyll masterpiece), the city of Galway, the cliffs of Moher, Glin Castle and Gardens, Bantry House & Gardens, the private gardens of brother and sister gardeners Jimi and June Blake, and much, much more! On our journey north, we’ll visit Tyrrelstown House & Garden, Ardgillan Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, the Belfast Botanic Garden, Mount Stewart and several other gardens and awe-inspiring sites along the way.
Finally, we will return to Dublin, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells, the illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament created around 800 AD and housed at Trinity since 1661. We will leave nary a stone unturned on this tour of Epic Ireland!

Castles and Gardens of Northern Wales & Scotland--July 16-27, 2022
2022-07-16 - 2022-07-27
Rescheduled from 2020 to 2021, reservations are now open to fill the remaining spaces on what will be a spectacular tour of Northern Wales and the southern half of Scotland. We will explore the northern coast and part of the interior of Wales before turning our private coach north and driving first to Glasgow and finally to Edinburgh. Some highlights include: Arley Hall & Gardens, Powis Castle, Portmeirion, Bodnant Gardens, Threave Garden, Culzean Castle, Logan Botanic Garden, Abbotsford, and Carolside (a stunning private garden). An optional 3-day, 2-night extension to Inverness will include visits to at least two well-known Scotch distilleries.
Cost: $4,250 per person, double occupancy, ground only
Single Supplement: $850.00
Optional Extension to Inverness: $1,250.00 per person, double occupancy
For More Information or to make your reservations: troy@troybmarden.com

Chelsea Flower Show--May 15-26, 2022
2022-05-15 - 2022-05-26
Join me May 15-26, 2022 as we tour southern England from Bath to Southampton, Chichester, and Maidstone before we arrive in London for three nights at tour’s end to take in the most famous flower show in the world—Chelsea!
We will fly roundtrip into and out of London and spend the first seven days exploring some of England’s most special public and private gardens from Bath, in Somerset, to Maidstone, in Kent. Garden visits will include Cliveden, Iford Manor, Longleat, Stourhead, Exbury Gardens, West Dean Gardens, Nymans, Gravetye Manor, Wakehurst, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst, and several more.
Cultural visits will include Avebury, a walking tour of Bath, a stay at Leeds Castle with a private dinner in the castle, and the grand finale of the Chelsea Flower Show in London, staying in London’s toney Covent Garden. Also included are one-year memberships to the Royal Horticulture Society and the National Trust.
Cost: $4,450.00 per person, double occupancy, ground only
Single Supplement: $950.00

Epic Ireland! with Jason Reeves--August 18 - September 1, 2020
2020-08-18 - 2020-09-01
Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Ireland in this epic, 15-day journey that will find us exploring the island from North to South and East to West! Starting in Dublin, we’ll explore the private and public gardens of this beautiful and historic city before heading west across the center of the country, all the way to Limerick. Here, the coastal region of Ireland known as the “Wild Atlantic Way” beckons with some of Ireland’s most beautiful castles and gardens set against the dramatic backdrop of the west coast wilderness. As we drop south to Cork, we’ll visit an island garden in the sheltered harbor of Glengariff and a stunning, Italianate garden whose view across Bantry Bay will leave you breathless!
Making our way back east, we’ll travel across the southern coast of Ireland, including a stop in Waterford, where you’ll be able to shop for crystal from one of the world’s most famous makers and enjoy lunch in the historic city center. Mid-tour, we will return to Dublin, using the city as home base to explore County Wicklow, home to some of Ireland’s most famous gardens. From the National Botanical Garden at Kilmacurragh to the private gardens of brother and sister gardeners-extraordinaire (and neighbors), Jimi and June Blake, we’ll explore as much of this garden rich region of Ireland as we can in our allotted time. We will also include a visit to the astounding Powerscourt Estate & Garden.
Finally, we’ll head to Northern Ireland to explore the fascinating city of Belfast and the historic estates and gardens of the surrounding countryside. These will include the Victorian Botanic Garden, the Rowallane estate and garden, Mount Stewart, and others. On our last day in Northern Ireland, we’ll drive to the northernmost point in all of Ireland to explore what is, perhaps, its most famous feature—the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption that caused more than 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal basalt blocks to rise dramatically out of the sea. This is one of nature’s wonders that truly must be seen to be believed!
On the last day of our tour, we will make our way from Belfast back to Dublin before flying home the next day.
Tour Cost: $4,495.00 per person, double occupancy, ground only Single Supplement: $$850.00
4-star hotel accommodations throughout the tour
For a fully detailed itinerary and reservation form, or TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE, please email me directly at troy@troybmarden.com

SOLD OUT!!!--Northern Wales & Scotland Adventure
2020-08-02 - 2020-08-16
Castles, gardens, art, architecture, food, and more, this tour will have something for everyone, including a bit of luxury in our 4-star or better hotels! Flying into Manchester, England, we will use Chester, an ancient Roman settlement complete with Roman architecture, walls, and even a Roman amphitheater as our home base to explore northern Wales. While in Wales, we will visit Bodnant Gardens, Powis Castle, the Dingle Garden and Nurseries, Caernarfon Castle, Portmeirion, and the Pant Du Winery & Orchard, to name but a few.
For the second half of the trip, we will fly (*flight included in the price) from Manchester to Glasgow, where we will explore the castles, gardens, and country estates of the west coast of Scotland before heading to Edinburgh. We will end the main portion of our tour in the region around Edinburgh and those not participating in the extension will fly home.
Optional Extenstion to Inverness, $1,250 per person: Join me on this optional extension as we drive north to Inverness, touring Falkland Palace, Branklyn Garden, and Blair Castle along the way. While in Inverness, we’ll spend a day exploring the Scottish Highlands and enjoy a wee dram at two of the region’s finest distilleries. A visit to Glamis Castle will complete the tour as we return to Edinburgh to fly home.
THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!!!

Brandywine Valley Premier Painting Workshop with Kyle Buckland--May 1-8, 2020
2020-05-01 - 2020-05-08
Artist Kyle Buckland began painting as a teenager. At age thirteen, after reading John Rewald’s The History of Impressionism, he began to take a keen interest in the French painters and the philosophies regarding plein air painting. Today, his style of painting, which is deeply rooted in the fundamental philosophies regarding Impressionism, is as unique as his subject matter is inviting.
Now, with this initial offering, artists of every skill level—from beginners to the more experienced—have the opportunity to learn from one of today’s most recognized plein air painters, learning his philosophies and techniques along the way! This hands-on painting workshop and tour to the Brandywine Valley, between Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia, finds Kyle returning to his childhood home and focusing on the art and artists of the region, with a special focus on the Wyeths and the artists that influenced them.
I am so pleased to be partnering with Kyle on this unique collaboration. I will also be joining the group on tour to manage the day-to-day business of the trip in order for Kyle to remain firmly focused on the art, site visits, and his painting demonstrations and instruction. We hope this initial partnership will lead to many more opportunities to travel and paint, both at home and abroad!
Tour Cost: $2,850 per person, double occupancy Single Supplement: $750
Accommodation will be at the 5-star Hotel Dupont in Wilmington, DE
For a fully detailed itinerary and reservation form, or to RESERVE YOUR SPACE, please email me directly at troy@troybmarden.com We look forward to traveling and painting with you!

SOLD OUT!!!--Gardens & Treasures of Sicily--March 28 - April 8, 2020
2020-03-28 - 2020-04-08
Explore the island of Sicily and all it has to offer! From spectacular gardens and beautiful palazzos to extraordinary archaeological and historic sites, we’ll leave nary a stone unturned. We’ll also immerse ourselves in the rich culture and mouthwatering cuisine found throughout one of Italy’s most unique regions.
Making a complete loop around the island, we will start and end in Palermo. In between, we’ll explore the towns of Erice, Marsala, Caltagirone, Siracusa, Catania, and Taormina, as well as the Palermo Botanic Garden, the Temple of Segesta, Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, the island of Mozia, the Baroque city of Noto, Palazzo Pennisi, the garden of Biviere and many more.
Along the way, we will be treated to private lunches and dinners, wine tastings, and some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Join us, as we delve deep into the cultural wonder that is Sicily!
THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!!!

Philadelphia Flower Show--March 4-8, 2020
2020-03-04 - 2020-03-08
Welcome to the Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest flower show in the United States! A horticultural Who’s-Who with spectacular gardens, educational seminars, competitive classes filled with amazing specimens of unique plants, plenty of shopping and so much more, we’ll spend one full day of the trip browsing and enjoying the show! And our hotel is attached directly to the convention center, so we’ll get to enjoy the show no matter the weather.
In addition to the Flower Show, we will spend one day taking in Longwood Gardens, where the conservatory, spanning 4 acres under glass, will be in full springtime bloom and the orchid collection will be at spring peak, too! We will also visit nearby Winterthur, with its breathtaking collection of American antiques perfectly displayed in the grand mansion and its garden that is beautiful in any season. Finally, on Saturday, we’ll head to Downingtown for their annual “Galanthus Gala”, a day-long event featuring a “rare and unusual” plant sale, renowned garden speakers, and more.
Your daily breakfast at the hotel will be included, as will at least one other meal on each of our three tour days. We’ll arrive on Wednesday, immerse ourselves in gardening on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and return home Sunday, so join me for a perfect long weekend and a preview of spring in Philly!
Tour Cost: $1,495.00 per person Single Supplement: $450.00
Accommodation will be at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, immediately adjacent to the convention center where the Philadelphia Flower Show takes place.
For an itinerary and reservation form or TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE, please contact me directly at troy@troybmarden.com

Bella Tuscany!
2019-09-10 - 2019-09-21
In all of my travels, there is no place that I love sharing more than I love sharing Italy. The food, the art, the architecture, history, people and, of course, the exceptional scenery and beautiful gardens. Italy has it all and September, in my opinion, is the very best time to be there—grape harvest wrapping up, winemaking in earnest, and olive harvest underway. Wild boar, truffles, and chestnuts are all in season with menus everywhere featuring these Tuscan delicacies. We’ll visit at least one very special winery in Chianti and hopefully a second in Montalcino. We’ll spend two nights in Rome at the beginning of the trip and see the highlights, 5 nights in the hill towns of Tuscany, and we’ll end the main part of the trip in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. From Florence, you may either fly home to the U.S. or extend with us for a few more days to take in the stunning beauty of Como and its surroundings.
Bella Tuscany! sites include: The Roman Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and other highlights of Rome. The Tuscan hill towns of Cortona, San Gimignano, Assisi, Siena. Private palazzos and gardens across Tuscany. Michelangelo’s David, the Medici Tombs, Santa Maria del Fiore (with Brunelleschi’s dome) and Baptistry, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace, at least two private Florentine gardens, and much, much more!
Email me at troy@troybmarden.com for full details and to reserve your spot now!

Bella Tuscany!
Date: September 10-21, 2019
Group Size: Maximum 20 participants
Price: $4,450 per person, double occupancy, ground only
Single Supplement: $1,050 per person
Airfare: Not included
Deposit: $1,000 at time of booking + $1,050 Single Supplement, if traveling singly.
Payments: $1,725 each by April 10, 2019 and June 10, 2019
Optional Como Extension: $1,350 per person, double occupancy. Single Supplement: $450

The Great Gardens of England
2019-07-01 - 2019-07-12
If the greatest gardens of England are on your bucket list, this is the tour for you!
Planned specifically at the request of some of my dearest gardening friends, we are going to spend 10 full days on the ground visiting some of the most beautiful private and public gardens that England has to offer. Arriving in London, we will be greeted by our private coach and head northeast to begin our tour at the world-famous Blooms of Bressingham and Beth Chatto Gardens. From there, we will make our way back to Oxford to visit Blenheim Palace, Rousham House, and others. Next, we’ll make our way through the Cotswolds, visiting some of the most outstanding private gardens the region has to offer before making our way around to the southeast of London, where we will stay at the spectacular Leeds Castle to visit Great Dixter, Sissinghurst, Iford Manor, Hever Castle, the RHS Garden at Wisley, and so many more!
The Great Gardens of England sites to include: Kew Gardens, Blooms of Bressingham, The Beth Chatto Gardens, Blenheim Palace, Rousham House, private gardens of the Cotswolds, Bourton House, Iford Manor, Leeds Castle, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst, Hever Castle, Penshurst Place, the RHS Garden at Wisley, and more!
Email me at troy@troybmarden.com for full details and to reserve your spot now!

The Great Gardens of England
Date: July 1-12, 2019
Price: $4,450 per person, double occupancy, ground only
Single Supplement: $900
Airfare: Not included
Deposit: $1,000 at time of booking + $900 Single Supplement, if traveling singly.
Payments: $1,725 each on February 1, 2019 and April 1, 2019

Gardens & Treasures of Sicily
2019-05-08 - 2019-05-17
Sicily has been at the top of my list of destinations for several years and I’ve been waiting for just the right opportunity to present itself. When Dr. Charles Yurgalevitch, the Director of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden mentioned he would like to partner on a tour to Sicily, I didn’t hesitate! Being of Sicilian descent, Charles has amazing connections to family and friends across the island and this tour is going to be one-of-a-kind! We’ll eat traditional Sicilian food, drink wine from Sicilian vineyards, visit the ancient archaeological sites that are scattered across the island and, of course, visit amazing palazzos and see the very best public and private gardens that Sicily has to offer.
Gardens & Treasures of Sicily sites to include: Agrigento, the Temple at Segesta, Mount Etna, the Radicepura Garden Festival, the Walled Garden of Palazzo Pennisi, Il Giardino del Biviere (the garden of Princess Borghese, which was once a lake!), Giardino di San Giuliano, at least two Sicilian wineries, the cities of Catania, Siracusa, Palermo, and much more along the way!
Email me at troy@troybmarden.com for full details and to reserve your spot now!

Gardens & Treasures of Sicily
Date: May 8-17, 2019
Group Size: Maximum 20 participants
Price: $4,600 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $650
Airfare: Not included
Deposit: $1,000 at time of booking + $650 Single Supplement, if traveling singly.
Payments: $1,800 each by January 8, 2019, and March 8, 2019

Charleston Garden & Gourmet Tour—Wine & Food Week
2019-03-05 - 2019-03-10
Food, Wine, & Spring in Charleston, SC!
The perfect get-away to explore the rich culinary traditions and enjoy the early spring beauty of the Deep South, with luxury accommodations, breathtaking gardens, and mouthwatering food throughout!
On day one, you will fly on your own to meet our group at our 5-star Charleston, SC hotel where we will spend the week discovering the region’s historic homes and plantations in all their spring glory. We will spend at least one afternoon and possibly more at the Charleston Wine & Food Week festival! Breakfast will be included at the hotel and at lunch and dinner each day, we will delve into the local cuisine, from casual, homestyle cooking to the finest, trendsetting restaurants Charleston has to offer.
Charleston Garden & Gourmet Tour—Wine & Food Week sites to include: Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, Boone Hall, Boone Hall Farmers Market, The Charleston Tea Plantation, at least one Cooking Class, a variety of Charleston’s top restaurants, and more.
*Please note that this ground package is all-inclusive. Once you arrive in Charleston on your own, you will join our exclusive, small group at our luxury hotel and from there on, your meals, transportation, accommodations, site visits, and classes are included in the price.
Email me at troy@troybmarden.com for full details and to reserve your spot now!

Charleston Garden & Gourmet Tour—Wine & Food Week
Date: March 5-10, 2019
Group Size: Maximum 12 participants
Price: $3,250.00 per person, double occupancy, ground package all-inclusive
Single Supplement: $950
Airfare: Not included
Deposit: $1,000 at time of booking + $950 Single Supplement, if traveling singly.
Payments: $2,250 per person due by February 1, 2019

Nashville Lawn & Garden Show
2018-03-01 - 2018-03-04
Speaking day & time will be posted once confirmed. The show features beautiful live gardens, free lectures, demonstrations, floral design gallery, vendor marketplace, special children’s activities, Saturday Wine Festival & it’s all indoors!

Tellico Village Garden Club, Knoxville, TN
2018-03-01
Private Event
The mission of the Tellico Village Garden Club is to encourage the love of gardening and improve the quality of our environment through educational programs, field trips, publications, and maintenance of neighborhood gardens.
