My wife, Lee, loves to visit gardens. I have learned to include gardens in all of our travel plans. There is something tranquil about walking between rows and rows of flowers or other interesting plants. Plants are so interesting and unusual too. As a former Science teacher, I can appreciate their many adaptations. Gardens often turn out to be highlights of a trip.

We have visited many of the world’s great gardens over the years. Here are a few that have left lasting impressions on us.

Generalife Gardens, Granada, Spain — The lovely garden within the walls of the Alhambra provides a cool and soothing departure from the crowds and the stress of traveling.

Generalife Garden

Alcazar Garden, Seville, Spain — Spanish Kings also needed a place with shade and flowing water during the brutal heat of an Andalusian summer.

Seville Alcazar Garden

Cordoba Alcazar Garden — Beautiful shaded walkways adorned with flowers and other plants within the castle walls.

Cordoba Alcazar Garden

Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy — Lee did not enjoy these gardens of the Pitti Palace during our first trip to Florence because they featured shrubs and fountains rather than flowers.

Boboli Garden

Garden of the Fugitives, Pompeii, Italy — Not a botanical display at all, this “garden” features casts of the dead citizens of Pompeii who were overcome by a volcanic eruption.

Garden of the Fugitives