About

Join us as we travel to beautiful England and Scotland and explore the wondrous gardens and scenery of the region.  Some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet will be at our fingertips as we experience over 20 key gardens and cultural sites. We will compare historic and contemporary gardens and architecture and meet some fabulous people along the way! See how historic European estates, gardens and arboretas reflect the climate, topography, history, philosophy, social structure, art and politics at the time of their creation.  We will observe local plant materials, study different garden and design styles, and build an appreciation of international cultures. The gardens themselves will serve as our classroom as we photograph, sketch and use all of our senses in documenting each different landscape.

Thanks for coming along on our journey!

ITINERARY

Wed. July 23 – Students depart USA for London (overnight flt.)



 

Day 1 – Thursday July 24

Arrive London (Heathrow Airport)

Transfer by coach to Wisley Gardens

Transfer to hotel

Welcome dinner (included)

Overnight London Tavistock Hotel Russell Square

Day 2 -Friday July 25

Breakfast @ hotel (typical)

Driving tour London

Visit of Kew Gardens

Visit Hampton Court

Overnight London Tavistock Hotel Russell Square

Day 3 – Saturday July 26

Free day to explore London, Hyde park, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, museums, etc.

Overnight London Tavistock Hotel Russell Square

Day 4 -Sunday July 27

Coach to Sissinghurst Manor and gardens

Overnight London Tavistock Hotel Russell Square

Day 5 – Monday July 28

Leave for Bristol

Visit Stonehenge

Visit Stourhead

Stop in Bath

Overnight Bristol Marriott City Center

Day 6 – Tuesday July 29

Coach to Liverpool

Visit Hidcote Manor


Group Dinner (included)

Overnight Liverpool Jurys Inn

Day 7 – Wednesday July 30

Visit Bodnant Garden in Wales

Visit to village of Angsley


 Overnight Liverpool Jurys Inn

Day 8 -Thursday July 31

Free day (journals!) in Liverpool

Overnight Liverpool Jurys Inn

Day 9 – Friday August 1

Liverpool to Dumfries

Visit Chatsworth

Drive through Peak and Lake District on our way to Scotland

Overnight Cumbria Crown & Mitre Hotel

Day 10 -Saturday August 2*

Day visit to Portrack House 
And its “Garden of Cosmic Speculation”

Overnight Cumbria Crown & Mitre Hotel

Day 11 -Sunday August 3

Dunfries to Glasgow

Driving sightseeing tour Glasgow

Visit Ardkinglas Gardens on shore of Loch Lomond

Overnight Oban Columba Hotel

Day 12 – Monday August 4

Inveraray to Aberdeen


Stop in historic towns of Stirling & Dunkeld

Visit Crathes Castle and gardens

Group Dinner (included)


Overnight Aboyne Huntley Arms Hotel

Day 13 – Tuesday August 5

Aberdeen to Edinburgh via Dundee and St. Andrews

Visit Cambo Gardens and Kellie Castle

Driving sightseeing orientation
Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, King Arthur’s Seat, etc.

Overnight Malmaison Edinburgh

Day 14 – Wednesday August 6

Day excursion to Little Sparta

Visit Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Overnight Malmaison Edinburgh

Day 15 – Thursday August 7

Free day to shop and explore

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Try to get tix to Military Tatoo!

Overnight Malmaison Edinburgh

Day 16 -Friday August 8)

One transfer to Edinburgh airport

Glide back to USA w/ great memories
of the UK and your new family!