an inspiring blend of exquisite gardens, magnificent stately homes, palaces and quaint villages of the Cotswolds, Hertfordshire and Greater London

Dates: June 9-16 & July 14-21

Day 1 Thursday – London * Oxford * Chipping Campden
After breakfast we depart for Oxford to tour its historic 17th century Botanic Garden, continuing into the Cotswolds to the delightful ‘wool town’ of Chipping Campden for five nights at the Cotswold House Hotel . (D)

Day 2 Friday – Some Cotswold Villages * Sezincote
A morning to savor Chipping Campden, nearby Stow-on-the-Wold, Stanton, and other villages, full of quaint charm. We visit Sezincote, a fascinating house in the Indian “Moghul” style, inspiration for the Brighton Pavilion, and tour its Paradise Garden with canals and Irish yews. We will admire its copper beeches, cedars, lime trees and the numerous streams and pools, at a leisurely pace. (B, D)

Day 3 Saturday – Sudeley Castle & Gardens * Hidcote Manor Garden
Our first stop is the beautiful 15th century Sudeley Castle, home of Queen Katherine Parr, where we tour its interior and the superb gardens: the famous Queen’s Garden with outstanding old-fashioned roses, the tithe barn garden and the secret garden. A visit of Hidcote Manor Garden , one of the smallest and most beautiful ten acres, tops off our day. (B, D)

Day 4 Sunday – Cotswold Gems
A morning for charming Bibury, considered the most beautiful village in England, with 17th century weavers’ cottages beside the River Coln, and for Cirencester, a fine town with Roman origins, a beautiful church and shops. Then through the scenic Stroud Valley to Cheltenham to tour the private garden of Pigeon House, a 14th century former manor house, offering lake and woodland features. After our tour, we have tea with the gracious owners . (B, D)

Day 5 Monday – Mill Dene * Hodges Barn
Our day begins at Mill Dene Garden, surrounding a historic water mill, with splendid views over the Cotswolds. This garden was conceived of as a series of “rooms”: Rose Walk, Fruit Garden and Church Garden, with medicinal and culinary herbs, and an informal woodland area. This afternoon we tour the most appealing private garden of Hodges Barn, which has been in the same family since 1946, with plantings chosen for color, fragrance and variety. Its special features are its beautiful topiary and a huge collection of roses . (B, D)

Day 6 Tuesday – Blenheim * St. Albans
On to Woodstock to visit breathtaking Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. We explore the Palace, the Churchill Exhibition and its Pleasure Gardens, with time to ‘get lost’ in the amazing Marlborough Maze. We drive into Hertfordshire for two nights at Sopwell House , in the attractive town of St. Albans. (B, D)

Day 7 Wednesday – Benington Lordship Gardens * Hatfield House
This morning a private visit & light reception at Benington Lordship Garden, with The Botts, owners of this lived-in historic estate mentioned as far back as 839! The garden was planted in the early 20th century and is uncontrived and interesting year-round, a clever mixture of formality and wildness. An afternoon for a tour of Hatfield House, childhood home of Elizabeth I, now home to the Marquess & Marchioness of Salisbury, with gardens planted in the 17th century, including the knot gardens and charming herb garden , filled with plants used from the 15th to 17th centuries. (B, D)

Day 8 Thursday – Royal Kew Gardens * London
This morning we visit the vast grounds of Royal Kew Gardens, once a royal domain and one of the prettiest places in all England, with parklands and gardens originally laid out in 1769. We enjoy some of its highlights: the Palm House, the Temperate House, some of the many follies and temples, the Pagoda, and when opened, we visit the most charming Queen Charlotte’s Cottage. After feasting our eyes, we leave for Central London where our tour ends, around mid-day. (B)

Our Tour Features
• 7 nights at superior country hotels mentioned or similar
• Full English breakfast daily
• Dinner daily at hotels
• Special private garden visits
• All Entrances
• Professional Tour Escort
• Porterage at hotels & tips at hotel restaurants
• Transportation by small coach
• Participation limited to 15