Breathtaking Flora and Fauna with Elegant Estates
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for London.
We transfer to our hotel in seaside Folkestone for a 7-night stay.
We start our garden tour in Canterbury, the jewel of Kent, with a historic “punt” tour along the river and a visit to England’s oldest cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Today we’re off to see Leeds Castle, “The World’s Loveliest Castle.” The stunning grounds once belonged to English monarchs and are now one of Britain’s most-visited historic sites. Later we visit Sissinghurst Castle, host to celebrated 20th-century gardens.
The spot where Romans landed when they invaded Britain is now a string of charming Victorian seaside towns. We’ll take a walking tour of picturesque St. Peter’s, stop in Margate, and visit the Spitfire Museum, home to the famous WWII fighter planes. Dinner will be at a lovely English pub.
A day at leisure to enjoy Folkestone’s Creative Quarter or a lovely coastal walk. Our hotel is near the waterfront with a beautiful seaside walk.
As the home of famous gardener Christopher Lloyd, Great Dixter is a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from all over the world. After our visit, we proceed to Battle, where William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings, seized the kingdom and changed British history forever. The town has beautiful old buildings, tempting shops and tea rooms. Dinner will be at a charming country pub.
Today we visit Penshurst Place, Henry VIII’s hunting lodge and the most perfectly-preserved example of a fortified manor house in England. We’ll stroll through the Elizabethan gardens, then visit Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn and the backdrop to tumultuous events that altered the course of British history. Included today is a delicious “proper” afternoon tea.
En route to London, we visit Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, where Royal Navy ships were built, then proceed to London for a 6-night stay.
Our half-day city tour takes us past Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London and much more. We’ll visit Royal Albert Hall, where we’ll experience the famous venue’s preparations for their next performance. Afternoon is at leisure.
Today we visit Windsor Castle, and then enjoy a narrated cruise along the Thames to take in the wonderful views of the Castle from the river. After our cruise, we visit Savill Gardens, which lies in the heart of Windsor, one of England’s finest woodland gardens
This morning, we will visit the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. We will explore the Tudor kitchen and admire the sumptuous tapestries in England’s grandest Great Hall. Outside, we’ll see the famous maze and the Privy Garden, restored to its 1702 glory. Next is Wimbledon, of tennis fame. Tonight’s dinner is in a 19th-century cottage on the edge of Wimbledon Common, now an elegant pub.
Morning at leisure. Then we’ll spend the afternoon in Kew Gardens—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most biodiverse place on Earth. From Victorian glasshouses to Alpine rock gardens, there is something incredible in every corner. Dinner overlooking the gardens.
A day at leisure for you to explore on your own. Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
Air Canada takes us home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
