Afternoon or evening departure for London, England from your nearest gateway.

Women travelers will arrive at London’s Heathrow International Airport early Sunday morning.   Meet our driver who will transfer you to our distinctive, luxury small hotel, The Knightsbridge Hotel, in London. There you will meet our founder Peggy Coonley who will accompany you for the duration of your trip.  Unpack, freshen up, and join us for the delightful afternoon tea at the Ritz served in the spectacular Palm Court.   Savour a variety of teas, sandwiches, fresh scones, jams, and clotted cream as we begin to embrace our experiences of England.We will enjoy an afternoon walking tour with our private guide who is well versed in the art and architecture of London. An organ concert at Westminster Cathedral is something you may wish to enjoy later this afternoon.  L

Following early  breakfast, we will depart for the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew which comprise over 300 acres and more than 40,000 varieties of plants.   A tram provides a complete tour and overview of the grounds, after which we will  take a  guidedwalking tour  to the greenhouses or other areas that may have sparked your interest. Returning to London you may then wish to further explore the museums, parks, shops, and history that surround us - perhaps a visit to the Victoria & Albert museum, or  the shops in the neighborhood. You may wish to join us for an optional evening at the theatre tonight. For our 2008 garden tour we enjoyed Gone with the Wind. For 2009 we will decide which show to see closer to our visit.  B/L

The Chelsea Flower Show, known as the “grand dame” of flower shows, opens today for members only. Our English garden tour will join other members of the Royal Horticultural Society to tour the breathtaking grounds and world class exhibits.    Stroll Chelsea at your leisure and return to our neighborhood independently whenever you wish.   B

We leave London this morning for the idyllic English Kent Countryside known as the Garden of England.   We will visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s glorious garden at Wisley, in Surrey comprising the 250 acre estate garden and bookstore. Our visit will begin with a guided tour and overview of Wisley.   The Wisley bookstore offers an extensive collection of gardening books. We will then journey to the quintessential English gardens of Pashley Manor. The 11 acres of gardens at the manor offer a blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings, fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds. This is an English garden of individual character, with exceptional views to the surrounding fields. Many eras of English history are reflected here. We will enjoy  a  delicious lunch in the Garden cafe and stroll the gardens at our leisure. Continuing our exploration of England as we travel through the heart of Kent which is the English countryside at its finest. Late afternoon we will settle into our 14th century lovingly restored historical small hotel. We are well situated to continue our explorations of the gardens, castles and the landscape in the heart of Kent.  B/L

We will dream of kings and queens as we journey to Leeds Castle - often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world”. Situated on a picturesque lake, the castle has been home to six medieval queens as well as King Henry VIII.  After touring the castle, gardens and meandering a bit we will stop for a gourmet pub lunch in Biddenden before sampling an enchanting private garden this afternoon and a proper Kentish afternoon tea hosted by British Red Cross volunteers and keen local gardeners.  B/L

This morning is open for exploring the village and this afternoon we will experience the infamous beauty of Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens.   Sissinghurst is a National Trust garden.   Many believe it to be one of the world’s finest gardens, indeed the quintessential English romantic garden.   Vita Sackville West, author and poet, along with her husband, Sir Harold Nicholson, created the gardens around an Elizabethan house. There is also a long and lovely walk to enjoy across the open meadows. 

You will depart independently for Heathrow this morning or afternoon depending on your flight times and bid farewell for flights home with memories, dreams, and colorful garden inspirations.