Depart for London, England from your nearest gateway.  You may wish to arrive this evening to be rested when the tour begins Sunday at noon or arrive early Sunday morning as you wish.

Women travelers will arrive at London’s Heathrow International Airport early Sunday morning.  Meet our driver who will transfer you to our Knightsbridge Hotel in London; a distinctive, small luxury hotel.  There you will meet our founder, Peggy Coonley, who will accompany you for the duration of your vacation in England.  Unpack, freshen up, and join us for a delightful afternoon getting to know London.  Our private guide leads us on a walk of the Royal London Parks in the heart of the city.  View Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Parliament while walking the lanes and courtyards of London.  We will then enjoy a brief concert at Westminster Cathedral followed by a light supper in Knightsbridge. D

Following 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.  An optional Kew Explorer tram ride provides a complete overview of the grounds, or you can explore Kew walking as you wish, perhaps visiting the spectacular greenhouses or other areas that spark your interest.  We will have lunch in the village of Kew Gardens before returning to London in time to continue exploring the nearby museums, shops and history that surround us.  This evening, you will savour Tea at The Ritz, a British tradition to enjoy prior to the theatre.  Join me for an optional theatre experience.  In the past we enjoyed War Horse, Wicked, and Billy Elliott.   B/L/ Tea at The Ritz.

The Chelsea Flower Show, known as the “grand dame” of flower shows, offers RHS member’s only entrance today.  Our 2012 Chelsea Flower tour will join other members of the Royal Horticultural Society this afternoon to wander the breathtaking grounds and world class exhibits.  Stroll Chelsea at your leisure and return to Knightsbridge when you prefer.  Sloane Square and Knightsbridge are shopping areas you may want to explore.  The Victoria and Albert is nearby as is Harvey Nichols. B

We leave London this morning for the rolling 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 excellent bookstore.  Our visit will begin with a privately guided tour and overview of Wisley.  We will continue our sampler of England as we travel through the heart of Sussex and Kent which is the English countryside at its finest.  Late afternoon, we will settle into our 14th century lovingly restored historical small country manor.  This exclusive country house, set on 1000 acres, is run by the direct descendants of the original owner who built it in 1432.  You are well situated to continue relishing the gardens, castles and landscape in the heart of Sussex and Kent. B/D

You will depart independently for Heathrow this morning or afternoon, depending on your individual flight times, and bid farewell for flights home with memories, dreams, and colorful garden inspirations. Or you can reserve our longer tour which will visit Sissinghurst before continuing on to Bath and The Cotswolds.  Transportation from Kent to Heathrow is independent and coordinated for your personal departure times. Suggest afternoon departures for your convenience.