Saturday

Depart for London, England from your nearest gateway for your overnight flight to England. Alternatively you may wish to plan to arrive this evening to be rested when the tour begins Sunday at one, or arrive early Sunday morning as you wish. Our 2022 English Garden tour dates to be confirmed

Sunday

Women travelers will arrive at London’s Heathrow International Airport early Sunday morning and proceed to our hotel in Knightsbridge, London; a distinctive, small luxury hotel.  There you will meet our founder, Peggy Coonley, who will accompany you for the duration of your time 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 before a light supper in our Knightsbridge neighborhood.

Monday

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 tram ride provides a complete tour and overview of the grounds, or you can explore Kew Gardens walking as you wish, perhaps visiting the spectacular greenhouses or other areas that spark your interest.  We will have lunch in the quaint village of Kew Gardens before returning to London in time to continue exploring the nearby museums, shops and history that surround us.

The stunning  Palm Court remains a pivotal social point as the venue for the famed Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, an institution in itself and the quintessential British experience. Afternoon Tea in the glamorous setting of The Palm Court filled with celebatory guests, immaculately presented waiters flitting amongst the tables that are topped with pretty chinaware and gleaming silver tea services, and the resident pianist playing the soundtrack to accompany it all is purely delightful.  After tea those who wish will join me for an evening of theatre in the West End.

Tuesday

The 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, known as the “grand dame” of flower shows, offers RHS member’s only entrance today.  Our English garden tour will join other members of the Royal Horticultural Society today 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 women traveling  may want to explore.  The Victoria and Albert is nearby as is Harrod's and Harvey Nichols. Your Chelsea Flower Show tickets are included for the full day on RHS member's opening day to The 2022 Chelsea Flower Show.

Wednesday

We leave London today for the rolling English Kent countryside known as the Garden of England and visit exquisite gardens enroute.  We will continue our sampler of England as we travel through the heart of Sussex and Kent which is the English countryside at its loveliest.  Late afternoon, we will settle into our comfortable country inn. We are well situated to continue relishing the gardens, castles and landscape in the heart of Sussex and Kent

Thursday

Today we will meander through the idyllic Kent countryside with our private driver. We begin with a visit to the castle at Bodiam and then wander through the exceptional gardens of the late Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter. Great Dixter is one of England's most favoured gardens and you will savour the breadth and depth of diversity in  the plantings here amidst the Oasts. Our lunch today will be at a classic country pub.

Friday

This morning, we will take the short ride through pastoral landscapes to Sissinghurst.  You will experience the infamous beauty of Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens and wander the garden rooms, learn of the life of Vita Sackville-West and be inspired by the beauty.  Sissinghurst is a National Trust garden and the most famous 20th century garden in England.   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 a long and lovely walk to enjoy across the open meadows. After lunch, we will depart for Bath, the World Heritage City famous for its hot springs, Roman period baths, Medieval heritage, and stately Georgian architecture.  Arrival in Bath, settle in and  and then we will go out for  some of the best English fish and chips at a nearby gastro pub.

Saturday

This morning, you can opt for a walking tour of Bath provided by the Mayor’s office.  Perhaps, after the two hour walk, catch a bite to eat at infamous Sally Lunn’s, the oldest house in Bath, or lunch and tea at the Jane Austen Centre. After lunch, you can take an informative tour and lecture on the life of Jane. Perhaps visit #1 Crescent or The Pump Room or The Royal Baths.  Whatever you choose, the wonders and history of Georgian Bath surrounds your remaining days of classic Britain. 

Sunday

Today, we will savour a full day touring the quintessential Cotswolds villages; including the villages of Castle Combe, Stow on the Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughters, and Bibury, often referred to as the prettiest village in all of England.  The Cotswolds are a land where you dream of Kings and Queens and fairytales. The beauty is magnificent as landscape , gardens and architecture create a world apart.

This evening, we will celebrate our time together in England with our farewell dinner at one of Bath's notable restaurants.

Monday

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 inspirational garden inspirations.  I recommend you plan your flights home in the afternoon for ease of travel today and will help you arrange transportation from Bath to Heathrow for your flight homeward.