Brightwater Holidays - 2021 Preview - US Edition

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2021 Preview

Scenic Scotland, Gardens and Archaeology Tours

Welcome

Dear Traveler,

There’s no time like the present to book your next vacation and with that in mind, we are excited to share with you our brand new 2021 preview brochure. The team here at Brightwater Holidays has been hard at work creating a range of memorable itineraries that can take you all over the world, from wild and rugged Scotland to glacial Patagonia and more.

We understand that there’s quite simply so much to explore, which is why our program of vacations for the new year is a varied one, covering everything from gardens and archaeology, to history and houses with stories to tell. What’s more, there are an array of ways in which to travel with Brightwater. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along one of Europe’s fine rivers, glide through stunning Scottish countryside aboard a steam train or make your way to a castle in a luxury coach complete with aircraft style seats and televisions to keep you entertained en route. So, what are your plans for 2021? We hope you find something that inspires you among the following pages and we can’t wait to welcome you on vacation with us next year.

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$70

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Spring Landscape

per person on all tours

$70 instead of $150 $135 instead of $270 $400 instead of 10%

$275 Selected tours only

$70pp off for vacations under $1500 $135pp off for vacations from $1501 - $2750 $275pp off for vacations over $2751

Terms and conditions apply • Early Bird offer applies to selected departures only, as indicated by the Early Bird symbol.

• Savings are based on a first come first served basis • Deposits are non-refundable

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• Brightwater Holidays reserves the right to amend offers at any time • Discounts may be combined with the low deposit offer

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Head to the auld country in 2021…

Travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles on our classic Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides Encounter spellbinding ancient landscapes and history Visit magnificent castles around the country on a selection of our vacations Go back to the golden age of travel with a vacation by steam train Enjoy a scenic cruise along lochs and open waters, one of the best ways to experience Scotland Observe endemic wildlife in beautiful locations from the north to the south Kilchurn Castle

Explore private gardens, unique caves and sample distinctive Scotch whisky

New for 2021 Caledonian Days The golden age of travel simply never gets old and we decided to create a new itinerary for 2021 that honors it. So, we are delighted to introduce our Caledonian Days vacation. Embrace nostalgia and book a place on this memorable four-day break, which travels via the scenic West Highland Railway and the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, making stops at museums and including a boat trip across the Firth of Clyde to Rothesay.

See pages 28.

Caledonian Railway Engine

British Travel Awards

How to book

If you choose Brightwater Holidays, you’re choosing to travel with an award-winning company. In 2019, we won the gold prize for Best Coach Holiday Company as well as silver for Best Special Interest Holiday Company at the prestigious British Travel Awards – the Oscars of the travel industry. Our expertise on the destinations we visit and high levels of customer care are things we’re proud of, and it was a real honor to be both recognized and celebrated for them.

Once you’ve finished browsing these pages at your leisure and you’re ready to treat yourself to a place on one of our vacations, just get in touch and we’ll do the rest!

Give our friendly sales team a call from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9am – 8pm, on the number below. Alternatively, feel free to send us an email: info@brightwaterholidays.com

Customer Care: If you have any further questions about traveling with us, please get in touch with our experienced customer care team. Happy browsing – we look forward to hearing from you!

Customer Care: 1-646-802-1529

To Book: 1-866-364-2370 3 Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

Contents Scenic Scotland

Overseas Gardens

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

pg 14

Arts and Gardens of the French Riviera

pg 40

A Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

pg 15

Spring Flowers of Crete NEW for 2021

pg 40

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

pg 16

Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia

pg 46

Shetland and its Outer Isles

pg 17

Gardens of Mallorca

pg 46

Undiscovered Orkney

pg 17

Gardens of the French Riviera

pg 47

Up Helly Aa

pg 18

The Genius of Monet

pg 48

Islay and Jura

pg 18

Gardens and Villas of Sicily

pg 48

Mull, Staffa & Iona

pg 19

Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

pg 49

Coll & Tiree

pg 19

Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo

pg 49

Scotland’s Northern Edge

pg 20

Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey

Arran: Scotland in Miniature

pg 20

NEW for 2021

Independent & Self Drive - Orkney & Shetland

pg 21

Independent & Self Drive - The Outer Hebrides

pg 21

Lord of the Glens/Lord of the Highlands

pg 22

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

pg 24

Gardens of the Far North

pg 25

Private Gardens of Caithness & Sutherland

pg 25

In the Footsteps of the Picts

pg 26

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

pg 27

Caledonian Days NEW for 2021

pg 28

Gardens of Marrakech NEW for 2021

pg 50 pg 51

Cruise Castles and Gardens of the Loire NEW for 2021 pg 41 Legends of the Rhône NEW for 2021

pg 42

Picardy Gardens

pg 43

Douro Discovery NEW for 2021

pg 44

Dutch Bulbfields

pg 45

Archaeology

UK and Irish Gardens

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

pg 52

Archaeology of Denmark & Sweden

pg 53

Albanian Archaeology

pg 54

Archaeology of the Peloponnese

pg 54

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

pg 30

Gardens of North Wales

pg 31

Gardens of Northumberland

pg 31

RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West

Bulgarian Archaeology

pg 55

pg 32

Crete Archaeology

pg 55

Cornwall and Tresco

pg 33

Malta’s Archaeological Heritage

pg 56

Gardens of Kent & Sussex

pg 33

Portuguese Archaeology

pg 56

Irish Rover

pg 34

RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Classic English Gardens

pg 35

Far Flung Flora and Fauna of Madagascar

pg 58

pg 36

South Africa’s Garden Route

pg 59

Historic Houses of Dorset NEW for 2021

pg 37

Bhutan and Nepal NEW for 2021

pg 60

Historic Houses of North Wales NEW for 2021

pg 38

Seasonal Gardens of Japan

pg 62

Grenada - Gardens of the Spice Island

pg 63

Gardens of Costa Rica

pg 64

Southern Costa Rica

pg 65

Historic Houses of Devon & Cornwall

NEW for 2021

Historic Houses of Aberdeenshire

NEW for 2021

pg 39

Flowers and Flavors of Colombia

NEW for 2021 Landscapes and Flora of Patagonia

NEW for 2021

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pg 66 pg 68

Why choose Brightwater Holidays?

Having been based in picturesque Cupar – Fife’s small county town – for over 25 years, we’ve seen our fair share of gardens and ancient sites. The team here at Brightwater Holidays really understands the restorative power of nature and the feelings of awe that wandering around an archaeological treasure trove or a stunning garden can inspire, and we have designed our tours with these factors in mind. We’ve even been going back to the same locations for so long that our relationships with the gardeners and staff allow us to treat guests to special access.

After every tour comes to an end, we contact guests to ask for their feedback, which is incredibly useful for us as we seek to perfect every itinerary and strive to make sure we are using the best available hotels as well as employing the best tour managers and coach companies.

What makes our tours special?

We have over 25 years of experience and knowledge Unique and innovative vacations Exclusive access to private gardens and memorable visits No hidden extras Well-planned itineraries that are also perfectly paced Friendly and authoritative tour managers Professionally recognized partnerships Welcoming and friendly service from your very first contact with us You can enjoy peace of mind with financial protection

Joining our tours from the US… Departure points

Rail/air connections

Our UK-based garden tours generally depart by coach from London, with additional pick-up points depending on the route the coach takes. These include Reading, Swindon and Bristol if traveling west, and Luton, Northampton and Birmingham if heading north. Eurostar tours depart from London St. Pancras and our flightinclusive vacations depart from one or more of the main London airports, depending on the airline used, and regional flights are often available for a supplement.

Rail or air travel connections to get you to one of our pick-up points can always be arranged, as can airport parking if required. These options will, of course, incur extra charges, but please do get in touch for quotes as there will always be someone happy to help on the other end of the phone.

Connecting travel

Extend your vacation or request an upgrade

There are two options regarding international flights and joining our tours. Either take advantage of the group flights from London (on request) or book a direct flight to the starting destination. If you book a direct flight, you’ll meet the group at the airport or at the designated hotel. If you’re joining group flights from London, ask about upgrades if you’d like to personalize your vacation.

If you want to explore more of what your destination has to offer, why not ask if we can add on extra nights either side of your vacation? Overnight accommodation in London or near other pick-up points (including airports) is also available at a supplement, as are room or cabin upgrades where possible. Our friendly travel experts are always happy to assist with any requests.

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New for 2021

12 new itineraries that range from European river cruises to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and from combined botanical and archaeology-themed trips to UK-based historic houses tours.

European Cruising If you’re looking for a new way to explore and want to experience a vacation at a more leisurely pace, why not treat yourself to a river cruise? See historic towns from a new perspective, hop ashore to explore local flavors and sites, and relax in comfort as you sail between destinations. Whether you want to cruise the Rhône, navigate the Loire, explore the Somme or discover the Douro, we have a cruise waiting for you.

Castles and Gardens of the Loire Picardy Gardens Fairytale architecture and stunning châteaux await in France’s Loire Valley. Board the MS Loire Princesse, especially designed to navigate the wide yet shallow River Loire, and enjoy stunning scenery along with optional excursions to fine gardens and towns.

A cruise for the green-fingered among us as this trip includes shore visits to gardens such as the Moulin Ventin, the floating gardens of Les Hortillonnages and Maizicourt, which was recently voted Picardy’s best garden by French TV viewers.

From only $2695 $2560pp | See page 41

From only $2020 $1885pp | See page 43

Legends of the Rhône

Douro Discovery

Follow in the footsteps of Romans, Christians, popes and painters as you sail along France’s historic Rhône. Hope aboard a charming river cruiser to discover ruins, enjoy a wine-tasting experience and take guided tours with a range of memorable optional excursions.

Discover the beautiful Douro, which rises in Spain and runs into Portugal, on this seven-night cruise aboard the A-ROSA Alva. Optional excursions range from a visit to the UNESCO-site of Régua to the picturesque town of Pinhão.

From only $2830 $2555pp | See page 42

From only $3030 $2755pp | See page 44

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MS Loire Princesse ©Michel Friz

Botanical Tours The sheer diversity of plants and flowers around the world is simply staggering, and it often feels like there’s not enough time to discover them all. Hopefully, our new botanical tours can help you to make a dent in your list of must-visit horticultural destinations. Choose between Crete and Turkey, both with an awe-inspiring history as well as some of the most beautiful flora to be admired.

Spring Flowers of Crete A place of great natural beauty and staggering history, Crete is an ideal destination for a vacation – especially for a plant-lover as many of its 1,500 flowering plants are endemic. On this new Mediterranean trip, we will explore the Samaria Gorge with stunning views and magnificent wildflowers, there will be a visit to the legendary Palace of Knossos and we will gather on the slopes of Mount Ida to discover plants in the surrounding area. Elsewhere, we will visit the Akrotiri peninsula and Rethymnon.

From only $1680 $1545pp | See page 40

Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey Istanbul is a magnificent place to visit if you want to gaze upon vibrant collections of tulips and on this new vacation you will explore a selection of the parks and gardens that host its Tulip Festival. Elsewhere, discover the Kazdagi National Park, visit the archaeological site of Ephesus and enjoy some time botanizing on the slopes of Spil Mountain. During our time in Turkey, we will also explore some of the archaeological sites such as Ephesus, the largest classical city to have been excavated.

From only $2255 $2120pp | See page 50

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Adventures of a lifetime If you’re looking to embrace the spirit of adventure next year and fancy traveling further afield, we have a small selection of brand new far-flung vacations on offer. Discover a whole new culture, lose yourself in the surprising beauty of unfamiliar landscapes and wander around gardens you have only ever dreamed of in destinations that range from Bhutan, Colombia and Patagonia. These trips have earned themselves the highest rating on our activity scale – a number five – meaning that they will be more challenging than our usual trips. Anticipate walks that cover several kilometers at any one time, spend time at altitude and venture off the tourist trail. The rewards, however, are absolutely worth the effort...

Bhutan and Nepal A country that remains unspoiled by commercial tourism, Bhutan is an exciting destination to visit.

This vacation is centered around the colorful Jambay Lhakang Drup Festival, visiting sites that range from the dramatically positioned Tiger’s Nest monastery to fortresses located in and around Paro. Enjoy magnificent views over the Himalayas, take time to explore Kathmandu and grab a chance to visit Thimpu – perhaps one of the world’s most unusual capital cities.

From only $6405 $6130pp | See page 60

Flowers and Flavors of Colombia Offering a dazzling array of colorful cities, natural wonders and lush landscapes, Colombia is filled with culture and history that is ready and waiting to be explored. Spend a full day in the Chicaque National Park, enjoy a canoe trip through the mangroves and pay a visit to a ‘silletera’, where extravagant wreaths of flowers are created and displayed. This is a memorable vacation and one with a strong focus on nature, plantlife and landscapes.

From only $4110 $3835pp | See page 66

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Landscapes and Flora of Patagonia Here, we find massive mountains that rise from plains – jagged, snow-flecked peaks that pierce the sky – alongside azure lakes and glittering glaciers. Patagonia is an awe-inspiring destination and one that demands attention from any traveler who visits it. Take a tour of El Calafate Mountain Park, named after the small shrub boasting yellow leaves and purple berries; gaze upon the staggering Moreno glacier, in what is the world’s thirdlargest glacial area; and discover the interesting array of plant species in the Torres del Paine National Park. If you’re looking for unique botanizing opportunities, landscapes unlike any other and a chance to walk on the wild side – choose Patagonia. Perhaps the ultimate destination for lovers of the great outdoors, this is an adventure to remember.

From only $8430 $8155pp | See page 68

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Discover the stories of the past at one of the UK’s top historic houses by luxury coach

The UK is home to some truly incredible historic houses, each with its own story to tell and boasting distinctive architecture that reflects the period of its construction. We have designed a small collection of brand new Historic Houses vacations, which come with the added addition of round-trip luxury coach travel from London.

What does this mean exactly? Well, when you book a place on one of these new Historic Houses tours, your round-trip travel will be aboard a new fleet of high-class coaches. They feature aircraft-style seats with three-point seatbelt and arm rests, illuminated tables,

www.brightwaterholidays.com

air-conditioning as well as heating throughout, a kitchen area complete with a refrigerator, curtains and privacy glass, and also air suspension to make your journey all the more comfortable.

So, where will the new houses be? We have four new itineraries on offer, which will take you from Aberdeenshire and Dorset, to North Wales and the neighboring counties of Devon and Cornwall. Explore hundreds of years of history at an array of castles, houses and gardens, and enjoy tours of their stunning interiors as you learn about the lives lived within.

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Aberdeenshire From Drum Castle with its 700 year history to the elaborate Z-plan Fraser Castle, and from the ghost stories and folklore of Fyvie Castle to Craigievar – this tour lifts the curtain on the stories behind the walls. Architecture, ancient tales and awe-inspiring landscapes await discovery.

From only $805 $735pp

Devon & Cornwall These neighbouring counties’ broad expanse of history is reflected in the houses dotted around, from Georgian Killerton House with its amazing collection of 18th-20th century costumes to Elizabethan Prideaux Place, lived in by the same family since 1592.

From only $1075 $1005pp

Dorset With a special tour of Minterne House by none other than the owner himself – Lord Digby – and visits to Kingston Lacy, Thomas Hardy’s Max Gate house and Forde Abbey, this new vacation shines a spotlight on beautiful Dorset and the tales it has to tell.

From only $1075 $1005pp

North Wales Encompassing a broad sweep of Welsh history, the houses we visit on this four-day vacation range from the Jacobean Plas Teg to one of the oldest datable medieval properties in the country at Aberconwy House – and more!

From only $1075 $1005pp

View the full tours For our new Historic Houses tour collection, the full itineraries for each vacation can be found further on in this brochure.

See pages 36 to 39 for more details

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tailor-made group travel Since its inception over 25 years ago, Brightwater Holidays has provided tailor-made travel arrangements for many private groups and societies, with a dedicated Group Travel department providing a highly personal service. The itineraries and packages have been as varied as the groups themselves, ranging from a short city break to an extended tour of South Africa.

Typically, tours include all transportation, accommodation and entry costs, visiting gardens, stately homes, art galleries, and other specialist attractions depending on the group’s individual requirements. On most occasions, we also provide an experienced Tour Manager, who will ensure the smooth running of the vacation, leaving the group organizers free to relax and enjoy themselves.

We aim to understand fully the requirements of your group, so if you are a group travel organizer or a group of friends and would like some advice or a quotation for a tour, please contact our Private Groups Manager, Jenni Duncan, who would be delighted to help tailor-make a package for you.

Remember it’s your vacation, and we will try to supply the perfect elements to match your requirements and budget.

Group size

A small group of friends, a club of 50, or anything in between — no matter the number, we’ll find the visits and hotels that offer the perfect fit.

Transport

Plane, train, or coach — how will you get to your destination? We figure out the cost and itinerary implications so you can make an informed choice.

Room and board

5* luxury accommodation and pre-dinner drinks or comfortable hotels and independent meals? You decide on the particulars, and we’ll factor it all into your total price.

Tour destination

Let us know where you’d like to go, and for how many days, and we’ll do the rest. A multi-center trip around Scotland or three-week break to New Zealand – whatever you have in mind, we can make it happen.

All-inclusive

All site and garden visits included, or a pick-and-mix of optional excursions — just how much you’d like to cover in the cost of your tour is up to you.

Get in touch and get started

O

ur friendly and highly experienced Private Groups Manager, Jenni Duncan, has been with Brightwater for over 20 years. Give her a call on 1-866-364-2370, or send an email to groups@brightwaterholidays.com to get things started.

If you would like some inspiration, have a look at our website www.brightwaterholidays.com.

No matter what stage of planning you’re at, our team will be able to work with you every step of the way.

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Our popular group destinations Inner Wheel Convention in Jaipur, India The city of Jaipur plays host to the 18th International Inner Wheel Convention. This is the perfect opportunity for your Inner Wheel group to combine a day at the convention with a classic tour around India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, featuring visits to a range of iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal.

Jama Masjid, old town of Delhi, India

The Isle of Wight Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favorite family home, tends to take center stage of any tour of the Isle of Wight, but there is much more to see here. Visits to National Trust properties such as Mottistone Manor and the Needles Batteries are always popular, along with Carisbrooke Castle, Shanklin Old Village or even a cruise around Cowes harbor.

Tulips

Floriade 2022

Osborne House

On a purpose-built site at Almere, close to Amsterdam, Floriade will be one of the horticultural high points of 2022 and, if the previous event in 2012 is anything to go by – a very popular destination for private groups. Our visit here can be combined with the best attractions in the region, with itineraries tailored to suit every budget.

Highgrove and the Cotswolds You may not get to talk to Prince Charles, but you can at least talk to his plants! This is the irresistible appeal of Highgrove - the chance to nose around the private garden of HRH The Prince of Wales. With a wealth of fabulous gardens to choose from elsewhere in the Cotswolds, this is always a popular choice.

Bodnant Gardens

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

North Wales North Wales has been a firm favorite among Brightwater groups in recent years and has much to offer. There are glorious gardens such as Bodnant and Plas Cadnant, great castles such Powis and Carmarthen, and characterful little railways that wind their way through the stunning landscape of Snowdonia – not to mention knowledgeable local guides.

Dumfries and Galloway Cross the border at Gretna Green, take a left turn and you will find yourself in one of the prettiest corners of Scotland – and undeservedly one of the least well-known. Great gardens abound here, but there are also castles, abbeys, art galleries, second-hand bookshops, nature reserves and stunning beaches, just waiting to be discovered.

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Drumlanrig Castle

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A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 6 day Luskentyre, Harris

O

Itinerary

ur extended tour of the Hebrides has proved extremely popular, offering a unique opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles, with 10 different islands and a total of four ferry trips included. Two comfortable hotels ensure that this vacation is as relaxing as possible, while at the same time offering great variety.

We take the ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale in South Uist and continue on to our hotel in Benbecula. From here, we visit the islands of Eriskay, Vatersay with its fantastic sandy shores and Barra, where our visits range from Kisimul Castle to the unusual airport situated on the beach.

A captivating journey follows as we travel by ferry from North Uist and on through the magnificent mountain scenery of Harris, the rolling moorland of Lewis, and on to Stornoway.

Visit standing stones, the tranquil little Norse Mill and even the Black Houses at Gearrannan.

Day 1 From our pick

up points we head to Mallaig. We catch a ferry to Lochboisdale, enjoying dinner on board before continuing to Benbecula.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We head for Barra,

traveling via Eriskay. Upon arrival, we tour the island and board a boat to Kisimul Castle. Next, we visit Cockleshell Beach with its unique airport runway and then it’s on to Vatersay, with its brilliant white beaches.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

What’s Included

Day 3 A ferry takes us from Berneray to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris. Here, we visit St. Clement’s Church at Rodel and then travel on to Lewis and our hotel, located in Stornoway.

Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights at the Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula and three nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices

Day 4 The 5,000-year-

old Standing Stones of Callanish, Black Houses of Gearrannan and Norse Mill at Shawbost await us today.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 Visit Lews Castle and Museum and St. Columba’s Ui Church, one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. We then see the Port of Ness and the Butt of Lewis, home to the Stevenson lighthouse.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 We take an early ferry to Ullapool and return to our pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Please note this tour also operates in reverse on 9 May and 4 July, 2 nights in Stornoway and 3 nights in Benbecula, from $1305pp.

(Also available as a 5-day tour)

6 days from May 4

$1345pp

Single Supplement $270

June 22

$1415pp

Single Supplement $270

August 24

$1415pp

Single Supplement $270

September 28

$1345pp

Single Supplement $270

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Callanish Standing Stones

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Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides Isle of Iona

C

Itinerary

omplementing our Outer Hebrides tour, this equally grand yet relaxing trip takes in the principal Hebridean isles of Mull, Islay and Jura, as well as the island gems of Staffa and Iona. We begin in Mull, with a visit to its colorful ‘capital’ of Tobermory. This is followed by a boat trip to the island of Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave, an amazing natural cathedral of basalt columns. A full day is spent visiting the island of Iona, home to a famous abbey and beautiful beaches, and a place of undeniable calm and contemplation, along with historic Duart Castle. We drive south through the ancient kingdom of Dalriada to Kennacraig, where we catch the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Islay. Here, we discover historic Loch Finlaggan and the Museum of Islay Life, and we indulge in a tasting at Bowmore Distillery. Elsewhere, we discover the sparsely populated island of Jura, a naturalist’s paradise.

Day 1 Depart from our

Day 4 We take the ferry

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 2 Colorful Tobermory

Day 5 Visits today include

pick-up points and head for Oban, where we take a ferry to Craignure on the island of Mull and travel to our hotel.

awaits and then we cruise to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, hoping to see whales and seabirds. We also visit Fingal’s Cave today in addition to spotting wildlife.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 3 We cross as foot

passengers to Iona today, where we visit the abbey and take a tour of the island, which is followed by a visit to Duart Castle.

What’s Included Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel and three nights at the Port Askaig Hotel, Islay, plus one packed lunch

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

back to Oban then drive south to Kennacraig, where we catch a ferry to Port Askaig and our hotel on Islay.

Loch Finlaggan, Bowmore Distillery for a tasting of its golden drams and then the Museum of Islay Life.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 We visit the

neighboring island of Jura today and also enjoy some free time in Craighouse.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 7 We take the ferry to Kennacraig and return to our pick-up points, with a stop in Inveraray en route.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 7 days from May 6

$2265 $2130pp

Single Supplement $440

June 10

$2265 $2130pp

Single Supplement $440

August 5

$2265 $2130pp

Single Supplement $440

September 2 $2220 $2085pp

Single Supplement $440

Tobermory

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Highlights of Orkney & Shetland: ‘Islands of the Simmer Dim’ Brodgar

S

Itinerary

ail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery – the Orkney and Shetland isles. Many people have landed there before us, some as early as 3000 BC. Most famous of all were the Vikings, but they were not alone and all around you historical treasures can be found. Both Orkney and Shetland have their own identities. Orkney is green and fertile, while Shetland has rugged cliff and sea loch landscapes. However, both share a colorful history of Picts, Norsemen, ancient antiquities and seafaring legends – bound together with an independent spirit that sets them apart from the rest of Scotland. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries aboard their modern, purpose-built vessels overnight from Aberdeen to Lerwick, and then there are two full days to tour Shetland. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have two days to explore Orkney.

Day 1 We depart for

Aberdeen and take the overnight ferry to Lerwick.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We leave the ship

after breakfast and start our Shetland tour, beginning in Scalloway with its ruined castle. We then visit the cliffs of Eshaness before continuing on to our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Our day starts at

the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof. We also visit Sumburgh Head with its RSPB reserve and enjoy free time in Lerwick.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: one night on board the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, one in Shetland and three in Orkney

Day 4 A full day tour of

Orkney awaits as we visit the stone circles of Brodgar

All visits as outlined in the itinerary

and Stenness. Next, it’s on to the chambered tomb at Maeshowe and fascinating Skara Brae.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 This morning, we

have free time to explore Kirkwall at leisure. Later, we tour the south end of Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers and visiting the charming Italian Chapel, which was built on a former prisoner of war camp.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 After breakfast,

transfer to St. Margaret’s Hope and catch the Pentland Ferries sailing to Gills Bay. From here, we return to our pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 6 days from May 3

$1615 $1480pp

Single Supplement $510

June 7

$1680 $1545pp

Single Supplement $510

August 2

$1680 $1545pp

Single Supplement $510

September 20 $1615 $1480pp

Single Supplement $510

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Neolithic site of Skara Brae

16

Shetland and its Outer Isles

I

f you want to get away from it all, Shetland is the place to be. There are over 100 islands here, only 16 of which are inhabited, and each has its own distinct character. This tour explores four of them, providing a taste of the diversity of this amazing archipelago. Visit the little island of Mousa, the Shetland Croft Museum and the ancient settlement at Jarlshof, before discovering the northernmost isles of Yell and Unst.

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and travel to

Shetland seascape

Aberdeen. From here, we sail overnight to Lerwick.

What’s Included

Day 2 Disembarking at Lerwick, we begin our visits at the

Shetland Croft Museum. Next, we explore the outstanding Norse settlement of Jarlshof and then it’s on to the little island of Mousa, whose 2,000-year-old Iron Age broch is perhaps the best-preserved example in the world.

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights on the overnight ferry and two nights in Shetland

Day 3 Today we enjoy a full-day tour of Yell and Unst. Travel

Services of a professional tour manager

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

north through Tingwall and Girlsta, past Sullom Voe, before arriving at Toft and catching the ferry to Yell. On arrival in Unst, visit Muness Castle, Baltasound and Saxa Vord Hill.

Departures & Prices

Day 4 After breakfast, we return to Lerwick to enjoy some

5 days from

free time. Later, we take the overnight ferry to Aberdeen.

Day 5 We disembark and return to our pick-up points.

June 21

$1345 $1280pp

Single Supplement $340

August 29

$1345 $1280pp

Single Supplement $340

Undiscovered Orkney

A

n archipelago of 70 islands, each with their own distinctive charm, Orkney is home to boundless history and natural beauty. Based in Kirkwall, we will discover the landmarks and landscapes of the North and South Isles. On Westray, we relive Orkney’s Viking past; on Mainland, we discover Neolithic Orkney; and on Hoy, we enjoy dramatic scenery as we sail across the Scapa Flow.

Itinerary

Day 1 We depart from our pick-up points and travel north to Scrabster, where we catch the evening ferry to Orkney.

Skara Brae

Day 2 Visit Westray and the Scaun Natural Arch this

What’s Included

morning, where guillemots and fulmars can be spotted. Later, we visit Westray Heritage Centre and tour Noltland Castle.

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar)

Day 3 Tour the island of Hoy, visiting the Dwarfie Stane

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

and Rackwick Bay, once home to composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. We also visit Lyness Naval Base, the Naval Cemetery and the stone-built Martello Tower.

Services of a professional tour manager

Day 4 Mainland Orkney’s archaeological sites of Maeshowe,

Departures & Prices

Skara Brae and the Standing Stones of Stenness are waiting to be explored today, followed by a warming dram at the Highland Park Distillery.

5 days from

Day 5 Today we catch a ferry to the mainland and visit the

June 24

$1345 $1280pp

Single Supplement $270

August 30

$1345 $1280pp

Single Supplement $270

Timespan Museum & Arts Centre before returning home.

17

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

Up Helly Aa

W

ander through the streets of Lerwick at the end of January and it’s likely to be nothing short of a unique experience. Squads of bearded Vikings kitted out in chainmail and winged helmets can be seen carrying a 30ft longship, which is fated to be ceremoniously set alight. This is Up Helly Aa, the annual winter festival of Shetland – it’s run by Shetlanders for Shetlanders, but visitors are always welcome.

Itinerary

Day 1 Travel to Aberdeen for the overnight ferry to Lerwick.

Up Helly Aa festival

Day 2 After breakfast on board, we depart for Lerwick,

where we have some free time ahead of the unforgettable Up Helly Aa festivities.

What’s Included

Day 3 We set off for the northerly isles of Yell and Unst,

Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights on the overnight ferry and three nights at Busta House Hotel

traveling through Girlsta and Tingwall, and enjoying the views from Saxa Vord Hill.

Comfortable coaching and visits as outlined

Day 4 We set off on a scenic excursion to the north of

Services of a professional tour manager

Shetland, featuring the spectacular cliffs at Eshaness.

Departures & Prices

Day 5 We enjoy a full-day tour of mainland Shetland,

6 days from

including a visit to the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof. In the evening, we join the overnight ferry and we sail back to Aberdeen.

January 25

$1345

Single Supplement on request

Upgrade to Shetland Hotel, Lerwick: $245pp

Day 6 Disembark in Aberdeen and return to drop-off points.

Islay and Jura

I

slay represents the southern extreme of the Inner Hebrides.

Once the ancient home of the Lord of the Isles, it is popular with archaeologists and historians alike. Today, the island is better known for its distinctive malt whisky, its sandy beaches and diverse birdlife. While here, we visit the Bowmore Distillery and Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve. To the north-east is Jura, an untamed island with just 200 human inhabitants, and there’s also an optional excursion to tranquil Colonsay.

Itinerary

Port Charlotte, Islay

Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and catch the ferry

What’s Included

from Kennacraig to Port Askaig, Islay. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel that overlooks the pretty harbor.

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Port Askaig Hotel, Islay

Day 2 Our first stop will be to Loch Finlaggan, once the

center of ‘the Lordship of Isles’. We then enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery and a visit to the Museum of Islay Life.

Our final visit is to Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve.

Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Day 3 After breakfast, there is free time to discover Islay at

Services of a professional tour manager

leisure. Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Colonsay, with its 30-acre woodland garden, and to Kiloran Bay.

Departures & Prices 5 days from

Day 4 Journey to the neighboring island of Jura today, where

we first have a scenic tour and can then enjoy some free time in Craighouse, the island’s main settlement.

Day 5 We leave Islay and return home, stopping in Inveraray before arriving back at our pick-up points.

www.brightwaterholidays.com

18

May 17

$1345 $1275pp Single Supplement $270

June 7

$1410 $1275pp

Single Supplement $270

July 12

$1410 $1275pp

Single Supplement $270

September 13

$1410 $1275pp

Single Supplement $270

Mull, Staffa and Iona

A

place of tumbling burns, high peaks and dramatic views – the Isle of Mull has so much to offer. The multi-colored buildings that line Tobermory’s front will be familiar to many. From here, we board a boat for a wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and the island of Staffa, where we can also explore the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave. We also visit Duart Castle and the sacred island of Iona with its historic abbey.

Itinerary

Puffin

Day 1 We head for Oban and board the ferry to Mull.

What’s Included

Day 2 We drive to Fionnphort and take the ferry to Iona,

where we explore and also pay a visit to its famous abbey.

Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Isle of Mull Hotel, Craignure

Day 3 We depart for Tobermory, where we join a wildlife

Comfortable coaching throughout

cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa, during which whales, dolphins and seabirds can be spotted. On the Isle of Lunga, surrounded by wildflowers and stunning scenery, we find a large puffin colony (May & June only). Next, we cross to Staffa and explore the natural cathedral of Fingal’s Cave, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott and others.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from

Day 4 After breakfast, we visit the nearby Duart Castle

with its picturesque position and take a tour of its dungeons and staterooms. From here, we enjoy a scenic drive through Morvern and then cross Loch Linnhe to continue the journey back to our original pick-up points.

May 22

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $265

June 18

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $265

August 13

$1130 $1060pp

Single Supplement $265

September 10

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $265

Coll and Tiree

T

wo little jewels basking in the Hebridean Sea, Coll and Tiree are steeped in the romantic legends and tangled history of the western isles. They abound with natural wonders, native wildlife and ancient remains. From our base in comfortable and friendly guesthouse accommodation, we explore unspoilt beaches with glistening white sand and ancient cairns along with Iron Age forts that litter the island of Coll. In Tiree, we visit the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum.

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for Oban,

where we board a ferry to Coll. Upon arrival in the harbor of Arinagour, we transfer to our hotel.

Tiree

What’s Included

Day 2 We tour the island, enjoying the colors of the flowers that punctuate the rich greens of the summer machair. We also visit the RSPB Reserve, established to protect the corncrake.

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast in guesthouse accommodation: two nights Coll and two nights Tiree Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

Day 3 This morning, we take a short ferry crossing to Tiree,

Services of a professional tour manager

known as one of Britain’s sunniest places.

Day 4 A tour of Tiree awaits as we explore Skerryvore

Departures & Prices

Lighthouse Museum along with the Treshnish Isles Natural History Museum, which is home to enchanting exhibits.

5 days from

Day 5 Check out of the hotel and view ‘An Turas’, a piece of

architecture locally named ‘the Wind Tunnel’, before boarding the ferry back to the mainland.

19

June 22

$1750pp

Single Supplement $490

July 27

$1750pp

Single Supplement $490

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

Scotland’s Northern Edge

T

he coastal views and landscapes are breathtaking – sometimes quite literally as the wind whips in off the Pentland Firth, snatching the breath from your mouth. We begin at Dunnet Head, the most northerly headland of all, and visit the Castle of Mey – summer home of the late Queen Mother. We continue to our hotel in Kinlochbervie from where we seek out gems such as Smoo Cave and Handa Island.

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and then head north to

John O’Groats

our hotel, located in Thurso.

What’s Included

Day 2 This morning, we visit Duncansby Head, which offers stunning views from the cliff top. A stop at John O’ Groats is followed by visits to the Castle of Mey and Dunnet Head, which boasts some of northern Scotland’s best panoramas.

Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights in Thurso and two nights in Kinlochbervie Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

Day 3 Today’s first visit is to Strathnaver Museum, which

Services of a professional tour manager

takes us from the mystical past of prehistory to modern day vibrant culture. In Tongue, there is free time for lunch and then we explore the impressive Smoo Cave.

Departures & Prices

Day 4 We travel south to Tarbet, the starting point for our

5 days from

boat trip to the island of Handa, which was abandoned in 1847 and is now home only to seabirds.

June 17

$1005pp

Single Supplement $245

Day 5 We depart for home, via Loch Shin and Tain.

August 10

$1005pp

Single Supplement $245

September 29

$940pp

Single Supplement $245

Arran: ‘Scotland in Miniature’

A

s you board the ferry at Ardrossan, you see the distinctive silhouette of Goat Fell rising dramatically from the waters of the Firth of Clyde, giving you a taste of what’s to come. Described as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran is a fusion of Highland and Island scenery, with granite peaks and deep glens to the north that contrast with the south’s lush farmlands. We are treated to a tour of the island, visits to Brodick Castle with its lush gardens and even a local distillery.

Itinerary

Brodick Castle

Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for

What’s Included

Ardrossan, where we catch a ferry to Brodick. On arrival, we make our way to the hotel in Blackwaterfoot.

Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot

Day 2 We enjoy a circular tour of Arran, passing through

Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie and Sannox. On the west coast, we visit Pirnmill and Catacol, with its cottages known as the ‘12 Apostles’, as well as Arran Distillery.

Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager

Day 3 Today we are free to relax. For those who prefer,

join the optional excursion to the tiny island of Gigha and Achamore Gardens, where something is always in bloom.

Departures & Prices

Day 4 We visit Brodick Castle and its colorful gardens, with

5 days from

fine views over the Firth of Clyde. We have time to explore Brodick at leisure before enjoying a farewell meal together.

Day 5 Catch the ferry back to the mainland and return to our original pick-up points.

www.brightwaterholidays.com

20

April 26

$915 $845pp

No Single Supplement

May 24

$925 $860pp

No Single Supplement

July 12

$925 $860pp

No Single Supplement

Orkney & Shetland: Self-Drive

T

he Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland are perfectly suited to a self-drive vacation as the roads are generally of good quality – particularly in oil-rich Shetland – and are very quiet and uncrowded. There are also many attractions and scenic viewpoints, so you don’t have to travel far before it’s time to stop and have another wander round an ancient monument or get the camera out to capture another amazing vista. Jarlshof, Skara Brae and Maeshowe are among the outstanding archaeological sites on offer here.

Suggested itinerary

Skara Brae

Day 1 Drive to Aberdeen in time for the overnight sailing to

Day 5 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Neolithic

Day 2 Begin your exploration of Shetland, perhaps with a

Day 6 Suggested visits today include the Italian Chapel,

Lerwick.

visit to the remote islands of Yell and Unst, about as far north as you can drive in the British Isles, before driving to your hotel in Lerwick.

Day 3 You may wish to visit the little island of Mousa with

its outstanding example of a 2,000-year-old broch or simply explore your host town of Lerwick.

Day 4 After visits to Scalloway and the ruined castle of

Earl Patrick Stewart, the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh, and the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, take the overnight sailing from Lerwick to Kirkwall in Orkney. On arrival, drive to your harbor-side hotel.

Orkney today, which includes Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

Churchill Barriers and St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.

Day 7 Take a ferry to one of the outer islands, such as

Hoy, where you can visit the Scapa Flow exhibition, the Napoleonic Martello Tower or the poignant war cemetery.

Day 8 Take a ferry to Westray or a flight to North

Ronaldsay, both offering great birdwatching opportunities. In the evening, take the overnight ferry to Aberdeen.

Day 9 Return home.

9 days’ bed & breakfast from $1480pp

The Outer Hebrides: Self-drive

T

he roads here in the Outer Hebrides can be a little narrower, but for spectacular scenery there is nowhere quite like it in Britain, as the drive over the mountains of Harris to Stornoway will testify. Just as in the Northern Isles, the Western Isles offer a succession of jaw-dropping panoramas and fascinating historical sites, from the endless, empty beaches of blinding white sand on the Uists to Kisimul Castle and the mysterious standing stones of Callanish. The Gaelic-speaking culture adds another layer of interest here.

Suggested itinerary Day 1 Drive to Mallaig and take the evening ferry to

Lochboisdale in South Uist, with dinner available on board (not included). On arrival, continue over the causeways that link the islands to Benbecula, which will be your base for the next two nights.

Day 2 Take the ferry from Eriskay to Barra and tour

Callanish Stones

Day 4 Spend the day touring the west side of Lewis, whose attractions include the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones at Callanish, the Black Houses at Gearrannan and the recreation of a Norse Mill at Shawbost.

Day 5 Further suggested visits in Lewis today include Lews

the island. Suggested visits include Kisimul Castle, the neighboring island of Vatersay and the unique airport at Cockleshell Beach.

Castle and Museum, home to the famous Lewis Chessmen, St. Columba’s Ui Church – one of the most important archaeological sites on Lewis – and the Butt of Lewis, where a unique Stevenson lighthouse stands sentinel.

Day 3 Take the morning ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh

Day 6 Return to the mainland on the ferry from Stornoway

on Harris, and after a visit to St. Clement’s Church at Rodel, drive over a spectacular mountain pass and on to Stornoway, where you will spend the next three nights.

to Ullapool, and return to your starting point via the central Highlands.

6 days’ bed & breakfast from $940pp

N.B. These are sample itineraries and prices only - all tours are tailored to your exact requirements.

21

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Lord of the Glens - 6 days Tobermory

T

he MV Lord of the Glens offers exceptional standards of comfort and cuisine as she sails between Inverness, Fort Augustus and Oban.

Itinerary

We begin at Inverness and cruise Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, where the vessel passes through a series of locks to peaceful Loch Oich and continues to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Here, we see Thomas Telford’s engineering masterpiece – Neptune’s Staircase – a series of eight inter-connected locks that take vessels back to sealevel near Fort William. We sail out into the sea and cruise to Mull and Oban, where our voyage concludes. We also enjoy a full program of shore excursions, from a memorable train journey and a visit to the Glenfinnan Monument, to Duart Castle and the picture-postcard village of Tobermory.

to Inverness and embark the MV Lord of the Glens. Enjoy a welcome reception.

Day 1 Travel independently

Day 4 Negotiate ‘Neptune’s

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 2 Cruise the length

of mysterious Loch Ness with a photo opportunity at Urquhart Castle and time to explore Fort Augustus.

Day 5 Visit Duart Castle on

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Continue through

Day 6 Today we disembark

sections of the Caledonian Canal and peaceful lochs before we take a train ride across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and pay a visit to the Glenfinnan Monument.

What’s Included Five nights’ accommodation in a lower deck twin cabin on a full board basis. All cabins have en-suite facilities and can be upgraded at a supplement

Staircase’ then cruise along Loch Linnhe to Tobermory on Mull.

Mull then sail over to Oban, where we visit the fantastic whisky distillery.

and transfer by coach back to Inverness.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Shore excursions as described in the itinerary Return coach transfers from Inverness

Departures & Prices 6 days in 2021 from Inverness to Oban

Oban to Inverness

April 16

$1815pp

April 21

$1815pp

September 27

$1885pp

October 2

$1815pp

Single Supplement from $1080 Limited availability for 2020 – please call for details

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Lord of the Glens

22

Lord of the Glens and Lord of the Highlands - 8 days Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

A

lso operated by the luxurious new ship MV Lord of the Highlands, this 8-day edition includes everything on the 6-day itinerary, but also features an excursion to Eilean Donan Castle along with time to visit the tiny island of Eigg.

This latter destination offers a sense of what life is like for the 90 people who live there. There is also a visit to the Clan Donald Center and Gardens, located on the beautiful Isle of Skye.

Itinerary Day 1 Travel under our own

arrangement to Inverness. A coach transfer is provided to Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast, where we embark the MV Lord of the Glens/Lord of the Highlands. Later, we join the crew for a welcome drinks reception.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Depart for a visit to

Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Sail to Skye for a visit to the Clan Donald Center and moor overnight in remote Inverie.

Neptune’s Staircase

What’s Included Seven nights’ accommodation in a lower deck twin cabin on a full board basis. All cabins have en-suite facilities and can be upgraded at a supplement

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Shore excursions as described in the itinerary

of Eigg and experience the remoteness of island life.

Continue to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Day 3 Sail to the tiny island

Return coach transfers from Inverness

Departures & Prices 8 days in 2021 from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

Glenfinnan Viaduct and visit the Glenfinnan Monument.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 The vessel ascends

Neptune’s Staircase and sails through lochs as well as man-made sections of the Caledonian Canal.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 7 We negotiate the

locks in Fort Augustus then cruise the length of Loch Ness. Afternoon visits to Clava Cairns and Culloden battlefield await.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 8 Disembark in Inverness.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness

April 26 & 28

$3100pp

May 3 & 5

$3100pp

May 10 & 12

$3100pp

May 17

$3100pp

May 24 & 26

$3100pp

July 28

$3100pp

Sept 1 & 13

$3100pp

August 25

$3100pp

Day 4 Cruise to the sacred

Isle of Iona and on to Oban.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 Sail north into Loch

Single Supplement from $1890

Linnhe before we take a train ride across the iconic

Limited availability for 2020 – please call for details

23

Glenfinnan Monument

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway Logan Botanic Gardens

I

n the south-western corner of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of the country’s most attractive gardens. The artistic highlight of our tour is undoubtedly Dumfries House, actually in Ayrshire, which Prince Charles helped to save. One of the Adam Brothers’ finest achievements, the stunning interiors showcase a unique collection of Chippendale furniture, while the walled garden is one of the most exciting new garden developments in Scotland.

Itinerary Day 1 After departing from

our pick-up points, we have a guided tour of Dumfries House. We also visit the fantastic Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

At Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, we see an artist’s garden at the restored former home of ‘Glasgow Boy’ E. A. Hornel, which is always filled with color along with clear influences from his time in Japan.

Day 2 Today starts at

Glenwhan Gardens, with views of Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway. From here, we visit the world-famous Logan Botanic Gardens at Port Logan and then Logan House. As Logan House gardens are at their best in the early summer, in August and September we will instead visit Cally Gardens at Gatehouse of Fleet.

Further highlights include Drumlanrig Castle, with its extensive gardens and world-class art collection, and the undeniably unique Crawick Multiverse.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Woodland Hotel, Dumfries All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Day 3 Following breakfast

this morning, we visit Broughton House, a fascinating 18th century house and garden that was home to E. A. Hornel from 1901 until his death in 1933. We also discover the plantsman’s nursery of Ellenbank and continue to the gardens of the Threave Estate. These gardens were largely created by students at the School of Horticulture.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 En route home, we

visit Drumlanrig Castle, surrounded by the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate.

There will also be a stop at Crawick Multiverse, a hidden gem nestled in rolling hills, before we return to our original departure points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from June 6

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $205

August 15

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $205

September 15

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $205

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Cally Gardens

24

Gardens of the Far North

A

journey to the far north of Scotland brings with it many rewards, from the enchanting castles and gardens to the thrilling seascapes and unspoilt regions. Top of the bill is Inverewe, a truly wonderful garden that involves a scenic journey to the wild west coast. We also discover the Castle of Mey, the gardens of Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Dunbeath Castle and the privately-owned garden of Langwell.

Itinerary

Day 1 We journey north, stopping en route in Pitlochry.

Dunrobin Castle

We continue on to the gardens of Cawdor Castle with its herbaceous borders, rose garden and pretty peony walk.

What’s Included

Day 2 This morning, we visit Dunrobin Castle, the châteaustyle ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Next, we continue to John O’Groats and then the Castle of Mey.

Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast in the Inverness area plus one lunch

Day 3 After breakfast, we drive through some magnificent

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

mountain scenery to Dundonnell House Garden and Inverewe, one of the most outstanding gardens in Scotland.

Services of a professional tour manager

Day 4 The first stop of our day is at Dunbeath Castle, where

Departures & Prices

we tour its private gardens. Later, we explore the private gardens at Langwell.

5 days from

Day 5 En route home, we visit the House of Aigas and enjoy a lunch prepared from fresh on-site produce. We continue to Abriachan Gardens and then return to our pick-up points.

July 4

$1345 $1275pp Single Supplement $380

July 18

$1345 $1275pp Single Supplement $380

Private Gardens of Caithness & Sutherland

T

he spectacular seascapes and wild lands of Caithness and Sutherland, right at the top of Britain, are home to a surprising number of stunning gardens – formal and homely alike. Our visits include Bighouse Lodge by Melvich and the House of Tongue, in its spectacular setting on the Kyle of Tongue. We also visit the Castle of Mey and Dunbeath Castle.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart for the private garden of Old Allangrange,

Castle of Mey

where a beautiful 17th century house is the backdrop to a semi-formal garden with many fine old trees.

What’s Included

Day 2 Travel along the coast to Bighouse Lodge. The walled

Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the Station Hotel, Thurso

garden features herbaceous borders, a sunken garden and four conceptual gardens behind the hedgerows. We continue to the House of Tongue, with its lovely roses.

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined Services of a professional tour manager

Day 3 We visit the Castle of Mey, former summer home

of the late Queen Mother, the private garden of Auld Post Office and Dunbeath Castle.

Departures & Prices

Day 4 En route to our original pick-up points, we visit the

4 days from

award-winning private garden known as The Lookout at North Kessock, which enjoys lovely views over the Moray Firth. We also stop at the Inverness Botanic Garden, which provides a sub-tropical oasis in the heart of the Highlands.

25

July 5

$765 $695pp

Single Supplement $205

July 12

$765 $695pp

Single Supplement $205

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

In the Footsteps of the Picts Pictish stone, Aberlemno

L

iving beyond the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, the people of northern Scotland in the Dark Ages were known as the Picts – a name given by the Romans, meaning the ‘painted, tattooed ones’.

They were renowned as one of the most warlike of the Celtic barbarian tribes of Europe, successfully attacking the Roman army, and yet few of their homes or forts have ever been found. They did, however, leave behind some of the finest carved stones and jewelery from early medieval Europe.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart by coach

from our pick-up points and transfer to the National Museum of Scotland, where we will be joined by one of the curators for a specially arranged guided tour of the Pictish jewelery collection and sculpture housed here.

During this tour, we will travel through the heartland of the southern Picts in Perthshire and Angus, tracking down these elusive peoples and coming face-to-face with them through the clues to their everyday life as seen in the incredible artistry of their monumental stone sculptures.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We begin with a visit

to the symbol-inscribed cross-slab, depicting angels and a striding cloaked figure, at Eassie. We then travel to Brechin to view the medieval round tower and adjacent cathedral. Next, we visit nearby Aberlemno with its four magnificent Pictish stones. From here, we travel the short distance to St. Vigeans Museum of Pictish Sculpture.

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Links Hotel, Montrose All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Day 3 We head to Dunkeld

to visit the Pictish hillfort, and then on to the attractive village of Dunning, where we visit the Pictish monastery.

We then travel to Forteviot, the royal center of Pictish kings, and finally we explore Perth Museum, viewing its fine displays and collections.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We drive to

St. Andrews this morning to see the decorated stone sarcophagus of a great Pictish king, before traveling by boat (weather permitting) to visit the monastery on the Isle of May, a National Nature Reserve. From here, we return to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from June 18

$780 $710pp

Single Supplement $125

August 6

$780 $710pp

Single Supplement $125

September 3

$780 $710pp

Single Supplement $125

www.brightwaterholidays.com

St. Andrews Cathedral

26

A Classic Scottish Steam Break The Jacobite steam train

S

team locomotion has an enduring fascination for many of us and combined with the wonderful scenery of Scotland it becomes utterly irresistible. The Jacobite steam train, running from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today – an 84mile round trip through some truly spectacular scenery that includes the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Itinerary Day 1 Depart from our pick

up points and travel to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. We sail along the Union Canal and under the historic Antonine Wall – the Romans’ most northern frontier – and then we continue to our hotel.

The PS Waverley was fitted with a new boiler before re‑entering service in 2020, and hopefully will continue to grace the Firth of Clyde for many years to come. Sadly, the SS Sir Walter Scott is no longer in service but we will still enjoy a cruise on the tranquil waters of Loch Katrine on board her sister ship, the Lady of the Lake. A trip on the modern engineering marvel of the Falkirk Wheel completes a captivating tour.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We journey back in

time aboard the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most spectacular railways journeys in the world – the famous Fort William to Mallaig line. The route will take us over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Today we sail on the

world’s last seagoing paddle steamer – The Waverley*.

We leave the ship at Tighnabruaich, where our coach will be waiting to take us back to the hotel.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We depart for a cruise on peaceful Loch Katrine on board the Lady of the Lake.

After our cruise, we tour the Trossachs before returning to our original pick-up points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

*Subject to confirmation of the Waverley’s timetable.

Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the Arrochar Hotel, Loch Long All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from June 24

$805pp

Single Supplement $125

July 22

$805pp

Single Supplement $125

August 12

$805pp

Single Supplement $125

PS Waverley

27

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

New for 2021

Caledonian Days

Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway

I

n the days before widespread private car ownership, a day out in Scotland meant getting on a train or boarding a steamer – sometimes both – and for millions of people, the highlight of their year was a trip ‘doon ra watter’ on the Firth of Clyde or a leisurely train ride to the Highlands. This new tour is an unashamedly nostalgic recreation of such excursions, along with the opportunity to see some of the locomotives and ships that still survive from the golden age of excursion travel in beautiful Scotland.

We begin at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, with a short yet authentic steam-hauled train journey. After a visit to the excellent Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel in Glasgow, we take a train to Wemyss Bay and a modern day ‘steamer’ across the Firth of Clyde to Rothesay, a classic day trip resort.

A full-day excursion takes us on the superbly scenic West Highland railway to the bustling harbor town of Oban, returning by coach along the route of the long gone, but equally scenic Callander and Oban railway line.

Finally, we have a look around the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch at her berth at the southern end of Loch Lomond, another chance to catch a glimpse of those innocent yet exciting day trips of old – in true Caledonian style.

Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Winnock Hotel in the Trossachs

Departures & Prices

All visits as outlined

4 days from June 6

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $125

July 3

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $125

September 11

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $125

www.brightwaterholidays.com

28

Comfortable coaching throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Itinerary Day 1 Travel by coach to Bo’ness for a journey on the

Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. It takes only a few whiffs of smoke and steam here on the banks of the Forth to be transported to the glory days of the North British and Caledonian railways. The train climbs a testing little gradient to Birkhill station before continuing to Manuel, where we can watch as the engine runs round the train, couples up and returns us to Bo’ness. We also have time here to explore the museum, which boasts an extensive collection of steam and diesel locomotives.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Loch Lomond

Day 3 We transfer to Helensburgh Upper railway station

where we join the morning diesel train to Oban on the highly scenic West Highland Line. The route passes through magnificent scenery, past the sea lochs of Gare Loch and Loch Long, and the northern end of Loch Lomond before climbing through Glen Falloch to Crianlarich. Here the line (and the train) splits in two, one line continuing north to Fort William, the other heading west on the line built by the Callander and Oban Railway. After a leisurely journey of around two hours and 20 minutes, we arrive in Oban, where there will be time to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this lively port, known as the Gateway to the Isles.

In the afternoon, we take the train as far as Crianlarich where we join our waiting coach and continue by road, following the route of the original Callander & Oban Railway.

Traces of the railway line, which was closed in 1965, can still be seen, particularly in Glen Ogle where various viaducts and bridges are visible and are now used as a cycle path.

Wemyss Bay

Day 2 We head for Glasgow and pay a visit to the Riverside

Museum of Transport and Travel, a purpose-built museum on the banks of the River Clyde, which celebrates Scotland’s rich industrial heritage with an extensive collection that includes majestic steam locomotives and finely detailed models of Clyde-built ships.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Travel a short distance to Balloch, at the southern end

This afternoon, we will enjoy our own recreation of a trip ‘doon ra watter’, beginning with a 50-minute electric train journey from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay on the Clyde coast. After pausing to admire the impressive station building, we will board (as foot passengers) one of the two CalMac ferries that sail from the adjacent pier back and forth to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. Here we will have a couple of hours’ free time in this traditional seaside resort, which – in days gone by – would have been thronged with day-trippers and vacationmakers during the summer months. We return by ferry to Wemyss Bay later in the afternoon and continue by coach over the Erskine Bridge to our hotel.

of Loch Lomond, for a visit to the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch, a magnificent example of Clyde-built engineering with a stunning Art Deco-inspired interior. Fine views towards Ben Lomond can be enjoyed from the ship’s three decks and you can also explore the engine room.

Following our visit, there will be some time for shopping at the adjacent Lomond Shores Designer Retail Outlet before returning to our original departure points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Maid of the Loch

Loch Long

29

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Highgrove and the Cotswolds Highgrove

O

ur tour of the Cotswolds features an exclusive visit to Highgrove House, the country home of HRH The Prince of Wales. This will be a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens, which are cultivated using wholly organic methods. Some of the finest gardens in England are to be found nestled among the green and rolling hills of Gloucestershire. Our tour begins at the Arts & Crafts house of Rodmarton Manor, whose garden comprises a series of ‘outdoor rooms’. Hidcote Manor’s contrasting garden rooms and Kiftsgate’s splendid views are justly famous. We will also visit the small private garden of Misarden Park and finally Westonbirt, the National Arboretum.

Itinerary Day 1 We head for our

Day 3 We transfer to

Please note, by the very nature of this vacation we are dependent on a successful application for admittance to Highgrove, which will be confirmed in February 2021.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 2 We visit Hidcote

Day 4 Our final visit is to

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

first visit, the house and gardens of Rodmarton Manor, an ‘Arts and Crafts’ house with a fine eight-acre garden which was originally designed as a series of ‘outdoor rooms’, lending each part of the garden a different character.

Manor, one of the best known and most influential gardens in Britain, followed

by Kiftsgate Court, which is surrounded by a series of enclosed gardens, whose formality is blurred by generous planting.

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at a comfortable hotel in the Cotswolds

Highgrove, the country home of HRH The Prince of Wales, a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens. In the afternoon we visit Misarden Park, whose gardens were redeveloped in the early 20th century by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, perhaps the most important and widely known arboretum in the United Kingdom, home to over 18,000 trees and shrubs. We return to our original departure points.

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from April 23

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $240

May 21

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $240

June 25

$845 $775pp

Single Supplement $240

August 8

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $240

September 3

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $240 Kiftsgate Court

www.brightwaterholidays.com

30

Gardens of North Wales

S

et among glorious scenery that includes the mountains of Snowdonia, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles, North Wales is home to some outstanding gardens. One of the best is Plas Cadnant, which 20 years ago was an overgrown, abandoned wilderness of ivy and decrepit fruit trees. Its new owner brought it back to life and Plas Cadnant has emerged as a gem of a garden, full of interest.

Itinerary

Portmeirion

Day 1 We head for Wales and our first stop, Powis Castle, to visit the gardens which have both French and Italian influences. We then continue to our hotel in Caernarfon.

What’s Included

Day 2 After breakfast, we travel to the privately-owned

Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon

garden of Maenan Hall, a beautiful property on the slopes of Conwy Valley. This afternoon we continue to Bodnant Garden and conclude with a tour of Plas Cadnant.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout

Day 3 We visit Mynydd Heulog, an 18th century stone

Services of Tony Russell as tour manager

cottage and then explore Plas yn Rhiw, a delightful manor house with an ornamental garden.

Departures & Prices

Day 4 Today we visit Plas Brondanw and Portmeirion, both created in a unique Italianate style by Sir Clough WilliamsEllis. Much work has been carried out in recent years to improve the gardens here, enhancing the beauty of the architecture. We then return to our pick-up points.

4 days from June 4

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $265

August 13

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $265

Gardens of Northumberland

T

he largely rural county of Northumberland is home to a range of individual and imaginative gardens, with each one giving an unusual insight into the pleasure of gardening in this most beautiful and tranquil corner of England. Mindrum was created by a natural artist who then set about creating a new garden at Kirky Cottage, filled with her favorite plants. The innovative Alnwick Garden will be the highlight for many.

Itinerary

Alnwick Garden

Day 1 Travel by train from London Kings Cross to Durham and transfer to Crook Hall, whose gardens are inspired by Durham’s unique skyline.

What’s Included

Day 2 Today we travel through the wild and rugged

landscape of Northumberland to Mindrum, a garden created with great skill and verve, and the former owner’s new garden at Kirky Cottage.

Day 3 We visit the Alnwick Garden, a contemporary and

Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Marriott Royal County Hotel, Durham Rail travel from London to Durham (other stations on request; $135 reduction for no rail travel) Comfortable coach travel, all visits and tour manager

innovative project, created with great vision by the Duchess of Northumberland, along with the garden at Manor House in the pretty village of Whalton.

Day 4 Our final visit takes us to another picture-postcard

village on the Northumberland/Durham border as we explore the beautifully landscaped gardens of Newbiggin House. We then take the train from Durham back to London.

31

Departures & Prices 4 days from June 13

$1075 $1005pp

No Single Supplement

July 23

$1075 $1005pp

No Single Supplement

August 22

$1075 $1005pp

No Single Supplement

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West Tatton Park

C

urrently the largest gardening project in Europe, RHS Garden Bridgewater will open to the public in May 2021 and we are delighted to be among the first to offer opportunities to visit it. This once-in-a-generation project saw the Royal Horticultural Society take inspiration from the heritage of the site and transform it into a world-class garden, while also delivering a program of community outreach and education activities, volunteering and training.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our

Day 3 After breakfast, we

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 2 This morning we

Day 4 Today we pay a

pick-up points and head north west, where we begin with a visit to the gardens of Trentham Estate in Staffordshire, where the contemporary revival of the Based on an overall design by leading landscape architect and Chelsea Gold Medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith, highlights famous Italian Gardens was include one of the largest walled gardens in the UK, beautifully led by Tom Stuart-Smith.

We continue to our hotel in landscaped grounds, living plant collections and horticultural Cheshire. visits.

We will also take the opportunity to visit some of the best gardens in the North West, including an intriguing little private garden.

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the Best Western Plus Pinewood on Wilmslow, Cheshire (or similar) Comfortable coaching throughout

travel to the RHS Garden Bridgewater, which includes an 11-acre walled garden, a large historic lake and extensive woodland. In the afternoon we visit a nearby private garden which in contrast to Bridgewater is much smaller but no less intriguing.

visit Dunham Massey, a great plantsman’s garden full of native favorites and exotic treasures set around an elegant Georgian mansion.

Next, we explore Tatton Park, whose gardens have developed over 200 years yet retain much of their Edwardian character.

visit to Arley Hall, which preserves the atmosphere of a garden kept for its own delight. The pair of herbaceous borders is renowned as one of the great garden sights of England.

We return to our original departure points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from June 18

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $165

July 16

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $165

August 6

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $165

September 1

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $165

www.brightwaterholidays.com

RHS Bridgewater Kitchen Garden ©Harris Bugg Studio

32

Private Gardens of Cornwall

C

ornwall’s gardens are renowned the world over for their color and variety, and there are some truly outstanding examples here, many of them privately owned. These include Bosvigo, with wonderfully colorful borders; Trebartha with many water features and great views, and the Italianate-style Lamorran. Choose between spring when the rhododendrons burst into life or high summer when the hydrangeas run riot.

Itinerary

Day 1 We depart from our pick-up points and make our

Lanhydrock Gardens

way to Cornwall. Upon arrival, we pay a visit to Lanhydrock Gardens, which are rich in flowering shrubs and trees.

What’s Included

Day 2 After breakfast we travel to Bosvigo, a woodland

garden with harmoniously planted enclosures and borders.

Next, we explore Trewithen, a garden whose reputation amongst connoisseurs has always been the highest.

Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 3-star Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club

Day 3 This morning we visit Trelissick, a modern garden

All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Comfortable coaching throughout

which is constantly evolving. In the afternoon we move on to Lamorran House, designed in Italianate style but with Japanese influences.

Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices

Day 4 Visit the private garden of Marsh Villa, the result of

4 days from

years of hard work by the enthusiastic owner. Our final visit is to the private garden of Trebartha, a recently re-landscaped garden set on the edge of Bodmin Moor.

April 29

$915 $845pp

Single Supplement $205

July 22

$940 $870pp

Single Supplement $205

The Gardens of Kent & Sussex

I

f there’s one tour that epitomizes the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden, it is this one – with one shining example after another to be savored and enjoyed.

First-time visitors will be bowled over by the quality and pedigree of these gardens, which capture the essence of the English country garden.

Itinerary

Great Dixter

Day 1 We depart for our first visit, Great Comp Garden – a

What’s Included

beautiful seven-acre garden with many beautiful and rare shrubs, perennials and other hardy plants. We continue to magnificent Lullingstone Castle, home to the unique World Garden of Plants.

Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Donnington Manor Hotel, Sevenoaks One lunch

Day 2 Today we visit the Sussex Prairie Garden with its

large borders in a naturalistic style and Nymans Garden, an outstanding plant collection in an inspirational setting.

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined Services of a professional tour manager

Day 3 We have an ‘early bird visit’ to the magnificently

Departures & Prices

manicured gardens of Sissinghurst, which became the most admired English Garden of its time, followed by the classic English garden of Great Dixter.

4 days from

Day 4 A visit to Wakehurst Place Gardens is followed

by lunch and a guided tour at Perch Hill, the garden of TV presenter and columnist Sarah Raven.

May 28

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $265

June 25

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $265

August 20 $1115 $1045pp

33

Single Supplement $265

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

The Irish Rover Blarney Castle

J

ust like the Van Morrison song, this Irish Rover is wrapped in glory — the glory of some of Ireland’s finest gardens. A feast of horticultural excellence awaits, with memorable and beguiling gardens, enthusiastic and skillful owners, and a backdrop of lush green hills, fertile fields as well as horizons of glittering seascapes.

Itinerary

We begin in Northern Ireland at the dazzling garden of Mount Stewart, truly one of the great gardens of the world, along with romantic Rowallane and atmospheric Castle Ward. We move on to Dublin where we meet Helen Dillon, the doyenne of Irish gardeners, at her new private garden, to which we have privileged access. Moving south we visit Malahide, one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland, and Powerscourt, one of Ireland’s most famous gardens with magnificent vistas. From Cork, we tour Ilnacullin, with its magical setting on an island bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and the fabulous Blarney Castle & Gardens, home to the famous stone of eloquence.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 1 Upon arrival in

Belfast, we visit Mount Stewart. We then transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Tour Rowallane

Garden, packed with rare and venerable plants. We also visit Castle Ward.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 We explore the

gardens of Malahide Castle, among the oldest in Ireland.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 See the private

gardens of Carmel Duignan and Helen Dillon, to which we have exclusive access.

We also visit the Italianate gardens at Corke Lodge.

What’s Included Seven nights’ bed and breakfast: two in Co Antrim, three in Dublin and two in Cork; five dinners

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 5 Visit Hunting Brook, June Blake’s Garden and Nursery and Powerscourt, Ireland’s most famous garden, started over twoand-a-half centuries ago.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 6 Today we explore

Mount Usher, a lovely informal garden which dates back to 1850.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 7 After breakfast, we

take the ferry to Garinish Island and visit the famous Harold Peto garden at Ilnacullin and this afternoon we visit Blarney Castle and Gardens.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Cork Airport.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined Services of Trevor Edwards as tour manager

Departures & Prices 8 days from May 4

$1950 $1815pp

Single Supplement $670

August 22

$1885 $1750pp

Single Supplement $670 Mount Usher

www.brightwaterholidays.com

34

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Classic English Gardens RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

O

ur tour combines the color, prestige and excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with some of Southern England’s finest gardens, affording the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of horticultural excellence.

Itinerary Day 1 We start our tour with Day 4 We explore Wilton the RHS Garden Wisley, the epitome of horticultural excellence.

Revel in the delights of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, wander around the unmissable gardens of RHS Garden Wisley, and discover the history of glorious Sissinghurst in Kent. We then head west, breaking our journey at the beautiful gardens of Wilton House near Salisbury and finally on to Henry Hoare’s famous landscape garden of Stourhead.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We devote our entire

day to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a great British tradition and exciting source of inspiration and advice.

From our hotel in the West Country, we stop to visit the ancient Bishop’s Palace in Wells, the Harold Peto-designed garden at Iford Manor, and we also have some time in the town of Bath, famous for its Roman baths and its rows of elegant Georgian terraces.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 This morning we

enjoy an ‘early bird’ guided tour of Sissinghurst. The history here is rich and fascinating, and the gardens themselves are simply stunning. We continue to another classic English Garden, Great Dixter.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Six nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: three nights at the Holiday Inn, Farnborough and three nights at the Walnut Tree Hotel, North Petherton (or similar)

House and its gardens. Later, we take a trip to Iford Manor where we have an exclusive private visit.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 We start our day

at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, a stunning medieval building. Later we visit Hestercombe, one of Gertrude Jekyll’s greatest masterpieces.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 Explore the gardens of Stourhead and enjoy some free time in Bath.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 7 We travel to

Tyntesfield with its immaculate terraced lawns.

We then return to London.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary and comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 7 days from May 20

$1750pp

Single Supplement $445 Classic English style

35

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New for 2021

Historic Houses of Devon & Cornwall Lanhydrock

T

he neighboring counties of Devon and Cornwall offer a rich selection of historic houses across a broad expanse of English history, from medieval times through the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras and into the twentieth century.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from our

pick-up points and head down into Devon, where we begin with a visit to Castle Drogo, which has undergone extensive renovation. We continue to our hotel in Cornwall.

Buckland Abbey is the oldest property in our selection and was once home to one of England’s greatest adventurers.

Prideaux Place has its origins in the Norman conquest though the house we see today dates from the reign of Elizabeth I, and we see another fine Tudor house at Cothele in Devon. Lanhydrock dates back to the 17th century, while the Georgian era is represented by the grand house at Killerton. Castle Drogo has the appearance of a medieval fortress, however it was actually built in the early 20th century by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We visit nearby

Lanhydrock, a magnificent seventeenth century house surrounded by nineteenth century formal terraced gardens. In the afternoon we explore Prideaux Place, a charming Elizabethan manor which has been lived in by the same family since its completion in 1592.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club

Day 3 We cross back

into Devon as we visit two outstanding historic properties - Cotehele, a Tudor house with many stories and legends and Buckland Abbey, which started life as a peaceful Cistercian monastery in 1278 and was later home to Sir Francis Drake.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We tour the Georgian

house of Killerton, with its magnificent collection of 18th- 20th century costumes in period rooms, followed by time to wander among the extensive gardens. Following our visit we return to our original departure points.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Luxury coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from May 6

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $205

July 15

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $205

Supplement for non-NT/NTS members $90pp

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Cotehele

36

New for 2021

Historic Houses of Dorset Athelhampton House

T

he county of Dorset is a rich repository of historic houses, with many properties recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Each one has a multitude of stories to tell, some having changed hands many times, others having been home to the same family for centuries. Exquisite furnishings, fine art and a range of architectural styles will be discovered as we tour the houses.

Itinerary Day 1 Our first visit is to the

elegant country mansion of Kingston Lacy. The house features grand and beautifully detailed carvings, intimate family souvenirs and strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king. We continue to our hotel in Dorset.

Our guide at Minterne House will be none other than the owner himself, Lord Digby, who will give us a personal insight into the 1,000-year history of the influential families who have lived here, including connections to the Duke of Marlborough and the Churchill dynasty. Other visits include Kingston Lacy, with its fine collection of paintings, and Mapperton, described as “the nation’s finest manor house”.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We visit Mapperton,

which was described by Country Life magazine as “the nation’s finest manor house” and is home to some wonderful paintings. In the afternoon we continue to Forde Abbey, which has a rich and varied history spanning 900 years.

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast the 4-star Best Western Hotel Royale, Bournemouth

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 A trio of historic

properties awaits today, all close to Dorchester.

Athelhampton House dates from Tudor times and we visit both Thomas Hardy’s Birthplace and his later home at Max Gate.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 Our tour concludes

with a real treat as we are welcomed at Minterne House by owner Lord Digby, who will give us a personal guided tour of the house, providing a fascinating insight into the 1,000-year history of the illustrious families who have lived here.

After lunch he will guide us round the gardens, adorned with Himalayan shrubs.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

One lunch and all visits as outlined in the itinerary Luxury coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from April 23

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $240

September 3 $1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $240

Supplement for non-NT/NTS members $55pp

Forde Abbey

37

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New for 2021

Historic Houses of North Wales Penrhyn Castle

N

orth Wales is home to a tempting range of historic houses, encompassing a broad sweep of Welsh history, from the medieval and Jacobean eras to Victorian times.

All have tales to tell, from the life of luxury upstairs to the unending toil of downstairs, from Napoleonic war heroes to things that go bump in the night…

Itinerary Day 1 We head for Wales,

Day 3 We begin today at

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 2 On either side of the

Day 4 Our final visit takes

where our first visit will be to Erddig Hall, one of the most fascinating houses in Britain, with some stunning state rooms. We continue to our comfortable hotel in the beautifully preserved Victorian seaside town of Llandudno.

We start at Erddig Hall, one of the most fascinating houses in Britain due to the unusually close relationship that existed between the family and their servants. On Anglesey we find Plas Newydd, famous for its Whistler mural as well as relics from the Battle of Waterloo, and across the Menai Strait lies Penryhn Castle, typical of the type of house built by wealthy Victorian merchants. Bodhryddan Hall, Aberconwy House and Plas Teg complete a diverse itinerary.

Menai Strait we visit Plas Newydd, an elegant house famous for its connections with the Battle of Waterloo and the artist Rex Whistler, and Penrhyn Castle, a classic example of a wealthy Victorian merchant’s house.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the Dunoon Hotel, Llandudno (or similar)

Bodhryddan Hall, one of the few remaining family-owned stately homes in Wales. Later we visit Aberconwy House, one of the oldest datable medieval merchant houses in Wales, and explore the town of Conwy with its famous suspension bridge.

us to Plas Teg, one of the most important Jacobean houses in Wales, dating from 1610. A private guided tour is included here, during which we will also learn about some of the paranormal activity that has been observed here…

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Luxury coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from May 29

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $125

September 25

$1075 $1005pp

Single Supplement $125

Supplement for non-NT/NTS members $75pp

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Plas Newydd

38

New for 2021

Historic Houses of Aberdeenshire Balmoral

A

berdeenshire is dotted with historic houses and castles, many of them outstanding examples of Scots Baronial architecture. Each one has a fascinating story to tell with countless legends and several royal connections.

Itinerary Day 1 We begin at Drum

Castle and Gardens.

The sweep of 700 years of history is stamped into Drum’s stalwart battlements, medieval square tower and sprawling extensions.

Our tour starts with a bang at Drum Castle, where 700 years of history is woven into its battlements. Haddo House showcases the crisp neo-classical style of William Adam, while Fyvie Castle represents a prime example of the more extravagant Scots Baronial form.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland, while Craigievar seems simply to have grown naturally out of the rolling hills. The Queen’s late summer residence of Balmoral Castle is the most modern property we visit, though no less fascinating, and we conclude at glorious Crathes Castle.

Day 2 Our first visit of the

day is to Haddo House.

Unusual for Aberdeenshire in that it is not a castle, the house elegantly blends crisp Georgian architecture with sumptuous late Victorian interiors. Later we visit the magnificent fortress of Fyvie Castle, with ghosts, legends and folklore woven into its 800-year history.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 4-star Ardoe Country House Hotel, Aberdeen

Day 3 We start at Castle

Fraser, one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses, with a strikingly simple Great Hall.

Next is Craigievar Castle, whose great tower stands just as it did when completed in 1626, and we round off the day at Balmoral, which needs little introduction as a favorite royal residence.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We conclude at

Crathes Castle, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and within it own glorious gardens. Crathes is every inch the classic Scottish tower house, with a labyrinth of cultural and family history.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Luxury coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 4 days from April 28

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $205

June 6

$805 $735pp

Single Supplement $205

Supplement for non-NT/NTS members $135pp

Fyvie Castle

39

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Arts and Gardens of the French Riviera

W

ith its seas of cobalt and turquoise, its skies of azure and cerulean blue - and its gardens of every color under the sun - it is little wonder that the French Riviera has been the inspiration for countless works of art and a magnet for artists.

This dazzling tour combines a spell-binding collection of art and architecture with a few of our favorite Riviera gardens.

Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in Nice we visit the Musée des Beaux-

Foundation Ephrussi de Rothschild

Arts.

Day 2 We tour the museums featuring the work of Matisse

What’s Included

and Chagall and in the afternoon visit the Foundation Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Five nights’ bed & breakfast at the Hôtel le Grimaldi, Nice, France

Day 3 Visit the modernist Villa E-1027, followed by the historic garden of Serre de la Madone and the private garden of Clos du Peyronnet.

Comfortable coaching and all visits Services of Trevor Edwards as tour manager

Day 4 Depart for the artist’s village of St Paul de Vence, the cathedral in Grasse which houses paintings by Rubens and the hillside garden of La Mouissone.

Departures & Prices 6 days from

Day 5 We visit two museums devoted to Picasso plus Nice’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Day 6 We conclude with a visit to the Massena Museum.

New for 2021

April 20

$1645 $1510pp

Single Supplement $610

September 2

$1740 $1605pp

Single Supplement $610

Spring Flowers of Crete

E

verywhere you look on the high mountain plains and along the country roads that wind among them are bright splashes of color, countless floral treasures just waiting to be discovered. One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Crete is a place of great, unspoilt natural beauty, offering the plant lover an absolute treat in terms of the variety of flora to be found, thanks to the island’s climate, position, altitude and terrain. Many of the 1500 flowering plants are endemic.

Itinerary Samaria Gorge

Day 1 On arrival at Chania we transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Tour the Akrotiri peninsula with its profusion of flora.

What’s Included

Day 3 Explore the Samaria Gorge with stunning views and

Seven nights’ bed & breakfast: three nights Chania and four nights Rethymnon; two dinners

magnificent wild flowers.

Day 4 Transfer to Rethymnon and visit the Venetian fort.

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined in the itinerary

Day 5 Botanise along the Geropotamos river.

Services of plant expert Julia Corden as tour manager

Day 6 Tour the magnificent Palace of Knossos.

Departures & Prices

Day 7 Travel to the slopes of Mount Ida and discover plants in the surrounding area.

8 days from

Day 8 Transfer to Heraklion where the tour concludes.

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April 12

40

$1680 $1545pp

Single Supplement $270

New for 2021

Castles and Gardens of the Loire MS Loire Princesse ©CroisiEurope

T

Itinerary

he châteaux and gardens of the Loire Valley in France are justly famous for their fairy-tale architecture and formal splendor. For the first time we are delighted to offer the unique opportunity to tour these iconic sites while enjoying all the pleasures of river cruising. On board the MS Loire Princesse, especially designed for the wide but shallow River Loire and propelled by paddle wheels, we can expect refined French cuisine, with drinks included, along with a personal welcome from Captain and crew. On shore, choose from a range of excursions that will take you to some of the outstanding sites of the Loire. These include the châteaux of Ussé, the inspiration behind ‘Sleeping Beauty’; Villandry, with its superb formal gardens and Angers, where a tiny garden and vineyard are concealed within the massive walls. Wine lovers can also enjoy a tour of the Muscadet region.

Day 1 We depart by train

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Cruise from Nantes

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

to St Nazaire. Optional excursion in Nantes and to the excellent Ocean Liner Museum and St Nazaire Shipyard.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Cruise from St

Nazaire this morning.

Optional excursion along the Muscadet Wine Route to Clisson, a charming medieval town.

What’s Included Five nights’ full board in a main deck cabin on the MS Loire Princesse

Day 4 Cruise to

Bouchemaine. Choose from optional excursions to the Château d’Angers and its Apocalypse tapestry or a wine-tasting at Brissac.

from London St Pancras for Nantes via Paris. Optional boat cruise of the River Erdre.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 Cruise to Ancenis.

Included is a full-day excursion to the Loire Châteaux of Azay-le-Rideau; Villandry, with its legendary formal gardens and Ussé, inspiration behind the fairy tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 Disembark in Nantes

and return by train to London via Paris.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Standard class rail travel from London to Nantes Full program of both included and optional excursions (at a supplement) Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 6 days from July 2

$2695 $2560pp

Single Supplement $810

Cabin and First Class Rail upgrades available at a supplement

Clisson

41

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New for 2021

Legends of the Rhône Flamingos in the Camargue

T

o cruise the River Rhône in the south-east of France is to follow in the wake of countless travelers over thousands of years, from Romans and Christians to popes and painters.

Once again, expect all the refinements of a French river cruiser with a taste of the cuisine for which Lyon and this part of France is so famous and a friendly, welcoming crew. A wide range of shore excursions take us into the countryside and to the great towns and cities of the region. Start in Lyon and discover the narrow passageways so typical of the city or visit the once-great abbey at Cluny. Encounter impressive Roman remains in Vienne and Arles, the latter indelibly linked with Vincent Van Gogh, or marvel at the magnificent Pope’s Palace in Avignon. Finally see the white horses and pink flamingos of the Camargue salt-marshes or enjoy a tasting of wine and other local delicacies in Tournon.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Join our optional

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

excursion, a guided tour of Lyon. Cruise to Mâcon.

Day 6 Optional guided tour

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

of Avignon. Cruise to Viviers where we have a guided tour.

Day 3 Included excursion

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

to the Abbey ruins in Cluny.

Afternoon cruise to Vienne.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4 Optional guided tour

of Vienne, home to some notable Roman monuments and Romanesque churches.

What’s Included

Day 5 Optional excursions to Arles in the morning and the Camargue in the afternoon.

London St Pancras by train to Lyon.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 7 Cruise to Tournon

with the option of a guided tour here, including a wine tasting.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 8 Return by train to London.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Seven nights’ full board in a main deck cabin on the MS Rhône Princess Standard class rail travel from London to Lyon Included & optional excursions (at a supplement) Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 8 days from August 11

$2830 $2555pp Single Supplement $805

Cabin and First Class Rail upgrades available at a supplement

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Avignon

42

Picardy Gardens Somme waterway

T

he River Somme, which meanders gently through the countryside of Picardy in north-east France, takes its name from a Celtic word meaning ‘tranquility’, and we will discover just why this is so apt as we cruise silently along the waterways of the Somme on board our eco-friendly, electrically powered barge. The only noises to be heard will be the gently lapping water and the sound of fellow guests sipping wine and eating a delicious lunch of local produce.

As cruising is slow you can keep up with the boat or even get ahead of it and take pictures and admire the scenery and wildlife.

Itinerary Day 1 Depart by coach

Day 4 We transfer to

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch (with wine) & dinner.

and take a late-morning ferry from Dover to Calais.

We continue to our hotel in Amiens.

Day 2 Depart for Picquigny

where we board our barge and cruise silently along the tranquil waterway that runs alongside the River Somme.

In the afternoon we visit the Château de Long and its rose gardens.

From our base at a comfortable hotel in Amiens, our garden visits include Moulin Ventin, with a host of water features; the unique floating gardens of Les Hortillonnages in Amiens and Maizicourt, recently voted the best garden in Picardy by French TV viewers.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch (with wine) & dinner.

Day 3 Visit the garden of

Moulin Ventin which has numerous water features, and the picturesque gardens of painter André van Beek.

What’s Included Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast in Amiens

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Three half-day cruises on the Somme waterway with lunch and wine included

Abbeville and cruise upstream to Long. In the afternoon visit the Jardins de Maizicourt.

Day 5 We tour the

remarkable floating gardens of Les Hortillonages in Amiens, with the afternoon free to explore the city.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner. .Day

6 Transfer to Picquigny then cruise upstream to Amiens.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch (with wine) & dinner.

Day 7 Return to London, via the Calais-Dover ferry.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Ferry crossings and coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 7 days from May 20

$2020 $1885pp

Single Supplement $490

June 17

$2020 $1885pp

Single Supplement $490 Château de Long

43

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New for 2021

Douro Discovery Pinhão

T

he River Douro rises in Spain and runs into Portugal, through the heart of the wine growing region, the steep hillsides lined with countless terraces of vines ripening in the sun. Our cruise begins at the river mouth in Porto, forever linked with the sweet fortified wine that has been shipped by the barrel-load to England for centuries. Cruising upstream we call at Régua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the picturesque town of Pinhão. We continue to Barca d’Alva, surrounded by steep hillsides, and Vega Terron before turning round and cruising gently downstream to Porto. On board the spacious and well-appointed river cruiser A-ROSA ALVA, we will enjoy all-inclusive luxury, with all meals and high quality drinks provided throughout the day. All cabins have a large window to the outside and a full range of amenities such as flat screen TV, air-conditioning, en-suite shower and WC.

Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in Porto we transfer to ​our ship.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 Cruise from Porto

to Régua, where visit the Mateus Palace, with stunning interiors and a famous garden. Continue to Pinhão.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 We cruise from

Pinhão to Vega Terron.

Day 5 Cruise to Pocinho

and Pinhão. An optional excursion to the Castelo Rodrigo is available today.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 Cruise from Pinhão to Régua and Bitetos and visit the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ at Lamego.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 7 Cruise from Bitetos to

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Cais da Laxa and Porto, for an optional city tour.

Day 4 Cruise from Vega

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Terron to Barca d’Alva.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 8 We disembark in Porto.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

What’s Included Seven nights’ full board with drinks in a main deck cabin on the A-ROSA ALVA Included & optional excursions (at a supplement) Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 8 days from October 13

$3030 $2755pp Single Supplement $1345

Cabin upgrades available at a supplement

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Porto

44

Dutch Bulbfields Keukenhof Gardens

E

njoy a riot of color among the beautiful bulbfields of Holland. For vibrancy, color and serious charm nothing quite compares to the sight of millions of flowering bulbs, carpeting the fields in a radiant patchwork of color.

Itinerary Day 1 We depart from

The star of the show must be Keukenhof, one of the biggest and best flower gardens in the world, with seven million bulbs and 800 varieties of tulip creating a kaleidoscope of color. Here gardening is not merely a pastime – it’s an art, a spectacular series of natural masterpieces. Further highlights include the windmills at Zaanse Schans and the Museum Van Loon, set in a grand canal-side residence in Amsterdam.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We begin with a visit

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

to the Museum Van Loon, a magnificent canalside private residence with fine gardens. This afternoon, we travel north to Zaanse Schans to see bulbfields and windmills and tour the various museums. The evening is free to explore or alternatively join our optional canal cruise to view this spectacular city at night.

On board the MS La Bohème we will enjoy attentive service, good food and a convivial atmosphere.

What’s Included Four nights’ full board (including three lunches and wine or beer) on board the MS La Bohème in a main deck cabin

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Standard class rail travel from London to Amsterdam and Antwerp to London

Day 3 This morning we have

a leisurely cruise to Utrecht.

After lunch on board, we visit Keukenhof, one of the most famous gardens in the world.

Over seven million bulbs are planted annually, including tulips and daffodils.

London by Eurostar to Amsterdam, where we join our ship. Prior to dinner there will be a welcome cocktail reception with the crew.

Day 4 We have a leisurely

day on board our ship, as we cruise from Rotterdam to Antwerp.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 We tour the historic

center of Antwerp, with visits to the Rubens House and the 200-year-old Botanic Garden. Later, we take the train from Antwerp to Brussels and continue via Eurostar to London.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

All visits as outlined in itinerary Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 5 days from April 16

$1615pp

Single Supplement $405

Cabin and First Class upgrades available at a supplement.

Also available without rail/air travel for $1425pp.

MS La Bohème

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Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia

A

ndalucia is unrivaled in Europe for its wealth of history, culture, Moorish architecture and gardens – all set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. We visit the gardens which complement the adjoining palaces and discover the wild mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

Plaza de España, Seville

Day 1 On arrival in Málaga transfer to our hotel in Granada.

Day 2 Today, we visit the famous Alhambra Palace and the

What’s Included

Day 3 Enjoy a full-day excursion to Alpujarra and the Sierra

Seven nights’ bed and breakfast: three nights in Granada; three nights in Seville; one night in Ronda

stunning Generalife Gardens.

Nevada region, visiting some of the local villages.

Three dinners

Day 4 We depart for Córdoba, where we visit the Great

Comfortable coach travel

Mosque before continuing to Seville.

All visits and a tour manager

Day 5 Visit the Maria-Luisa Park, the Plaza de España, the Gardens of Murillo and the Royal Palaces of Alcázar.

Departures & Prices

Day 6 Free time to explore Seville.

8 days from

Day 7 We head to Ronda to see the Alameda del Tajo Gardens and the Palacio de Mondragon.

Day 8 Transfer to Málaga where the tour concludes.

March 22

$1800 $1665pp

Single Supplement $400

May 10

$1800 $1665pp

Single Supplement $400

September 13

$1800 $1665pp

Single Supplement $400

Gardens of Mallorca

A

way from the busy beach resorts, the Balearic island of Mallorca offers a timeless, verdant landscape of wooded hills, orange groves, sweeping bays and rocky mountains.

Dotted around the island is a host of historic gardens whose origins date back hundreds of years, as well as more modern creations, providing a rich range of horticultural delights.

Itinerary

Day 1 Upon arrival in Palma we transfer to the hotel.

La Seu Cathedral and gardens

Day 2 After breakfast we explore the Jardínes de Alfabia,

What’s Included

home to bougainvillea-covered pergolas. This afternoon we continue to the gardens of Son Marroig.

Five nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Hotel THB Maria Isabel, Playa de Palma; four lunches

Day 3 We start with a visit to the gardens of Raixa, which

is divided into seven terraces, with parterres, pergolas, fountains and loggias. Later, we visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemossa and enjoy a scenic journey on a vintage train back to Palma.

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined Services of a professional tour manager

Day 4 We tour the Albufera Nature Reserve and visit the Museo Sa Bassa Blanca.

Departures & Prices

Day 5 Tour Palma today, including the Cathedral, the Palacio de la Almudaina, Hort del Rei and the Arab Baths.

6 days from

Day 6 Transfer to the airport.

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46

March 23

$1720pp

Single Supplement $440

April 13

$1720pp

Single Supplement $440

Gardens of the French Riviera Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

M

enton’s zesty Lemon Festival brings a vibrant burst of color to our tour of the French Riviera. Exotic gardens, cacti collections and azure seas complete our sparkling itinerary.

Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in Nice

we visit the garden of Serre de la Madone. Continue from here to the hotel.

At the Clos du Peyronnet we have a guided tour of this fascinating private garden whose owner’s passion for exotic plants is reflected in its color and variety. At St. Jean Cap Ferrat, we visit the exquisite gardens of the Foundation Ephrussi de Rothschild, while a short hop over the border to Italy finds us at the incomparable Hanbury Gardens – arguably the greatest of all the Riviera gardens.

Inc. Meals: Lunch & dinner.

Day 2 Visit the Foundation

Ephrussi de Rothschild and the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, on the site of a medieval fortress.

In May the International Rose Festival in Grasse will take the place of the Lemon Festival. All the other garden visits are included though in a different order – please ask for a full itinerary or see our website for full details.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 3 We begin at the

private garden of Clos du Peyronnet with a guided tour. Next, we go from France to Italy and tour the stunning gardens of La Mortola.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hôtel Le Grimaldi, Nice

Day 4 Our full day is spent

at the Lemon Festival in Menton and our ticket includes a grandstand seat for the parade.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 5 We drive to Cap

d’Antibes for a visit to Villa Thuret and then on to La Mouissone as well as the village of St. Paul de Vence, which serves as a creative haven even today.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 We finish on a high at the Exotic Gardens of Monte Carlo.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Four lunches and three dinners Comfortable coach travel and all visits as outlined Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 6 days from February 18

$1750 $1615pp

Single Supplement $400

Rose Festival May 6

$2020 $1885pp

Single Supplement $610 Menton Lemon Festival

47

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The Genius of Monet

J

ust as the gardens of Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, they continue to enthrall countless visitors more than 90 years after this legendary artist’s death.

Giverny’s lovingly restored gardens offer a vivid impression of Monet’s favorite subjects. Cross Japanese bridges festooned with wisteria and pass the draped fronds of willow, which frame his iconic water lilies. A visit here is a surreal experience — art brought to life right before your eyes, beckoning you in to take a closer look.

Monet’s Garden

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart by Eurostar and upon arrival in Paris, we

transfer to our hotel in the charming town of Chantilly.

What’s Included

Day 2 This morning we travel to the market town of Senlis.

Three nights’ dinner (with wine), bed & breakfast at the Château de Montvillargenne, Chantilly

We then continue to Château de Chantilly, where we explore the Grands Appartements and the formal gardens.

Return standard class rail travel by Eurostar from London to Paris (upgrades available at a supplement)

Day 3 The world famous house and gardens of Claude

Coach travel, all visits and professional tour manager

Monet await today. Following our visit, we enjoy free time in Giverny and can visit the church where Monet is buried.

Departures & Prices

Day 4 We head to Paris to visit the Musée de l’Orangerie

4 days from

des Tuileries. The highlight of the collection is the 2-meter high murals, Les Nymphéas. From here we travel home.

May 7

$1210 $1140pp

Single Supplement $285

July 23

$1155 $1085pp

Single Supplement $285

Gardens and Villas of Sicily

S

icily has become one of Europe’s best-loved destinations in recent years and it is truly an island of the senses. As soon as you step onto its warm and fertile shores you’ll understand why. Experience its many highlights with us, and be sure to do this unique location justice as our eight-day tour takes in the best this island has to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1 Upon arrival in Catania, we check in to our hotel.

Isola Bella in Taormina

Day 2 Following breakfast we visit Villa Trinità and after lunch, we enjoy an excursion to Mount Etna.

What’s Included

Day 3 Today we explore Taormina, including a visit to the

Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights in Giardini Naxos; two nights in Ragusa; two nights in Palermo. Three lunches

private garden of Casa Cuseni.

Day 4 See the Gardens of Princess Maria Carla Borghese, enjoy lunch at a cactus nursery and tour the San Giuliano Estate.

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Day 5 Tour Gli Armona Sicily and discover an extensive

Services of a professional tour manager

collection of herbs and spices. We also enjoy lunch here.

Departures & Prices

Day 6 Travel to Monreale and visit its Cathedral and Abbey.

8 days from

Day 7 Visit the Botanical Gardens in Palermo and then continue to the public garden of Villa Giulia.

Day 8 Transfer to the airport.

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48

March 23

$2155pp

Single Supplement $400

April 20

$2155pp

Single Supplement $400

Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

T

he fabulous scenery and warming climate of the northern Italian lakes have attracted wealthy and aristocratic families for years. The beguiling beauty of the Mediterranean landscape of color shows no signs of waning with its scarlet camellias, pink oleanders and cerulean waters.

Itinerary

Day 1 Upon arrival in Milan, we transfer to our hotel and

Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella

enjoy lunch.

What’s Included

Day 2 Visit the gardens of Villa Taranto and the wholesale nursery, Compagnia Del Lago.

Seven nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: four nights on Lake Maggiore; three nights on Lake Como

Day 3 Discover the gardens of Isola Bella, explore Isola

Pescatori and visit Isola Madre, where citrus fruits flourish.

Comfortable coach travel throughout

Day 4 Tour the private garden of the President of the Italian

All visits as outlined in the itinerary and two lunches

Camellia Society. Later, we visit Villa Pallavicino.

Services of Kate Williamson as tour manager

Day 5 Explore Villa Cicogna Mozzoni; transfer to Como.

Departures & Prices

Day 6 Today is free to explore at your own pace.

8 days from

Day 7 Spend the day on Lake Como and see Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. We also visit Villa Balbianello.

Day 8 Our tour concludes in Milan today.

May 5

$2355 $2220pp

Single Supplement $670

June 23

$2355 $2220pp

Single Supplement $670

September 3 $2355 $2220pp

Single Supplement $670

Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo

O

pen by special arrangement, we are delighted to offer this rare opportunity to visit the ancient and beautiful gardens of Ninfa. Equally rare is the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the popes as we visit the gardens of Castel Gandolfo, and we also enjoy the spectacular water features of Villa Lante and Villa d’Este.

Itinerary

Ninfa

Day 1 Upon arrival in Rome, we enjoy a short tour of the city.

We then continue to our hotel.

Day 2 After breakfast we depart for Viterbo to see a number

What’s Included

of grand palaces and churches. This afternoon we explore the gardens of Villa Lante, which has a dominant theme of water.

Three nights’ bed & breakfast at a 4-star hotel in Rome; dinner and welcome drink on the first evening

Day 3 This morning we visit the gardens of Castel Gandolfo

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined in the itinerary

and later we visit Ninfa. The garden is deemed by many to be the most beautiful garden in Europe - if not the world.

Services of a professional tour manager

Day 4 Our final visit is to the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the 16th

Departures & Prices

century gardens which are renowned for their use of water.

4 days from

49

May 11

$1545 $1410pp Single Supplement $540

June 8

$1545 $1410pp Single Supplement $540

September 7

$1545 $1410pp Single Supplement $540

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New for 2021

Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey Karaca Arboretum

T

ulip Mania swept through Holland in the early 17th century when Manisa tulips were exported from Turkey to Europe. The price of tulip bulbs rose to extraordinary levels before crashing dramatically. A form of Tulip Mania continues in Turkey today, but only in terms of the vast numbers of tulips to be seen in the parks and gardens of the vibrant city of Istanbul.

Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in

Istanbul we transfer to our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 A full day in Istanbul,

After enjoying this spectacle we tour the Anatolian countryside on our way to the coast, visiting an excellent arboretum, a National Park, which is home to scores of rare plants, and the slopes of Spil Mountain, the origin of those Manisa tulips. We will also take the opportunity to explore some of the peerless archaeological sites found here in Anatolia, such as Assos, with its impressive theatre, and Ephesus, the largest classical city to have been excavated.

on either side of the Bosphorus, visiting some of the parks and gardens that host the Tulip Festival.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 3 Depart for Assos,

visiting the excellent Karaca Arboretum on the way.

Our tour will be led by Colin Crosbie, former Curator of RHS Wisley, who has spent time botanising here.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We spend the

morning exploring the Kazdagi National Park, home to some 900 plant species, before touring the site of ancient Assos.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Seven nights’ bed and breakfast and four dinners: two nights Istanbul, two nights Assos and three nights Izmir

Day 5 We break our journey to Izmir with some time spent botanising on the slopes of Spil Mountain.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 We travel to Urla and

visit a secluded plantation with a host of unusual plants followed by a tasting of the local wine.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 7 Today we visit the

archaeological site of Ephesus and later explore the tranquil Greek hillside village of Şirince.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 8 Fly from Izmir to

Istanbul where our tour concludes.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of Colin Crosbie as tour manager

Departures & Prices 8 days from April 20

$2255 $2120pp

Single Supplement $670 Ephesus

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New for 2021

Gardens of Marrakech La Majorelle Garden

T

he timeless city of Marrakech, which gave its name to Morocco, has an enduring appeal, with its low rise pink and red buildings set against the magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas mountains. Its beating heart is the square of Jemaa El Fna, where musicians, story-tellers and snake-charmers act out compelling scenes which have changed little over the centuries. Other attractions in this most alluring of North African cities include El Bahia Palace, with its sunlit courtyards, planted with cypress, orange trees and jasmine, and El Badi Palace, a vast, ruinous site with a lingering sense of grandeur.

Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in

Marrakech we transfer to our luxurious, 5-star hotel, located close to the Medina in the heart of the city.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We begin with visits to the palaces of El Bahia and El Badi, followed by the famous garden of La Majorelle, which gave its name to a rich shade of blue, and the gardens of perfumier Ben Chaabane.

We also visit the Agdal and Menara gardens and the fabulous, brightly colored gardens of La Majorelle. Escaping the bustle of the city we drive to the Ourika Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 We visit the tranquil

Menara Gardens, whose origins lie in the 12th century; the sumptuous palace of Dar el Basha; Le Jardin Secret, designed

by Chelsea Gold Medal

What’s Included Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the 5-star El Saadi Hotel, plus three dinners and one lunch

winner Tom Stuart-Smith, and the Artisan Quarter.

We round off today in the teeming square of Jemaa El Fna, which provides a colorful taste of Moroccan life and culture.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We head into the

Atlas Mountains today and the lush green Ourika Valley, where we visit a saffron plantation, the aromatic garden Nectarome, where we enjoy a succulent lunch, and the contemporary gardens of Anima.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 5 Our tour concludes.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager

Departures & Prices 5 days from April 17

$1615 $1480pp Single Supplement $540

October 5

$1615 $1480pp Single Supplement $540 Saadian pavilion, Menara gardens

51

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An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland Dunnottar Castle

T

he islands of Orkney and Shetland are littered with archaeological remains. People first came here over 5,000 years ago and many of their remains survive. New archaeological sites are discovered every year. Some, such as Skara Brae, were buried under sand, only to be exposed by a winter storm thousands of years later; today it presents a fascinating glimpse of stone age life from the beds with their little shelves and cubby holes, to the remains of jewelery and medicine. Research is ongoing here and elsewhere excavation by archaeologists continues to uncover new information. The islands are therefore of enormous interest to anyone who enjoys first-hand contact with ancient settlements and buildings, and the people who once lived here. Maeshowe and Skara Brae are among the most famous, but we also visit less well known sites such as the Liddle Burnt Mound.

Itinerary Day 1 Depart for Aberdeen, with a photo stop en route at Dunnottar Castle, and take the overnight ferry to Lerwick.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Day 2 We begin our

exploration of Shetland with a visit to the Iron Age broch on the little island of Mousa. Later we tour the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, spanning 3,000 years of human habitation.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Visit the 6th century

What’s Included

church at St Ninian’s Isle, Scalloway Castle and Tingwall Valley, before taking the evening sailing to Kirkwall.

Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: one night on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, one night in Lerwick and three nights in Kirkwall

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Comfortable coach travel and all visits as outlined

Day 4 We tour the southern end of mainland Orkney with visits to the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel from World War II before moving much further back in time at the Tomb of the Eagles, dating back to 3,000 BC, and the nearby Liddle Burnt Mound.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 Today we head west

into the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, where we find some of the most impressive and important archaeological sites in Europe, including Maeshowe and Skara Brae.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 6 We depart for home, via the short sea crossing from South Ronaldsay.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Departures & Prices 6 days from April 26

$1615 $1480pp Single Supplement $510

July 12

$1750 $1615pp

Single Supplement $510

August 23

$1750 $1615pp

Single Supplement $510 Mousa Broch

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Archaeology of Denmark and Sweden Frederiksborg Palace

G

o on the trail of warriors, kings and commoners in southern Scandinavia. These lands are home to a rich abundance of artefact’s, from rune stones to ruined castles.

Denmark and Sweden are unmistakably Viking country, but it’s not just about the Vikings on this tour. Drive over the Øresund Bridge, visit impressive castles and come face-toface with an Iron Age man.

Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in

Stockholm we visit Gamla Uppsala before transferring to our hotel for the night.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

This unique combination of capitals and castles, standing stones and warships, megaliths and mounds is truly the stuff of which memories are made.

Day 2 Today we visit

the archaeological site at Anundshög and then Skokloster Castle.

Seven nights’ bed & breakfast in 3 and 4-star hotels: two nights Uppsala, one night Malmö, two nights Copenhagen and two nights Aarhus

historic sites and museums, including Rosenborg Slot, the National Museum of Denmark and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 6 Tour Frederiksborg

Slot and travel on to Aarhus.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 3 Stockholm’s

Day 7 See the astonishingly

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & light meal.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

museums are explored before we take an afternoon train to the city of Malmö.

What’s Included

Day 5 Visit Copenhagen’s

well-preserved ‘Bog Bodies’ at Silkeborg Museum and the Viking site of Fyrkat.

Day 4 Explore the megaliths Day 8 Visit to UNESCO

Three dinners and one light meal on board the train

of Ales Stenar today.

listed Jelling.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Standard class rail journey from Stockholm to Malmö Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Departures & Prices 8 days from July 5

$2355 $2220pp

Single Supplement $670

September 6

$2395 $2260pp

Single Supplement $670 Vasa Museum, Stockholm

53

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Albanian Archaeology

H

aving emerged from almost five troubling decades of Communism, Albania is opening its doors to the world.

Behind those doors lies a range of wonders, from ancient Greco-Roman theaters to archaeological parks.

Itinerary

Day 1 On arrival in Tirana we transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 A walking tour of Tirana includes the Mosque of

Et’hem Bej, Skanderbeg Castle and the National Historical Museum.

Amphitheater at Butrint

Day 3 Drive to the Bay of Vlora, stop at Llamani beach and

What’s Included

visit the springs of Borshi before moving on to Saranda.

Day 4 Our entire day is spent at the UNESCO-listed site of

Seven nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights Tirana, two nights Saranda, one night Gjirokastra and two nights Berat

Butrint. We also visit the Lekuresi Castle before dinner.

Day 5 We journey to the town of Gjirokastra and visit the

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

8th century Castle Museum. Later, we tour the Antigonea Archaeological Park and Ethnographic Museum.

Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Day 6 We visit the 4th century ruins of Byllis, tour the Cobo

Departures & Prices

Winery and continue to the mountain town of Berat.

8 days from

Day 7 A morning exploring Berat awaits.

Day 8 Tour the archaeological site of Apollonia before visiting Durrës and the amphitheater.

May 4

$1580 $1445pp

Single Supplement $265

October 12

$1580 $1445pp

Single Supplement $265

Archaeology of the Peloponnese

T

he Peloponnese is a place of timeless beauty. From the 3000 year old relics at Mycenae to the classical ruins of Epidavros and the Byzantine churches of Monemvasia, the whole region reeks of history. The Greeks and the Spartans fought out the Peloponnesian war here, to be followed in turn

by Romans, Goths and Slavs, Franks, Turks and Venetians.

Nowadays the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility, but the connection with the past is inescapable and ever present.

Itinerary

Day 1 Upon arrival in Athens we continue by coach to the

Mystras

charming Venetian-influenced town of Nafplion.

What’s Included

Day 2 Visit Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

Seven nights’ bed & breakfast with three dinners: three nights in Nafplion and four nights in Sparta

Day 3 Explore Tiryns with its Cyclopean walls and Epidavros, where we visit the famous theatre.

Comfortable coach travel

Day 4 Travel south through Arcadia to Sparta.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Day 5 We tour the Byzantine city of Monemvasia, a

wonderful time capsule where history unfolds before you.

Departures & Prices

Day 6 Explore the fascinating dead city of Mystras.

8 days from

Day 7 Tour the amazingly well-preserved site of Messene.

Day 8 Return to Athens.

www.brightwaterholidays.com

54

April 26

$1750 $1615pp

Single Supplement $400

October 4

$1750 $1615pp

Single Supplement $400

Bulgarian Archaeology

H

idden in hills and forests are some of the oldest Neolithic settlements, Thracian tombs and exuberantly painted Medieval churches. We also pay a visit to Plovdiv, a city named as one of the 2019 European Capitals of Culture.

Itinerary

Day 1 On arrival in Sofia visit Boyana Church and the

National Museum of History then a panoramic tour of Sofia.

Day 2 Today we explore the Underground Museum, Arena

Rila Monastery

di Serdica, Nicopolis ad Istrum and Veliko Tarnovo.

What’s Included

Day 3 See the Madara Horseman, the Mosaics Museum and tour Varna before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Eight nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights in Sofia, one night in Veliko Tarnovo, two nights in Varna, one night in Kazanlak and two nights in Plovdiv

Day 4 Discover Varna’s Archaeological Museum, tour the

Roman Baths in Odessos and the Aladja Rock Monastery.

Day 5 The historic town of Nessebar awaits with its Neolithic Dwellings Museum and then it’s on to Kazanlak.

Comfortable coach travel All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Day 6 A busy day of sightseeing as we visit Stara Zagora’s

Roman Forum and the Goliama Kosmatka Thracian tomb.

Departures & Prices

Day 7 The many delights of Plovdiv lie ahead today.

9 days from

Day 8 Today we visit Rila Monastery.

Day 9 Our tour concludes.

May 11

$1885 $1750pp

Single Supplement $305

October 5

$1885 $1750pp

Single Supplement $305

Crete Archaeology

A

rich tapestry of archaeological treasures, sleepy villages and lively towns all set in a Homeric landscape – the Greek island of Crete is an unforgettable destination. Join our archaeological expert here to discover its delights.

Itinerary

Day 1 On arrival in Heraklion we transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Tour Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum and the

Palace of Knossos

iconic Palace of Knossos, a remarkable Bronze Age site.

What’s Included

Day 3 Take a boat trip to Spinalonga, a former leper colony.

After a walking tour enjoy free time in Agios Nikolaos.

Seven nights’ accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis: three nights in Heraklion and four nights in Rethymnon

Day 4 Explore Gortyn with its ancient law codes inscribed in stone, then visit Phaistos, Zaros and Rethymnon.

One dinner and a farewell taverna meal with wine

Day 5 A guided walk around Rethymnon gets our day off to an interesting start and later we move on to Chania.

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

Day 6 Today is free. Alternatively, join our optional excursion

Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

to the village of Margaritas and the Arkadi Monastery.

Departures & Prices

Day 7 Visit the Minoan cemetery of Armeni and Byzantine

monuments in the Amari Valley. A farewell meal follows later.

Day 8 Our tour concludes.

55

8 days from April 20

$1850 $1715pp

Single Supplement $380

October 5

$1850 $1715pp

Single Supplement $380

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

Malta’s Archaeological Heritage

F

rom the Neolithic to the now, Malta is home to an array of riches. Venture inside the walled citadel of Mdina, explore the narrow tomb-lined passages of St. Paul’s catacombs and take a boat to the spectacular Blue Grotto.

Itinerary

Day 1 On arrival in Malta we transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Tour the vibrant capital of Valletta, including visits to Valletta Living History, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Grand Master’s Palace.

Cathedral of Saint John in Valletta

What’s Included

Day 3 A visit to Mosta Church starts our day, then we tour

the Skorba Temples, the walled citadel of Mdina and finally St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Six nights’ dinner (with wine), bed & breakfast at the 4-star Dolmen Hotel, St. Paul’s Bay in Malta

Day 4 A full day excursion takes us to Ħaġar Qim and the

Comfortable coach travel

Mnajdra Temples, then by boat to the stunning Blue Grotto.

All visits as outlined

Day 5 Today is free to spend as we wish. Alternatively, join

Services of a professional tour manager

our excursion to Malta’s neighboring island of Gozo, where myriad archaeological sites are waiting to be discovered.

Departures & Prices

Day 6 Tour the southern part of Malta today, including stops

7 days from

at the Tarxien Temples, Marsaxlokk and also the world renowned Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Day 7 Our tour concludes.

March 9

$1575 $1440pp

Single Supplement $240

May 4

$1780 $1645pp

Single Supplement $265

November 9

$1575 $1440pp

Single Supplement $240

Portuguese Archaeology

W

ith the roar of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquility of the Iberian hillsides as our constant companions, we will travel through time stopping off at Megalithic standing stones, Iron Age settlements, Roman ruins and Medieval plazas. We will enjoy a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient city of Évora; Sintra, a magical town in which exotically colored palaces rise out from the dewy forests; and Guimarães, an immaculately preserved medieval town.

Itinerary

Bom Jesus do Monte

Day 1 On arrival in Lisbon we transfer to our hotel.

What’s Included

Day 2 Travel to Évora, where we visit the megaliths.

Day 3 Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

Eight nights’ bed & breakfast plus three dinners: four nights Lisbon, one night Coimbra and three nights in Gaia

Day 4 Tour Sintra’s National Palace and Castelo de Pena.

Day 5 Depart for Coimbra, with visits on the way to the

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined itinerary

Day 6 Continue to Porto and enjoy a wine tasting.

Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager

Mosteiro de Batalha and the Roman city of Conimbriga.

Day 7 Free day in Porto with optional Douro boat/train trip.

Departures & Prices

Day 8 See Bom Jesus do Monte, the archaeological site at

9 days from

Citânia de Briteirios and Guimarães.

Day 9 Our tour concludes in Porto.

www.brightwaterholidays.com

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April 20

$2320 $2185pp

Single Supplement $670

October 5

$2320 $2185pp

Single Supplement $670

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY

The International Horticultural Expo 2022 Choose how you get there

Growing Green Cities

At the Expo

As the event will take place in the Netherlands – in Almere, to be precise – we can offer you a choice of ways to reach and return from the destination. The first is on a flight into Schiphol, the second aboard Eurostar’s new direct service to Amsterdam, and the third by coach from London via the Dover/Calais ferry. So, the traveling style is entirely up to you!

The theme for the 2022 iteration of the Floriade Expo will be ‘Green City of the Future’. Enjoy a range of innovative exhibitions from cities, countries and businesses alike, and wander among unique collections of trees and flowers that support the motif. During the 2022 Expo, Almere – the event’s host city – will share its vision and philosophy on the ‘green city’, a topic on everyone’s lips.

At this six-month exhibition, expect innovative plantings from around the world along with awe-inspiring events and rare trees. There will be workshops and conventions to attend and explore, and there will be four themes to discover at the event: food, energy, health and green. In addition, the 2022 Floriade Expo will see a ‘Green City Arboretum’ at the heart of the impressive 60-acre site.

What else can you expect from the tour?

In addition to exploring the exhibitions and workshops at the Floriade 2022 Expo, we will be taking you to a selection of fine gardens in the region. So, not only will you get to experience this Dutch horticultural event in full, you will also get to wander around a range of the best gardens that Holland has to offer. Discover an array of stunning plants, flowers and trees in magnificent settings, and tick the once-per-decade Floriade event off your bucket list.

For more details visit brightwaterholidays.com/us/floriade-2022 or call 1-866-364-2370 today

57

Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

Flora and Fauna of Madagascar Ring-tailed lemur

M

adagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, is like a gigantic ark sailing ever so slowly across the Indian Ocean, having broken free from the African continent some 160 million years ago. It took with it a vast menagerie of animals and plants which over countless millennia have evolved in almost complete isolation, so much so that today over 80% of all life forms here are found nowhere else on the planet. We travel around the island in a sequence of internal flights and road transfers and it can be a challenging experience, but the rewards are enormous. The National Parks and private reserves that feature in our tour are among the finest in the world and are home to a simply bewildering array of flora and fauna. We will see fascinating plants such as Baobab and spiny Didiereaceae and among the animals we will encounter are geckos, chameleons and several types of lemur.

Itinerary Days 1 Tour begins in

Day 6 Explore Berenty with

Inc. Meals: Dinner.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 2 Fly to Diego Suarez

Day 7/8 Overnight in Fort

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 3 Discover the flora

Day 9/10 Transfer to

Antananarivo (Tana).

and walk the Three Bays.

and fauna of the Montagne d’Ambre National Park.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 4 Visit the Montagne

des Français to see the locally endemic dry-country flora then fly back to Tana.

Dauphin then fly to Tana.

Vakona Forest Lodge and explore the lush rain-forest of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 11 Discover the forest

reserve of Analamazaotra.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 5 Fly to Fort Dauphin

Days 12/13 Return to

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Inc. Meals: All meals..

and transfer to the Berenty Private Reserve.

What’s Included

its lemurs and sifaka.

Tana for overnight stay then depart for home.

12 nights’ full board accommodation All visits as outlined in the itinerary All internal flights and coach transfers Services of a professional tour manager and local guide

Departures & Prices 13 days from November 4

$6070 $5795pp

Single Supplement $1055 Traditional Madagascan fishing boat

www.brightwaterholidays.com

58

South Africa’s Garden Route Babylonstoren Garden

S

outh Africa’s Garden Route winds its way for some 200km between richly forested mountains and a crinkle cut coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and empty bays. Vividly colored wildflowers delight the eye at every turn and progress tends to be leisurely, as one stunning photo opportunity after another presents itself. Among the highlights is the Wilderness National Park, an area of indigenous forest that is home to a great variety of plants and wildlife. We also spend some time in the Drakensberg Mountains, where we do some gentle botanising and offer the chance to visit neighboring Lesotho, and delightful Durban, home to some splendid gardens. Of course, we could not visit South Africa without spending some time in the Cape, where we enjoy crisp white wines and rare botanical treasures, and potter among the proteas on Table Mountain. Our tour will be led by Colin Crosbie, former Curator of RHS Garden Wisley.

Itinerary Day 1

Arrive in Cape Town and visit the Old Company Garden before dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2 We explore the trails on top of Table Mountain, reached by cable car, and then pay a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 3 We visit

Babylonstoren and the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary

whale watching trip this morning before visiting the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 6 Setting out on the

Garden Route, we head to Mossel Bay and visit the Diaz Complex Museum.

14 days from September 22 $4450 $4175pp

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Single Supplement $880

the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma National Park.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 9 Fly to Durban

and drive up into the Drakensberg Mountains.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 10 Enjoy a leisurely

botanical walk within the vicinity of the hotel.

Day 11 Optional excursion

Day 5 Enjoy an optional

Departures & Prices

Day 8 Continue along

Day 4 Today we visit the

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Services of Colin Crosbie as tour manager and a local guide

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

13 nights’ bed and breakfast, plus four dinners and one lunch Internal flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban

Wilderness National Park.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Helderberg Nature Reserve and the Vergelegen Wine Estate.

What’s Included

Day 7 Full day touring the

to Lesotho.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 12 Visit the Kwa-Zulu

Natal Botanical Garden en route to Durban.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 13 Full day in Durban,

with visits to the Durban Botanical Garden, the Japanese Gardens and Makaranga Garden Lodge.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 14 Tour concludes in Durban.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast.

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New for 2021

Bhutan and Nepal

Tiger’s Nest

C

radled in the folds of the Himalayas, Bhutan is an isolated kingdom with a unique cultural heritage which dates directly back to the mid-17th century, closely bound with the Buddhist religion. It is only in the last few decades that foreigners have been allowed to visit and the country remains unspoilt by commercial tourism. The scenery is spell-binding, with deep, wooded valleys rising to towering snow-capped peaks and villages and monasteries that cling precariously to the hillsides.

Our tour is centered around the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, a remarkable event with colorful ritual dances. In addition to this our itinerary includes excursions and gentle hikes which take us to the most scenic areas and the best of the attractions, including the remarkable Tiger’s Nest Monastery. We also take the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Kathmandu in Nepal on the outward journey, a chance to become acclimatized to the altitude here in the Himalayas.

The tour will be led by Julia Corden of the Explorer’s Garden in Pitlochry.

Please note a good level of walking ability is required to get the most out of this vacation.

Jambay Lhakhang Temple

What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast in Kathmandu and nine nights’ full board in Bhutan Flights from Kathmandu to Thimphu and Paro to Kathmandu

Departures & Prices

Comfortable coaching and all visits as outlined

13 days from October 16

$6405 $6130pp

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Single Supplement $670

60

Services of Julia Corden as tour manager

Itinerary Day 1 On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to our hotel.

Inc. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2 Depart on a guided tour of some of the principal sights of Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, the house of the living goddess Kumari and the ‘Monkey Temple’, one of the holiest and largest ancient stupa in the Buddhist world.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Thimphu

Day 7 We will spend the day at the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, watching the many ritual dances and enjoying the elaborate costumes of not only the dancers, but the locals who flock to the festival from far and wide.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 8 Drive down to Punakha, set in a lush, fertile valley.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 9 We spend the day exploring Punakha, including a

visit to the Dzong, which has a hallowed place in Bhutanese history.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Valley of Kathmandu

Day 3 We fly from Kathmandu to Paro in Bhutan, which if

the weather is clear will offer some spectacular sights of the Himalayas. Transfer to Thimphu, a most unusual capital city.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4 We spend today exploring the sights of Thimphu.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5 Drive to the pass at Dochu La with spectacular views of the Himalayas and visit the Royal Botanical Park.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 6 Drive to Bumthang, visiting temples and dzongs (fortresses) on the way.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 10 Transfer to Paro, with visits to three impressive

dzongs on the way. Due to their strategic position as watchtowers they offer splendid views of the surrounding mountains.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 11 Walking boots are donned today as we hike from

Paro to the famous cliff-hermitage Taktsang, the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. After visiting the temple we will climb higher still to enjoy the incomparable peacefulness of this unique place of contemplation and meditation. We will descend through pristine forests of oaks and rhododendrons.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 12 Transfer to the airport in Paro for our flight back to Kathamandu as we bid farewell to the legendary ‘Dragon Kingdom’. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 13 Our tour concludes in Kathmandu.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Jambay Lhakang

Durbar Square

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Seasonal Gardens of Japan Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion

L

ose yourself in the splendors of the Far East with a full and diverse itinerary of rare gardens, bamboo forests, ancient temples, golden Buddhas and, of course, the majestic Mount Fuji.

Itinerary Days 1 Upon arrival in

Osaka, transfer to Kyoto for a visit to the Imperial Palace.

The origins of these Japanese gardens lie in simple, gravelcovered forest clearings where the gods could manifest themselves. Experience the otherworldliness of this mystical country on a garden tour unlike any other. Travel aboard the legendary bullet train, visit the historic town of Omi Hachiman, take a cruise beneath Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peaks on Lake Ashi, and take an optional excursion to Hiroshima with its Peace Memorial Park.

Inc. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2 See the dry

landscape garden at Ginkaku-ji, the private garden of Hakusasonso, Kyoto Botanical Garden and Bamboo Forest Path.

Many of the country’s most notable gardens are situated in and around Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, and we enjoy three full days exploring public and private gardens of different natural styles. After transferring by bullet train to Tokyo, we explore this unique capital city and surrounding area.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 3 A full day in the

Prefecture of Shiga awaits, including Otsu and the historic town of Omi Hachiman.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

11 nights’ bed & breakfast; six in Kyoto and five in Tokyo

Day 4 Free time in Kyoto or

join our optional excursion to Hiroshima.

Dinner and welcome drinks on the first evening, dinner with a maiko, three lunches and a farewell dinner on the final night

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 5 The Daisen-in

Coach and rail travel in Japan

Temple and dry landscape gardens of Zuiho-in and Ryogen-in await. Next, tour the Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Temples. In the evening, we have a dinner with a maiko.

Services of Colin Crosbie (Spring) and Trevor Edwards (Autumn) as tour manager and local guides

Departures & Prices 12 days from

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

March 31

$5730 $5455pp

Single Supplement $2025

November 11

$5730 $5455pp

Single Supplement $2025

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Day 6 In Nara, explore the Kasuga Grand Shrine.

Later, tour the Todai-ji

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Temple, Nara Park with its deer and enjoy an evening visit to Kodai-ji Temple.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 7 Discover the Heian

Shrine, the Nanzen-ji Temple Complex then head to Tokyo by bullet train.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 8 Visit Kamakura to

see the Great Buddha.

Later, visit the Hase Kannon Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 9 Cruise on Lake Ashi and admire views of Mount Fuji from the boat.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 10 See the Kyu

Furukawa and Mukojima Hyakkaen gardens and Shunkaen’s Bonsai Museum.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 11 Visit the Hamarikyu Garden, Sensoji Temple and Imperial Palace East Gardens.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 12 Our tour ends.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Grenada - Gardens of the Spice Island St. George harbor

L

ying at the southern end of the Lesser Antilles, the little island of Grenada offers a typical slice of Caribbean life, flavored with spice and full of color. With a lush, mountainous interior and a coastline fringed with silky smooth beaches, it’s home to some wonderful privately owned gardens, which we have threaded together like a richly flavored kebab of delicious horticultural morsels.

Itinerary Day 1 On arrival in Grenada transfer to our hotel for welcome drinks and dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner.

Day 2 We begin

Now in its second year, this vacation is led by the ever popular Trevor Edwards, who personally inspected all the gardens (a tough job, but someone had to do it!) and it aims to be entertaining as well as enlightening, with a relaxed pace well-suited to both culture and climate.

our vacation with an introduction to our hotel’s gardens and grounds, followed by a bird-watching tour that showcases the local species.

Our base for the tour and home away from home will be the comfortable Blue Horizons Garden Resort, set back 300 yards from Grand Anse Beach in its own extensive gardens.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 3 Today gets off to

a fabulous start with an exploration of the island, with visits to a trio of private gardens in the company of their owners.

Refreshments and personal tours all add to an exquisite garden experience.

What’s Included Seven nights’ bed & breakfast at the Blue Horizons Resort; two dinners, one afternoon tea, and welcome and farewell drinks

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & afternoon tea.

Comfortable coaching in Grenada

Day 4 Tour the gardens of

Mount Edgecombe with the Head Gardener. Later, we follow a gentle trail filled with botanical wonders at the historic plantation of Belmont Estate, followed by a tour and tasting at the River Antoine Rum Distillery.

All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of Trevor Edwards as tour manager

Departures & Prices 8 days from May 15

$3030 $2755pp

Single Supplement $615

October 2

$3030 $2755pp

Single Supplement $615

Day 5 Our day starts at

Smithy’s Garden, where we enjoy a relaxed and delicious Grenadian breakfast with our hostess, before touring the garden. At Balthazar Estate we will see giant heliconia, musa and ginger.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 6 Visit the

breathtakingly beautiful Sunny Side Garden, with koi ponds and a variety of plants. The afternoon sees us at Palm Tree Gardens, where two acres are filled with thousands of flowering plants.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Day 7 Our last full day on

the ‘Spice Island’ is free for you to relax in the resort or take our optional excursion aboard a traditionally-built yacht. Enjoy farewell drinks and dinner in the evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 8 Our tour concludes Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

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Gardens of Costa Rica Arenal Volcano

T

he term biodiversity may have been coined with Costa Rica in mind, such is the range of different species within its pristine, tropical forests. Throw in some spectacular scenery and resplendently laid-back citizens, and you have all the makings of a life-affirming vacation experience. From sub-tropical wildlife to amazing endemic plants, we explore it all.

Itinerary Day 1 On arrival in San José, Day 7 After a boat trip on transfer to our hotel in time for dinner.

Inc. Meals: Dinner,

Day 2 After breakfast,

Visit a broad range of gardens both public and private, such as the Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens with its world-class collection of plants. In such a beautiful setting, we also spend ample time admiring the spectacular natural features of the country. Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest body of fresh water, and was enlarged to three times its original size when a hydroelectric dam was built here. At the Monteverde Cloud Reserve we will see some of the 100 mammals, 400 bird species and more than 2,500 varieties of plants that thrive here, including, if we are lucky, the famously elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

we visit the stunning Else Kientzler Botanical Garden as well as a private garden.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 3 Today we visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Later, it’s on to the world’s largest butterfly garden.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 4 Visit La Tirimbina

organic cacao plantation and learn about pineapple farming at the Organic Paradise Tour.

What’s Included 11 nights’ bed & breakfast: three nights at the Bougainvillea Hotel, Heredia; two nights at La Quinta, Sarapiqui, two nights in the Arenal area, two nights in Monteverde, two nights in Manuel Antonia

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 5 Explore a medicinal garden at the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Six dinners and ten lunches Comfortable coach travel

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

All visits as outlined

Day 6 A full day awaits at

Services of a professional tour manager and a local guide

the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, where we can expect to see a diverse range of flora. Later we enjoy Arenal’s hot springs.

Departures & Prices 12 days from February 3

$4450 $4175pp

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Single Supplement $1340

www.brightwaterholidays.com

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Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest body of fresh water, we head to Monteverde.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 8 Wander around

orchid and butterfly gardens today. This evening, there is the opportunity to dine at the Tree House restaurant (not included).

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 9 Tour the Monteverde

Cloud Reserve, with its complex ecosystem and vast array of flora and fauna.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 10 Explore the

Manuel Antonio National Park before touring the Rainforest Spices Plantation.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & lunch.

Day 11 Today we tour La

Garita’s Orchid Garden en route to San José.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Days 12 Our tour concludes in San José.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast.

Southern Costa Rica Lankester botanical garden

I

ntroduced by popular demand, this vacation complements our successful tour of the country’s northern parts. It explores the southern regions, an unexplored rugged wilderness, where the amenities are more basic, but the where one can experience an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist destinations.

Itinerary Day 1 On arrival in San José, Day 6 A full-day exploring transfer to our hotel in time for dinner. nc. Meals: Dinner,

We start at the Lankester Garden, which has a world class collection of nearly a thousand varieties of orchids. We continue to a mountain lodge in the cloud forest where we enjoy a fascinating wildlife walk, then move on to the Wilson Botanical Garden. We conclude with a visit to the Central Pacific region, where we enjoy a unique farm-to-table tour featuring the local cuisine, as well as an opportunity to take a fascinating night forest walk on the trails around the lodge.

Day 2 Visit the Lankester

Garden and its world class collection of orchids, then on to Cerro de la Muerte.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 3 Enjoy a walking tour

of the tropical cloud forest.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 4 We transfer to

Esquinas and in the afternoon take a wildlife walk on the forest trails.

What’s Included

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Eight nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: two nights at the Bougainvillea Hotel, San Jose; two nights at Dantica Lodge; one night at Esquinas Lodge; two nights at the Wilson Botanical Garden; seven lunches

Day 5Transfer to the Wilson Botanical Garden.

the Wilson Botanical Garden and its huge collection of plants.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 7 We head for the

Central Pacific region, where we enjoy a unique farm-totable experience and later a night forest wildlife walk.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 8 Morning free to enjoy a paddle or swim in the ocean before heading back to San José.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Day 9 Our tour concludes in San José.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast.

Inc. Meals: All meals.

Comfortable coach travel and All visits as outlined Services of a professional tour manager and a local guide

Departures & Prices 9 days from February 15

$3705 $3160pp

Single Supplement $610

Lankester Garden Orchid

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New for 2021

Flowers and Flavors of Colombia Silleteros Parade

C

olombia offers a dazzling array of lush landscapes, colorful cities and natural wonders, all bathed in the benign warmth of the tropics. We will see wonderful flowers but we will also experience rich flavors and, of course, the most flavorsome of coffees.

We begin in the capital Bogotá, closely associated with Simon Bolivar, the revered military leader who led Colombia and other neighboring states to independence from the Spanish Empire. It is also home to the largest botanical garden in Colombia, with a diverse range of flora including a wide variety of Amazonian flowers and a notable collection of orchids. After visiting a National Park of bewildering biodiversity we move on to Pereira in the heart of the Colombian Coffee Region for a taste sensation. We see more orchids, birds and butterflies before we move on to Medellín, a once notorious city which now revels in its soubriquet of the ‘City of Eternal Spring’. A highlight here will be a visit to a ‘silletera’, where extravagant wreaths of flowers are created and displayed. Our tour concludes in Cartagena, a colorful colonial city where the Spaniards once fought off attacks by the English. We also explore a nearby fishing village and observe a wide range of flora and fauna, so typical of this extravagantly endowed country.

Cartagena

What’s Included 12 nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights Bogotá, three nights Pereira, three nights Medellín, three nights Cartagena Two lunches All visits as outlined in the itinerary Flights from Bogotá to Pereira and Cartagena to Bogotá

Departures & Prices 13 days from February 16

$4110 $3835pp

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Single Supplement $810

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Services of a professional tour manager

Itinerary Day 1

On arrival in Bogotá we transfer to our hotel in the city center.

Inc. Meals: Dinner only.

Medellín

Day 7 We enjoy a day on the road, traveling through

mountainous, richly forested countryside to Medellín.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 8 We spend today exploring the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ Orchids

Day 2 We visit the Botanical Garden, the largest in

as Medellín is known, due to the pleasantly warm climate that prevails all year round.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Colombia, which is home to a diverse range of flora including a wide variety of Amazonian flowers and a notable collection of orchids. Later we tour the historic sights of the city.

Day 9 Today we will find out all about the Silleteros, local

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 A full day in the Chicaque National Park, a humid,

cloud-forest environment of great biodiversity, including 630 different plants and 200 bird species.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

people who grow and sell flowers, usually made up into extravagant wreaths and other displays known as silletas.

Day 10 We transfer to the airport at Medellín for our internal

flight to Cartagena and on arrival transfer to our hotel, where the remainder of the day will be free to relax.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 4 We take a flight to Pereira and in the afternoon

depart on an excursion to a typical coffee plantation. After learning about the process of coffee production we will enjoy a tasting of two types of coffee and of course a cup of the finished product - perhaps the best you’ve ever tasted!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 5 Transfer to the Finca La Romelia, where we will see a large selection of orchids and other native plants.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 11 We tour the colorful colonial city of Cartagena

and in the afternoon visit the nature reserve of La Ciénaga, where we can observe the indigenous flora and fauna.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 12 Relax in the hotel or join an optional excursion

to the ‘pink sea’ at Galerazamba, a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by a micro-organism.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

Day 13 Fly back to Bogotá, where the tour concludes.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Silleteros Parade

Day 6 Today we transfer to the municipality of Calarca,

home to a spectacular butterfly vivarium and a beautiful natural forest with a huge biodiversity - over 600 species of plants, 70 species of birds and 2,000 species of butterflies.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast only.

Cartagena

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New for 2021

Landscapes and Flora of Patagonia

El Calafate

P

atagonia takes its name from Patagón, the name used by the explorer Magellan to describe the native tribes of the region, whom his expedition thought to be giants, and early maps and charts of the New World often referred to Patagonia as ‘Land of the Giants’. While the indigenous people were of above average height they were certainly not giants, yet this description of the region remains accurate. The reason lies in the massive mountains that rise from the plains of Patagonia, jagged, snow-flecked peaks that pierce the sky in an unforgettable display of natural wonder.

Elsewhere we will see glittering glaciers and azure lakes, verdant forests and colorful shrubs, and a host of rare and endemic flowers, as we embark on a series of walks among the mountains. Highlights include El Calafate Mountain Park, named for the ubiquitous shrub with yellow leaves and purple berries; the Moreno Glacier, the third largest glacial area in the world; the mountain of Lom del Pliegue Tumbado and of course the Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will provide some of the most spectacular mountain vistas you will ever see.

The tour will be led by Julia Corden of the Explorer’s Garden in Pitlochry.

Please note a good level of walking ability is required to get the most out of this vacation.

Notro

What’s Included Ten nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights El Calafate, three nights El Chaltén, one night Torres del Paine, two nights Lago Grey, one night Buenos Aires Nine packed lunches Return flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate All visits as outlined in the itinerary

Departures & Prices

Comfortable coach travel throughout

11 days from December 1

$8430 $8155pp

www.brightwaterholidays.com

Single Supplement $1080

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Services of Julia Corden as tour manager

Itinerary Day 1 On arrival in Buenos Aires we continue on a

connecting flight to El Calafate in Patagonia, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel in the town, which takes its name from the Calafate, a little bush with yellow flowers and dark blue berries which is very common in Patagonia.

Inc. Meals: In-flight & dinner.

Day 2 This morning we drive to El Calafate Mountain Park,

from where we walk up to the meseta known as Balcones de Moreno Glacier

Day 6 We visit one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Moreno Glacier, which is the third largest glacial area in the world. The road leads to a series of catwalks on the edge of the glacier, offering great photo opportunities.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Day 7 We drive to Torres del Paine National Park, which

lies just over the border in Chile. As we drive though the vast steppes we will take the opportunity to look for some of the great array of plants endemic to this dry region of Patagonia.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Calafate Flower

Day 8 Enjoy a full day excursion to Torres del Paine

El Calafate, to see our first native plants, which will include Notro, with its beautiful red flowers, and the aforementioned Calafate. We then drive to El ChaltĂŠn at the foot of the Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre massif.

National Park, where we can expect to find a very interesting array of plant species, all set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and lakes.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Day 9 Today we take a boat trip across Lake Grey, and from

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Today we will enjoy a hike in the Torre Valley, enjoying views over the ice-mushrooms of the glacial valley.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Day 4 We walk on the Rio Blanco Trail, which offers

spectacular views, with valleys cloaked in verdant forests of Southern Beech, Lenga and Nirre, more Calafate, yellow orchids and other dainty flowers.

here we walk to Lodge Paine Grande, offering some of the most impressive sights of the Park, botanising on the way.

Another boat ride takes us to Pudeto and from there we drive back to our hotel, at the end of a truly spectacular day.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Day 10 Drive to El Calafate Airport for our internal flight to Buenos Aires where we stay overnight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & packed lunch.

Day 5 Today we will enjoy a hike on the mountain Loma del

Day 11 Our tour concludes in Buenos Aires.

Pliegue Tumbado, which offers some of the best views over the mountains, glaciers and lakes of the region as well as further botanising opportunities.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast & in-flight.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner.

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

Lake Grey

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Dates for your diary I

f you’ve enjoyed browsing these pages and letting our exciting range of 2021 trips inspire your travel plans, you’ll be glad to see that we have put all of our departure dates into a handy calendar below. So, take a look at the month-by-month listing of vacations we have to offer and when you’re ready to book, simply get in touch with our friendly team or just venture online to book via our website!

April

January Up Helly Aa - 6 days

Jan 25

February Gardens of Costa Rica

Feb 3

Southern Costa Rica

Feb 15

Flowers and Flavors of Colombia NEW for 2021

Feb 16

Gardens of the French Riviera (Menton)

Feb 18

March

Spring Flowers of Crete NEW for 2021

Apr 12

Gardens of Mallorca

Apr 13

Lord of the Glens - 6 Days

Apr 16

Dutch Bulbfields

Apr 16

Gardens of Marrakech NEW for 2021

Apr 17

Gardens and Villas of Sicily

Apr 20

Arts & Gardens of the French Riviera

Apr 20

Crete Archaeology

Apr 20

Portuguese Archaeology

Apr 20

Gardens and Archaeology of Turkey NEW for 2021

Apr 20

Lord of the Glens - 6 Days

Apr 21

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

Apr 23

Malta’s Archaeological Heritage

Mar 9

Historic Houses of Dorset NEW for 2021

Apr 23

Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia

Mar 22

Arran: ‘Scotland in Miniature’

Apr 26

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

Apr 26

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland

Apr 26

Archaeology of the Peloponnese

Apr 26

Historic Houses - Aberdeenshire NEW for 2021

Apr 28

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

Apr 28

Private Gardens of Cornwall

Apr 29

Gardens and Villas of Sicily

Mar 23

Gardens of Mallorca

Mar 23

Seasonal Gardens of Japan

Mar 31

To book your Brightwater Holiday, call our travel experts today: 1-866-364-2370

Coastal Scotland

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70

May

June

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

May 3

Gardens of North Wales

Jun 4

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

May 3

Caledonian Days NEW for 2021

Jun 6

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

May 4

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

Jun 6

Irish Rover

May 4 May 4

Historic Houses of Aberdeenshire NEW for 2021

Jun 6

Albanian Archaeology Malta’s Archaeological Heritage

May 4

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

Jun 7

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

May 5

Islay and Jura

Jun 7

Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

May 5

Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo

Jun 8

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

May 6

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

Jun 10

Gardens of French Riviera with Rose Festival

May 6

Gardens of Northumberland

Jun 13

Historic Houses of Devon & Cornwall NEW for 2021

Scotland’s Northern Edge

Jun 17

May 6

Picardy Gardens

Jun 17

The Genius of Monet

May 7

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Jun 18

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

May 9

Mull, Staffa & Iona

Jun 18

Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia

May 10

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

May 10

RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West

Jun 18

Bulgarian Archaeology

May 11

Shetland and its Outer Isles

Jun 21

Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo

May 11

Coll and Tiree

Jun 22

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

May 12

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Jun 22

Grenada - Gardens of the Spice Island

May 15

Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

Jun 23

Islay and Jura

May 17

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

Jun 24

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

May 17

Undiscovered Orkney

Jun 24

RHS Chelsea Flower show and Classic English Gardens

May 20

Gardens of Kent & Sussex

Jun 25

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

Jun 25

Picardy Gardens

May 20

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

May 21

Mull, Staffa & Iona

May 22

Arran: ‘Scotland in Miniature’

May 24

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

May 24

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

May 26

Gardens of Kent and Sussex

May 28

Historic Houses - North Wales NEW for 2021

May 29

Glenfinnan Viaduct

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July Castles and Gardens of the Loire Cruise

NEW for 2021

September Jul 2

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

Sep 1

RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West

Sep 1

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

Sep 2

Caledonian Days NEW for 2021

Jul 3

Gardens of the Far North

Jul 4

Private Gardens of Caithness & Sutherland

Jul 5

Arts & Gardens of the French Riviera

Sep 2

Archaeology of Denmark & Sweden

Jul 5

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Sep 3

Arran: ‘Scotland in Miniature’

Jul 12

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

Sep 3

Islay and Jura

Jul 12

Historic Houses of Dorset NEW for 2021

Sep 3

Private Gardens of Caithness & Sutherland

Jul 12

Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes

Sep 3

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

Jul 12

Archaeology of Denmark & Sweden

Sep 6

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Jul 14

Historic Houses of Devon & Cornwall NEW for 2021

Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo

Sep 7

Jul 15

RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West

Mull, Staffa & Iona

Sep 10

Jul 16

Caledonian Days NEW for 2021

Sep 11

Gardens of the Far North

Jul 18

Islay and Jura

Sep 13

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

Jul 21

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

Sep 13

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

Jul 22

Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia

Sep 13

Private Gardens of Cornwall

Jul 22

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

Sep 15

Gardens of Northumberland

Jul 23

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

Sep 20

The Genius of Monet

Jul 23

Coll and Tiree

Jul 27

Lord of the Glens - 8 Days

Sep 20

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

Jul 28

South Africa’s Garden Route

Sep 22

Historic Houses - North Wales NEW for 2021

Sep 25

Lord of the Glens - 6 Days

Sep 27

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Sep 28

Scotland’s Northern Edge

Sep 29

August Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

Aug 2

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

Aug 4

Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides

Aug 5

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Aug 6

RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West

Aug 6

Highgrove and the Cotswolds

Aug 8

Scotland’s Northern Edge

Aug 10

Legends of the Rhône NEW for 2021

Aug 11

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

Aug 12

Mull, Staffa & Iona

Aug 13

Gardens of North Wales

Aug 13

Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway

Aug 15

Gardens of Kent and Sussex

Aug 20

Gardens of Northumberland

Aug 22

Irish Rover

Aug 22

An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

Aug 23

A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Aug 24

Lord of the Highlands - 8 Days

Aug 25

Shetland and its Outer Isles

Aug 29

Undiscovered Orkney

Aug 30

www.brightwaterholidays.com

October Lord of the Glens - 6 Days

Oct 2

Grenada - Gardens of the Spice Island

Oct 2

Archaeology of the Peloponnese

Oct 4

Bulgarian Archaeology

Oct 5

Crete Archaeology

Oct 5

Portuguese Archaeology

Oct 5

Gardens of Marrakech NEW for 2021

Oct 5

Albanian Archaeology

Oct 12

Douro Discovery NEW for 2021

Oct 13

Bhutan and Nepal NEW for 2021

Oct 16

November/December

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Flora and Fauna of Madagascar

Nov 4

Malta’s Archaeological Heritage

Nov 9

Seasonal Gardens of Japan

Nov 11

Landscapes and Flora of Patagonia NEW for 2021

Dec 1

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS Your package vacation booking is with Brightwater Holidays, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife, Scotland KY15 4HS. Telephone: 1-866-364-2370.

These Booking Conditions set out the terms on which you contract with us and this contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by Scottish Law, and the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts. If you reside in England or Northern Ireland you may choose the applicable law and jurisdiction if you wish to do so.

In these booking conditions, “you” and “your” includes all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). “We”, “us” and “our” means Brightwater Holidays. Brightwater Holidays is a subsidiary of Specialist Tours Limited (company number 08395250). Except where otherwise stated, these booking conditions only apply to vacation arrangements which you book with us and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All references in these booking conditions to “vacation”, “booking”, “contract” or “arrangements” mean such vacation arrangements unless otherwise stated.

KEY POINTS You enter into a booking with us when we issue our booking confirmation/invoice. If you then cancel, there will be cancellation charges. Initially as a minimum this may only be a deposit, but can go up to 100%.

In certain circumstances you may be able to make changes to your booking however charges will apply. We can change and cancel your booking. We’ll pay you compensation in certain circumstances.

It is a condition of booking that all travelers are covered by comprehensive travel insurance.

We are responsible to you for providing your vacation but there are legal limits.

Brightwater Holidays is a member of AITO and holds ATOL number 4498 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. For all other packages, The Association of Bonded Travel Organizers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

1. BOOKING

4. CANCELATION & VARIATION BY YOU Cancelation by You: If you or any member of your party wish to cancel your vacation, or if you fail to pay the full cost of the vacation within the specified time you will be liable, as a minimum, to pay the charges detailed below up to the point of cancellation, in addition to any non-refundable items*. Or in the case of failure to pay, at the date that we deem your booking to have been canceled. Notification from the person who made the booking must be received at our offices. This can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter. The cancellation charge will be calculated according to the date this is received, or the date upon which your cancellation is treated as occurring because of non-payment. *Non-refundable vacation costs charged including upgraded air tickets, hotel upgrades, extensions, extra nights, transfers etc., will be charged at 100% and the charges shown below will then apply to the remainder of the vacation cost and any amendment charges are not refundable. Additional accommodation costs for reduced occupancy or other components, may be payable in the event that one or more passengers cancels but where remaining passengers still wish to travel.

Group Bookings - cancellation charges will apply to any guests in the group who may wish to cancel in the unlikely event of cancellation by the lead passenger.

Note: If your cancellation falls within the provisions of your travel insurance policy you may be able to make a claim which must be made direct to your insurance company.

Cancelation Charges - if you cancel your vacation: In order to compensate our expenditure, we charge a cancellation fee according to the following scale: Up to 84 days: deposit and any invoiced flight or hotel costs | 83-41 days: 35% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs | 40-29 days: 55% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs | 28-8 days: 75% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs | 7-0 days: 100% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs

All information provided in the brochure/website is, to the best of our knowledge or belief, correct at the time of publication. We will advise you of any changes that are fundamental to the contract, or which we believe will affect your enjoyment of the vacation. Please advise us if there is any requirement, which you believe is fundamental to your vacation so that we can give you the latest information at time of booking.

Lord of the Glens: Up to 84 days: deposit and any invoiced flight or hotel costs | 83-0 days: 100% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs

When you ask us to proceed with a booking you will be required to make a (minimum) deposit payment which will vary dependent on the specific vacation you are booking. This will be advised at the time of booking and confirmed in your booking confirmation. It may also be necessary to collect payment at the time of booking for other (nonrefundable) costs e.g........ flight tickets, transfers etc. In the case of bookings made after the balance due date, we will require full payment for the vacation.

We will observe travel advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Should circumstances dictate, we may have to cancel your booking if the performance of your vacation, or the carriage of passengers to your destination is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be canceled and for you to receive a full refund.

You must be at least 18 years old to make a booking and you guarantee that you have the authority to accept, and do accept, these terms and conditions for all members of the party (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date), and in particular payment for all the persons on the booking. We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to refuse to accept any booking without necessarily specifying a reason.

A contract is made when we accept your booking and issue our written booking confirmation/invoice. If we cannot accept or confirm the booking, any money paid will be promptly refunded. On receipt of the booking confirmation/ invoice it is important to check the details and if there is any inaccuracy this must be notified to us immediately. It may not be possible to make changes or corrections later, or additional costs may be incurred which we will have to pass on to you.

Many of our vacations are based on specially negotiated airfares booked in a specific airline booking class. At the time of booking if these fares are not available, we will endeavor to secure an alternative air fare and advise you of any additional cost. Please note that most special air fares are non-refundable and non-changeable.

2. PAYMENT We hold your deposit (and any additional payment required at the time of booking) towards the full cost of the vacation. The balance must be received by us no later than the final payment due date shown on your booking confirmation/invoice, as appropriate to your vacation. If you do not pay the full cost within the time specified, we may treat your vacation as canceled by you in which case the cancellation charges shown in point 4 - Cancelation by You, will apply.

You must pay the balance in full twelve weeks prior to departure (seventeen weeks for cruises) unless otherwise stipulated.

Ways to Pay - we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, check or bank transfer for which no levy is charged by us. Your bank or credit card provider may charge an additional financial processing charge and we cannot be responsible for any such charges. (Please note: if you are paying from an overseas bank account you have to accept all bank charges). A surcharge of 2.5% will be applied for card payments made with cards registered in countries outside the EEA and the USA.

3. YOUR VACATION PRICE a) Prior to booking you will receive a verbal quote based on your specific vacation requirements and travel dates. b) We reserve the right to notify you of any alteration in the advertised or quoted price and any changes in vacation arrangements before accepting your booking.

NB: We make every effort to ensure that the most up to date and correct prices are shown on our website. We operate a pricing policy which means that the earlier you book the cheaper the vacation will be. Our very best prices are reserved for those who book early. We also commit that we will not offer the same vacation at a lower price to anyone that has booked after you (or we will refund you the difference between your price and the price they pay). If you do not wish to accept the corrected and actual price of the vacation, we will cancel the booking and provide a full refund of any monies you have already paid. Alternatively, you may amend your booking or select an alternative vacation at the applicable and correct price. c) Subject to these conditions, once we have confirmed your booking, the price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any additional ‘surcharges’, which means any increase due to changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties, including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at port and airports or exchange rates. d) Prices in our brochures and/or on our website are calculated on rates of exchange linked to those available to us; either based on rates previously secured or our view of currency exchange rates applicable at the time payments are due. e) From time to time we offer discounts and special offers on the price of the vacation. Please note that only one discount or special offer can be applied to any tour at one time and multiple discounts cannot be applied.

Single, Double, Twin Bedded Rooms Single supplements are payable for sole occupancy of a room. A single room does not guarantee the provision of a double or twin room, and in some instances may be smaller. A ‘double’ bed is often two single beds pushed together, sometimes with double bed base linen (although it is not unusual for single duvets to be provided in some hotels for doubles).

The cancellation charges will apply from the day we receive confirmation. You may make a claim on your Holiday Insurance if the reason for the cancellation falls within the terms of the insurance policy.

Variation by You: Booking alterations: If, after our booking confirmation/invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes (subject to agreement by our suppliers) but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be received at our offices, this can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking. You will be asked to pay an administration charge starting from $50 per person in addition to any associated costs of the changes imposed by our suppliers and any extra arrangements, these costs are non-refundable. Quotes normally have a 24-hour time frame before they expire. and the price is therefore subject to change. You should be aware that these costs could increase as the departure dates becomes closer and you should contact us as soon as possible. Additional fees may be charged, depending on the cost and work caused to us by the requested change.

Booking transfer to another person: You can transfer your existing booking to another person suggested by you (subject to agreement by our suppliers) *. Notice be made must be received at our offices, this can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking at least 25 days before departure. The replacement traveler must satisfy and fulfill any conditions that apply to the vacation, and all costs of the original booking, and both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur before the transfer can be made by us. The cost of the transfer will consist of both an administration charge of $50 and any costs which our suppliers impose. * If you are unable to travel, you may wish to check whether cover is provided for your cancellation within the terms of your travel insurance policy as this may incur less cost to you.

Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be transferable after a reservation has been made, for example, some airlines may require payment of 100% cancellation charges and the cost of a new ticket for ANY variation that is made, and changes to other arrangements may incur a cancellation charge of up to 100%.

Booking transfer to an alternative vacation: It may be possible at our discretion for you to transfer to another vacation, however this is subject to availability and time frame of departure. You must transfer within 24 hours of notifying Brightwater Holidays and the new departure must be within 1 year of notification. A payment of an administration fee of $50 per person, any associated costs of the change imposed by our suppliers and any extra arrangements (ie flight/ room upgrades) will be payable by you.

While on vacation: If you decide to cut short your vacation for your own reasons, or not stay at accommodation that has been booked for you, take any pre-booked meals, excursions or other vacation components, then we are unable to offer you any refund or cover any costs. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for such curtailment, so we suggest that you check the conditions and requirements of your policy.

5. CANCELATION & VARIATION BY US We start planning the vacations we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed or cancel confirmed bookings, events or activities. Vacations to remote and in some cases, underdeveloped parts of the world carry the risk that parts of the vacation may be subject to alterations beyond our control, sometimes at short notice. Whilst we always endeavor to avoid changes and cancelations, we must reserve the right to do so.

Cancelation by Us: We reserve the right to cancel your booking. We will not cancel your confirmed booking after the final ‘balance due’ payment date, except for unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see point 6) or failure by you to pay the final balance of your vacation.

Minimum Numbers - some of our vacations require a minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them.

If the minimum number of bookings required for a particular vacation or flight have not been received, we are entitled to cancel it and will notify you prior to the final ‘balance due’ payment date. Please note that in such cases we are not able to accept responsibility for any costs you may have incurred, including costs of other travel arrangements made in association with the canceled vacation, unless booked through Brightwater Holidays.

We are happy to give you an indication at any time of the current number of passengers booked on a trip, but this should not be taken as any guarantee whether the vacation will or will not go ahead as booking numbers can fluctuate. There may be certain circumstances when a vacation may operate with less than the minimum number than the advertised group size.

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If your vacation is canceled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an alternative vacation of comparable standard from us if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value).

Guides - we reserve the right to substitute any named guide, guest lecturer or other escort with an alternative qualified person and this will not be deemed as any significant change to your arrangements.

In the event a refund is paid to you, we will pay compensation as detailed below, as a minimum, except where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

7. FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL ADVICE, HEALTH, VISAS & DOCUMENTS a) Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements including, inoculations and health certificates are your responsibility and you should confirm these for all countries to, or through which you are intending to travel and cover all costs for this. Requirements should be checked well in advance of travel and we do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements.

Cancelation as a result of Global Travel Disruption If it becomes necessary to cancel your tour as a result of global travel disruption, we reserve the right to refund the cost of your tour in the form of credit for a limited amount of time, to be used against any other tour in the Specialist Journeys portfolio. If you do not use this credit within that time, a refund would be payable. This change to the standard booking conditions would only apply if approved by the UK Government and enshrined in the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations (PTRs) as an emergency measure to support tour operators in extraordinary circumstances such as the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak. The exact credit terms and time-frame would be defined by the PTRs.

b) Essential information for British citizens (only), including health, passport and visa requirements along with up to date Foreign Office travel, safety and security advice can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/travelaware. We also strongly recommend that you sign up for the latest email updates as travel and safety information can change at any point without notice. c) If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country or countries to, or through which, you are intending to travel and consult the relevant authority for the latest travel and safety advice for the destinations you are visiting.

Variation by Us: It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include a change of airline or aircraft type, alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, change of airports and/or local connecting transport, Tour Manager and changes to supplementary arrangements such as site visit, or change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard.

Occasionally, we may have to make a significant change. If we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package, you will have rights set out below.

• We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative vacation, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value) or purchase an alternative vacation subject to availability and applicable cost. We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given, your booking may be canceled.

• If you choose to accept a refund, we will: a) pay compensation as detailed below, as a minimum, except where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.

Period before departure when a significant change or cancellation is notified to you (compensation per person): For vacations other than those to destinations specified below: More than 60 days before departure: Nil | 60-22 days: $20 | 21-15 days: $30 | 14-8 days: $40 | 7-0 days: $50 Very rarely, we may be forced by ‘circumstances beyond our control’ (see point 6) to change or terminate your vacation after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. This is extremely rare, if this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain these from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result.

We do not control the day to day management of your accommodation, and in exceptional cases it is possible that we may be advised that the reserved accommodation has been overbooked. If this happens before your departure or on arrival in a location, we will endeavor to provide accommodation of at least the same standard in the same area. If only accommodation of a lower standard is available we will refund the difference of the vacation price between the accommodation booked and that available, and will pay up to $50 per person for any inconvenience.

6. CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, or cover losses where the performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of ‘circumstances beyond our control’. In these booking conditions, ‘circumstances beyond our control’ means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences (including suspected terrorist activity and all action taken during any “terror alert”), industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, airport or airspace closures, as well as other air traffic management decisions (that may result in long or overnight delays or cancelations), fire, concert/event changes or cancellation and all similar events outside our control. This list is not exhaustive.

BREXIT – at this current time and until negotiations are completed and full details known, it is not possible to foresee any impact, changes or restrictions there may be on flight operations between the EU and the UK or the effect this may have on booked vacation arrangements.

Group based vacations and activities - worldwide weather patterns are becoming ever more erratic and unpredictable. If it is not possible to operate certain excursions for this reason, we will endeavor to offer alternatives if this is possible. Such circumstances are totally beyond our control and you therefore should proceed with your booking on this basis.

Public Vacations, Sporting & Local Events - in addition to public vacations, many countries host other national or international events or there may be local festivals, which may impact on local/tourist services or travel arrangements, including the reduction or closure of facilities, route diversions etc. during your visit. We have no control over these events, and as dates and details of arrangements are often changeable year on year, it is not possible for us to guarantee to forewarn you of specific details that may be relevant to your vacation, or accept any responsibility for disruption that may be caused. During public vacations, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions may also be closed.

d) We recommend that you consult your doctor well in advance of travel for the latest advice on inoculations and health certificates. You can also obtain the latest health information ahead of travel by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNac) website https://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.

8. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Our vacations are not designed for party members to undertake special projects or research whether in connection with study, employment or otherwise. We cannot accept any liability for any losses or damages arising out of such use or planned use nor for any loss or damage which has special financial consequences. Please note if you do intend to use one of our vacations for such purposes you should obtain adequate insurance in respect of it and any special equipment you decide to bring with you on such vacations.

9. VACATION PARTICIPATION It is a condition of participation on our vacations that you agree to accept the authority and decisions of our employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on vacation with us. If in the opinion of such a person your health or conduct at any time, before or after departure, appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a vacation, you may be excluded from all or part of the vacation and/or we may terminate your vacation, and any additional costs incurred by you as a result of such exclusion will be your responsibility. In the case of ill health, we may make such arrangements as we see fit and recover any resulting costs from you.

Note: While there are no age limits or health requirements on our vacations, please note that for certain destinations, for example the smaller Scottish islands or some botanical tours, a degree of mobility is required to get the most out of the vacation, for example getting in and out of boats, ascending/descending steps and standing for a degree of time.

10. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU We make every effort to ensure that the vacation arrangements we have agreed to provide as part of our contract with you are delivered with reasonable skill and care. It is the laws and regulations of the country in which the services are actually provided which apply to your vacation arrangements and not those of the UK or your home country and any resulting complaint or claim will be judged on this basis. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as being properly provided. Please note, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care have not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). Also bear in mind that standards of, for example, safety, hygiene, and quality may vary and services and transport your vacation involves may differ to the stringent standards we are accustomed to in the UK or your home country. Including for example, the absence of seatbelt on coaches contracted outside the UK as this is not always a legal requirement elsewhere.

Certain vacations involve risks and hazards of travel to and in remote and/or uninhabited areas where injury, illness, death, delay, or unanticipated events may occur as a result of forces of nature, wildlife and adverse weather conditions.

Medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible in some parts, and the medical facilities that do exist could be of inferior quality compared to what is available at home. In remote regions risks may include but are not limited to: mechanical breakdown of expedition vehicle(s); becoming stranded in remote and/or uninhabited areas; being subjected to rugged terrain and a harsh climate; encounters with wild animals, insects and pests, and the possibility of illness, injury or death therefrom; the uncontrollable and unpredictable behavior of wild animals in their natural habitat; the possibility of not seeing certain animals; and dangerous weather and climate conditions.

You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the package and is unforeseeable or unavoidable.

Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements (excluding amendment charges). Our liability (if we are found liable to you on any basis) will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that made up your package.

These terms are incorporated into this booking contract; and

Third-Party Information & Websites - your booking is based on the information supplied to you by Brightwater Holidays. We understand you may conduct additional research into your vacation through other third parties and associated websites, but as we have no control over such information this does not form any basis of our contract with you.

Wi-Fi - where the provision of Wi-Fi may be indicated in a property description, no guarantee is given or implied that it will be operative during your vacation and its availability is outside our control. Some properties may charge for this service and the areas where it is available may be limited and not necessarily available in guest rooms. In all cases, no compensation or refund will be paid in the event that it is not available for whatever reason.

Dietary Requests & Allergies - even nowadays, in some destinations, basic well-known dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, gluten free etc.) are often misunderstood and seldom catered for adequately, despite the best intentions and assurances from hoteliers and restaurateurs. While we are happy to pass on any such requests, we cannot guarantee choice or availability - especially with any airline meal options. We cannot accept detailed lists of specific dietary or food preparation requests and are unable to accept any other requests (eg. personal preferences) that are not for medical or religious reasons. Note: Whilst on vacation it is your responsibility to double check and reconfirm any allergy or dietary requirements directly with the various vacation suppliers.

Other Hotel Guests - it is not unusual for hotels or other accommodation to receive group bookings (sometimes with large numbers) from guests participating in conventions and conferences or other gatherings. At certain times of the year, there may be an influx of groups such as students on organized educational visits (popular during school vacations), associations or clubs. This may result in hotel facilities being much busier than usual or additional demands on hotel staff and services, but we are unable to accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused by such groups or their activities.

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b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage (there are strict Conditions of Carriage obligations for making claims for missing or damaged baggage that must be followed). We are regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid under these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions, from Brightwater Holidays.

Where a carrier or hotelier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim.

Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights – see point 11 below.

If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible, of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights if this is not provided by your airline, in accordance with Regulation 261/2004. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your vacation.

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Note: this entire clause does not apply to any services which do not form part of your contract with us ie. ‘own arrangements’. This includes for example, any additional services, including excursions, that you organize independently, or services which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where these are not organized by us as part of our contract with you. We recommend that sufficient and appropriate insurance is taken out.

In addition, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees, or where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (3) arises out of use of our services for special projects or research whether in connection with study, employment or otherwise or (4) is connected with any business.

arrangements and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your vacation develops or worsens after your booking has been confirmed.

We further advise you, and you agree that in the event of any claim against us, that such claim shall be governed by Scottish Law and Jurisdiction shall lie in any Court of Competent Jurisdiction in the United Kingdom and you further acknowledge these requirements and waive any objection(s) thereto.

You are urged to contact our Sales department for further information if you have any difficulty in walking or mobility problems and they will be pleased to advise you on the suitability of any particular vacation.

Brightwater Holidays cannot provide individual assistance with boarding coaches or other forms of transport, baggage handling, walking or other personal requirements, etc. and guests should be confident that they can do these tasks unaided. We are happy to give advice and assistance with the choice of your vacation which will be dependent upon the nature of any disability. Our brochures also give a simple guide per tour regarding how active the tour is. In order to ensure your enjoyment of the vacation, we ask all clients to provide full details of any disability or special requirements at the time of booking. Some suppliers such as airlines and cruise lines may request certification from your GP to confirm that you are fit to travel. We regret that we cannot be held liable for any costs you may incur as a result.

14. CLIENT BEHAVIOR

11. TRAVEL DELAYS & CARRIAGE BY AIR Should delays due to weather conditions disrupt your itinerary, additional costs may be incurred and these would be the responsibility of you, the client. You will be assisted by the airlines in accordance with the airlines’ policy on delay. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in point 6 of these booking conditions (which includes the behavior of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board a flight on time).

Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicized at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your vacation cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these booking conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. You are required to make any claim under this regulation directly with the airline, but if your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority on 0207 453 6424 https://www.caa.co.uk.

Where long flight delays result in lost vacation time, we are unable to offer any refunds for unused accommodation or other services as reimbursement will not be made by our suppliers in these circumstances, and hotel rooms are held for delayed arrivals and not re-let. We strongly recommend you have adequate insurance provisions in place to fully cover such eventualities.

We are unable to guarantee that all parties will be seated together. With some airlines it is possible to request, or in some cases, reserve certain preferred seats on the aircraft (most airlines will make an additional charge for this). We are happy to assist with this but this is an additional service over and above your contractual arrangement for ‘carriage by air’ with the airline. Airlines reserve the right to make changes to any specific seat numbers for operational or safety reasons either before, or on the day of departure and you will be notified of any such change upon check-in. Where applicable, any additional charge made for pre-booking specific seats, will be refunded.

When you book a vacation with Brightwater Holidays you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of you and your party. Brightwater Holidays reserves the right in its reasonable discretion to terminate the vacation of any member of your party whose conduct is disruptive or detrimental to the enjoyment of other clients, or whose conduct may prejudice the reputation of Brightwater Holidays with our suppliers or hotel owners. In that situation Brightwater Holidays shall have no further responsibility or liability to you. The departure of a coach, ship, train, plane or other modes of transport will be not be delayed for passengers who are not on board by the stated boarding time.

15. COMPLAINTS & ASSISTANCE ON VACATION If you have any reason to be unhappy with any element of your vacation, we would ask you first to bring this to the attention of the person in charge of the relevant service, on the spot. If this is not possible please either contact our local representative or our UK office, using the number provided with your travel documents. It is essential that you do this to enable us to try and put matters right where possible. If a problem remains unresolved during your vacation you should make a complaint which must be received at our offices within 28 days of the completion of your vacation giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. This can be in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking. We will reply to you within 28 days of receipt of your complaint. Please keep your complaint concise and to the point. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint while on vacation. we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking.

If you’re in difficulty whilst on vacation and ask us to help, we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault.

The terms of this contract are exclusively governed by Scottish Law and the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.

16. PROTECTING YOUR MONEY

In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air- ban_en.

We provide full financial protection for our package vacations.

In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of point 5, “Cancelation and Variation by us” will apply.

We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings, which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and/or detailed on your booking confirmation/invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration. Flight timings are outside our control. They are set by airlines and are subject to various factors including air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, potential technical problems and the ability of passengers to check in on time. Specific instructions relating to departure and travel arrangements will be sent with your air or other travel tickets approximately 2 weeks before departure. You must check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct and up to date flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been dispatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. We advise that you keep check on your flight’s departure information on the day of departure in case of any late flight changes.

1.

Flight inclusive vacations: we hold an Air Travel Organizer’s License issued by the CAA (ATOL No. 4498) which provides for your protection in the event of Brightwater Holidays Ltd insolvency. The price of your air vacation packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive vacation from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. Not all vacation or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme as explained below.

2.

Tours without flights arranged by us: The Association of Bonded Travel Organizers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Brightwater Holidays Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:

a) non-flight packages and

b) flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU.

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet traveled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Brightwater Holidays Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call the ABTOT 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents

In accordance with EU legislation, we are required to draw your attention to restrictions concerning the import of food items which cannot be brought into the EU (including the UK), from outside the EU. For details please see http://ww2. defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/personal-imports/ or contact this office.

17. AITO QUALITY CHARTER Brightwater Holidays Ltd is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Brightwater Holidays abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com. Visit the AITO website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

12. INSURANCE It is a condition of booking with us that you and all members of your party obtain travel insurance for all overseas vacations and we strongly recommend insurance cover for all other vacations and that you do not travel against medical advice. The cost of repatriation, medical and other treatment overseas can be high and we are unable to assist in meeting those costs. You should organize it immediately when you book to ensure you have cover against possible cancellation charges, medical treatment and repatriation. Should you have your travel insurance in place we will need to know the details of your policy four weeks before departure at the latest. Brightwater Holidays are authorized to provide travel insurance and we are happy to discuss this when you book. It is a requirement of booking that you provide us with an emergency contact number while you are on vacation stating your relationship (e.g. family member, neighbor, workplace). This is purely for your benefit in the unlikely event of you becoming ill or incapacitated on tour.

18. DATA PROTECTION To process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we need to use the information you provide (such as name, address, passport information, email address, mobile number any special needs/dietary requirements, etc.).

Any such personal data that you provide will be held securely and for the purpose you have provided it, in accordance with both the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679.

• We also need to mention - If you choose to take our insurance, we ask that you read all sections of the policy document fully. There is a 14-day cooling off period in which you can return the policy for a full refund if it does not meet with your requirements.

We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as airlines, hotels, transport companies, etc. We will not however, pass any information on to any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/ religious requirements. In making a booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons only.

13. SPECIAL REQUESTS & MEDICAL CONDITIONS / DISABILITIES If you or any member of your party have any special requests, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavor to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your booking confirmation/invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing that a special request will be provided (where it is possible to give this) where it is important to you.

We may need to disclose personal data to a third party within countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for the purpose of providing your vacation. Controls on data protection in your destination may not be as stringent as in the UK. In addition, your data may be disclosed to regulatory bodies or public authorities such as customs or immigration for the purposes of monitoring and/or enforcing compliance with any regulatory rules/codes.

We will only send you information about special offers, brochures, new vacations and competitions if you have ‘opted in’ to receive news from Brightwater Holidays Ltd. If you do not wish to receive this information, you can use the ‘unsubscribe’ function at the bottom of any email communication or just let us know.

We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfillment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests.

If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your vacation or has any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking process), you must tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the

For full details of how we may use your personal information and your rights in relation to your personal information, please see our Privacy Policy on our website: https://www.brightwaterholidays.com/cookies-privacy-policy. By booking on-line, or over the phone, you are stating that you have read and agreed to our Privacy Policy.

We are Brightwater Holiday Ltd, registered limited company no: SC137295.

Registered Office: Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife, Scotland KY15 4HS.

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Call our travel experts on 1-866-364-2370

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Tel: 1-866-364-2370 | Email: info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS