Description

Stop and smell the roses on this leisurely tour of South East England's greatest gardens and show-stealing stately homes. And the jewel in the crown? A trip to the green-fingered event of the year, the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.

Then, venture deep into the Land of the Midnight Sun, where Vikings ruled the Baltic Sea more than 1,000 years ago. Now, well-preserved medieval "Old Town" districts await your discovery in Stockholm and Tallinn and a little mermaid greets you in Copenhagen. The grand living museum of St. Petersburg, Russia, boasts artistic and cultural treasures, while the stunning Norwegian Fjords offer towering cliffs and spectacular waterfalls.

Your Fly, Stay, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• Return economy class flights from Sydney to London
• 1 night accommodation in London
• 7 day Chelsea Flower Show guided holiday with Back-Roads Touring
• Includes 6 nights in boutique accommodation, 8 meals, premium mini-coach transportation + more
• 2 nights accommodation in London
• 14 night Baltic Heritage cruise onboard Crown Princess 
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Private transfers throughout
• Port charges, fees & airline taxes

Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options!

The Back-Roads Difference:

• Stroll the fabulous show gardens at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show
• Tour the historic manor houses and beautiful gardens of South East England
• Enjoy overnight stays in historic royal towns Tunbridge Wells and Windsor

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 - London - Hampton Court Palace - Kew Gardens - London

After meeting in London, our tour of England’s green and pleasant land will begin at the splendid Hampton Court Palace and Gardens. Then: onwards to Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a flourish to that holiday photo album!

Accommodation: Richmond Hill Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 - London - Chelsea Flower Show - London

Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be yours to enjoy. From urban patches with remarkable water features to gardens that conjure images of different countries from around the world, this spectacular event showcases the very best of contemporary garden design.

Accommodation: Richmond Hill Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - London - Cliveden - Waddesdon Manor - Windsor

This morning it’s onwards to Cliveden, which boasts colourful gardens for every season (not to mention glorious views over the River Thames). Then, we’ll swap English country houses for an elegant French château: the Grade One listed Waddesdon Manor. Rich in history and royal tradition, Windsor will be our final stop of the day.

Accommodation: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Windsor - The Savill Garden - Windsor

What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor’s regal highlights? First, we’ll visit the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park. As we walk through the themed gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for an array of rare plants from around the world! After some free time, an afternoon tea cruise awaits us back in Windsor.

Accommodation: Sir Christopher Wren Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Windsor - RHS Garden Wisley -  Hever Castle - Turnbridge Wells

After breakfast in Windsor, we’ll make tracks to the tranquil RHS Garden Wisley, where we’ll take in the sounds of the water flowing through the rock garden and relax in the Alpine Meadow. This afternoon will see us wandering the award-winning gardens of Hever Castle – the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second queen, Anne Boleyn. We’ll rest our head in Tunbridge Wells tonight.

Accommodation: The Royal Wells Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Tunbridge Wells - Sissinghurst - Great Dixter - Turnbridge Wells

This morning our road will turn east to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an iconic retreat that’s renowned for its romantic design and colourful rose arrangements. Then: we’ll swap sculpted layouts for a naturalistic approach to planting at Great Dixter. Here, we’ll tour the old timber-framed house that was home to famous British gardener Christopher Lloyd – and explore the gardens that were his pride and joy. Tonight, we’ll clink glasses over a farewell dinner back in Tunbridge Wells.

Accommodation: The Royal Wells Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Tunbridge Wells - Scotney Castle - Igtham Mote - London

Our final day will begin at the charming Scotney Castle, where we'll take some time to wander the gardens. We’ll then move on to one of the most unique manor houses in Kent: Ightham Mote. This medieval house dates back over 700 years, and can only be reached via an ancient stone bridge that stretches over its very own moat. Then: it’s back to London, where our tour will come to a close.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Itinerary: