Glorious Gardens of the World

Anyone who takes pride in their garden, however large or small, knows it takes dedication, hard work and a bit of luck to create a scene of beauty. Here we take a look at some of the most breath-taking gardens on our planet

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Cape Town, South Africa

Often described as the most beautiful garden in Africa, Kirstenbosch is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain. Established to promote and conserve the indigenous flora of southern Africa, it contains more than 7,000 different plants and includes a fragrance garden, a medicinal garden and more.

Madeira Botanical Garden

Funchal, Madeira

Often described as ‘the garden island’, Madeira is a lush and fertile land. At the Madeira Botanical Garden, more than 2,000 exotic plants vie for your attention, with everything from rare orchids to palms, ferns and cacti on display.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal

Peradeniyia Royal Botanical Gardens

Sri Lanka

Once upon a time, you had to be a member of royalty to admire the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Today, everyone’s invited in to see highlights including an avenue of royal palms, a Burma bamboo which can grow to 40 metres high, and a giant Javan fig tree.

Himeji Castle Gardens

Japan

Constructed relatively recently in 1992, this Japanese-style garden features nine separate walled areas, including a bamboo garden and a flower garden. There’s even a tea garden where you can enjoy a cup of refreshing green tea.

Claude Monet Gardens

Giverny, France

Claude Monet once said ‘my garden is my most beautiful masterpiece’ and you can admire it in the pretty riverside village of Giverny. Monet settled here in 1883, and as you wander around his garden you’ll see the famous Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and weeping willows captured in so many of his works.

Monets Garden, Giverny

Himeji Castle Gardens

Villa Melzi Gardens

Bellagio, Italy

The gardens of the elegant 19th century Villa Melzi are planted with exotic trees, azaleas and rhododendrons, interspersed with sculptures and statues. There’s also a beautiful Japanese- style pond surrounded by Japanese maple and cedar trees.

Butchart Gardens

Victoria, Canada

This incredible floral garden was created more than a century ago, when Jennie Butchart turned an abandoned quarry into what is now the Sunken Garden – a dramatic display of flowering trees, annual plants and shrubs. Further gardens were added over the years, and today they remain under the ownership of the Butchart family.

We can take you there

  1. Rouen's Jardin de Plantes

    Chateau Weekend & Monet's Garden

    The famous gardens of the artist Claude Monet are at the centre of this short break, which also gives you the chance to head to the gardens of the Château de Versailles.

    • Return rail travel
    • 3 nights in a 4-star hotel and 4 meals
    • Many amazing experiences

    4 days from
    £849
    was £949
    Explore
  2. Madeira - The Pearl of the Atlantic

    Discover Madeira's capital Funchal and admire breathtaking scenery as you explore the mountains, valleys, villages and coasts that make up this delightful island.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights in a 5-star hotel
    • 11 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

    8 days from
    £1,749
    was £1,949
    Explore
  3. Experience South Africa

    Ascend Table Mountain, search for the 'Big Five' on safari in Kruger National Park and tour  the garden route on this unforgettable South African tour.

    • Return flights
    • 11 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
    • 19 included meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 dinners 

    14 days from
    £4,074
    was £4,299
    Explore
  4. The Rocky Mountaineer train, Canada

    Canada & The Rocky Mountaineer

    A spectacular journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train is the highlight of this incredible ultimate journey through Western Canada, from Calgary and sparkling Lake Louise to beautiful Vancouver.

    • Return flights
    • 10 nights in great quality hotels, 1 night in flight
    • 14 included meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

    12 days from
    £6,074
    was £6,399
    Explore
  5. Sri Lanka - Pearl of the Indian Ocean

    Head to this paradise island afloat in the Indian Ocean to discover mysterious ancient sites, lush tea plantations, idyllic  beaches and more.

    • Return flights
    • 12 nights in 4 & 5-star hotels, 1 night in flight
    • 25 included meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 12 dinners

    14 days from
    £3,699
    was £3,799
    Explore
  6. Pagoda overlooking Mount Fuji, Japan

    Japan Revealed

    From the natural beauty of Mount Fuji to the spectacular skyline of Tokyo, enigmatic Japan offers a unique holiday experience. Discover ancient temples, scenic landscapes and travel on the famous Bullet Train.

    • Return flights
    • 9 nights in 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
    • 17 meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

    12 days from
    £6,424
    was £6,599
    Explore