English Country Gardens
An Immersive Celebration of Britain’s Garden Heritage
14 Days
Departs May 8, 2027
Book by September 30, 2026 and save $200 per person
Moderately Easy
From Private Estates to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
From the lush countryside of Kent to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the floral prestige of Chelsea, this journey offers a deep dive into British horticultural excellence. Step behind the gates of England’s most distinguished estates, from the romantic outdoor rooms of Sissinghurst to the avant-garde landscapes of The Newt in Somerset. Beginning in Sussex and the medieval city of Salisbury, history and nature intertwine alongside heritage rail journeys, award-winning English vineyards, and the golden stone villages of the Cotswolds. Private garden visits and a hands-on floral design masterclass in Chipping Campden balance grandeur with intimacy. The tour culminates in London with Hampton Court, Kew Gardens, and the spectacular RHS Chelsea Flower Show—an unforgettable celebration of the artistry and heritage of the British garden.
Tour Highlights
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Britain’s finest designers unveil breathtaking floral masterpieces
- Wander through some of England’s most celebrated country gardens, including Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Long Barn Garden, Borde Hill Garden, Arundel Castle Gardens, Stourhead, The Newt, Hidcote, The Garden at Miserden, RHS Wisley, and Kew Gardens
- Flower arrangement workshop in the heart of the Cotswolds, guided by local experts and inspired by the surrounding countryside
- Step back in time at the remarkably preserved Ancient Roman Baths in the elegant city of Bath
- Tour and tasting of Bolney Wine Estate in Kent
- Discover the timeless charm of Oxford on a walking tour
- Explore the magnificent Hampton Court Palace
Inclusive Features
- Return economy class group airfare to England
- Accommodation in comfortable hotels as indicated or similar
- 25 meals included as noted (B - 12 breakfasts, L - 2 lunches, D - 11 dinners)
- All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services
- Services of our journey leader, professional guide in England, plus garden tour guides throughout
- Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare
- Whisper audio guide system for better audio clarity during guided tours
Itinerary
Overview
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Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person
Land Only* (Join / Leave at hotel)
$12,945
Toronto
$14,265
Montreal / Ottawa (Join Montreal)
$14,465
St. John’s / Winnipeg
$14,595
Saskatoon / Regina
$14,655
Edmonton / Calgary / Vancouver
$14,595
Victoria
$14,655
Single Supplement
$2,395
Payment and Booking Terms
Deposit is $900 per person.
Final payment is due January 28, 2027.
SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE
LIMITED TO 25 MEMBERS
Important Travel Information: Starting in late 2026, Canadian citizens travelling to the United Kingdom will need to complete a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is not a visa, but a pre-travel security screening required for visa-exempt visitors entering the U.K. The cost is approximately £16 and is each traveller’s responsibility. For details and to apply, visit the official ETA website well before departure (www.gov.uk/eta
Stateroom categories are subject to availability at the time of booking - book early for best choice. See deck plan for more information on available staterooms. Singles are extremely limited and on request. Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange rates effective November 2025 and are subject to change. This cruise will be escorted with a minimum of 15 travellers.
Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to terms and conditions for more details.
Peter and Janet Holmes
Janet and Peter Holmes' love of gardening goes back to their once frequent visits to Butchart Gardens in their hometown of Victoria. The passion grew while living across the street from Toronto’s Muir Gardens for a quarter of a century, but it is working in their own garden in Grey County that brings them the greatest joy. Janet is a retired RN whose kind and empathetic spirit brought comfort to both patients and their families. Peter recently retired after serving more than twenty-five years as the Minister of Toronto’s Yorkminster Park Church where he was beloved for his gracious warmth, gentle humour, and imaginative storytelling. Together they enjoy cycling, walking, kayaking, but above all gardening as Peter is often found on his knees pulling weeds, planting seeds and praying for rain. Peter and Janet have travelled in Israel, the Middle East and Europe where two of their three children now live. Peter and Janet are also blessed with one delightful granddaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of our frequently asked questions before booking your journey.
- What are Craig Journeys all about?
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Our goal is to offer meaningful authentic experiences that inspire a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. Through immersive sightseeing and engaging interactions with local people and cultural sites, we strive to foster a greater appreciation of our global community.
We go to great lengths to ensure the physical comfort of our members, providing excellent accommodations, delicious cuisine, comfortable transportation, and more. At the same time, we encourage them to embrace and engage with local customs.
- Why should I book with Craig Travel?
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All of our tours are carefully planned to provide a comfortable pace, quality accommodations, in-depth sightseeing, and fully inclusive pricing. We encourage you to compare our offerings with other tours available. Check to see exactly what is included and what extras you may be required to pay.
- What do you mean by 'Fully Inclusive' pricing?
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Almost all Craig Tours and Cruises include all prepaid costs, encompassing airfare and related taxes, hotel accommodations and/or cruise expenses with taxes and service fees, most meals as described for each departure, sightseeing with entrance fees, gratuities for included services (such as guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters), and even airport transfers. For those residing in southern Ontario, we provide transfers between your home and the airport in most areas, while other passengers receive a special credit or an overnight stay at an airport hotel, depending on the circumstances.
Not included in the published prices are personal services and items such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, and beverages with meals or otherwise (according to local customs; for example, beverages like water, tea, and coffee are typically not included in Europe except during breakfast). Shore excursions on ocean cruises are not included unless specified.
While taxes and fees are included in our prices, they always remain subject to change. Consequently, we may need to collect supplements to cover tax and fee increases that cannot be absorbed.
