Chelsea Flower Show, Spain & Portugal

Your tour of England’s green and pleasant land will begin in the country’s iconic capital. After meeting the group at the London hotel, you’ll get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal.

After breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the splendid Kew Gardens. The palm house, a jaw-dropping example of Victorian engineering, is sure to add a flourish to that holiday photo album. Then, the afternoon will be yours to spend exploring the capital or relaxing back at the hotel. Be sure to recharge those batteries in anticipation for tomorrow’s exciting agenda!

Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be yours to enjoy. From the world-famous show gardens to the astounding floral displays on offer in Chelsea’s Great Pavilion – this truly spectacular event showcases the very best of garden design and is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Today, you’ll pay a visit to The Savill Garden of Windsor Great Park. As you walk through the themed gardens, be sure to keep an eye out for an array of rare plants from around the world. Then: the rich history and royal traditions of Windsor await! Tonight, you’ll reconvene at the hotel for a delicious group meal.

What better way to spend the day than discovering Windsor’s regal highlights at your own pace? You’ll have plenty of time to visit the Castle (a working royal palace, so just check the opening times in advance), wander the picturesque riverside and sample a delicious afternoon tea at one of the tearooms around town. After a full day of exploring, choose from one of the many cosy pubs and eateries – and enjoy an evening spent at your leisure.

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

This morning your road will turn east to Sissinghurst Castle Garden, an iconic retreat that’s renowned for its romantic design and colourful rose arrangements. Then, you’ll swap sculpted layouts for the quaint, rustic charm of Great Dixter: the family home of famed English gardener Christopher Lloyd. Here you’ll discover how the sublime arts-and-crafts-style gardens inspired Lloyd throughout his career – with time to admire the estate’s vibrant grounds and historic architecture. Tonight, you’ll clink glasses over a farewell dinner back in Tunbridge Wells.

For your final day on tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the most unique manor houses in Kent: Ightham Mote. On this departure you have a private tour of Ightham Mote included. 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 your tour will come to a close. You have 2 nights pre-cruise to explore more of London.

Explore the iconic Tower of London and witness the dazzling Crown Jewels. Stroll through the historic streets of Westminster to see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the majestic Westminster Abbey. For a cultural fix, visit the British Museum or catch a West End show in the vibrant theatre district.

Today a private transfer will take you from Victoria Station to the Dover port to join your cruise.

El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a figure that is half man, half sea creature, towers over the city’s lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings. The legendary black salts offshore on the Islas Cies are said to bring good health. Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James.

See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto’s name itself hints at perhaps Portugal’s most famous export—port—for it is here that the fortified wine was first produced. The city is reminiscent of times gone by and you wouldn’t be far wrong to liken it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. Here, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches and majestic beaux art buildings, which combine to create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

If there ever was a seafaring city, La Coruña is it. It’s been a port and gateway to world travelers for over 2,000 years. And from almost any spot, you can witness spectacular panoramic views of the ocean.

Bilbao, located in Spain’s Basque region, is the ideal gateway to Vitoria and the famous Rioja wine region. Today the city is famed for the Museo Guggenheim, which opened in 1997, to plant Bilbao on the art and tourism map and spur a major urban regeneration. Consequently, more museums and galleries have opened, which in turn has prompted a parallel resurgence of fabulous restaurants, cafes and bars. Be sure to visit Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s old quarter that’s full of character and charm. Not sure where to begin? Why not get an overview of the city via the Bilbao City Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants and superb pubs. Nearby you’ll find the quaint town of Windsor, where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.