London in Bloom: Palaces, Parks, & Hidden Gems
Discover London’s finest gardens, palaces, and hidden green treasures on this enchanting eight-day journey. Begin with a panoramic city tour before venturing to RHS Wisley and the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Optional entry to the Chelsea Flower Show offers a chance to see the pinnacle of horticultural design. Step back in time at Hampton Court Palace and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in regal surroundings. Wander secret city gardens and admire panoramic views from London’s Sky Garden. Explore Kensington Palace, once home to Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales. With time at leisure and a festive farewell dinner, this tour blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
days 1-2
Arrival in London & RHS Garden Wisley
Upon arrival at London Gatwick, the group will be warmly welcomed and transferred by private coach into the heart of the capital. A local guide will lead a panoramic city tour, complete with photo stops at London’s most iconic landmarks, before the group enjoys a delicious three-course dinner at a local restaurant and settles into their four-star hotel. The following day, the journey continues into the Surrey countryside with a visit to RHS Garden Wisley, one of the UK’s most celebrated horticultural landscapes. Guests can wander among vibrant borders, tranquil lakes, and inspiring glasshouses, enhanced by a guided tour that brings the garden’s history to life before returning to London.
day 3
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Today’s focus is the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting more than 50,000 living plants. Guests will explore its vast landscapes, from Victorian glasshouses to lush woodlands, before embarking on a 90-minute guided walking tour that brings the garden’s rich history and seasonal displays to life. Entry to the charming Kew Palace is also included, offering insight into royal life.
Enjoy an excursion to Windsor to visit the iconic castle and The Savill Garden (Windsor Great Park) – A horticultural gem.
insider knowledge: windsor
day 4
Optional Chelsea Flower Show
The day is dedicated to one of the world’s most prestigious gardening events: the Chelsea Flower Show. Guests may choose to attend this globally celebrated exhibition of floral artistry, landscape design, and horticultural innovation, a highlight of London’s spring calendar. For those who prefer a different pace or travel earlier in May, the day can also serve as free time to enjoy London at leisure.
day 5
Hampton Court Palace & Afternoon Tea
The group travels to Hampton Court Palace, the grand riverside residence once home to Henry VIII. Guests will tour the elegant apartments and explore the renowned gardens, courtyards, and iconic maze. A 90-minute garden history tour enriches the visit, shedding light on centuries of design. In the afternoon, a quintessentially British experience awaits: a traditional afternoon tea, complete with delicate sandwiches, cakes, and scones served with clotted cream.
Visit on day trip to one of England’s most famous and romantic gardens, created by Vita Sackville-West.
insider knowledge: Sissinghurst Castle Garden
day 6
Hidden Gardens & Kensington Palace
This morning, a local guide leads a walking tour through some of London’s hidden green treasures, including the peaceful Phoenix Garden and the Japanese-inspired Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. The journey continues skyward with entry to the Sky Garden, where sweeping views of the city unfold amid lush planting. In the afternoon, guests visit Kensington Palace, once home to Queen Victoria and Diana, Princess of Wales, exploring its stately rooms and enchanting gardens.
Days 7-8
Leisure in London & Departure
After a week of exploration, the penultimate day is left free for guests to discover London at their own pace—whether browsing world-class museums, strolling through leafy royal parks, or indulging in some last-minute shopping. In the evening, the group gathers for a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing memories of the journey over a three-course meal. On the final morning, a private coach transfer to London Heathrow brings the tour to a close, leaving guests with lasting impressions of London’s gardens, palaces, and cultural treasures.
Inclusions
- Ground transportation throughout
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3-course welcome dinner at a local restaurant
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Traditional afternoon tea
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3-course farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodation in 4 star hotels
- London – Holiday Inn Kensington High Street
Admissions to
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RHS Garden Wisley – entrance + guided garden tour
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – entrance
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Kew Palace – entrance + guided tour
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Chelsea Flower Show – entrance (optional)
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Hampton Court Palace – entrance + 90-minute garden history tour
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Traditional afternoon tea
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Sky Garden – entry
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Kensington Palace – entrance
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Panoramic London coach tour with local guide
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Guided “Hidden Gardens of London” walking tour (Phoenix Garden, Kyoto Garden, etc.)