Fall in love with our 2020 holidays Scenic Scotland, Gardens and Archaeology
With 2020 just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your next holiday! Still wondering where to go and what to see in the new year? We thought we’d send you a little update of the holidays we have on offer for 2020 and also share a few brand new tours that we’ve just announced! So, what will next year bring? Well, firstly, there are two special events that will only take place in 2020. The first of which is the World Association of Flower Arrangers’ showpiece event in Jaipur. Held just once every three years, this is your next chance to experience it – and what an experience it is. Anticipate a panorama of demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions, all dedicated to the wonderful world of flowers. And, far from India in a charming Bavarian village called Oberammergau, the once-per-decade Passion Play will be taking to the stage for its 42nd performance. Starting off the back of a vow made in 1633 after the village’s residents were afflicted by the plague and then miraculously spared, this incredible event is still honoured and the only people eligible for roles are – as tradition dictates – the citizens themselves. If you miss this, you’ll have to wait another 10 years to witness it. What’s new for 2020? We have just launched four exciting holidays with no single supplements - perfect for solo travellers - which can take you to Wengen in Switzerland, England’s Lake District, the historic houses of Scotland, and to the glorious gardens of Madeira. Elsewhere, we have a brand new tour to Singapore, which offers the chance to attend the fabulous Singapore Garden Festival as well as explore Gardens by the Bay and observe the Supertree light show from the 128 metrelong Skyway walkway. There are also our New for 2020 holidays, which include a Highland Wildlife Safari, the Private Gardens of Caithness and Sutherland, and our foodie Taste of Argyll and Aberdeenshire trips. All that’s left to do is browse the following pages and then get in touch when something catches your eye. We can’t wait to welcome you on holiday!
Contents Solo Travellers..............................................................pg 4-5 Only in 2020...............................................................pg 6-7 Scotland.......................................................................pg 8- 22 UK Gardens..................................................................pg 23-35
www.brightwaterholidays.com
Overseas Gardens.........................................................pg 35-41 Longhaul......................................................................pg 41-44 Archaeology.................................................................pg 45-49 Booking Conditions.......................................................pg 50-51
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How to book After you have enjoyed browsing these pages at your leisure and you’re ready to treat yourself with a place on one of our tours, just get in touch and we will do the rest. Give our friendly team a call on 01334 429004, or send us an email at info@brightwaterholidays.com For further details on any of our holidays, including day-by-day itineraries, what’s included and full booking conditions, please just head to our website: www.brightwaterholidays.com Happy browsing, and we look forward to hearing from you!
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JUST ANNOUNCED
Solo travellers, rejoice! Introducing a range of holidays designed for you, with no single supplement! The biggest issue for many solo travellers is the pesky single supplement, which is why we have created four itineraries that quite simply just don’t have one. This way, it’s easy to enjoy a holiday by yourself without feeling as if you’re paying more to do so. What’s more, joining an organised group holiday means that we’ll take the stress out of planning a trip. All you have to do is count down the days and get packing!
There are few things more empowering and life-affirming than travelling the world in your own company, which is why we’ve launched four departures perfect for your next solo adventure. Treat yourself to a place on one of our solo tours to experience what it means to explore a new place by yourself. Whether you travel alone by choice or by circumstance, you’ll never be lonely on one of our solo trips. With Brightwater Holidays, your place on a solo tour means that you’re part of a group before you’ve even closed the front door behind you, and we will always be there to ensure your time with us is fulfilling and enjoyable. You’ll be enchanted by visits, you’ll indulge in regional food and you’ll soak up the local culture alongside like-minded guests, and you might even make some new friends along the way! So, choose one of our single supplement-free holidays, ideal for the solo traveller, and get on out there – there’s a whole lot of world to see...
Gardens of Raixa - Madeira
Alpine Flowers of Wengen Join us in the heart of Switzerland for breathtaking scenery, rich alpine meadows and amazing native flora. Here, in Wengen, timber-framed buildings and Belle Epoque hotels transport the visitor to another time – an experience enhanced by this town’s car-free policy. Each day will see us walk up to five miles, sometimes boarding a charming mountain train to get us to our starting points. We will also take the rack railway to Schynige Platte, where a visit to the Alpine Botanic Garden awaits, a stunning space that boasts around 600 different species of endemic plants and flowers. Departing
23 June - 8 days from £2395pp
Gardens of Madeira 400 miles off the coast of Africa lies the lush, volcanic Portuguese island of Madeira – an island of outstanding natural beauty. During the tour, we will visit the splendid Palheiro Gardens, home to an array of agapanthus and belladonna lilies. There will also be a visit to the gardens that surround the château-like Monte Palace, a cable car ride from Funchal to Monte and afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace Hotel. Imagine gentle walks on the levadas, a pleasant climate and a relaxing atmosphere. Departing
2 November - 8 days from £1395pp
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House, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture; and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. Perhaps the grandest of all is Floors Castle, which is home to the Duke of Roxburghe. Departing
26 May - 4 days from £725pp 11 October - 4 days from £695pp
The Lake District
Pink Lady Slipper - Wengen
to inspire even the most uncreative soul! Taking a leaf from the books of the area’s most famous residents, we will embark upon a scenic, story-filled tour, paying visits to Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farmhouse known as Hill Top, William Wordsworth’s idyllic Dove Cottage and artist John Ruskin’s Brantwood. Departing
5 October - 4 days from £595pp
After visiting the magnificent Lake District it will be easy to see why so many celebrated literary figures chose to call it home. This part of the country is simply spectacular. By far the UK’s most popular national park, the Lake District was given UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2017 and its spellbinding landscape of rolling mountains and sprawling lakes is sure
Dove Cottage
Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders Often overlooked in comparison to the Highlands and Islands, the Borders’ quiet, understated beauty and rich history makes them an ideal location for a memorable holiday. This prosperous region is home to a remarkable number of historic houses, ancient castles and stately homes, allowing the visitor to sample a surprisingly large slice of Scottish folklore and history in one fell swoop. Our visits will include Manderston House, described as “the swansong of the stately home”; Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland with a host of royal connections to boot; Mellerstain
Windermere - Lake District
To book your Brightwater holiday, call our travel experts today: 01334 429004 Abbotsford House - Scottish Borders
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For further details on any of our holidays, including full day-by-day itineraries, what’s included and full booking conditions, please just head to our website www. brightwaterholidays.com.
New for 2020
Singapore Garden Festival
A
biennial event, positioned among the top flower and garden shows on the international calendar, the Singapore Garden Festival is a treat for the senses. In addition to spending an entire day at this event, we also experience the incredible Gardens by the Bay, visit the observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands complex, and admire many gardens.
Itinerary Singapore Supertree light show
Days 1 & 2 Depart in the afternoon on a direct flight to
Singapore, arriving on Day 2. Take a sightseeing tour and visit Marina Bay Sands complex with its observation deck.
What’s Included
Day 3 Singapore Botanic Garden and a river cruise await.
Six nights’ bed & breakfast
Day 4 Explore Gardens by the Bay, the Cloud Forest and
Five dinners and one afternoon tea
see the Supertree light show from the Skyway walkway.
Return flights from London to Singapore
Day 5 Enjoy a full day at the Singapore Garden Festival.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 6 Tour the Singapore Chinese and Japenese Gardens
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
(Jurong Gardens) and experience afternoon tea at Raffles.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 7 Visit Hort Park’s themed garden in the morning with
Departures & Price
Days 8 & 9 Today we enjoy a tour of Fort Cannings Spice
20 July
the afternoon free to explore at leisure or visit Sentosa Island. Garden, Singapore’s first botanical and experimental garden. In the afternoon, we fly back to the UK, arriving on Day 9.
9 days from £2495pp
Single room supplement £540
WAFA 2020 in Jaipur
H
eld just once every three years, the World Association of Flower Arrangers’ (WAFA) showpiece event is known as the very best for anyone interested in horticulture and floral art. In 2020, it will be held in Jaipur, and we take advantage of the location outside of our visit to the event itself. Tour the Taj Mahal, see Delhi’s sights and admire amazing Indian gardens.
Itinerary Taj Mahal
Days 1 & 2 Take an overnight flight from Heathrow to Delhi. Upon arrival, we visit the beautiful Lodi Gardens.
What’s Included
Day 3 In Old and New Delhi, visit Jama Mosque, Humayun’s Tomb and the fine Rashtrapati Bhavan Mughal Gardens.
Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 4 Ride the Gatiman Express to Agra and visit the Agra
Return flights from London to Delhi
Fort as well as the Mehtab Bagh (‘Moonlit Garden’).
Four lunches
Day 5 Visit the iconic Taj Mahal then travel on to Jaipur.
All local travel in India
Day 6 Explore the Amber Fort, Maharajah’s City Palace
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
and the gardens of Rambagh Palace, with its exotic birds.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 7 Today is entirely devoted to the WAFA 2020 event.
Departures & Price
Day 8 A free day to return to WAFA or explore Jaipur.
21 February
Day 9 After breakfast, we fly back to London Heathrow.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
9 days from £1995pp
Single room supplement £525
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Oberammergau & Austrian Tyrol
Once every 10 years
T
he Passion Play of Oberammergau is a once-per-decade performance of the story of Christ, and something worth adding to any cultural bucket list. Before the main event, travel aboard the Zillertal Steam Railway, explore Salzburg on a themed excursion (either Mozart or “The Sound of Music”) and discover the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck.
Itinerary ©Passion Play Oberammergau 2020
Day 1 Fly from London to Munich and transfer to Zillertal.
What’s Included
Day 2 Our first day sees us ride aboard the historic Zillertal Steam Railway to the chic ski resort of Mayrhofen, where we have lunch at a mountainside restaurant.
Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch
Day 3 Today we explore vibrant Salzburg, but there are two
Return flights from London to Munich
ways to do so. Choose between a Mozart-themed excursion or one based around “The Sound of Music”. Both options include visits to the city’s fantastic castle and cathedral.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 4 Visit Innsbruck, stopping at Emperor Maximillian I’s
Services of a professional tour manager
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
‘Golden Roof’ and continuing on to Tratzberg Castle.
Day 5 Bid farewell to Austria and travel to Bavaria, where we
Departures & Price
have lunch in the village of Oberammergau before sitting down to experience the phenomenal Passion Play.
10 & 12 August 6 days from £2095pp
Day 6 After breakfast, we return to Munich and fly home.
Single room supplement from £280
Oberammergau & Veneto
Once every 10 years
O
ne of Italy’s wealthiest regions, Veneto’s status can be seen in the extravagance of its villas and their stunning gardens. We explore seven of these glorious residences, some of which we can tour in the company of their aristocratic owners. And, of course, we travel into Bavaria for the chance to witness the Oberammergau Passion Play.
Itinerary ©Passion Play Oberammergau 2020
Day 1 Fly from London to Venice and transfer to the hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 A walking tour of Vicenza, and visits to both Villa
Rotonda and Villa Valmarana await today. We dine at the latter in a room decorated by amazing Tiepolo frescoes.
Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. Three lunches
Day 3 Explore Villa Vescovi, the Oratorio di San Giorgio
Flights from London to Venice and Munich to London
and the Scuola del Santo. A special ‘Giotto under the Stars’ evening at Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel follows.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Villa Barbaro and the town of Asolo await us today.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 5 Lunch is in Austria and we cross into Germany late in the afternoon. Dinner is at a local restaurant later.
Departures & Price
Day 6 This afternoon, we attend the once-per-decade
Passion Play with dinner included in the long intermission.
24 August
Day 7 After breakfast, we head to Munich and fly home.
7 days from £2295pp
Single room supplement £450
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A Grand Tour of Scotland
A
n exclusive whisky tasting at the home of The Glenlivet in Speyside, a memorable steam train journey over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and boat trips to the remote Summer Isles await on this all-encompassing discovery of Scotland. There are also visits to historic castles, including Eilean Donan and Mary Queen of Scots’ childhood home of Falkland Palace. At 11 days long, this is a magnificent introduction to all things Scotland travelling by land, rail and water. We will begin our adventure in Edinburgh, where a tour of its imposing castle awaits. From here, we will follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Gandhi with a guided visit aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Natural wonders abound here, and we stop off at the unique Fingal’s Cave, supported by unusual hexagonal basalt columns, and we also observe the mile-long gorge of Corrieshalloch, where the River Droma plunges 150ft over its dramatic falls.
Eilean Donan Castle
What’s Included 10 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
For the wildlife lovers among us, there’s the chance to spot shags, cormorants, whales, dolphins, basking sharks, and maybe even sea eagles. Where the flavours of Scotland are concerned, we’ll warm you from within with a golden dram or two at the distillery of The Glenlivet and, early on in the tour, we’ll sit down to a ‘Taste of Scotland’ meal and experience authentic recipes from this celebrated destination.
Departures & Price 17 May 22 August
11 days from £2295pp 11 days from £2295pp
Single room supplement from £480
Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 6 day
O
ur extended tour of the Hebrides is extremely popular, offering an opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles. With four ferry trips and up to 10 different islands (depending on your departure), this is perhaps the best way to experience the great variety of landscapes here.
Itinerary Luskentyre, Harris
Day 1 Depart from pick-up points and head north, taking a ferry to Stornoway. We arrive in Lewis, where our hotel is.
What’s Included
Day 2 After breakfast, we visit the 5000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish. We also tour the Black Houses at Gearrannan and Norse Mill at Shawbost.
Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 Travel into Harris and see the isle of Taransay (of
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
“Castaway” fame), visit St. Clement’s Church at Rodel, and then take a ferry to Benbecula for the next part of our tour.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 4 Visit the Kildonan Museum and the birthplace of
Flora MacDonald before free time and optional excursions.
Day 5 Depart for Barra and visit Kisimul Castle We also see
Departures & Price
Day 6 A ferry takes us to Mallaig and we head home,
14 July, 21 July & 25 August 6 days from £995pp 10 May & 7 June 6 days from £935pp 23 June & 15 September 6 days from £1035pp
Cockleshell Beach airport and return via ferry to Eriskay.
travelling past the Glenfinnan Viaduct and more as we go.
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Single room supplement from £195
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Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 day
I
t may be a day shorter than its counterpart, but the 5-day Grand Tour is no less exciting. The only difference is that this version misses out the tour of South Uist and the visit to the RSPB reserve at Balranald. Elsewhere, observe the airport at Cockleshell Beach, gaze upon 5,000-year-old Standing Stones at Callanish and visit the Norse Mill at Shawbost.
Itinerary
Callanish, Isle of Lewis
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head north,
What’s Included
travelling via Glencoe, Fort William and Glenfinnan to Mallaig. From here, we take a ferry to Lochboisdale and cross to Benbecula, our base for the next two nights.
Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 Today we depart for Barra, travelling via Eriskay. We
Comfortable coaching throughout
tour Kisimul Castle and see Cockleshell Beach’s airport. We also hope to see wildflowers and plants on the machair.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 Visit St. Clement’s Church, see the isle of Taransay of “Castaway” fame and continue on to Stornoway.
Day 4 On the west coast of Lewis we visit the 5000-year-
old Standing Stones of Callanish. Next, it’s onto the Black Houses at Gearrannan and the Norse Mill at Shawbost.
Departures & Price 31 March, 7 April & 6 October 5 days from £695pp
Day 5 We check out of the hotel and take a ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. From here, we continue home.
Single room supplement from £140
Up Helly Aa - 5 day
Just announced for 2021
W
ander through the streets of Lerwick at the end of January and it’s likely to be a unique experience. Here, squads of bearded Vikings kitted out in gleaming chain-mail and winged helmets can be seen carrying a 30ft longship, which will eventually be set alight by a thousand blazing brands. As the sky over Lerwick shimmers with heat and light, fireworks explode, brass bands play and the gloom of winter is lifted for another year. This is the annual festival of Up Helly Aa.
Itinerary
Up Helly Aa festival
Day 1 Depart from our designated departure points and
What’s Included
travel to Aberdeen, where we cross overnight to Lerwick aboard the Serco Northlink Ferry.
Two nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast and two nights aboard the Northlink ferry with breakfast and dinner
Day 2 We arrive in the morning and after breakfast on board, we enjoy a full day tour, which begins in Scalloway. Later, we visit the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof and the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 Today we depart for Lerwick, where free time awaits
Services of a professional tour manager
before the Up Helly Aa festivities begin. As darkness falls (mid-afternoon at this time of year), the celebrations start.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Another full day tour awaits today, this time to the isles of Yell and Unst. During this excursion, we travel through Girlsta, Tingwall and enjoy the views from Saxa Vord Hill.
24 January 2021 5 days from £895pp
Day 5 After breakfast on board, we disembark in Aberdeen
Limited late availability for 2020 - please call for details.
Single room supplement from £240
and return to our original pick-up points.
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Highlights of Orkney & Shetland
T
he islands of the ‘Simmer Dim’ await discovery. Many people have landed here, some as early as 3000 BC and most famously the Vikings. Anticipate memorable visits to sites that include the stunning little Italian Chapel and multiperiod settlement of Jarlshof, and tours of the UNESCO-listed Neolithic Orkney and cliffs at Sumburgh Head, home to puffins.
Itinerary Day 1 Sail from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick, with dinner
Whale bone, Orkney
on board our home for the night – the Serco Northlink Ferry.
What’s Included
Day 2 After breakfast, we visit Scalloway with its ruined castle and then visit the seacliffs of Eshaness.
Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast and one night aboard the Northlink ferry with breakfast and dinner
Day 3 Visit the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of
Jarlshof, the RSPB reserve at Sumburgh Head and capital of Lerwick.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Stand before the great stone circles of Brodgar and
Services of a professional tour manager
Stenness, then continue to Maeshowe and Skara Brae.
Day 5 Free time to explore Kirkwall is followed by a tour
Departures & Price
of mainland Orkney’s southern end, crossing the Churchill Barriers and visiting the beautiful Italian Chapel, built and decorated by Italian prisoners of war.
20 April, 27 July & 14 September 6 days from £1095pp 4 May & 17 August 6 days from £1155pp 8 June 6 days from £1195pp
Day 6 After breakfast, we return to the mainland by the short
Single room supplement from £375
sea crossing and continue to our pick-up points.
Undiscovered Orkney
A
n archipelago of 70 islands, each with their own distinctive charm, Orkney contains more secrets and hidden gems than you might imagine. Relive its Viking past and sail the Old Norse sea routes, discover the mainland and the sites known as ‘Neolithic Orkney’, and take in the dramatic scenery that inspired the Orcadian symphonies of Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies.
Itinerary The Old Man of Hoy
Day 1 Leaving from our pick-up points, we travel to
Scrabster and catch the Serco Northlink Ferry to Stromness. Dinner is on board and then we make our way onward to Kirkwall, where we stay in a hotel overlooking the harbour.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast & one night on board the Northlink ferry with breakfast and dinner
Day 2 The island of Westray awaits this morning. Visit the
Scaun Natural Arch, tour the Quoygrew 10th century Norse site, and move on to Castle O’Burrian to see its puffins.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 Depart for the Island of Hoy, where we see the
Services of a professional tour manager
Dwarfie Stone, and then visit the Lyness Naval Base and Interpretation Centre. More visits will follow later on.
Day 4 A full day in Orkney is ours. Visit Maeshowe, Skara
Departures & Price
Brae and sample whisky at the Highland Park Distillery.
Day 5 After breakfast, we catch the ferry to Scrabster from
15 June 24 August
Stromness. We stop for a visit at the Timespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale en route to our pick-up points.
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5 days from £1095pp 5 days from £1095pp
Single room supplement from £300
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Shetland and its Outer Isles
A
s close to Norway as it is to Scotland, Shetland is rugged and remote with a raw, natural beauty, a unique culture and wonderful wildlife. Observe the rich wildlife on the Island of Mousa, soak up 3,000 years of archaeological history at Jarlshof and tour Muness Castle – the most northerly castle in the British Isles. Amazing landscapes, stories and nature await.
Itinerary Shetland seascape
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and travel to
Aberdeen, where we join the Serco Northlink Ferry for an overnight crossing to Lerwick. Dinner is served on board later.
What’s Included
Day 2 A full day of touring the South Mainland is ours. Visit
Two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast and two nights aboard the Northlink Ferry with breakfast and dinner
the Shetland Croft House Museum, the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, and Mousa Broch. Mousa Island is also a nature reserve, so look out for birds and seals!
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 Take a tour of the northern isles of Yell and Unst.
Services of a professional tour manager
Travel through Tingwall and Girlsta, past the oil terminal at Sullom Voe, and cross to the island of Unst. Here, we visit Muness Castle and enjoy the views from Saxavord Hill.
Departures & Price
Day 4 We have breakfast and return to Lerwick, where there
15 June 26 June 1 August
is free time before our return to Aberdeen.
Day 5 After breakfast on board, we disembark in Aberdeen at 0900hrs. From here, we return to our pick-up points.
5 days from £1055pp 5 days from £1015pp 5 days from £985pp
Single room supplement from £250
Knitting in the Shetland Isles
W
ith workshops aplenty and guided tours of nearby archaeological, historical and cultural sites, this tour offers the perfect opportunity to hone our knitting skills in style. Visit the elegant Nielanell Design Studio, discover the area’s archaeological heritage at sites such as Jarlshof, and let our expert tutors lead the way in all things wool-related!
Itinerary Local colour © Frances Taylor
Day 1 Departing by coach from our pick-up points, we cross
on the overnight ferry to Shetland. Dinner is served on board.
What’s Included
Day 2 Disembark at Lerwick, travelling to the Prehistoric
and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof. We stop at Sumburgh Head, Lerwick’s Textile Gallery of the Shetland Museum and Archives, and finally Shetland Textile Museum.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast and two nights aboard the Northlink Ferry with breakfast and dinner Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 Today is the first of our knitting workshops, where
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
we learn about Shetland hand-knitting. After lunch, we visit the Nielanell Design Studio and Hoswick Visitor Centre.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 4 A tour of Shetland and a knitting workshop await. Day 5 Another knitting workshop is followed by a visit to
Departures & Price
Scalloway and some free time in Lerwick.
22 September 6 days from £1345pp 24 September 6 days from £1345pp
Day 6 We return to Aberdeen this morning, where we join our coach and make our way back to our pick-up points.
Single room supplement from £295
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Scotland’s Northern Edge
S
tanding here, on the northern edge of mainland Britain, we are moved to reflect on the awesome, unstoppable power of the sea and the equally indomitable strength of the ancient rock beneath our feet. Visit the famous stacks at Duncansby, see the Journey’s End signpost at John O’Groats and discover the magical Smoo Cave.
Itinerary John O’Groats
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head north, travelling via the coastal road to Thurso.
What’s Included
Day 2 After breakfast, we visit Duncansby Head, John
O’Groats and the Castle of Mey, former holiday home of the late Queen Mother. Next, it’s on to Dunnet Head, Britain’s most northerly point.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 3 Our first visit is to Strathnaver Museum, then it’s on
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Comfortable coaching throughout Services of a professional tour manager
to Tongue for lunch (not included). We also visit nearby Smoo Cave, which was in use 6,000 years ago by early settlers in the north.
Day 4 Depart for Tarbet and catch the shuttle ferry Equinox to cross to Handa Island. Here, we are free to explore at leisure – bring your binoculars, there are many birds in the area!
Departures & Price 11 July 5 days from £695pp 27 August 5 days from £695pp 13 September 5 days from £695pp
Day 5 Leave the hotel and head home, via Loch More and
Lairg. Continuing via Bonar Bridge and Tain, we return to our original pick-up points.
Single room supplement from £160
Dunrobin Castle
Dunbeath Castle
Private Gardens of Caithness & Sutherland
Gardens of the Far North
A
journey to the far north of Scotland brings many rewards, not least the sense of freedom and open space to be found in the thrilling seascapes of the coasts, or the vast expanse of mountain and moorland that separates east from west. From the gardens at Inverewe to the Castle of Mey, and from Dunrobin Castle to the House of Aigas, we explore it all.
S
pectacular seascapes and the wild lands of Caithness and Sutherland await. This part of Britain is home to a surprising number of stunning gardens, from formal gardens that surround grand castles with colourful herbaceous borders, to small and homely gardens tucked away in villages. We also visit the Castle of Mey, the late Queen Mother’s summer home.
Departures & Price
Departures & Price
28 June 10 July
6 July 20 July
5 days from £975pp 5 days from £975pp
Single room supplement from £280
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4 days from £545pp 4 days from £545pp
Single room supplement from £120
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Highland and Island Gardens
A
tour for lovers of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias, all of which thrive in the gentle climate of Scotland’s western seaboard. On the Isle of Bute, we visit the Ascog Fernery as well as Mount Stuart, one of Britain’s most amazing Victorian Gothic houses. We also visit the private garden of An Cala, the island of Gigha and Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Itinerary Arduaine Gardens
Day 1 We depart from our pick-up points and head for
Wemyss Bay, where we catch a ferry to the Isle of Bute. Here, we visit Mount Stuart and the unique Ascog Hall Fernery. Later, we catch the ferry back to the mainland and continue on to our accommodation in Loch Fyne.
Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 Taking the ferry over to Gigha, we visit Achamore
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
What’s Included
Gardens to see the rhododendrons, a collection which is reputed as one of the best in all of Scotland.
Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 Visit the garden at Arduaine today, a splendid site that overlooks Loch Melfort, full of the most magnificent plants. We also explore the small private garden of An Cala on the Isle of Seil, which has impressive views out across the sea.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Today we visit Crarae Gardens, stuffed like a good
15 May 5 June
plum pudding with plenty of rich fruit. Our final visit is to Benmore Botanic Gardens, the country annexe of the Royal Botanic Garden located in Edinburgh.
4 days from £645pp 4 days from £645pp
Single room supplement from £135
Highland cattle
Oban
Aberdeenshire: Scotland’s Larder
A Taste of Argyll
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T
ith its abundant farms and fertile soil, skilled bakers and master distillers, brave fishermen and prizewinning cattle – Aberdeenshire is the source of much of the best food and drink to come out of Scotland. On this unashamedly foodie tour, we’ll observe a traditional shortbread bakery in action, sample locally made golden whisky, indulge in a warming bowl of Cullen Skink, and visit Baxter’s Highland Village.
his part of Scotland produces some of the best food in the world, with its rich coastal waters yielding a treasure trove of seafood, and its rain-kissed moors and pastures providing the perfect habitat for raising lamb, game and beef. Enjoy lunch at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, tour the renowned Oban Distillery and sample a dram or two, and pay a visit to the Inverawe Smokehouse, where we can stock up on delicious produce from beautiful Argyll.
Departures & Price
Departures & Price
10 June 4 days from £575pp 18 September 4 days from £575pp
8 May 3 October
Single room supplement from £120
Single room supplement from £150
13
4 days from £975pp 4 days from £975pp
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In the Footsteps of the Picts
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ravel through the heartland of the southern Picts in Perthshire and Angus, tracking down these elusive people and coming face-to-face with them through the clues of their everyday life, as seen in the incredible artistry of their monumental stone sculptures. The Picts also left behind some amazing jewellery from early medieval Europe.
Itinerary Pictish Stone, Aberlemno
Day 1 Depart by coach from our pick-up points and transfer to the National Museum of Scotland, where we will be joined by one of the curators for a specially arranged tour of the Pictish jewellery and sculpture collection housed here.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 We begin with a visit to the symbol-inscribed cross-
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
slab, depicting angels and a striding cloaked figure at Eassie. We then travel to Brechin to view the medieval round tower and adjacent cathedral. Next, we visit nearby Aberlemno, with its four magnificent Pictish stones. From here, we travel to St. Vigeans Museum of Pictish Sculpture.
Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager
Day 3 Today we visit the Pictish hillfort at Dunkeld, the
Departures & Price
monastery at Dunning, the royal centre of Pictish kings at Forteviot, and finally Perth Museum.
19 June 4 days from £575pp 7 August 4 days from £575pp 4 September 4 days from £575pp
Day 4 A drive to St. Andrews brings us to the decorated
stone sarcophagus of a great Pictish king and then we visit the monastery on the Isle of May. Later, we travel home.
Single room supplement from £90
The V&A Museum, Dundee
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xperience the stories that shaped the city of Dundee and the surprisingly scenic surrounding countryside as we travel between gallery and architectural marvel, observing this often neglected corner of Scotland in a new light. In addition to visiting the V&A, we will tour Glamis Castle, the RRS Discovery and Kellie Castle in Fife.
Itinerary V&A Dundee - © Ross Fraser McLean
Day 1 We begin our tour with a visit to Kellie Castle, home to the Earls of Kellie and restored in 1878. We explore the old stables, which now houses an exhibit on Hew Lorimer’s life, and we stroll around the magical Arts & Crafts garden.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 This morning we visit the V&A Museum Dundee,
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
which showcases Scottish creativity. Later, we tour the McManus Gallery & Museum, where we learn how Dundee developed through the ages. There is also a stop at the Verdant Works, a former jute mill.
Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 We visit the RRS Discovery this morning, which
sailed with the National Antarctic Expedition of 1901-o4, captained by Robert Falcon Scott. After, we tour Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother.
Departures & Price 29 March 7 June 4 October
4 days from £499pp 4 days from £565pp 4 days from £499pp Single room supplement from £135
Day 4 Our homeward journey begins with a stop at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery, one of Britain’s oldest museums and home to over half a million objects.
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14
Gardens of Dumfries and Galloway
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ucked away in the south-western corner of Scotland are some of the country’s most attractive gardens. The artistic highlight of our tour is Dumfries House, which Prince Charles helped to save. We also visit Broughton House, Drumlanrig Castle and the unusual outdoor space that is Crawick Multiverse on this eclectic and beautiful tour.
Itinerary
Drumlanrig Castle
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for
What’s Included
Dumfries House. Its stunning interiors house furniture by Thomas Chippendale and other late 18th century cabinet makers. We also visit the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden.
Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 2 Today we visit Glenwhan Gardens and then move
Comfortable coach travel throughout
on to Logan Botanic Gardens, which was started by the McDougall family who lives here for 800 years. Next door are the gardens of Logan House, originally part of Logan Botanic Garden and home to a monkey puzzle avenue.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 After breakfast we visit Broughton House, the
Departures & Price
plantsman’s nursery at Ellenbank and the gardens of Threave Estate, which boasts a walled kitchen garden.
12 June 4 days from £595pp 16 August 4 days from £575pp 4 September 4 days from £575pp
Day 4 En route home, we visit the gardens of Drumlanrig
Castle. Our final visit is to the Crawick Multiverse, a hidden gem nestled among rolling hills.
Single room supplement from £140
Gardens and Architecture of the Firth of Clyde
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xplore the architectural marvels and fine gardens in and around the Firth of Clyde. We visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s House for an Art Lover, Scotland Street School and Hill House. Elsewhere, there is a chance to sail to the Isle of Bute to visit the Gothic masterpiece that is Mount Stuart and afternoon tea at the iconic Willow Tearooms.
Itinerary
Mount Stuart
Day 1 Depart by coach and head for Glasgow’s
What’s Included
Bellahouston Park, where we visit the House for an Art Lover. Later, we continue on to our hotel.
Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 This morning, we tour Hill House and enjoy a close-
One afternoon tea
up look at the conservation work going on from inside a protective box. We also explore the gardens of Glenarn.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
Day 3 We head for Wemyss Bay, where we catch a ferry
Services of a professional tour manager
to Rothesay. Upon arrival, we visit the house and gardens of Mount Stuart, one of Britain’s largest Victorian Gothic houses, before visiting the unique Ascog Hall Fernery.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Today we travel to Glasgow and visit the Scotland
Street School, which contains typical Mackintosh features. Next, we visit the Hunterian Museum and then finally we get to enjoy a decadent afternoon tea at the authentically restored Willow Tea Rooms, located on Sauchiehall Street.
25 May 4 days from £595pp 7 September 4 days from £635pp Single room supplement from £120
15
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Arran: ‘Scotland in Miniature’
No single supplement
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s we board the ferry at Ardrossan, we see the distinctive silhouette of Goat Fell rising dramatically from the waters of the Firth of Clyde, giving us a taste of our destination, whose unique magic never disappoints. As we travel round the 56 miles of Arran’s coastline we visit Whiting Bay, Brodick, the pretty village of Corrie, and pass the ‘12 Apostles’ at Lochranza.
Itinerary Brodick Castle
Day 1 We depart from our pick-up points and head for
Ardrossan, where we catch a ferry to Brodick. Upon arrival, we travel to our hotel in Blackwaterfoot.
What’s Included
Day 2 This morning we enjoy a circular tour of Arran. From
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Blackwaterfoot, we visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie, and Sannox. On the west coast, we take in Pirnmill and Catacol. Next, we visit Arran Distillery for a tour and taste of its golden drams. A talk from a local historian follows.
One lunch All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
Day 3 Today we are free to simply relax. For those who
Services of a professional tour manager
prefer, join our optional excursion to the Hebridean island of Gigha, with its amazing Achamore Gardens.
Day 4 Travel to Brodick Castle this morning, where we find a delightful Bavarian summerhouse. The afternoon is free.
Departures & Price
Day 5 This morning we catch the ferry back over to the
5 days from £675pp
25 May, 13 July, 24 August & 21 September
mainland and return to our original pick-up points.
No single room supplement
Autumn Tints of Arran
No single supplement
A
t no time are we more enchanted by Arran’s natural beauty than in the autumn months, when its wild woods and wide open spaces are aflame with a riot of red and gold foliage. Enjoy a stunning circular tour of Arran, take a tour of the historic Brodick Castle and venture to the west coast where the ‘12 Apostles’ of Pirnmill can be observed.
Itinerary Goatfell
Day 1 Depart from our designated pick-up points and head
for Ardrossan to catch our ferry over to Brodick. Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel in Blackwaterfoot.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today we have a circular tour of Arran, which starts at
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Blackwaterfoot. From here, we visit Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie, and Sannox. We also travel to the west coast to Catacol and Pirnmill, with its ‘12 Apostles’.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
Day 3 We make our way to Brodick Castle this morning,
Services of a professional tour manager
which occupies a splendid position protected from westerly winds and overlooks the Firth of Clyde. A walled garden, dating from 1710, has been restored and mixed borders on three sides retain the gardener’s interest throughout the year. The present garden dates from 1932, started by the Duchess of Montrose. Afterwards, we enjoy some free time in Brodick.
Departures & Price 19 October
Day 4 After breakfast, we catch the ferry back to the
mainland and then return to our original pick-up points.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
4 days from £475pp
No single room supplement
16
Coll & Tiree
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wo jewels basking in the Hebridean Sea, Coll and Tiree are steeped in romantic legends and the tangled history of the western isles. They are abound with natural wonders, abundant wildlife and ancient remains. Visit an RSPB Reserve, tour the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum and view the award-winning architectural marvel known as ‘An Turas’.
Itinerary Tiree and Balephuil Bay
Day 1 We depart from our pick-up points and head towards Oban, where we board a ferry to Coll. We arrive in the little harbour of Arinagour and transfer to our hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today we depart for a tour of the island, enjoying the
Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
purples, yellows and whites of the flowers that punctuate the machair in summer. Next, we visit the RSPB Reserve that was established to help protect the corncrake.
Two packed lunches All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 We take a short ferry crossing to Tiree – one of the
Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
sunniest places in Britain – and free time here follows.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 4 A tour of Tiree awaits and we visit the Skerryvore
Lighthouse Museum as well as the Treshnish Isles Natural History Museum, which helps us learn more about the area.
Departures & Price 23 June 7 July 25 August
5 days from £1295pp 5 days from £1295pp 5 days from £1295pp Single room supplement from £360
Day 5 After checking out of our hotel, we view ‘An Turas’ – a piece of architecture the locals named “the Wind Tunnel”. After, we board the ferry back to the mainland.
Islay and Jura
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slay represents the southern extreme of the Inner Hebrides. It is known today for its distinctive malt whiskies, its sandy beaches and diverse birdlife. During our time here, we visit the Bowmore Distillery and Loch Gruinart RSPB Reserve. To the north east is Islay’s neighbour, Jura. An untamed and mysterious island, it’s home to just 200 inhabitants.
Itinerary Port Charlotte, Islay
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and catch the ferry
from Kennacraig to Port Askaig in Islay, where our hotel is.
What’s Included
Day 2 Our first visit will be to the Bowmore Distillery,
where we can sample its amazing golden drams, and then we continue to Loch Finlaggan. Finally, we visit the Loch Gruinart RSPB Nature Reserve.
Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 3 After breakfast, we are free to explore Islay. Or,
Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
there is an optional excursion to Colonsay, where we can visit a 30-acre woodland garden and Kiloran Bay.
Day 4 Today we travel to the nearby island of Jura, whose
Departures & Price
record of habitation stretches back over 5,000 years. Enjoy a scenic tour before having some free time in Craighouse, the main settlement, home to a tearoom and Jura Distillery.
20 April 8 June 13 July 14 September
5 days from £995pp 5 days from £1025pp 5 days from £1025pp 5 days from £1025pp Single room supplement from £175
Day 5 We leave Islay this morning and travel home,
stopping en route at the picturesque village of Inveraray.
17
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Whisky Tasting on Islay and Jura
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he Inner Hebridean island of Islay is synonymous with whisky - take a walk down the main street in Bowmore and the heady aroma of malt and fermenting barley fills the air. There are now no fewer than nine working distilleries on the island and we will visit the newest, along with three of the most famous and well-established.
Itinerary Laphroaig distillery
Day 1 Head to Kintyre and catch the Kennacraig to Port
Askaig ferry. From here, we travel to the Port Askaig Hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 We tour Ardnahoe Distillery, the newest on the
island, where we taste five different drams. Next, we visit the Museum of Islay Life and then transfer to Bowmore Distillery for a ‘Vaults & Secrets’ tour and tasting.
Four nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 3 Visit the neighbouring island of Jura, where we enjoy
Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
a scenic tour before visiting the distillery for a tasting of this delicious yet subtle malt.
Day 4 Today we visit two distilleries – Bruichladdich, which produces a range of peated and unpeated single malts, and Laphroaig, where our tour is followed by three tastings.
Departures & Price
Day 5 After breakfast, we transfer to Bowmore with some
3 July 5 days from £1395pp 18 September 5 days from £1395pp
free time to browse the whisky shops before catching the ferry back over to the mainland.
Single room supplement from £175
Mull, Staffa & Iona
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place of tumbling burns, high peaks, dramatic views, and a silent, lonely beauty – Mull is a must-visit destination. The multi-coloured buildings that line the waterfront of the island’s principal town of Tobermory will be familiar to many. From here, we enjoy a wildlife cruise to Staffa, a visit to Duart Castle and time to explore the peaceful Iona Abbey.
Itinerary Duart Castle
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for Oban, where we board the late afternoon ferry to Mull.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today, we drive to Fionnphort and cross as foot
passengers to Iona. Here, we visit its famous abbey and explore the island, which attracts many visitors each year.
Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast One packed lunch
Day 3 This morning, we depart for Tobermory, the starting
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
point for our wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa. We hope to see whales, dolphins and sea eagles. We arrive on the idyllic Isle of Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. Surrounded by wildflowers and stunning scenery, the main attraction is the large puffin colony nesting in burrows (May and June only). Next, we cross to Staffa and explore Fingal’s Cave, following in the footsteps of illustrious tourists who include Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria.
Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings Services of a professional tour manager
Departures & Price 12 June, & 11 September 15 May & 14 August
Day 4 After breakfast, we visit Duart Castle and can explore its dungeons and state rooms. We make our way back later.
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4 days from £765pp 4 days from £795pp
Single room supplement from £195
18
Mull Wildlife Experience
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ith its diverse landscape of mountains, sea lochs, moorland, and peatbog, the Isle of Mull is home to a wide range of mammals and birds, and has established itself as one of the UK’s top wildlife destinations. A paradise for birdwatchers and one of the most important habitats in Europe for dolphins, this is bound to be a memorable tour.
Itinerary Puffins on the Island of Lunga
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for Oban,
where we board the afternoon ferry to Craignure and transfer to our hotel. This evening we have a presentation by a member of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 Our first stop is Staffa and, in particular, Fingal’s
Cave. As we cruise through the islands and rocks that make up the Treshnish Isles, look out for common and Atlantic grey seals. Finally, we arrive at Lunga, where we spend time viewing puffins, razorbills, fulmars, shags, and kittiwakes.
Two packed lunches
Day 3 After breakfast, we take a wildlife walk with one of
Services of a professional tour manager
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
Mull’s top guides. We can hope to see otters, seals and more.
Day 4 We check out of our hotel today and enjoy a short
Departures & Price
wildlife cruise in the waters around Mull. We will look out for whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, and seals. Thereafter, we catch the ferry back to Oban before returning to our original pick-up points.
21 May
4 days from £945pp
Single room supplement £195
Highland Wildlife Safari
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cotland’s natural environment is second to none, with a more diverse range of habitats than almost any other country of comparable size. Take a boat trip on the Moray Firth to see dolphins, visit the wildcat project at the House of Aigas and observe the fish ladder at Pitlochry Dam. There is also a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park.
Itinerary Bottlenose dolphin
Day 1 Depart for the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, where the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys. Continue to the Highland Wildlife Park, which is home to native and exotic animals, such as Hamish the polar bear.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 We take a boat trip on the Moray Firth, where we
One lunch
can see bottlenose dolphins at close quarters. We then visit the House of Aigas Field Centre, where a guided tour shows us the beaver dam and Scottish wildcat project.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout
Day 3 We make our way through glorious mountain
Services of a professional tour manager
scenery to Loch Maree, where we take a woodland walk at the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Later, we visit Inverewe Gardens, with its amazing botanical specimens.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Travel south to visit the Abernethy National Nature
26 June 24 July
Reserve at Loch Garden, where we can see ospreys and crossbills. After, we stop at Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, where we can see the salmon passing upstream.
4 days from £695pp 4 days from £725pp
Single room supplement from £90
19
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Autumn Tints of Perthshire
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erthshire is home to some remarkable trees and, come autumn, the leaves turn from fresh green to a palette of red, gold, yellow and bronze – a wonderful sight to behold as the morning mists clear. Visit the 3,000-year-old Fortingall Yew, tour Blair Castle, and come face to face with two historic trees – the Birnam Oak and the Parent Larch.
Itinerary Dunkeld Cathedral
Day 1 We travel to Scone Palace, whose magnificent
collection of trees includes the original Douglas fir, raised from the seed that renowned plant-hunter David Douglas sent back from America in 1827. In the afternoon, we continue to Dunkeld. Near its famous cathedral, we find the remaining Parent Larch and the nearby Birnam Oak, which is believed to be the last surviving remnant of Birnam Wood, as mentioned in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”.
Two nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 Our first visit is to the heartland of Scotland, where we
Services of a professional tour manager
What’s Included All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel throughout
find the Fortingall Yew, said to be anywhere between 3,000 - 9,000 years old. We continue to the woodland garden at Cluny House, the wild tree garden at the Hermitage and on to Aberfeldy, whose trees inspired Robert Burns.
Departures & Price
Day 3 After a stroll around Faskally Forest, we continue
11 October
to the Pass of Killiecrankie and then we travel north to Blair Castle. Here, we pay a visit to Diana’s Grove, a truly outstanding ‘big tree’ experience.
3 days from £325pp
Single room supplement £50
Stornoway, Skye and the Summer Isles
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an any three place names evoke the joys of Scotland’s great outdoors more succinctly than Stornoway, Skye and the Summer Isles? Calming coastlines, ancient megaliths, brilliant black mountains, and romantic boat rides await us, creating extraordinary experiences and lasting memories.
Itinerary
Gairloch
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and travel via
What’s Included
Strathbran and Loch Maree to our hotel in Gairloch.
Day 2 Transfer to Ullapool for our Summer Isles cruise. We
Five nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
pass Cathedral Cave and sail past Tanera Mhor. En route to our hotel, we stop at Inverewe Gardens, with its exotic trees.
Day 3 In Tarbet, we catch a ferry to Handa Island and look
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings Services of a professional tour manager
out for guillemots, razorbills and Arctic skuas.
Day 4 We catch a ferry to Stornoway. In Lewis, we visit
Lews Castle and Museum and St. Columba’s Ui Church.
Departures & Price
Day 5 The Standing Stones of Callanish, Black Houses at Gerrannan and Norse Mill at Shawbost await discovery.
9 July 6 days from £1035pp 16 September 6 days from £995pp
Day 6 Travel south to Harris, stopping at Portree and
Sligachan, and then continue home via the scenic route.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
Single room supplement from £175
20
Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides
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omplementing our Outer Hebrides tour, this equally grand yet relaxing tour takes in the principal isles of Mull, Islay and Jura, as well as the little gems Staffa and Iona. Visit Duart Castle, taste whisky at the Bowmore Distillery and take a boat trip to Fingal’s Cave. A full day is given to the peaceful isle of Iona, with its famous abbey and beaches.
Itinerary
Isle of Iona
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head to
What’s Included
Craignure on the Isle of Mull, where our hotel is located.
Day 2 Explore Tobermory, cruise to the Treshnish Isles and
Six nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Staffa, and visit Fingal’s Cave on this wildlife-filled day.
One packed lunch
Day 3 Drive to Fionnphort and cross to Iona, where we can
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
visit the abbey and wander the island’s charming landscape.
Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings
Day 4 Visit Duart Castle and then cruise onward to Islay.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 5 Loch Finlaggan, a tasting and tour at Bowmore
Distillery, and a visit to the Museum of Islay Life await us.
Departures & Price
Day 6 Discover Jura and enjoy free time in Craighouse.
9 May & 5 September 20 June & 1 August
Day 7 Take the ferry to Kennacraig, continuing home with a stop en route in Inveraray.
7 days from £1595pp 7 days from £1645pp
Single room supplement from £300
A Classic Scottish Steam Break
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he Jacobite steam train, from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today – an 84-mile round trip through spectacular scenery, which includes the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct. Elsewhere, take a trip on the SS Sir Walter Scott and experience a unique boat journey on the Falkirk Wheel.
Itinerary The Jacobite steam train in action
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and travel to the
Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. Sail along the Union Canal and under the historic Antonine Wall, the Romans’ most northern frontier. After, head to our hotel.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast
Day 2 Journey back in time aboard the Jacobite steam
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
train on the Fort William to Mallaig line. Gilde over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and let us treat you to champagne on the return leg of this memorable, scenic trip.
Comfortable coach travel throughout Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 Sail on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer -
The Waverley (subject to successful boiler refit). We leave the ship at Tighnabruaich, where our coach is waiting to take us back to the hotel.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Depart for a cruise on the steam ship, SS Sir Walter
9 July, 13 August & 9 October 26 June
Scott. Launched in 1899, she retains her original engines, which are powered by steam using smokeless solid fuel. After the cruise, we tour the Trossachs.
4 days from £595pp 4 days from £625pp
Single room supplement from £90
21
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New for 2020
Strathspey Railway
Inverness
Lord of the Highlands Highlands and Islands
Scenic Scottish Railways
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he north of Scotland is blessed with wonderfully scenic railway lines. Using scheduled diesel trains, we travel north to Wick, following the coast as far as Helmsdale, before sweeping inland through the wild and empty country of Sutherland and Caithness, and westwards to the Kyle of Lochalsh. We have the added attraction of steam haulage on our trips to Mallaig and Broomhill.
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n 2020, the hugely popular Lord of the Glens will be joined by a brand new sister ship, the Lord of the Highlands. This cruise combines fresh and saltwater cruising as we sail between Inverness, Fort Augustus and Oban. The vessel is then lifted by a series of six inter-connected locks that lead to Loch Oich and onward to Banavie. Stroll around Tobermory, visit Duart Castle and cruise Loch Ness.
Departures & Price
Departures & Price
8 May 4 days from £595pp 25 September 4 days from £595pp
30 September 6 days from £1127pp
Single room supplement from £90
Single cabin supplement on request
8 day cruises available from £1995pp
Tobermory
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
Lord of the Glens - Highlands and Islands – 6 Days
Lord of the Glens - Heart of the Highlands – 8 Days
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A
his cruise combines both fresh and saltwater cruising, as the Lord of the Glens sails between Inverness, Fort Augustus and Oban. Travel the length of Loch Ness, explore Duart Castle and negotiate Neptune’s Staircase. The MV Lord of the Glens has 27 beautifully appointed state cabins, all with windows and en-suite facilities.
slightly longer version of the tour to the left, this 8-day edition includes everything on the other itinerary and also features an excursion to Eilean Donan Castle and time to visit the tiny island of Eigg. This latter destination offers a sense of what life is like for the 90 people who live there. There are also visits to the picturesque village of Plockton and the Clan Donald Centre and Gardens.
Departures & Price 17 April, 28 September & 8 October 22 April, 3 October & 13 October
Departures & Price 27 April & 14 September 4 & 18 May
6 days from £1345pp 6 days from £1345pp
Single cabin supplement from £800
www.brightwaterholidays.com
8 days from £2295pp 8 days from £2295pp
Single cabin supplement from £1400
22
RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Classic English Gardens
Bestseller
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ombine the colour, prestige and excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with some of the south of England’s finest gardens, affording the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of horticultural excellence. We will also visit Sissinghurst in Kent, Great Dixter and Hestercombe, one of Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens’ greatest efforts.
Itinerary
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and transfer to the
What’s Included
RHS Garden Wisley, where we have a guided tour.
Six nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 2 A full day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is ours.
Full day ticket for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Day 3 We explore the manicured gardens at Sissinghurst and then move on to Great Dixter.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 4 Visit the impressive gardens of Wilton House near
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Salisbury and then it’s on to Iford Manor for a private visit.
Day 5 Tour the Bishop’s Palace in Wells and then we move on to Hestercombe, a Jekyll and Lutyens garden.
Departures & Price
Day 6 Discover the amazing gardens of Stourhead today.
21 May
Day 7 Travel to the Victorian country house of Tyntesfield for a guided tour before we return to London.
7 days from £1295pp
Single room supplement £330
RHS Garden Bridgewater and Gardens of the North West
New RHS Garden
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urrently the largest gardening project in Europe, RHS Garden Bridgewater is set to open in 2020 and we will be among the first to visit it. We will also explore some of the north west’s best gardens, including Trentham Estate in Staffordshire, Dunham Massey and Arley Hall, whose herbaceous borders are a true delight for gardeners.
Itinerary
Arley Hall
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for the
What’s Included
gardens of the Trentham Estate in Staffordshire. The revival of the famous Italian Gardens was led by the winner of multiple Chelsea gold medals, Tom Stuart-Smith.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 2 Today we make our way to the RHS Garden
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Bridgewater at Worsley. This once in a generation project will see the RHS take inspiration from the heritage of the site and transform it into a world-class garden. Later, we visit a nearby private garden, which is no less intriguing.
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Day 3 Explore the gardens at Dunham Massey, taken over
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by the National Trust in 1976. Later, we visit Tatton Park, whose gardens have developed over 200 years.
4 September 4 days from £625pp 11 September 4 days from £595pp 18 September 4 days from £595pp
Day 4 We depart for a visit to Arley Hall this morning, a
location whose herbaceous borders are one of the great garden sights in all of England.
Single room supplement from £120
23
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The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show and Gardens of Derbyshire
S
et against the classic landscape shaped by Capability Brown and Joseph Paxton, the Chatsworth Flower Show aims to present the best in British design and innovation. We also visit a selection of the region’s other classic gardens, including Felley Priory, Hardwick Hall and Haddon Hall. There will also be a visit to the splendid RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Itinerary
Hardwick Hall
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and travel to Felley
What’s Included
Priory. The tranquil grounds house many rare and unusual plants, and the herbaceous borders are a sight to behold. We continue to Hardwick Hall, which dominates the area.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 2 Our day begins at RHS Harlow Carr, a garden that
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
has sections devoted to particular groups of plants. After refreshments at Betty’s Tearoom, there is free time in Harrogate. Why not visit the Mercer Art Gallery or Royal Pump room?
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Day 3 Enjoy a full day at the RHS Chatsworth flower show,
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which presents the best in British design and innovation.
Day 4 We journey to Haddon Hall, an intensely romantic and
11 June
hugely historic house, whose gardens retain much of their 17th century character. Following our visit, we return to our original departure points.
4 days from £695pp
Single room supplement £90
Gardens of Cheshire and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
T
he RHS will once again bring a spectacular celebration of flowers and gardening to the north west of England, with the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Elsewhere, the herbaceous borders at Arley Hall are one of England’s greatest garden sights while Mount Pleasant boasts a traditional mixed garden, complemented by amazing views.
Itinerary
Arley Hall
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head for Cheshire,
where we visit Ness Botanic Gardens. Here, we find terraces with climbing plants, native plants and water gardens. Later, we make our way over to our hotel for the night.
Day 2 A full day at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
awaits us today. It is full of attractions, from floral marquees to impressive small gardens, which show that even a small space can be transformed into a treasured retreat.
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Day 3 We begin at Arley Hall’s gardens and then move on to Mount Pleasant, boasting 10 acres of landscaped garden.
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Day 4 We check out of our hotel and head home, stopping
22 July
for lunch en route at Stonyford Cottage. This informal natural space has been developed around a pool with bridges leading to an island that evokes Monet’s gardens at Giverny.
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4 days from £595pp
Single room supplement £135
24
Gardens of Northumberland
No single supplement
T
his largely rural county is home to a range of individual and imaginative gardens, with each one giving a unique insight into the pleasure of gardening in this most beautiful and tranquil corner of England. Explore the gardens at Mindrum, Kirky Cottage, Alnwick Garden and the Grade I-listed medieval manor house of Crook Hall.
Itinerary Alnwick Garden Tree House
Day 1 We travel from London’s Kings Cross to Durham and
then transfer to Crook Hall, a Grade I-listed medieval manor house with a banqueting hall that dates back to at least the 13th century. Dinner follows later on this evening.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch
Day 2 Today we venture through the wild and rugged
landscape of north Northumberland to Mindrum. The garden here was created with great skill by its owner and is now looked after by her son. We transfer to her new garden, created a few years ago at Kirky Cottage, where lunch is included in the early afternoon.
Return standard class rail travel from London Kings Cross to Durham (£100 reduction for no rail travel)
Day 3 The Duchess of Northumberland’s Alnwick Garden
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Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
awaits, this morning, followed by Manor House.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Before heading home, we travel to the Durham and
14 June 26 July
Northumberland border to Newbiggin House, a five-acre landscape garden at 1,000ft, which was started in 1996. We then catch a train from Durham back to London.
4 days from £795pp 4 days from £795pp
No single room supplement
Private Gardens of East Anglia
T
he adjoining counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk feature on this tour of some of the finest gardens that East Anglia has to offer. We explore the late Beth Chatto’s famous garden and nursery, Helmingham Hall with its splendid borders and the hidden gem of East Ruston Old Vicarage, an inspirational exotic garden two miles from the North Sea.
Itinerary Beth Chatto Garden
Day 1 Depart from London and visit RHS Hyde Hall at
Rettendon, south of Chelmsford. We continue on to Beth Chatto Gardens, which was transformed from overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil to a famous outdoor space.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 2 A visit to the Wyken Hall and Vineyards and then
Helmingham Hall await us today, the latter overlooking a deer park with a double avenue of oaks.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 We visit the gardens of Raveningham Hall,
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
protected by shelter belts of woodland, herbaceous and mixed borders, wildflower meadows, and rolling lawns. A highlight of our visit is the Time Garden, designed around Francis Bacon’s essays on the passage of time. We also visit the East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens today.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Discover the incomparable Place for Plants at East
18 May 17 August
Bergholt and then continue to our final visit, the gardens at Marks Hall, before we make our way back home.
4 days from £595pp 4 days from £595pp
Single room supplement from £90
25
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Gardens of North Wales
S
et among glorious scenery that includes the mountains of Snowdonia, dramatic seascapes and ancient castles, North Wales is home to some outstanding gardens. One of the best is Plas Cadnant, which 20 years ago was an overgrown wilderness of ivy and decrepit fruit trees. Other highlights include Plas Brondanw and the Italianate Portmeirion.
Itinerary Portmeirion
Day 1 Depart by coach and head for Wales, where we visit
the gardens of Powis Castle, influenced by French and Italian styles. From here, we continue on to our hotel.
Day 2 Today we travel to the privately owned garden of
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Maenan Hall, set among mature hardwoods on the slopes of the Conwy Valley. Later, we visit Colywn Bay’s Bodnant Garden and then we visit Plas Cadnant, a hidden garden.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 We visit Mynydd Heulog, an 18th century stone
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cottage set in a sloping garden with views over the bay. Next, we make our way to Plas yn Rhiw, a delightful manor house with a pretty ornamental garden.
Day 4 We visit the gardens at Plas Brondanw, followed by
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the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion, nestled among dramatic mountain scenery within the Snowdonia National Park. Later, we return to our pick-up points.
5 June 17 July
4 days from £595pp 4 days from £595pp
Single room supplement from £195
Private Gardens of Herefordshire
R
ural Herefordshire boasts some of Britain’s finest gardens, offering a great variety of styles – from water gardens to plantsman’s gardens, and from a garden of sentiment and memories to a garden of history and refinement. Highlights include Sir Roy Strong’s The Laskett, Westonbury Mill Water Gardens and Hampton Court Castle.
Itinerary Hampton Court Castle
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and stop en route at
Pengethley Garden Centre. We also see The Laskett today.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today we visit the private garden of the Old Rectory
at Thruxton, stocked with unusual perennials and roses. Later, we visit Westonbury Mill Water Garden, which is home to a bog garden and Monet bridge.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast One lunch Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 We begin at the Hampton Court Castle, a 15th
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
century structure surrounded by 1,000 acres of parkland. We explore Stockton Bury Gardens at Kimbolton, where we have a workshop and talk with the head gardener.
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Day 4 Our final day culminates with a visit to Misarden
Park near Stroud. Originally designed in the 17th century, the gardens were redeveloped by Sir Edwin Lutyens in his famous Edwardian styles. From here, we return to our pick-up points.
Departures & Price 14 May 4 days from £695pp 2 August 4 days from £695pp 2 September 4 days from £695pp Single room supplement from £150
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26
Highgrove and the Cotswolds
O
ur tour of the Cotswolds features an exclusive visit to Highgrove House, the country home of HRH the Prince of Wales. Some of the finest gardens in England are found nestled among the rolling hills of Gloucestershire and we begin at the Arts and Crafts house of Rodmarton Manor. There are also visits to Hidcote Manor and Westonbirt.
Itinerary Highgrove
Day 1 Depart from our designated pick-up points and head for the garden of Rodmarton Manor, which was originally designed as a series of outdoor rooms and are still the same today, with each part of the garden having a different character. We continue to our hotel in the Cotswolds.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 2 This morning, we visit the gardens of Hidcote
Comfortable coaching throughout
What’s Included
Manor, one of the best known gardens in Britain. We then visit Kiftsgate Court, surrounded by a series of enclosed gardens, whose formality is blurred by generous planting.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 We transfer to Highgrove today, country home of
the Prince of Wales. This is a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens, which are cultivated using wholly organic methods. Later, we visit Misarden Park, near Stroud.
Departures & Price 17 April, 14 May, 7 August, 4 September & 25 September 4 days from £595pp 12 June 4 days from £625pp
Day 4 En route home, we visit the Westonbirt National
Arboretum. It is home to around 18,000 trees and shrubs, and is laid out over approximately 600 acres.
Single room supplement from £175
Gardens of Kent & Sussex
I
f there’s one tour that epitomises the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden, it’s this one – with one shining example after another to be savoured. We begin at Great Comp and move on to Lullingstone Castle. Next, we visit Nymans Garden, Sissinghurst and Great Dixter. There’s also a visit to Perch Hill, garden of TV presenter Sarah Raven.
Itinerary Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head towards
Kent for our first visit, which is to Great Comp Garden. Here, we find rare shrubs and perennials. We continue on to Lullingstone Castle with its unique World of Plants.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch
Day 2 Today we visit Sussex Prairie Garden at Henfield,
which has large borders in a naturalistic style. We move on to Nymans Garden, which has an outstanding plant range.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 A special ‘early bird’ visit to Sissinghurst in Kent
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
awaits, before it opens to the general public. We then make our way to Great Dixter, another fantastic English garden.
Day 4 After breakfast, we visit Wakehurst Place Gardens,
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set among 100 acres. Then, we continue to Perch Hill, the garden of well-known TV presenter Sarah Raven. After lunch, the head gardener takes us on a special tour and then we return to our original pick-up points.
28 May & 25 June 4 days from £795pp 20 August 4 days from £825pp Single room supplement from £195
27
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In the Footsteps of Gertrude Jekyll
A
plantswoman extraordinare, Gertrude Jekyll had an incredible influence on garden design and we pay visits to a number of her magnificent outdoor spaces on this tour. The true highlight is the rare chance to visit Munstead Wood, where she once lived and where she tried out many of her experimental garden plans.
Itinerary
Hestercombe
Day 1 We begin with a visit to the garden of Vann, which
What’s Included
incorporates Gertrude Jekyll’s 1911 water garden, and then we continue on to Loseley Park, with its Walled Garden.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 2 Today we visit Upton Grey Manor House, perhaps the
Comfortable coaching throughout
most authentic Jekyll garden in existence. Next, we visit the Godalming Museum and nearby Munstead Wood, where Jekyll lived until her death in 1932.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 The private garden of Bramdean and the gardens of East Lambrook await our discovery.
Day 4 We tour the gardens of Nynehead Court and Cothay
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Manor.
6 June
Day 5 Our final visit is to Hestercombe, one of Jekyll and Lutyens’ greatest masterpieces, before we return to our original departure points.
5 days from £975pp
Single room supplement £200
Gardens of Somerset and Dorset
T
hese neighbouring counties evoke the timeless and restrained beauty of pastoral England, and are home to a fine selection of classic gardens in a range of styles. From our base in Taunton, we visit historic National Trust properties such as Barrington Court and Stourhead, as well as amazing gardens like East Lambrook and Lytes Cary Manor.
Itinerary Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head to the
Stourhead Garden
garden at Stourhead, with its temples, urns and grotto.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today we visit the gardens at Kilver Court, with their unusual backdrop of a vast railway viaduct. Later, we visit the Yeo Valley Organic Garden, an evolving patchwork of ornamental and edible plants.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 We travel to the gardens at Minterne, an 18th century serpentine park with lakes and a woodland garden. We continue to Forde Abbey, home to a towering fountain.
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Day 4 Visit Tintinhull Gardens, set around a 17th century
manor house. Afterwards, we visit East Lambrook Manor, recognised as the ‘Home of English Cottage Gardening’.
Departures & Price
Day 5 Depart for the gardens of Barrington Court, inspired
18 June 20 August
by the designs of Gertrude Jekyll. Our final visit is to Lytes Cary Manor, surrounded by an enchanting garden.
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5 days from £695pp 5 days from £695pp
Single room supplement from £150
28
Cornwall and Tresco
R
enowned the world over for their colour and variety, Cornwall’s gardens are so fantastic that it’s hard to choose just a few to visit. Starting at Lanhydrock with its flowering shrubs and trees, we then move on to Bosvigo with its imaginative planting. Next come Trelissick, Tresco’s Abbey Garden in the Scilly Isles and the private garden of Marsh Villa.
Itinerary Lanhydrock Gardens
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and visit Lanhydrock Gardens, which boast a courtyard and woodland garden.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today we make our way to Bosvigo, whose borders
explode with dahlias, roses and nasturtiums. Later, we visit Trelissick, a modern garden planted around 200 years ago.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 Either relax in the hotel today or join an optional
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
excursion to Tresco in the Scilly Isles, where we will visit the unique Abbey Garden. It is home to over 3,000 species.
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Day 4 A visit to Trebah, a wild and colourful Cornish garden, awaits this morning. In the afternoon, we visit the garden of Lamorran House, which was designed in an Italianate style although Japanese influences are visible here.
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Day 5 We depart for a visit to Marsh Villa, whose three-acre
10 April 12 June
garden is the result of years of hard work by its enthusiastic owner. From here, we return to our pick-up points.
5 days from £895pp 5 days from £895pp
Single room supplement from £280
Tresco’s Abbey Garden
T
ruly a sub-tropical paradise, this tiny corner of England has remained unpolluted, unspoilt and unchanged for decades. Tresco lies just 28 miles off the Cornish coast, yet it basks in a balmy climate where spring comes early, autumn stays late and winter barely exists at all! Home to over 3,000 species, the Abbey Garden is simply a place unlike any other.
Itinerary Abbey Gardens
Day 1 Taking the strain out of the long drive to Penzance, we catch a train from London’s Paddington station. Upon arrival, we transfer to Land’s End in time for a flight to the Scillies. On St. Mary’s, we take a boat transfer to Tresco, where a welcome talk awaits us.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Days 2 & 3 Enjoy a special guided walk around the
Return standard class rail travel from London to Penzance (£100 reduction for no rail travel)
magnificent Abbey Garden with the head gardener (or member of staff). We are then free to explore Tresco at our leisure. Its ancient castles, beautiful beaches and headland walks make for a great visit, or just relax in the resident’s lounge. Visiting other nearby islands is something that we can also arrange. Why not explore St. Martin’s, St. Agnes or Bryher? Regular boat trips are available, which offer the chance to spot sea birds and seals on the western rocks.
Return flights from Land’s End to Tresco All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Departures & Price 27 March & 5 October 17 April & 14 September 18 May
Day 4 A morning boat trip takes us to St. Mary’s for our
flight to Land’s End. From here, we transfer to Penzance for our afternoon train back to London.
4 days from £995pp 4 days from £1095pp 4 days from £1125pp
Single room supplement from £210
29
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Gardens of Devon
T
he lush green pastures and dramatic moors of Devon provide the attractive backdrop to our tour of gardens, both large and small – some famous, others privately owned and less well-known. From Hestercombe and Killerton, to RHS Garden Rosemoor and Marwood Hill, join us in beautiful Devon for a summer garden extravaganza.
Itinerary RHS Garden Rosemoor
Day 1 Depart for Hestercombe, one of Jekyll and Lutyens’ greatest masterpieces. Everywhere, details of design and planting can be observed, which any gardener will admire.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today, we visit Killerton, where a masterly rock
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
garden sparkles with hellebores, hostas and geraniums. We travel deep into south Devon next, to the Garden House, where Lionel Fortescue built around 16th century ruins.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 A real treat awaits today as we have a guided tour of
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the RHS’s Rosemoor Garden. Afterwards, we visit the large private garden of Marwood Hill, which is set around three lakes and boasts marvellous views.
Day 4 We travel to nearby Holbrook Gardens, an
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evolving tapestry of planting with experimental naturalistic plantings that create differing habitats. Our final visit is to Knightshayes Court, one of the best Gothic Revival country houses anywhere, with a great Victorian kitchen garden.
16 June 18 August
4 days from £595pp 4 days from £595pp
Single room supplement from £105
Downton Abbey and the Stately Homes of England
H
aving hit the big screen last month, the popular TV drama “Downton Abbey” has again put Highclere Castle firmly on the map. We are delighted to have secured exclusive access to the castle, where we can see the rooms featured in the series. Further film locations feature at Lacock village (“Cranford”), Blenheim Palace (“Spectre”) and Basildon Park (“Pride and Prejudice”).
Itinerary
What’s Included
Day 1 Today we depart from London and visit Bampton, a village in Oxfordshire that was used for filming the outdoor scenes in “Downton Abbey”. Later, we continue to Witney.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 2 Explore Basildon Park near Reading today, which
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
featured as Netherfield Park in “Pride and Prejudice”. We also visit Highclere Castle today, instantly recognisable to all “Downton Abbey” fans. We see the Egyptian exhibition here.
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Day 3 The picturesque village of Lacock awaits, setting for
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“Cranford”. We also tour Lacock Abbey, used as Hogwarts in “Harry Potter”, as well as Iford Manor and the city of Bath.
12 July 4 days from £695pp 16 August 4 days from £695pp 5 September 4 days from £695pp
Day 4 Depart for Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir
Winston Churchill. Next, we visit Waddesdon Manor, which was used as the fictional Haxby Park in the second series of “Downton Abbey”. From here, we travel home.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
Highclere Castle
Single room supplement from £195
30
Gardens of Jersey
W
ithin touching distance of France, this island is blessed with mild and sunny weather, making it the perfect place for an early summer holiday. We have set aside an entire day to explore Jersey’s many highlights, which include the War Tunnels and Mount Orgueil Castle, and we will also visit selected private gardens, Samarès Botanical Garden and more.
Itinerary Mont Orgueil
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick to Jersey and upon arrival we
transfer to our hotel. Our local guide will host a pre-dinner welcome meeting to introduce us to this wonderful island.
What’s Included
Day 2 Three private gardens await this morning, starting
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
with Domain des Vaux. We continue to Les Aix and then it’s on to Creux Baillot. Our June departure includes a visit to Le Noir Pré, where wild orchids should be on display.
Return flights from London to Jersey Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 Today is free for us to explore all that Jersey has to
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
offer. Explore the War Tunnels, discover the shops that line the streets in St. Helier or take a day trip to Guernsey.
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Day 4 We visit the privately owned Samarès Botanical
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Garden this morning and after some free time in Gorey, we head to the Eric Young Orchid Foundation as well as Ransoms Garden Centre, where we have a cream tea.
18 June 5 days from £1195pp 1 September 5 days from £1195pp
Day 5 After breakfast, we catch our flights back home.
Single room supplement from £220
Walmer Castle and the Cinque Ports
T
he historic pleasure gardens at Kent’s Walmer Castle have been brought back to life thanks to a £2.3m restoration project, funded by English Heritage. On this new tour we also pay visits to Pashley Manor, Salutation Garden, Dover Castle, and Smallhythe Place. A memorable journey through the Garden of England and the Cinque Ports awaits.
Itinerary
Walmer Castle Gardens
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and head to Pashley
What’s Included
Manor, an award-winning garden on the Kent and Sussex border. From here, visit Hastings and observe its ruined castle, built after William the Conqueror’s coronation.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 2 Today we depart for the Salutation Gardens,
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
designed in 1912 by Sir Edwin Lutyens. We also visit the nearby town of Sandwich and then it’s on to Walmer Castle, where we have a guided tour that will take us through its colourful history.
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Day 3 We begin at Dungeness, the starting point for a ride aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. We continue to Pines Garden and finally Dover Castle.
Departures & Price
Day 4 Our final visit is to Smallhythe Place, a half-
9 June 4 days from £595pp 15 September 4 days from £595pp
timbered house and formerly home to the Victorian actress Ellen Terry. From here, we return to our pick-up points.
Single room supplement from £90
31
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Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight
A
scending to the throne at just 18, Queen Victoria reigned over an empire the like of which will never be seen again. This tour takes us to locations that played an important part in her life, as well as offering the opportunity to visit some of the outstanding attractions on the Isle of Wight. Explore Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and Shanklin Gorge as well as Frogmore House and Windsor Castle.
Itinerary
Osborne House and Gardens
What’s Included
Day 1 Depart from our pick-up points and travel to Windsor Castle. From here, it’s on to the Isle of Wight via ferry.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch
Day 2 Travel to Osbourne House and Gardens, which was
Comfortable coaching throughout
Queen Victoria’s favourite home. After a guided tour, we visit the Swiss Cottage, where her nine children loved to play.
Ferry transfers All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 3 We begin at the romantic Carisbrooke Castle and
continue on to the Rosemary Vineyard for a tour and tasting. From here, it’s on to Godshill, which boasts some of the oldest architecture on the island. We also visit Shanklin with its world-famous gorge.
Day 4 Returning by ferry to the mainland, we continue on to
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Departures & Price 17 August
Windsor and explore Savill Garden, one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens. Our final visit takes us to Frogmore House and then we return to our pick-up points.
4 days from £695pp
Single room supplement £175
Heritage of the Isle of Man
S
ituated between the coastlines of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales – in the middle of the Irish Sea – is the self-governing crown dependency of the Isle of Man. Blessed with extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches, we’ve brought together castles, villages, museums and grand houses to offer an all-encompassing tour.
Itinerary Castle Rushen
Day 1 Fly from London to the Isle of Man, checking in to our hotel located in Douglas.
What’s Included
Day 2 Visit Castle Rushen, the Old House of Keys, the Old
Grammar School and the picturesque village of Cregneash.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 3 We enjoy a trip on the Manx Electric Railway today
Return flights from London to the Isle of Man
and visit the Grove Museum of Victorian Life. In the afternoon, we transfer to nearby Milntown, a former family home left in trust to the public by its last owner.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 4 Today’s tour of the island continues at Peel Castle,
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
which was the fort of Magnus Barefoot. We also visit the House of Manannan and Tynwald Hill, which plays host to the island’s parliament once per year.
Departures & Price
Day 5 Our final visit is to the iconic Laxey Wheel, built in
2 May 5 August
1854 to pump water to the Great Laxey Mines complex. We then return to Douglas for some free time before the airport.
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5 days from £895pp 5 days from £925pp
Single room supplement from £175
32
Steam in the Lake District
T
he haunting, evocative sound of steam whistles still echo around the hills and dales of the Lake District. The little trains of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway provide the most scenic experience as they chug up into the hills. Visit Lake Windemere’s steamboat museum, take a boat trip on Coniston and visit the Anderton Boat Lift.
Itinerary Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Day 1 Depart by coach for Carnforth Station Heritage
Centre, used as a location for the film “Brief Encounter”.
What’s Included
Day 2 Transfer to the Windermere Jetty steamboat
museum and then take a cruise from Bowness to Lakeside, enjoying the views from this - the largest lake in England. On arrival at the terminus, we board a train for a nostalgic ride on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 3 Today we travel round the Cumbrian coast to
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Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Ravenglass, the starting point for a journey on the narrowgauge railway. In the afternoon, we cruise aboard the Victorian steam launch “Gondola” and visit the house and gardens at Brantwood, home of the late John Ruskin.
Departures & Price 15 May 4 days from £595pp 19 June 4 days from £595pp 11 September 4 days from £595pp
Day 4 We begin our homeward journey, stopping en route
for one final visit to the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift. We also take a boat trip on the Weaver Navigation and experience an ascent before returning to our pick-up points.
Single room supplement £90
Summer Gardens of the Peak District
W
ith its impressive limestone-scarred hills and its deep wooded dales, the Peak District has a special atmosphere of its own. We enjoy an ever-changing backdrop as we tour a sequence of gardens both large and small, at a time of year when the trees and plants are at the peak of their growing season. A true delight for lovers of gardens.
Itinerary
The Peak District
Day 1 Depart by coach for our first visit to the gardens of
What’s Included
Biddulph Grange, a rare and exciting survival of a Victorian garden with tunnels and pathways leading us on a miniature tour of the world. We continue to our Cheshire hotel.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 2 Today we travel to Haddon Hall, a hugely historic
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
house set among hill wooded countryside. Later, we visit the nearby Chatsworth House, with gardens and parkland designed by Joseph Repton and Capability Brown.
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Day 3 We begin our day at the private garden of Gamesley Fold and from here we enjoy a scenic tour of the Peak District National Park, a real highlight on this tour.
Departures & Price
Day 4 A short transfer takes us to our final visit at Hare
19 June 14 August
Hall, surrounded by parkland with a delightful walled garden at its heart. After, our pick-up points await us.
4 days from £495pp 4 days from £495pp
Single room supplement from £120
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Gardens and Wildfowers of the Burren
T
he Burren, from the Irish bhoirrean – a stony place - lies in the north-western corner of Co. Clare. At first glance, it presents a bleak appearance, but closer examination reveals the diversity of flora for which the region has become justly famous. Visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the award-winning Boyce’s Garden and also the megalithic Poulnabrone Dolmen.
Itinerary
Cliffs of Moher
Day 1 Depart from London on a flight to Shannon’s airport.
What’s Included
Upon arrival, we visit Boyce’s Garden and Knockpatrick.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 2 Today we drive the short distance to the Cliffs of
Return flights from London to Shannon
Moher, perhaps Ireland’s most dramatically impressive natural attraction. Next, we drive into the stunning valley of the River Caher and visit a varied plantsman’s limestone garden. On our way back, we visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen, an impressive megalithic tomb.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 We continue our exploration of the Burren with a local
expert guide. We can expect to see a good selection of plants typical of the area, with examples of flower-rich grasslands and limestone features.
Day 4 After breakfast we transfer back to Shannon airport in time for our return flight.
Departures & Price 2 June
4 days from £995pp
Single room supplement £120
The Irish Rover
J
ust like the song by Van Morrison, this Irish Rover is wrapped in glory – the glory of Ireland’s finest gardens. We begin at Mount Stewart with its dazzling garden and then move on to romantic Rowallane as well as the atmospheric Castle Ward. In Dublin, we meet Helen Dillon for an exclusive look at her new private garden and we also spend time at the Blarney Castle and Gardens.
Itinerary
Blarney Castle
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick to Belfast and visit Mount Stewart.
What’s Included
Day 2 Today we tour Rowallane Garden and Castle Ward.
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Five dinners
Day 3 Travel into the Republic of Ireland, calling at Malahide
Returning flights from London to Belfast and Cork to London
Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest. Later, we transfer to Dublin.
Day 4 Explore the private garden of Carmel Duignan, the
Comfortable coaching throughout
private garden of Helen Dillon (as seen on “Gardeners’ World”) and also the Italianate villa of Corke Lodge.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 5 Hunting Brook is our first visit, then it’s on to June
Blake’s Garden and Nursery and Powerscourt Gardens.
Departures & Price
Day 6 Discover the informal garden of Mount Usher today. Day 7 Take the ferry to Ilnacullin and visit Blarney Castle.
14 May 13 August
Day 8 After breakfast, we fly home from Cork’s airport.
Single room supplement from £490
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8 days from £1545pp 8 days from £1495pp
Gardens of Distinction
S
ome very distinguished gardens feature in this tour of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, not to mention some stately homes that include Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor. We enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the private Rothschild walled garden at Eythrope and also pay a visit to the private garden and arboretum of Lord Heseltine at Thenford.
Itinerary
Blenheim Palace
Day 1 Depart London for our first visit, which is to the Savill
What’s Included
Garden in Windsor, developed under the patronage of kings and queens alike.
Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch
Day 2 This morning we visit the walled garden at Eythrope,
part of the Waddesdon Estate. This place is legendary in the garden world for employing traditional techniques. After our tour here, we have lunch at the nearby Waddesdon Manor’s restaurant and then tour its rooms and grounds.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 3 After breakfast we depart for Blenheim Palace, one
of the great stately homes of England and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The park was landscaped by Capability Brown. Next, we cross into Northamptonshire for a visit to Thenford Gardens and Arboretum.
Departures & Price 4 May 9 June 18 August
Day 4 Today we visit the gardens at The Manor House, built in the 17th century and purchased at the end of the 18th by the first Lord Carrington.
4 days from £695pp 4 days from £695pp 4 days from £695pp
Single room supplement from £195
Iceland Northern Lights
G
azing at the aurora borealis is a bucket-list experience for many of us, but Iceland is a country that offers more than just a glimpse of this elusive phenomenon. Explore lava-formed landscapes, stand before thunderous waterfalls, watch as moody geysers erupt, and admire glorious glaciers. Each night offers a new chance to spot the northern lights.
Itinerary The northern lights
Day 1 Upon arrival in Keflavik, we visit the Raufarholsellir
Lava Tunnel, Urriðafoss waterfall and Eyrarbakki Village.
What’s Included
Day 2 Our full day’s tour of south Iceland includes Skogar Folk Museum, Skogafoss waterfall and a walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. One lunch Return flights from London to Reykjavik
Day 3 Þingvellir National Park and Skaholt church await,
Comfortable coaching throughout
and then it’s on to see Gulfoss and the Geysir area.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Discover Reykjavík, visiting its Hallgrimskirkja
Services of a professional tour manager
church, Perlan and the Aurora Reykjavík centre. Later, we bathe in the geothermal Laugarvatn Fontana springs.
Day 5 We head for the Reykjanes Peninsula today, on
Departures & Price
the Mid Atlantic Ridge. Next, we make our way past Reykjanes Lighthouse towards Gunnuhver Hot Springs and on to the fishing town of Grindavik. Before we make our way home, we stop at Kleifarvatn Lake.
15 November 5 days from £1995pp Single room supplement £300
35
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The Faroe Islands
J
ust an hour’s flight from Edinburgh, the Faroes tower out of the Atlantic halfway between Shetland and Iceland. Home to just 50,000 citizens, the weather here is as unpredictable and changeable as the scenery. The islands are a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous opportunities for bird-watching and botanising, as well as a special meal with local farmers.
Itinerary Waterfall by the village of Gásadalur
Day 1 Depart from Edinburgh and fly to Vágar, where we
take a short sightseeing tour that includes the Múlafossur waterfall, village of Bøur and village of Gásadalur.
What’s Included
Day 2 Enjoy a guided walking tour of Tórshavn today, which
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. Two lunches
includes the National Museum. We then drive to Kirkjubøur to see St. Magnus Cathedral and St. Olav’s Church. Tea and cake follows at a 900-year-old wooden house.
Return flights from Edinburgh to Vágar Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 A free day to explore Tórshavn is ours, but there is
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
the option to choose between an excursion to the Northern Islands or a half-day tour to Nolosy. Dinner tonight is in Velbastað with working farmers – a real Faroese experience.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 4 Take a boat trip to the Vestmanna Cliffs and continue to the north of Eysturoy via the villages of Gjógv and Gøta.
Day 5 We check out of our hotel and visit a museum as well
as the church in Sandavágur before returning to the airport.
Departures & Price 2 July 5 days from £2195pp 9 July 5 days from £2195pp 10 September 5 days from £2195pp Single room supplement from £360
Dutch Bulbfields
E
njoy a symphony of colour aboard the MS Beethoven and among the beautiful bulbfields of Holland. Here, gardening isn’t merely a pastime – it’s an art, a spectacular series of natural masterpieces. Aside from visiting Keukenhof, we see the windmills at Zaanse Schans and tour the local museums, which give a fascinating insight into the Dutch way of life.
Itinerary Day 1 Depart from London via Eurostar to Brussels and
Keukenhof Gardens
continue by train to Amsterdam, where we join our ship. Before dinner, there is a welcome cocktail reception with the crew.
What’s Included Four nights’ full board (including three lunches and wine or beer) on board the MS Beethoven in a main deck cabin
Day 2 Our day begins with a visit to the Museum Van Loon, a canal-side private residence. Later, we travel to Zaanse Schans to see the bulbfields, windmills and the museums.
Standard class rail travel from London to Amsterdam and Antwerp to London
Day 3 Today we cruise to Utrecht. After lunch on board,
we visit Keukenhof, one of the most famous gardens in the world. Over seven million bulbs are planted here annually, among which are daffodils and tulips in all colours.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 4 A leisurely day aboard our ship awaits as we cruise
Departures & Price
from Rotterdam on to Antwerp.
21 April
5 days from £1195pp This tour is also available at the same price, including air travel
Day 5 We disembark and tour the historic centre of Antwerp, with visits to the Rubens House and 200-year-old Botanic Garden. Later, we continue home via Eurostar to London.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
Single room supplement from £300
36
Gardens of the French Riviera
M
enton’s zesty Lemon Festival brings a vibrant burst of colour to our tour of the French Riviera. Exotic gardens, cacti collections and azure seas complete our sparkling itinerary. Our May departure swaps lemons for flowers as we visit the International Rose Festival in Grasse instead. Other visits include the Villa Ephrussi and the Hanbury Gardens at La Mortola.
Itinerary
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild’s gardens
Day 1 Fly from London to Nice, where we visit Serre de la
What’s Included
Madone. A welcome drink and group dinner follow later.
Day 2 Visit the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild and then Jardin Exotique d’Èze, on the site of a medieval fortress.
Five nights’ bed and breakfast. Three dinners and four lunches
Day 3 We begin at the private garden of Clos du Peyronnet
Return flights from London to Nice
for a guided tour led by its owner. Next, we go from France to Italy and tour the stunning gardens of La Mortola.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Our full day is spent at the Lemon Festival in Menton
Services of a professional tour manager
and our ticket includes a grandstand seat for the parade.
Day 5 We drive to Cap d’Antibes for a visit to Villa Thuret
Departures & Price
and then it’s onto La Mouissone as well as the village of St. Paul de Vence, which serves as a creative haven even today.
20 February 7 May
Day 6 We finish on a high at the Exotic Gardens of Monte
6 days from £1395pp 6 days from £1595pp
Single room supplement from £295
Carlo. After, we transfer to the airport and head home.
Arts and Gardens of the French Riviera
W
ith its seas of cobalt and turquoise, and skies of azure and cerulean blue, it is little wonder that the French Riviera has been the inspiration for countless artists. In Nice, we visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts and explore the works of Matisse and Chagall. In Grasse, we see a cathedral that houses three paintings by Rubens. Art lovers, rejoice!
Itinerary
Menton, on the French Riviera
Day 1 Fly from London to Nice and then visit the Musée
What’s Included
des Beaux-Arts, which houses works by Monet and Sisley.
Day 2 In Nice, we see pieces by Matisse and Chagall, and
Five nights’ bed and breakfast
we also visit Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild’s gardens.
Return flights from London to Nice
Day 3 We transfer to Menton and visit Villa E-1027. Next,
Comfortable coaching throughout
we visit the garden of Serre de la Madone and the private garden of Clos du Peyronnet – a real highlight of the tour.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of Trevor Edwards as tour manager
Day 4 Explore the village of St. Paul de Vence, Grasse
with its Rubens-filled cathedral and La Mouissone gardens.
Departures & Price
Day 5 In Vallauris, we visit the Picasso Museum and then we tour Nice’s Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art.
8 September 6 days from £1495pp
Day 6 Our final visit is to the Masséna Museum, home to
Single room supplement £425
Napoleon’s death mask. From here, we fly home.
37
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The Genius of Monet
J
ust as the gardens at Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, they continue to enthral countless visitors more than 90 years after this legendary artist’s death. Japanese bridges are festooned with wisteria and draped fronds of willow frame his iconic water lilies. We also visit Paris’s Orangerie Museum and the town of Chantilly.
Itinerary Monet’s Garden
Day 1 Depart from London by Eurostar, arriving into Paris
later. We travel by coach to the charming town of Chantilly in the heart of the forest, where our hotel is set among woods. In the evening, a welcome glass of kir is followed by dinner.
What’s Included Three nights’ dinner (with wine), bed and breakfast
Day 2 We transfer to nearby Senlis this morning, a market
town typical of Picardy. From here, we continue to Château de Chantilly and our visit here includes time at the Grands Appartements, dating from the 17th-19th centuries, with time to wander the formal gardens designed by André le Nôtre.
Day 3 The world-famous gardens of Claude Monet await
Return standard class rail travel between London and Paris with Eurostar Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
today. After our visit, we enjoy free time in Giverny and then we visit the church where the great artist himself is buried.
Departures & Price
Day 4 We travel to Paris to visit the Musée de l’Orangerie
22 May 24 July
des Tuileries. The highlight of its collection is Monet’s twometre high murals entitled Les Nymphéas. After some free time for sightseeing we catch our train back to London.
4 days from £895pp 4 days from £855pp
Single room supplement from £210
Palladian Villas of Veneto
O
ne of Italy’s richest regions, the Veneto’s wealth is reflected in its grand villas and their stunning gardens. Many that we visit on this tour were designed by Andrea Palladio. Join us as we visit no fewer than five – the first being the magnificent Villa Rotonda. We also tour the Villa Valmarana, Villa Barbaro and the lustrous Villa Godi Malinverni.
Itinerary The city of Vicenza
Day 1 Fly from London to Venice and visit the grand gardens of the Villa Pisani before we transfer to our hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 We are joined by a local guide for a walking tour
of Vicenza’s historic city centre. We continue on to Villa Rotonda for a personal guided tour from its owner. Next, we tour Villa Valmarana, where a dinner also awaits us.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 3 Start at Villa Barbarigo with its Baroque gardens and
Comfortable coaching throughout
Return flights from London to Venice All visits as outlined in the itinerary
then visit Le Paradis des Papillons, a truly wonderful garden that is a haven for butterflies and birds.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 4 After breakfast, we explore the Villa Barbaro with its
secret garden. In the evening, we visit Villa Godi Malinverni, where a gala dinner hosted by its aristocratic owners is ours.
Day 5 In Padua, we visit the Orto Botanico (Botanic Garden) followed by the Scrovegni Chapel with its exquisite frescoes. Later, we return to the airport for our flight home.
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Departures & Price 15 September 5 days from £1395pp Single room supplement £195
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Rome, Ninfa and Castel Gandolfo
O
pen by special arrangement, we are delighted to offer this rare opportunity to visit the ancient gardens of Ninfa, where scented roses, hydrangeas and jasmines curtain the remains of medieval walls and paths meander beside a crystal-clear river. Equally rare is the chance to follow in the footsteps of popes as we tour the gardens of Castel Gandolfo.
The ancient gardens of Ninfa
Itinerary
What’s Included
Day 1 Depart from London Heathrow and fly to Rome,
where we have a city tour upon arrival. See the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Spanish Steps.
Three nights’ bed and breakfast. Dinner and welcome drink on the first evening
Day 2 After breakfast we depart for Viterbo, where we
Return flights from London to Rome
have a guided tour. Nearby, we also visit the gardens of Villa Lante, described as “one of Italy’s greatest Renaissance gardens.”
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 The gardens of Castel Gandolfo await discovery this
Services of a professional tour manager
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
morning, the traditional papal residence outside of Rome. In the afternoon, we finally visit Ninfa – named after a mythical nymph and home to a very curious history.
Departures & Price 12 May 4 days from £1295pp 9 June 4 days from £1295pp 1 September 4 days from £1295pp
Day 4 This morning we visit Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the 16th century gardens known for their use of water. Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London.
Single room supplement from £390
Villas and Gardens of the Italian Lakes
E
legant villas and lush gardens complement the natural landscape of the northern Italian Lakes. We begin with a treat - visiting the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society, home to a collection of over 500 plants. We also enjoy a private tour of the Villa Cicogna Mozzoni and wander among the grounds of Villa Balbianello.
Itinerary
Borromeo Palace on Isola Bella
Day 1 Fly to Milan and check into an elegant lakeside hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 The Villa Taranto with its rare botanical examples
Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. Two lunches
and wholesale nursery Compagnia Del Lago await us.
Return flights from London to Milan
Day 3 Discover the Borromean Islands, including Isola
Comfortable coaching throughout
Pescatori and Isola Madre, where citrus fruits flourish.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Explore the private garden of the President of the
Services of a professional tour manager
Italian Camellia Society and Villa Pallavicino today.
Day 5 Villa Cicogna Mozzoni and town of Como are ours.
Departures & Price
Day 6 A free day to explore the local area at our leisure.
11 May 8 days from £1895pp 24 June 8 days from £1895pp 21 September 8 days from £1895pp
Day 7 Today we tour Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. Day 8 After breakfast we catch our flight home from Milan.
Single room supplement from £490
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Gardens and Villas of Sicily
S
icily has become one of Europe’s best-loved destinations in recent years and it’s easy to see why. We begin on the slopes of Mount Etna and visit an elegant garden that thrives on its fertile soil. Further south, we visit the private garden of a Sicilian aristocrat and we are treated to an insight into local gardening methods with the head gardener of Villasmundo. Our tour concludes in the vibrant melting pot of Palermo.
Itinerary
Isola Bella, Taormina
Day 1 Fly to Catania, where we transfer to our hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 Visit Villa Trinita on the slopes of Etna and then
ascend this mighty volcano, admiring the views as we go.
Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. Three lunches
Day 3 In Taormina, tour the private garden of Casa Cuseni.
Return flights from London
Day 4 Visit the Gardens of Princess Maria Carla Borghese
Comfortable coaching throughout
and take a tour with the head gardener at Villasmundo.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 5 Tour Gli Aromi Sicily, where a collection of herbs and
Services of a professional tour manager (Trevor Edwards in March and Colin Crosbie in April)
spices await our discovery. Free time in Ragusa follows.
Day 6 After lunch at a former Benedictine monastery, we
visit Monreale with its amazing gold leaf and glass interiors.
Day 7 Explore the Botanical Gardens in Palermo, the garden
Departures & Price
of Villa Giulia and the impressive Norman Palace.
24 March 21 April
Day 8 Transfer to Palermo for our return flight to London.
Single room supplement from £295
8 days from £1795pp 8 days from £1795pp
Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia
U
nrivalled in Europe for its wealth of history, culture, Moorish architecture and gardens, Andalucia is an incredible place to visit. Explore the dramatically situated town of Ronda, visit Córdoba’s Great Mosque and discover Seville’s Plaza de España, alongside tours of the Alhambra Palace and Royal Palaces of Alcázar. There’s also a free day to explore at leisure.
Itinerary
Plaza de España, Seville
What’s Included
Day 1 Arrive in Málaga and transfer to our hotel for dinner. Day 2 Visit the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens.
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Three dinners, three lunches and welcome drinks on the first evening
Day 3 Head to the Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada region,
visiting small villages and enjoying scenery along the way.
Return flights from London to Málaga
Day 4 In Córdoba, we pay a visit to the Great Mosque.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 5 A full day discovering Seville on a guided tour awaits.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 6 Today we enjoy some free time to revisit Seville.
Departures & Price
Day 7 We visit Ronda to see its Alameda del Tajo Gardens
30 March 8 days from £1495pp 11 May 8 days from £1495pp 14 September 8 days from £1495pp
and the Palacio de Mondragon. We return to our hotel later.
Day 8 After breakfast, we head home from Málaga airport.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
Single room supplement from £295
40
Gardens of Mallorca
A
way from the busy beach resorts, the Balearic island of Mallorca offers a timeless, verdant landscape of wooded hills and orange groves, sweeping bays and rocky mountains. Visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa, the hilltop garden of Sa Torre Cega that was designed by Russell Page and the city of Palma with its Gothic cathedral.
Itinerary La Seu Cathedral and gardens
Day 1 Fly to Palma from London.
What’s Included
Day 2 Visit the gardens of Raixa, once part of a Moorish estate, and then tour the garden of Son Marroig.
Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast. Four lunches
Day 3 We visit the Jardínes de Alfaibia, which date back to
the 14th and 15th century. After lunch, we visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa with its green bell tower.
Return flights from London to Palma
Day 4 Tour Palma, visiting sites that include the cathedral
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Comfortable coaching throughout
and former royal residence Palacio de la Almudaina. We also see the Hort del Rei, the 10th century Arab Baths and Castell de Belver, a fortified Gothic castle.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 5 Explore the hilltop garden of Sa Torre Cega at Cala
Departures & Price
Ratjada, on the eastern tip of the island. We also visit the Albufera Nature Reserve before dinner later this evening.
22 March
Day 6 After breakfast, we make our way back to London.
6 days from £1395pp
Single room supplement £325
Grenada - Gardens of the Spice Island
A
t the southern end of the Lesser Antilles, the little island of Grenada offers a slice of Caribbean life. Given that Grenada just won its 15th gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show, it’s safe to say that the people here know a thing or two about gardening, and we explore some of the best in the company of our tour manager, Trevor Edwards. St. George harbour
Itinerary
What’s Included
Day 1 Fly from London to Grenada, where dinner awaits.
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Two dinners, one lunch, one afternoon tea and welcome and farewell drinks
Day 2 Tour the hotel’s grounds and go bird-watching. Day 3 Today we visit private gardens, such as Hyde Park.
Return flights from London to Grenada
Day 4 Visit gardens and the River Antoine Rum Distillery.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 5 Smithy’s Garden and the Balthazar Estate await.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 6 Explore Palm Tree Gardens and Sunny Side today.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 7 Choose a day at leisure or optional full-day cruise.
Departures & Price
Day 8 We have breakfast and head to the airport.
2 May 3 October
Day 9 Today we arrive back into London.
9 days from £2945pp 9 days from £2895pp
Single room supplement from £455
41
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Gardens of Costa Rica
S
panish for ‘rich coast’, Costa Rica is especially well-named if you consider the wealth of plant, animal and birdlife to be found among its mighty landscapes. Visit a broad range of gardens both public and private, and also discover medicinal plants on this amazing tour. Starting at the fantastic Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, which is home to over 2,000 plants from around the globe, we then move on to tour a private garden that features helicons and succulents. The world’s largest butterfly garden then awaits us at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and on the fourth day we get a little hands-on at a visit to a cacao plantation, where we are invited to make our very own chocolate. Other edible visits bring us to the Organic Paradise Tour, where we are able to learn all about the country’s pineapple farming industry, and the Rainforest Spices Plantation, where we can taste spices.
Arenal Volcano
What’s Included 11 nights’ bed and breakfast. Eight dinners and ten lunches Return flights from London to San José
If the thought of Costa Rica wasn’t enchanting enough, why not pay a visit to the majestic Arenal Volcano, where we can tour a medicinal garden to find out how various endemic plants are used to produce effective medicines?
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Wondering where the wildlife is? We’ll explore the Caño Negro Wildlife refuge, where a boat trip will take us to see monkeys, sloths, alligators and turtles. A fantastic Orchid Garden highlights the fact that Costa Rica has the richest orchid flora in Central America. This is an adventurous tour for lovers of the wild and natural world.
Departures & Price 2 February
13 days from £3895pp
Single room supplement £960
Southern Costa Rica
A
rugged and unexplored wilderness awaits on this off the beaten track adventure. This new holiday complements our successful tour of the country’s north, exploring the southern regions such as Golfito, which is often referred to as Costa Rica’s ‘last frontier’. Here, the amenities might be more basic, but visitors to this part of the country are invited to experience an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist destinations, where an authentic adventure awaits discovery. Among the highlights are Lankester Garden, which boasts a world-renowned variety of orchids; and a walk in the tropical cloud forest, where hummingbirds dart from flower to flower. We will also spend a day in the lush surroundings of the Wilson Botanical Garden, exploring its floral delights and ending on a high with an aerial tram tour through the tropical treetops. A butterfly garden also makes an appearance on this itinerary, as does a medicinal plants garden, and both are simply enchanting. At Casa Orquideas, we find around 100 species of orchid in addition to an array of edible plants, bromeliads and heliconias. We will also make a stop at the Wilson Botanical Garden, where over 700 species of plants fill 12 hectares of glorious outdoor space.
What’s Included Eight nights’ bed and breakfast. Eight dinners and seven lunches Return flights from London to San José Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Departures & Price 25 January
As for wildlife, the jungle of Piedras Blancas National Park is where we’ll find over 300 species of endemic birds.
www.brightwaterholidays.com
A resplendent quetzal
10 days from £3195pp
Single room supplement £400
42
Seasonal Gardens of Japan
S
urround yourself with the splendours of the Far East with an itinerary of rare gardens, bamboo forests, ancient temples, golden Buddhas, and - of course - the majestic Mount Fuji. The origins of Japan’s beautiful gardens lie in simple, gravel-covered forest clearings, where the gods could manifest themselves. Experience the otherworldliness of this mystical country on a garden tour unlike any other. Travel aboard the iconic bullet train, visit the historic town of Omihachiman, take a cruise beneath Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peaks on Lake Ashi, and embark upon an optional excursion to Hiroshima with its sobering Peace Memorial Park.
Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion
What’s Included 11 nights’ bed and breakfast. Dinner and welcome drink on the first evening, one dinner with a maiko, three lunches and a farewell dinner
Many of the country’s most notable gardens are situated in and around Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, and we take three full days to explore both public and private gardens in this area. We’ve included a variety of different natural styles in order to bring this tour to life – from landscape gardens to stroll gardens, and from pond-and-island spaces to bamboo forests. A recent and popular addition to this trip is dinner with a maiko, which is an apprentice geisha dressed in the traditional costume.
Flights from London to Osaka and Tokyo to London Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Departures & Price
In Nara Park, come face to face with the polite deer who will bow courteously at the promise of food. Explore Shunkanen’s fantastic Bonsai Museum and embrace spirituality at a host of magnificent temples.
25 March 13 days from £4995pp 11 November 13 days from £4995pp Single room supplement from £1500
New Zealand
V
isiting New Zealand is rather like entering a parallel universe. On the surface, to us here in the United Kingdom, everything seems familiar. However, take a closer look and the subtle differences will become evident – an unusual plant or brightly coloured bird will hint that home is further away than initially thought! There are parts of this country that look as if they could belong to the British Isles, from a Hampshire country garden to a Highland glen, an illusion strengthened by the abundance of recognisable place names and plants we may have seen before, imported here by the early settlers to help them acclimatise. Yet, where in Britain can we find bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, majestic fjords and glittering glaciers? Or huge tree ferns and penguin colonies?
Milford Sound
What’s Included 16 nights’ bed and breakfast. 11 dinners and three lunches Return flights from London to Auckland, via Singapore. One internal flight from Queenstown to Auckland
One of the biggest highlights is the chance to board the Interislander Ferry and cross the Cook Strait to Picton in the South Island, a truly awe-inspiring journey with mesmerising scenery all around. There is also a wine-tasting experience at the Wither Hills Vineyards, because we all know about New Zealand’s fabulous wine-making reputation!
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Departures & Price
Join our October tour, which is led by Trevor Edwards, and we will visit the spring Garden Festivals in Taranaki and Marlborough. In January 2021, these are replaced by visits to private gardens in both New Plymouth and Christchurch, and this departure will be led by Mike Nelhams.
26 October 2020 20 days from £6995pp 10 January 2021 20 days from £6995pp Single room supplement from £1600
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Flora and Fauna of Madagascar
T
he world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar, is like a gigantic ark sailing ever so slowly across the Indian Ocean, having broken free from the African continent some 160 million years ago. The national parks and private reserves that feature on this tour are among the finest in the world. On the botanical side, anticipate meeting some amazing trees – none more curious than the baobab, which looks like it has been pulled from the earth and thrust back down with the roots upturned. Other horticultural highlights include spiny bush plants such as the cactus-like didiereacaeae, strange triangulated palms, bloated pachypodiums, and carnivorous pitcher plants. We will also be lucky enough to see a selection of amazing orchids, including the famous comet orchid. Think of Madagascar and lemurs immediately spring to mind. For many, these endearing primates will top a star-studded cast list of wildlife. As well as the ring-tailed species, we hope to spot Sanford’s brown lemur, the nocturnal mouse lemur and indri. Other creatures we can expect to cross our paths include geckos, chameleons and a wonderful selection of rare birds. A special part of this tour will be our visit to the forest reserve of Analamazaotra, where we can enjoy a nocturnal visit to see the smallest frog and chameleon species of the rainforest, along with the smallest lemur species, too!
Crowned lemur
What’s Included 12 nights’ full board. Picnic lunches are provided on days when we are away from the lodge or hotel Return flights from London Heathrow to Antananarivo and four internal flights All land transfers in appropriate vehicles All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Departures & Price 3 November
15 days from £5295pp
Single room supplement £780
South Africa’s Garden Route
M
aking a long overdue return to our programme, South Africa’s Garden Route winds its way for some 200km between richly forested mountains and a crinkle-cut coastline dotted with beautiful beaches and empty bays. Vividly coloured wildflowers delight the eye at every turn and progress tends to be leisurely, as one stunning photo opportunity after another presents itself effortlessly. Visits include the Wilderness National Park, the sea cliffs at Knysna and the famous suspension bridge at Tsitsikamma. Also returning from the wilderness to grace our tour are the Drakensberg Mountains, where we do some gentle botanising and offer the chance to visit neighbouring Lesotho. We also visit Pietermaritzburg, known as the City of Flowers, and delightful Durban, home to some truly splendid gardens. Of course, we could not visit South Africa without spending some time in the Cape. Here, we will enjoy crisp white wines, discover rare botanical treasures at the gardens of Kirstenbosch and Stellenbosch, and potter among the proteas on mighty Table Mountain (which we ascend by cable car!).
What’s Included 13 nights’ bed and breakfast. Four dinners and one lunch Flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town; Port Elizabeth to Durban and Durban to London Heathrow Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
On the sixth day, there is an optional excursion to join a boat trip and head off in search of cetaceans. It’s a good time of year for whale watching and we might be lucky in spotting Southern Right whales. At the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which we visit on the same day, we can keep an eye out for klipspringers, baboons and dassies.
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Babylonstoren Garden
Departures & Price 22 September 15 days from £3995pp Single room supplement £650
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An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland
T
he islands of Orkney and Shetland are strewn with archaeological remains. People first arrived here 5,000 years ago and many ruins survive to this day. In Shetland, we visit the uninhabited island of Mousa with its 2,000-year-old broch and the Prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof. In Orkney, discover Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel and more.
Itinerary
Dunnottar Castle
What’s Included
Day 1 Depart for an overnight sailing to Shetland, visiting Dunnottar Castle on the way there.
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast and one night aboard the Northlink ferry with breakfast and dinner
Day 2 We arrive in Lerwick and tour the island, then cross to Mousa to visit Mousa Broch. On the mainland, we tour Hoswick Visitor Centre, Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 On St. Ninian’s Isle we see its 6th century church,
Services of a professional tour manager
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
then we visit Scalloway’s castle ruins and Tingwall Valley.
Day 4 Cross the Churchill Barriers and visit the Italian
Chapel, Liddle Burnt Mound and St. Magnus Cathedral.
Departures & Price
Day 5 Neolithic Orkney and its standing stones await.
27 April 6 July 31 August
6 days from £1195pp 6 days from £1285pp 6 days from £1255pp Single room supplement from £375
Day 6 Transfer to St. Margaret’s Hope and catch a ferry to Gills Bay, from where we return to our pick-up points.
Archaeology of Denmark & Sweden
G
o on the trail of warriors, kings and commoners in southern Scandinavia. These lands are home to a rich abundance of artefacts, from rune stones to ruined castles. Denmark and Sweden are unmistakably Viking country, but it’s not just about the Vikings on this tour. Drive over the Øresund Bridge, visit impressive castles and come face to face with an Iron Age man. Frederiksborg Palace
Itinerary
What’s Included
Day 1 Fly from London to Stockholm and visit Gamla Uppsala before transferring to our hotel for the night.
Day 2 Today we visit the archaeological site at Anundshög
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Three dinners and one light meal on the train
Day 3 Stockholm’s museums await discovery and then we
Flights from London to Stockholm and Copenhagen to London. Standard class rail journey from Stockholm to Malmö
and then Skokloster Castle near Sigtuna.
take an afternoon train to the city of Malmö.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Explore the megaliths of Ales Stenar today.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 5 Visit Copenhagen’s historic sites and museums.
Departures & Price
Day 6 Tour Frederiksborg Slot and travel on to Aarhus. Day 7 The Silkeborg Museum and site of Fyrkat await.
6 July 8 days from £1895pp 2 September 8 days from £1925pp
Day 8 After a visit to UNESCO-listed Jelling, we fly home.
Single room supplement from £490
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Romanian Archaeology
D
iscover over 2,000 years of history on our tour of Romania – a journey of Transylvanian tales, magnificent castles, medieval art, and ancient civilisations. Visit Bran Castle, Hunyadi’s Castle and the birthplace of Vlad Dracul. Explore the sites of Ulpia Traiana and Sarmizegetusa Regia. There is also spectacular scenery, from mountains to alpine forests.
Itinerary Peles Castle
Day 1 Depart London for Bucharest and our hotel in Piteşti.
What’s Included
Day 2 Tour Sibiu, a medieval town founded in the 12th century, and Sebeş, originally a Dacian settlement.
Day 3 We visit Ulpia Traiana and Hunyadi’s Castle,
Eight nights’ dinner (with wine), bed and breakfast
considered Romania’s greatest Gothic-style castle, today.
Return flights from London to Bucharest
Day 4 Sarmizegetusa Regia and Sighişoara await our visits.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 5 We visit Braşov and explore its historical attractions.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
Day 6 Spend time exploring Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, and Peleş Castle with its 160 rooms.
Departures & Price
Day 7 Today we head to Constanţa on the Black Sea coast and pay a visit to Histira, Romania’s largest excavation site.
28 April 9 days from £1895pp 15 September 9 days from £1895pp
Day 8 Transfer to the airport for our flight back to London.
Single room supplement from £280
Bulgarian Archaeology
F
ollowing a golden age of archaeology, Bulgaria is now one of the culturally richest countries in Europe. Hidden in the hills and forests are some of the oldest Neolithic settlements, Thracian tombs and exuberantly painted medieval churches. On this tour, we visit a wide range of locations, four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Itinerary Rila Monastery
Day 1 Upon arrival in Sofia, visit the National Museum of
History and Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2 Explore the Arena di Serdica ruins, the Underground
What’s Included
Museum, Nicopolis ad Istrum and the fortress of Tsarvets.
Eight nights’ bed and breakfast. Seven dinners
Day 3 See the Madara Horseman and the Mosaics Museum
Return flights from London to Sofia
in Devnya. We then take a walking tour of Varna.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 4 Roman baths and the Aladja Rock Monastery await.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 5 Tour Stara Zagora’s Neolithic Dwellings Museum.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 6 Visit Thracian tombs, museums and an ancient town. Day 7 We explore Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city.
Departures & Price
Day 8 We devote our day to the famous Rila Monastery.
12 May 20 October
Day 9 Transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
Single room supplement from £200
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9 days from £1595pp 9 days from £1595pp
Albanian Archaeology
I
n archaeological terms, Albania offers some of the best sites in Europe with a host of Classical cities that were once on a par with those in Greece and Italy. Having emerged from almost five decades of communism, it is slowly opening its doors to the world once again, and behind those doors are truly fascinating wonders.
Itinerary Amphitheatre at Butrint
Day 1 Fly from London to Tirana and transfer to our hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 Enjoy a walking tour of Tirana today. Later, we visit the town of Kruje along with Skanderbeg Castle.
Day 3 Drive to the Bay of Vlora, see Llamani beach, the
Seven nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Panormi castle of Ali Pasha and the Springs of Borshi.
Return flights from London to Tirana
Day 4 Spend the day at the UNESCO-listed site of Butrint.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 5 Explore Gjirokastër and its Castle Museum, the
Services of a professional tour manager
Ethnographic Museum and the Archaeological Park.
Day 6 The little-known ruins of Byllis await us today.
Departures & Price
Day 7 Spend the day in Berat. We visit the Onufri Icon
Gallery, tour Byzantine churches and the Çobo winery.
5 May 13 October
Day 8 Before heading home, we explore the archaeological
8 days from £1395pp 8 days from £1395pp
Single room supplement from £175
site of Apollonia.
Archaeology of the Peloponnese
T
he Peloponnese is a place of timeless beauty. From the 3,000-year-old relics at Mycenae to the Classical ruins of Epidaurus and the Byzantine churches of Monemvasia, the whole region reeks of history. The Greeks and the Spartans fought out the Peloponnesian war here, to be followed in turn by the Romans, Goths, Slavs, Franks, Turks & Venetians.
Itinerary Mystras
Day 1 Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel in Nafplion.
What’s Included
Day 2 Wander Mycenae and its ancient ruins. Day 3 Visit the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion. We
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Three dinners
then explore Tiryns and Epidarus with its famous theatre,
Return flights from London to Athens
Day 4 Tour Argos and Tripoli before arriving in Sparta.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 5 Discover the fort city of Monemvasia today.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 6 Explore the fascinating dead city of Mystras.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 7 We visit the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of
Messene this morning. We then explore Kalamata and the Archaeological Museum of Messenia.
Departures & Price
Day 8 We return home today.
27 April 5 October
8 days from £1495pp 8 days from £1495pp
Single room supplement from £315
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Crete Archaeology
C
rete was home to one of the earliest European civilisations, the Minoans, who roamed these hills some 4,000 years ago. Their legacy can be seen all over the island, in particular at the legendary Palace of Knossos, the centre of the Minoan civilisation in Europe, with a level of technology and facilities that are quite staggering considering its antiquity.
Itinerary Palace of Knossos
Day 1 Fly from London to Heraklion and enjoy dinner at our hotel upon arrival.
What’s Included
Day 2 After breakfast, we visit the Archaeological Museum and this afternoon, we explore the Palace of Knossos.
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Two dinners
Day 3 We board a boat and visit Spinalonga, a former leper
Return flights from London to Heraklion
colony. Later, we enjoy some free time in Agios Nikolaos.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 4 Gortyn, Phaistos and Zaros are ours to explore today.
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 5 Enjoy a walking tour of Rethymnon this morning.
Services of a professional tour manager
Later, we travel to Chania and explore its old centre.
Day 6 We have free time to explore Crete at our own pace.
Departures & Price
Day 7 Today, we visit the Minoan cemetery or Armeni.
28 April 6 October
Day 8 We catch our return flights home to London.
8 days from £1595pp 8 days from £1595pp
Single room supplement £280
Malta’s Archaeological Heritage
M
alta’s diminutive archipelago is by no means an indication of the vast riches it holds — from the Neolithic to the present day, they are many and varied. Arriving in Malta, with its golden limestone cliff coasts, lucid seas and heart-stirring views, you may think that you’ve already seen all there is to see, but peek beneath the surface and you’ll be sure to find more.
Itinerary Cathedral of Saint John in Valletta
Day 1 Fly into Malta and transfer to our hotel.
What’s Included
Day 2 Explore Valletta, Malta’s capital city. We explore the
Upper Barakka Gardens, the Grand Master’s Palace and the Archaeological Museum.
Six nights’ dinner (with wine), bed and breakfast
Day 3 Explore Mosta Church and the walled citadel of
Return flights from London to Malta
Mdina. Later, we visit the Skorba Temples, the Museum of Roman Antiquities and St. Paul’s Catacomb.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 4 Visit Ħaġar Qim and the Mnajdra Temples. We then
Services of a professional tour manager
take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto and the Dingli Cliffs.
Day 5 Today is free to spend at leisure.
Departures & Price
Day 6 Tour the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the Tarxien Temples and the world renowed Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
10 March & 10 November 7 days from £1345pp 12 May 7 days from £1495pp
Day 7 Transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.
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Single room supplement from £175
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Pompeii and the Classic Wonders of Campania
T
he region of Campania in southwest Italy is blessed with a dramatic coastline, a perfect Mediterranean climate and a host of ancient ruins. The most famous of these is Pompeii, a once thriving seaside town whose existence came to an end due to the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. We will also explore a number of ancient ruins and villas.
Itinerary
Ancient street in Pompeii
What’s Included
Day 1 Depart from London to Naples. Upon arrival, we
transfer to our hotel in this vibrant, coastal city. A welcome drink and dinner is served this evening.
Five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 2 Today we explore Paestum and Paestum Museum,
Return flights from London to Naples
home to the unique painted monument, ‘Tomb of the Diver’.
Comfortable coaching throughout
Day 3 We spend a full day at Pompeii, which was hidden for
All visits as outlined in the itinerary Services of a professional tour manager
centuries under 23 feet of ash.
Day 4 Visit Herculaneum, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the Flavian Amphitheatre.
Departures & Price
Day 5 After breakfast, we travel to Stabiae to explore Villa
12 March 5 November
San Marco and Villa Arianna. Later, we ascend Vesuvius.
Day 6 Transfer to the airport for our return fight to London.
6 days from £1395pp 6 days from £1395pp
Single room supplement from £395
Portuguese Archaeology
W
ith the roar of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquillity of the Iberian hillsides as our constant companions, we will travel through time stopping off at megalithic standing stones, Iron Age settlements, Roman ruins and medieval plazas. We will also enjoy a whole host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Évora, Sintra and Guimarāes.
Itinerary Bom Jesus Do Monte
Day 1 Fly to Lisbon and enjoy a tour of the city.
What’s Included
Day 2 We travel to Évora to visit the Almendres Stone Circle Menhir and the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro.
Day 3 Visit the Museu Caloste Gulbenkian and the
Eight nights’ bed and breakfast. Three dinners
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a Gothic Manueline monastery.
Flights from London to Lisbon and Porto to London
Day 4 Palácio Nacional de Sintra and Castelo de Pena.
Comfortable coaching throughout All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Day 5 See Mosteiro de Batalha and Conimbriga.
Services of a professional tour manager
Day 6 Enjoy the Buçaco Forest and a wine tasting in Porto. Day 7 A free day to explore Porto.
Departures & Price
Day 8 Visit Bom Jesus Do Monte, Citania de Briterios and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarāes.
21 April 6 October
Day 9 We return home today.
Single room supplement from £480
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9 days from £1895pp 9 days from £1895pp
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BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS Your package holiday booking is with BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife, Scotland KY15 4HS. Telephone: 01334 657155. These Booking Conditions set out the terms on which you contract with us and this contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by Scottish Law, and the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts. If you reside in England or Northern Ireland you may choose the applicable law and jurisdiction if you wish to do so. In these booking conditions, “you” and “your” includes all persons named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). “We”, “us” and “our” means Brightwater Holidays. Brightwater Holidays is a subsidiary of Specialist Tours Limited (company number 08395250). Except where otherwise stated, these booking conditions only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All references in these booking conditions to “holiday”, “booking”, “contract” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements unless otherwise stated.
KEY POINTS You enter into a booking with us when we issue our booking confirmation/invoice. If you then cancel, there will be cancellation charges. Initially as a minimum this may only be a deposit, but can go up to 100%. In certain circumstances you may be able to make changes to your booking however charges will apply. We can change and cancel your booking. We’ll pay you compensation in certain circumstances. We are responsible to you for providing your holiday but there are legal limits. BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS is a member of AITO and holds ATOL number 4498 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. For all other packages, The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
1. BOOKING All information provided in the brochure/website is, to the best of our knowledge or belief, correct at the time of publication. We will advise you of any changes that are fundamental to the contract, or which we believe will affect your enjoyment of the holiday. Please advise us if there is any requirement, which you believe is fundamental to your holiday so that we can give you the latest information at time of booking. When you ask us to proceed with a booking you will be required to make a (minimum) deposit payment which will vary dependent on the specific holiday you are booking. This will be advised at the time of booking and confirmed in your booking confirmation. It may also be necessary to collect payment at the time of booking for other (non-refundable) costs e.g. flight tickets, transfers etc. In the case of bookings made after the balance due date, we will require full payment for the holiday. You must be at least 18 years old to make a booking and you guarantee that you have the authority to accept, and do accept, these terms and conditions for all members of the party (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date), and in particular payment for all the persons on the booking. We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to refuse to accept any booking without necessarily specifying a reason. A contract is made when we accept your booking and issue our written booking confirmation/invoice. If we cannot accept or confirm the booking, any money paid will be promptly refunded. On receipt of the booking confirmation/invoice it is important to check the details and if there is any inaccuracy this must be notified to us immediately. It may not be possible to make changes or corrections later, or additional costs may be incurred which we will have to pass on to you. Many of our holidays are based on specially negotiated airfares booked in a specific airline booking class. At the time of booking if these fares are not available, we will endeavour to secure an alternative air fare and advise you of any additional cost. Please note that most special air fares are non-refundable and nonchangeable.
2. PAYMENT We hold your deposit (and any additional payment required at the time of booking) towards the full cost of the holiday. The balance must be received by us no later than the final payment due date shown on your booking confirmation/invoice, as appropriate to your holiday. If you do not pay the full cost within the time specified we may treat your holiday as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges shown in point 4 - Cancellation by You, will apply. You must pay the balance in full twelve weeks prior to departure (seventeen weeks for cruises) unless otherwise stipulated. Ways to Pay - we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, cheque or bank transfer for which no levy is charged by us. Your bank or credit card provider may charge an additional financial processing charge and we cannot be responsible for any such charges. Note: if you are paying from an overseas bank account you have to accept all bank charges). A surcharge of 2.5% will be applied for card payments made with cards registered in countries outside the EEA and the USA.
3. YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE a) Prior to booking you will receive a verbal quote based on your specific holiday requirements and travel dates. b) We reserve the right to notify you of any alteration in the advertised or quoted price and any changes in holiday arrangements before accepting your booking.
NB: We make every effort to ensure that the most up to date and correct prices are shown on our website. We operate a pricing policy which means that the earlier you book the cheaper the holiday will be. Our very best prices are reserved for those who book early. We also commit that we will not offer the same holiday at a lower price to anyone that has booked after you (or we will refund you the difference between your price and the price they pay). If you do not wish to accept the corrected and actual price of the holiday, we will cancel the booking and provide a full refund of any monies you have already paid. Alternatively, you may amend your booking or select an alternative holiday at the applicable and correct price. c) Subject to these conditions, once we have confirmed your booking, the price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any additional ‘surcharges’, which means any increase due to changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties, including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at port and airports or exchange rates. d) Prices in our brochures and/or on our website are calculated on rates of exchange linked to those available to us; either based on rates previously secured or our view of currency exchange rates applicable at the time payments are due.
Single, Double, Twin Bedded Rooms Single supplements are payable for sole occupancy of a room. A single room does not guarantee the provision of a double or twin room, and in some instances may be smaller. A ‘double’ bed is often two single beds pushed together, sometimes with double bed base linen (although it is not unusual for single duvets to be provided in some hotels for doubles).
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4. CANCELLATION & VARIATION BY YOU Cancellation by You If you or any member of your party wish to cancel your holiday, or if you fail to pay the full cost of the holiday within the specified time, you will be liable as a minimum, to pay the charges detailed below up to the point of cancellation, in addition to any non-refundable items*. Or in the case of failure to pay, at the date that we deem your booking to have been cancelled. Written notification from the person who made the booking must be received at our offices. The cancellation charge will be calculated according to the date this is received, or the date upon which your cancellation is treated as occurring because of non-payment. *Non-refundable holiday costs charged for at the time of booking, including upgraded air tickets, hotel upgrades, extensions, extra nights, transfers etc., will be charged at 100% and the charges shown below will then apply to the remainder of the holiday cost and any amendment charges are not refundable. Additional accommodation costs for reduced occupancy or other components, may be payable in the event that one or more passengers cancels but where remaining passengers still wish to travel. Group Bookings - cancellation charges will apply to any guests of group who may wish to cancel in the unlikely event of cancellation by the lead passenger. Note: If your cancellation falls within the provisions of your travel insurance policy you may be able to make a claim which must be made direct to your insurance company.
IF YOU CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY In the event of a member of your party wishing to cancel their holiday we must be advised in writing by the person who made the booking. In order to compensate our expenditure we charge a cancellation fee according to the following scale: Days notice prior to Departure Date Cancellation charge % of holiday price More than 84 days Deposit only* 41 - 83 35%* 29 - 40 55%* 8 - 28 75%* 0 - 7 100%
Lord of the Glens More than 84 days Deposit only* 0 - 83 100%
Hebridean Princess & Flying Scotsman More than 113 days Deposit only* 60 - 112 60%* 29 - 59 90%* 0 - 28 100% *plus any invoiced flight or hotel costs The cancellation charges will apply from the day we receive written confirmation. You may make a claim on your Holiday Insurance if the reason for the cancellation falls within the terms of the insurance policy. We will observe travel advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Should circumstances dictate, we may have to cancel your booking if the performance of your holiday, or the carriage of passengers to your destination is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be cancelled and for you to receive a full refund.
Variation by You Booking alterations: If, after our booking confirmation/invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes (subject to agreement by our suppliers) but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be made in writing from the person who made the booking. You will be asked to pay an administration charge starting from £50 per person in addition to any additional booking costs as a result of the changes made, including any changed occupancy or flight costs following a cancellation (see point 4 - Cancellation by You). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Additional fees may be charged, depending on the cost and work caused to us by the requested change. Booking transfer: You can transfer your existing booking to another person suggested by you (subject to agreement by our suppliers)*, by giving us notice in writing at least 15 days before departure. The replacement traveller must satisfy and fulfil any conditions that apply to the holiday, and all costs of the original booking, and both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur before the transfer can be made by us. The cost of the transfer will consist of both an administration charge of £50 and any costs which our suppliers impose. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be transferrable after a reservation has been made, for example, some airlines may require payment of 100% cancellation charges and the cost of a new ticket for ANY variation that is made, and changes to other arrangements may incur a cancellation charge of up to 100%. * If you are unable to travel, you may wish to check whether cover is provided for your cancellation within the terms of your travel insurance policy as this may incur less cost to you. While on holiday: If you decide to cut short your holiday for your own reasons, or not stay at accommodation that has been booked for you, take any prebooked meals, excursions or other holiday components, then we are unable to offer you any refund or cover any costs. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for such curtailment, so we suggest that you check the conditions and requirements of your policy.
5. CANCELLATION & VARIATION BY US We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed or cancel confirmed bookings, events or activities. Holidays to remote and in some cases, underdeveloped parts of the world carry the risk that parts of the holiday may be subject to alterations beyond our control, sometimes at short notice. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. Cancellation by Us: We reserve the right to cancel your booking. We will not cancel your confirmed booking after the final ‘balance due’ payment date, except for unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see point 6) or failure by you to pay the final balance of your holiday. Minimum Numbers - some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them. If the minimum number of bookings required for a particular holiday or flight have not been received, we are entitled to cancel it and will notify you prior to the final ‘balance due’ payment date. Please note that in such cases we are not able to accept responsibility for any costs you may have incurred, including costs of other travel arrangements made in association with the cancelled holiday, unless booked through BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS.
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We are happy to give you an indication at any time of the current number of passengers booked on a trip, but this should not be taken as any guarantee whether the tour will or will not go ahead as booking numbers can fluctuate. There may be certain circumstances when a tour may operate with less than the minimum number than the advertised group size. If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an alternative holiday of comparable standard from us if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). In the event a refund is paid to you, we will pay compensation as detailed below, as a minimum, except where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Variation by Us: It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include a change of airline or aircraft type, alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, change of airports and/or local connecting transport and changes to supplementary arrangements such as site visit, or change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. Occasionally, we may have to make a significant change. If we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package, you will have rights set out below. •
We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value) or purchase an alternative holiday subject to availability and applicable cost. We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given, your booking may be cancelled.
•
If you choose to accept a refund, we will: a) pay compensation as detailed below, as a minimum, except where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Period before departure when a significant change or cancellation is notified to you (compensation per person): For holidays other than those to destinations specified below: More than 60 days before departure: Nil 60-22 days: £20 21-15 days: £30 14-8 days: £40 7-0 days: £50
Very rarely, we may be forced by ‘circumstances beyond our control’ (see point 6) to change or terminate your holiday after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. This is extremely unlikely but if this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain these from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result. We do not control the day to day management of your accommodation, and in exceptional cases it is possible that we may be advised that the reserved accommodation has been overbooked. If this happens before your departure or on arrival in a location, we will endeavour to provide accommodation of at least the same standard in the same area. If only accommodation of a lower standard is available we will refund the difference of the holiday price between the accommodation booked and that available, and will pay up to £50 per person for any inconvenience.
6. CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, or cover losses where the performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of ‘circumstances beyond our control’. In these booking conditions, ‘circumstances beyond our control’ means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences (including suspected terrorist activity and all action taken during any “terror alert”), industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, airport or airspace closures, as well as other air traffic management decisions (that may result in long or overnight delays or cancellations), fire, concert/event changes or cancellation and all similar events outside our control. This list is not exhaustive. BREXIT – at this current time and until negotiations are completed and full details known, it is not possible to foresee any impact, changes or restrictions there may be on flight operations between the EU and the UK or the effect this may have on booked holiday arrangements. Group based holidays and activities - Worldwide weather patterns are becoming ever more erratic and unpredictable. If it is not possible to operate certain excursions for this reason, we will endeavour to offer alternatives if this is possible. Such circumstances are totally beyond our control and you therefore should proceed with your booking on this basis. Public Holidays, Sporting & Local Events - in addition to public holidays, many countries host other national or international events or there may be local festivals, which may impact on local/tourist services or travel arrangements, including the reduction or closure of facilities, route diversions etc. during your visit. We have no control over these events, and as dates and details of arrangements are often changeable year on year, it is not possible for us to guarantee to forewarn you of specific details that may be relevant to your holiday, or accept any responsibility for disruption that may be caused. During public holidays, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions may also be closed. Third-Party Information & Websites - your booking is based on the information supplied to you by BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS. We understand you may conduct additional research into your holiday through other third parties and associated websites, but as we have no control over such information this does not form any basis of our contract with you. WiFi - where the provision of Wi-Fi may be indicated in a property description, no guarantee is given or implied that it will be operative during your holiday and its availability is outside our control. Some properties may charge for this service and the areas where it is available may be limited and not necessarily available in guest rooms. In all cases, no compensation or refund will be paid in the event that it is not available for whatever reason. Dietary Requests & Allergies - even nowadays, in some destinations, basic well-known dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, gluten free etc.) are often misunderstood and seldom catered for adequately, despite the best intentions and assurances from hoteliers and restaurateurs. While we are happy to pass on any such requests, we cannot guarantee choice or availability - especially with any airline meal options. NOTE: Whilst on tour it is your responsibility to double check and reconfirm any allergy or dietary requirements directly with the various holiday suppliers. Other Hotel Guests - it is not unusual for hotels or other accommodation to receive group bookings (sometimes with large numbers) from guests participating in conventions and conferences or other gatherings. At certain times of the year, there may be an influx of groups such as students on organised educational visits (popular during school holidays), associations or clubs. This may result in hotel facilities being much busier than usual or additional demands on hotel staff and services, but we are unable to accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused by such groups or their activities. Guides - we reserve the right to substitute any named guide, guest lecturer or other escort with an alternative qualified person and this will not be deemed as any significant change to your arrangements.
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7. FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH TRAVEL ADVICE, HEALTH, VISAS & DOCUMENTS a) Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements including, inoculations and health certificates are your responsibility and you should confirm these for all countries to, or through which you are intending to travel and cover all costs for this. Requirements should be checked well in advance of travel and we do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. b) Essential information for British citizens (only), including health, passport and visa requirements along with up-to-date Foreign Office travel, safety and security advice can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/travelaware. We also strongly recommend that you sign up for the latest email updates as travel and safety information can change at any point without notice. c) If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country or countries to, or through which, you are intending to travel and consult the relevant authority for the latest travel and safety advice for the destinations you are visiting. d) We recommend that you consult your doctor well in advance of travel for the latest advice on inoculations and health certificates. You can also obtain the latest health information ahead of travel by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNac) website https://www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.
8. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Our tours are not designed for party members to undertake special projects or research whether in connection with study, employment or otherwise. We cannot accept any liability for any losses or damages arising out of such use or planned use nor for any loss or damage which has special financial consequences. Please note if you do intend to use one of our tours for such purposes you should obtain adequate insurance in respect of it and any special equipment you decide to bring with you on such tours.
9. HOLIDAY PARTICIPATION It is a condition of participation in one of our holidays that you agree to accept the authority and decisions of our employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on holiday with us. If in the opinion of such a person your health or conduct at any time, before or after departure, appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a holiday, you may be excluded from all or part of the tour and/or we may terminate your holiday, and any additional costs incurred by you as a result of such exclusion will be your responsibility. In the case of ill health, we may make such arrangements as we see fit and recover any resulting costs from you. NB: While there are no age limits or health requirements on our holidays, please note that for certain destinations, for example the smaller Scottish islands or some botanical tours, a degree of mobility is required to get the most out of the holiday, for example getting in and out of boats, ascending steps and standing for a degree of time.
10. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU We make every effort to ensure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to provide as part of our contract with you are delivered with reasonable skill and care. It is the laws and regulations of the country in which the services are actually provided which apply to your holiday arrangements and not those of the UK or your home country and any resulting complaint or claim will be judged on this basis. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as being properly provided. Please note, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care have not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). Also bear in mind that standards of, for example, safety, hygiene, and quality may vary and services and transport your tour involves may differ to the stringent standards we are accustomed to in the UK or your home country. Including for example, the absence of seatbelts on coaches contracted outside the UK as this is not always a legal requirement elsewhere. Certain holidays involve risks and hazards of travel to and in remote and/or uninhabited areas where injury, illness, death, delay, or unanticipated events may occur as a result of forces of nature, wildlife and adverse weather conditions. Medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible in some parts, and the medical facilities that do exist could be of inferior quality compared to what is available at home. In remote regions risks may include but are not limited to: mechanical breakdown of expedition vehicle(s); becoming stranded in remote and/or uninhabited areas; being subjected to rugged terrain and a harsh climate; encounters with wild animals, insects and pests, and the possibility of illness, injury or death therefrom; the uncontrollable and unpredictable behaviour of wild animals in their natural habitat; the possibility of not seeing certain animals; and dangerous weather and climate conditions. You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the package and is unforeseeable or unavoidable. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements (excluding amendment charges). Our liability (if we are found liable to you on any basis) will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that made up your package. These terms are incorporated into this booking contract; and b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage (there are strict Conditions of Carriage obligations for making claims for missing or damaged baggage that must be followed). We are regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid under these or any conventions.
You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions, from BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS. Where a carrier or hotelier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights – see point 11 below. If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible, of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights if this is not provided by your airline, in accordance with Regulation 261/2004. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday. NB: this entire clause does not apply to any services which do not form part of your contract with us ie. ‘OWN ARRANGEMENTS’. This includes for example, any additional services, including excursions, that you organise independently, or services which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where these are not organised by us as part of our contract with you. We recommend that sufficient and appropriate insurance is taken out. In addition, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees, or where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (3) arises out of use of our services for special projects or research whether in connection with study, employment or otherwise or (4) is connected with any business. We further advise you, and you agree that in the event of any claim against us, that such claim shall be governed by Scottish Law and Jurisdiction shall lie in any Court of Competent Jurisdiction in the United Kingdom and you further acknowledge these requirements and waive any objection(s) thereto.
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11. TRAVEL DELAYS & CARRIAGE BY AIR Should delays due to weather conditions disrupt your itinerary, additional costs may be incurred and these would be the responsibility of you, the client. You will be assisted by the airlines in accordance with the airlines’ policy on delay. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in point 6 of these booking conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board a flight on time). Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these booking conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. You are required to make any claim under this regulation directly with the airline, but if your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority on 0207 453 6424 https://www.caa.co.uk. Where long flight delays result in lost holiday time, we are unable to offer any refunds for unused accommodation or other services as reimbursement will not be made by our suppliers in these circumstances, and hotel rooms are held for delayed arrivals and not re-let. We strongly recommend you have adequate insurance provisions in place to fully cover such eventualities. We are unable to guarantee that all parties will be seated together. With some airlines it is possible to request, or in some cases, reserve certain preferred seats on the aircraft (most airlines will make an additional charge for this). We are happy to assist with this but this is an additional service over and above your contractual arrangement for ‘carriage by air’ with the airline. Airlines reserve the right to make changes to any specific seat numbers for operational or safety reasons either before, or on the day of departure and you will be notified of any such change upon check-in. Where applicable, any additional charge made for pre-booking specific seats, will be refunded. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/ air/safety/air- ban_en In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of point 5, “Cancellation and Variation by us” will apply. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings, which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and/or detailed on your booking confirmation/invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. Flight timings are outside our control. They are set by airlines and are subject to various factors including air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, potential technical problems and the ability of passengers to check in on time. Specific instructions relating to departure and travel arrangements will be sent with your air or other travel tickets approximately 2 weeks before departure. You must check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct and up to date flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. In accordance with EU legislation, we are required to draw your attention to restrictions concerning the import of food items which cannot be brought into the EU (including the UK), from outside the EU. For details please see http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/personal-imports/ or contact this office.
12. INSURANCE It is a condition of booking with us that you and all members of your party obtain travel insurance for all overseas holidays and we strongly recommend insurance cover for all other holidays and that you do not travel against medical advice. The cost of repatriation, medical and other treatment overseas can be high and we are unable to assist in meeting those costs. You should organise it immediately when you book to ensure you have cover against possible cancellation charges, medical treatment and repatriation. Should you have your travel insurance in place we will need to know the details of your policy four weeks before departure at the latest. Brightwater Holidays are authorised to provide travel insurance and we are happy to discuss this when you book. It is a requirement of booking that you provide us with an emergency contact number while you are on holiday stating your relationship (e.g. family member, neighbour, workplace). This is purely for your benefit in the unlikely event of you becoming ill or incapacitated on tour. •
We also need to mention - If you choose to take our insurance we ask that you read all sections of the policy document fully. There is a 14 day cooling off period in which you can return the policy for a full refund if it does not meet with your requirements.
13. SPECIAL REQUESTS & MEDICAL CONDITIONS / DISABILITIES If you or any member of your party have any special requests, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your booking confirmation/invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing that a special request will be provided (where it is possible to give this) where it is important to you. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking process), you must tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops or worsens after your booking has been confirmed.
14. CLIENT BEHAVIOUR When you book a holiday with BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS you accept responsibility for the proper conduct of your party. BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS reserves the right in its reasonable discretion to terminate the holiday of any member of your party whose conduct is disruptive or detrimental to the enjoyment of other clients, or whose conduct may prejudice the reputation of BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS with our suppliers or hotel owners. In that situation BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS shall have no further responsibility or liability to you. The departure of a coach, ship or train will be not be delayed for passengers who are not on board by the stated departure time.
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15. COMPLAINTS & ASSISTANCE ON HOLIDAY If you have any reason to be unhappy with any element of your holiday, we would ask you first to bring this to the attention of the person in charge of the relevant service, on the spot. If this is not possible please either contact our local representative or our UK office, using the number provided with your travel documents. It is essential that you do this to enable us to try and put matters right where possible. If a problem remains unresolved during your holiday you should make a complaint in writing to BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS within 28 days of the completion of your holiday giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. We will reply to you within 28 days of receipt of your letter. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint while on holiday we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking. If you’re in difficulty whilst on holiday and ask us to help, we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault. The terms of this contract are exclusively governed by Scottish Law and the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.
16. PROTECTING YOUR MONEY We provide full financial protection for our package holidays. 1.
Flight inclusive tours: we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the CAA (ATOL No. 4498) which provides for your protection in the event of Brightwater Holidays Ltd insolvency. The price of your air holiday packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme as explained below.
2.
Tours without flights arranged by us: The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
a) non-flight packages and
b) flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with BRIGHTWATER HOLIDAYS Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company. You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/ contents
17. AITO QUALITY CHARTER Brightwater Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Brightwater Holidays abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com. Visit our website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.
18. DATA PROTECTION To process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we need to use the information you provide (such as name, address, passport information, email address, mobile number any special needs/dietary requirements, etc.). Any such personal data that you provide will be held securely and for the purpose you have provided it, in accordance with both the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as airlines, hotels, transport companies, etc. We will not however, pass any information on to any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. In making a booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons only. We may need to disclose personal data to a third party within countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for the purpose of providing your holiday. Controls on data protection in your destination may not be as stringent as in the UK. In addition, your data may be disclosed to regulatory bodies or public authorities such as customs or immigration for the purposes of monitoring and/or enforcing compliance with any regulatory rules/codes. We will only send you information about special offers, brochures, new holidays and competitions if you have ‘opted in’ to receive news from Brightwater Holidays Ltd. If you do not wish to receive this information, you can use the ‘unsubscribe’ function at the bottom of any email communication or just let us know. For full details of how we may use your personal information and your rights in relation to your personal information, please see our Privacy Policy on our website: https://www.brightwaterholidays.com/cookies-privacy-policy By booking online, or over the phone, you are stating that you have read and agreed to our Privacy Policy. A copy of which can be found here: https://www. brightwaterholidays.com/cookies-privacy-policy Company Registration No: SC137295. Registered Office: Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS. Eden Park House, Eden Park, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4HS Tel: 01334 429004 | Email: info@brightwaterholidays.com www.brightwaterholidays.com/booking-conditions
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