Brightwater Holidays - Private Group Tours by Specialist Journeys

Private Group Tours

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

What we do

Quality garden and special interest tours for groups At Brightwater, we have 25 years’ experience in creating holidays for individuals, couples, families, societies and interest groups up and down the country. So you never know, after all this time, we might just have a few tricks up our sleeve... Keep reading overleaf for the ways in which you can tailor-make your private tour.

Ready-made or tailor-made Over 25 years of operation, we’ve built up an exciting programme of existing tours that just gets better with age — a lot like us, really! Why not take a look at brightwaterholidays.com and see what takes your fancy? You can tailor any of these tours to your needs and interests, or start from scratch. Just get in touch with our Private Groups Manager, Stephanie Reid, at stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com, or give her a call on 01722 713832 to get the ball rolling.

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

How we do it There are many factors which go into shaping your private group holiday, but no matter your particular needs, rest assured we’ll be able to combine them into your perfect tour.

Group Size

Tour Destination

A family of five, a group of fifty, or anything in between — no matter the number, we’ll find the restaurants and hotels that offer the perfect fit.

Let us know how long you’d like to stay, and we’ll see what we can do. Long London weekend? No problem. Three-week Caribbean jaunt? Done.

Near or Far

Room & Board

Whether it’s visas and boarding passes or just finding your local coach stop, we’ll see how the far-flung or familiar will shape your final tour.

5* luxury and wine with dinner, or rustic hotels and independent meals? You choose the quality and what’s included, and we’ll factor it all in.

Transport

All Inclusive

Plane, train or coach — how will you get to your destination? We’ll figure out the cost for each so that you can make the most informed choice.

All visits included, or a pick-and-mix of optional excursions? How much you cover in the cost of your tour is completely up to you.

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Reasons to travel

Let’s make it easy — here’s how we can help There are many reasons to design your own private group tour, and even more reasons to do it with Brightwater Holidays. From free places for organisers to airport transfers, there’s a whole host of ways we can make your planning a piece of cake.

Completely Yours Whether it’s a couture dress or a beautiful piece of bespoke furniture, having something made just for you will always feel special. So why not a holiday? From the destination to the duration, the hotels to the wine, the choice is all yours.

A Safe Pair of Hands We’re AITO, ABTOT and ATOL verified, and members of the Group Travel Organisers Association. This means that your investment will always be protected and that our standards will always be high. It’s our guarantee.

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Wherever, Whenever Put our worldwide expertise to the test — choose where you’d like to go, and at what time of year, and we’ll make it happen. From Japan in springtime to South Africa in the autumn — oh, the places you’ll go!

For Anyone and Everyone

Managing your Marketing

No matter your budget, group size, or area of interest, we can help you create the tour of your dreams — we’ve organised tours for everyone from the Arts Society (NADFAS) to Alton University of the Third Age, and we can certainly do it for you.

We’re sure you’ll have no trouble selling the tour you’ve dreamed up to your group, but we find that glossy marketing materials never hurt! We’ll put together a bespoke brochure to help you on your way.

Every Step of the Way

Little Extras

Clear and comprehensive information, communication and troubleshooting are our hallmarks. For anything you need, at any time, just get in touch. From concept to conclusion, we’ll make sure your tour is the very best it can be.

Free places for organisers, extra-special welcome and farewell dinners, even VIP service from your front door to the airport — these are the little extras that only come with a bespoke tour. Ask what we can do for you, and we’ll let you know!

How It Works Every tour in this brochure has been given an estimated price per person, based on a group size of 30. The actual price will naturally depend on a number of factors (see p.3), but we hope that this will help you to start envisaging the practical (as well as the more exciting) aspects of your final private group tour. Read on to get started!

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Worldwide Tours

Gardens and Flora of Japan: Kyoto & Hokkaidō Perhaps the most famous features of Japan’s wildly varying landscape are its gardens. But when it comes to Kyoto and Hokkaidō, these wonderful spaces are just the beginning...

Snow-capped mountains, brooding volcanoes, steam-crowned hot springs and shimmering lakes all make their mark on the landscape of Hokkaidō, Japan’s wild north island. Meanwhile, former Imperial capital Kyoto offers a glimpse of old Japan, with centuries-old teahouses opening to narrow streets and ancient temples set precariously on forest-blanketed hillsides. It would be remiss of us not to mention the gardens at all, of course — whether austere or ostentatious, bursting with profusions of pale pink blossom or fiery foliage, each is a wonder to behold. There are temple gardens, zen gardens, and gardens made for strolling; geometric Hojo gardens, botanical gardens, and gardens made for picnicking in cherry tree groves. And as if all those green spaces weren’t enough, there’s also the incredibly diverse menus — from astounding seafood to robust ramen — otherworldly bamboo forests and alpine National Parks, even the opportunity to spend the night in a Buddhist temple atop Mount Koya.

WHAT’S INCLUDED This is just an example of what we could organise for your tour group — add or subtract at will for your perfect package: • Return flights • Comfortable coaching throughout • Services of a Brightwater Holidays Tour Manager and Expert Guide • All site, museum and garden entries • Bed and breakfast in hand-picked hotels • Meals in local restaurants

8 days from £2,250 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more worldwide inspiration Arts, gardens, archaeology, food, wine, singing... the possibilities for your private group tour are endless. Here are just a few more suggestions:

Calligraphy & Garden Art in Japan

Iran: Gardens, Art & Architecture

Ethiopia: Rock Churches & Coffee

In Japan, garden-making is considered among the highest art forms — you’ll see why when you see it at its very best, alongside a rich calligraphic tradition.

Ornately tiled mosques, lush Persian gardens and astounding rock reliefs compete for our attention on this utterly unique Silk Road sojourn.

The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the so-called ‘New Jerusalem’, or coffee: which came first? The answer, which we’ll find on tour, might surprise you...

8 days from £2,495

12 days from £3,195

10 days from £2,695

Wine & Wildflowers of the Western Cape

Plant-hunting in Yunnan Province

A Journey through Japanese Cuisine

South Africa’s flower-laden springtime landscapes are wonderful to behold, especially with full glass of the globally-renowned good stuff in hand...

The mirror-like lakes and snow-capped mountains of Yunnan are the closest we’re likely to get to Shangri-la: truly a botaniser’s paradise.

Experience foodie heaven on Japan’s main island of Honshu, from bustling night markets in Tokyo to Michelin-starred restaurants in Kyoto.

15 days from £3,495

15 days from £3,995

12 days from £3,375

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

European Tours

Verona: A Cultural Exploration If you have a hankering for the medieval streets and incomparable scenery of northern Italy, then fair Verona could be where we lay our scene for your next private group adventure — the reasons for doing so are certainly plentiful. Historic, scenic and bursting with culture, Verona is a dream destination. Join us for visits to Palladian villas and lakeside gardens, Roman arenas and Gothic basilicas, all set in unbelievably picturesque environs. Visit Giardino Giusti, a masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping complete with tiny labyrinth, in which lovers who manage to find each other are allegedly destined to stay together forever. Or why not venture out of the city to Lake Garda? A luxurious summer bolt-hole since the time of the Romans, its idyllic lakeside towns and beautiful scenery make for a truly great escape from the hustle and bustle. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Italian escape without a little music (or, indeed, a lot), so why not time your visit to coincide with the Verona Summer Festival, a transcendent operatic event with an atmospheric Roman amphitheatre setting? The same goes for food — embark on a tastebud-tickling tour of the city for superb pastries, smooth gelato and flavourful risotto.

6 days from £995 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more European inspiration Whether your interest lies in music, food, art or elsewhere, there’s no end of cultural adventures to be had in Europe. Here are just a few more suggestions:

Claude, Camembert & Calvados

Levadas & Gardens of Madeira

Champagne & Chȃteaux

Three of Normandy’s most famous exports — one exceptional tour for the art-lover and foodie. Feed the stomach and the soul alike in northern France.

This lush volcanic island is a sub-tropical paradise for plants, and the perfect spot for walks by the side of the island’s canals — levadas, in the local vernacular.

The bubbles might be the best bit, but the historic houses which produce the world’s favourite sparkling wine are certainly a very close second.

5 days from £595

6 days from £1,095

3 days from £495

Art & Food of Florence

Two-Centre Cyprus: Paphos & Pentydaktylos

Klapa Singing in Croatia

Gallery visits and gourmet experiences await the curious culture vulture in Florence, the iconic red-roofed jewel of the Renaissance.

Monasteries on mountain paths, scenic sites along the shimmering coast, and more all make for picturesque pitstops on this two-centre Cypriot tour.

This multipart singing is so important that it has been deemed part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — join us, and join in!

5 days from £995

6 days from £1,095

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

European Tours

Oberammergau Passion Play: 2020 Depending on how you look at it, this is a tour either ten years or almost four centuries in the making. Performed only in years ending with zero, the Oberammergau Passion Play is truly one for the collector of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Preparing for a holiday years in advance might seem overly organised, but for some rare opportunities, it’s certainly worth it. One such treat is the Oberammergau Passion Play, a once-a-decade retelling of humanity’s most famous story. In a time when the Black Death cast its shadow over Europe, the inhabitants of Oberammergau made a bargain: if their town was spared, they would perform the Passion of Christ once every ten years. Today, we travel between May and October 2020 to bear witness to this unusual and exquisite tradition in action — why don’t you join us? But there’s more to beautiful Bavaria than just passion plays and historic pacts — this is the land of storybook turreted castles and dramatic landscape straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. And then there’s the world-famous Oktoberfest — book your Oberammergau tour for late September or early October and experience Munich’s exuberant celebration of beer alongside it.

WHAT’S INCLUDED This is just an example of what we could organise for your tour group — add or subtract at will for your perfect package: • Return flights • Comfortable coaching throughout • Services of a Brightwater Holidays Tour Manager and Expert Guide • Tickets to the Passion Play • Bed and breakfast in hand-picked hotels • Meals in local restaurants

5 days from £995 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more Oberammergau inspiration Oberammergau is the very definition of a special event, but your tour needn’t stop there — here are some creative combos to get the inspiration flowing:

Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol

Oberammergau & the Veneto Region

The hills are certainly alive on this tour, taking in the setting for classic film The Sound of Music and the home of one of the world’s premier musical geniuses.

Gliding by gondola along Venice’s canals, dinner at the table of an Italian Count, and visits to venerable villas: it’s all going on in Veneto.

8 days from £1,395

8 days from £1,495

9 days from £1,550

Oberammergau & the Churches & Cathedrals of Bavaria

Oberammergau & the Salzkammergut

Oberammergau & the Castles & Gardens of Bavaria

Follow the passion play’s theological theme with visits to Bavaria’s various charming churches and transcendent cathedrals.

See the very best of town and country when you combine Oberammergau with a trip to the unbelievably beautiful Austrian Lake District.

7 days from £1,250

Oberammergau & the Gardens of the Italian Lakes Visits to lakeside villas and neighbouring Liechtenstein make for perfect additions to the Oberammergau passion play experience.

From Neuschwanstein to Nymphenberg, the regal castles of Bavaria are the stuff of fairytales — and the gardens aren’t bad either! 8 days from £1,395

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

European Tours

Arts & Gardens of the Netherlands From the Golden Age of painting to one of Europe’s quickest developing contemporary markets, the Netherlands has always had much to offer the art lover. But the visual treats don’t end there: endless tulip fields and glorious gardens make sure of that. The Rijksmuseum, the jewel in the crown of the Netherlands’ artistic collections, was closed for refurbishment for over a decade, but a visit today proves that it was worth the wait — see masterpieces by the Dutch Golden Age’s best-loved son, Rembrandt van Rijn, before heading to the artist’s meticulously refurbished 17th century home. Then, fast forward to the 20th century with a tour of the cutting-edge Van Gogh Museum to explore the works of the world-famous post-impressionist. If your tastes err a little more on the contemporary side, there’s plenty more to attract you to capital city Amsterdam: a visit to the stunning, postmodern Stedelijk Museum, for instance. The rewards aren’t merely artistic, though — Amsterdam is an impressive cultural hub, with open-air theatres, historical museums, venerable concert halls and more. And last, but certainly not least, there’s the Netherlands’ most famous export: from the Tulip Museum to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, it’s bulbs galore!

4 days from £475 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more European inspiration Whether your interest lies in music, food, art or elsewhere, there’s no end of cultural adventures to be had in Europe. Here are just a few more suggestions:

Spring in the Dutch Bulbfields

Gardens and Food of Marrakech

The Story of Spanish Art

Tiptoe through the tulips, dance through the daffodils, or even hop through the hyacinths...it’s all possible in the Netherlands’ technicolour springtime.

From its primary-coloured exotic gardens to its orange blossom and rose-infused local cuisine, Marrakech is paradise for the greenfingered foodie.

An artistic journey through Spain, from the Gehrydesigned Guggenheim to Madrid’s Reina Sofía. Get inspired, and try the techniques for yourself!

4 days from £595

6 days from £1,250

6 days from £1,095

Museums & Galleries of Russia

En Plein Air in the Canary Islands

Painting in the Peloponnese

An art-lover’s tour of striking St Petersburg and Moscow — from Russian art at the State National Museum to Matisse and Cezanne in the Hermitage.

The hilly landscapes of historic La Gomera, the hiker’s paradise of Tenerife’s Mount Teide National Park...inspiration abounds in the Canaries.

The breathtaking Peloponnesian Peninsula provides divine inspiration for the avid painter — we are walking in the footsteps of the gods, after all!

6 days from £945

6 days from £1,250

6 days from £1,195

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

UK and Irish Tours

Highgrove & the Cotswolds The unremitting beauty of the Cotswolds, with their honey-hued stone buildings, thatched-roof taverns and cottage gardens bursting with colour, attracts millions of visitors a year. Want to be in that number? Read on... The Cotswolds’ rural beauty is legendary, but there are plenty of attractions to be found outside of the area’s picture-postcard villages, too. Take, for instance, the Royal Gardens of Highgrove House, home of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, which open to the public every summer. Highgrove’s organically-tended grounds, with their combination of highly individual gardens showcasing great creativity and imagination, are reason enough to visit in themselves. But the treats needn’t stop there — why not stop for a locally-sourced lunch or Champagne tea in the on-site Orchard Restaurant? But beyond the right royal visits, there’s plenty more around which you can tailor a trip to the Cotswolds. Contrast rolling hills with dreaming spires on a day trip to the university city of Oxford, or see how spectacular local produce shines in the hands of talented chefs at one of the region’s award-winning gastropubs.

WHAT’S INCLUDED This is just an example of what we could organise for your tour group — add or subtract at will for your perfect package: • Return coach travel from local pick-up points • Comfortable coaching throughout • Services of a Brightwater Holidays Tour Manager and Expert Guide • All site, museum and garden entries • Bed and breakfast in hand-picked hotels • Meals in local restaurants

4 days from £595 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more close-to-home inspiration Gorgeous gardens and stirring landscapes can all be found just a short hop from home. Here are some more ideas of where your tour could take you...

Versailles & Giverny

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Gardens of Oxfordshire

Skip across the channel for a journey from the palatial grounds of the Parisian château to the familiar bridges and lily-ponds of Monet’s beloved garden.

Discover astounding conceptual gardens and expert talks, all in iconic historic environs, at one of the premier horticultural events of the year.

A tour of contrasts, from horizon-skimming gardens and stately homes to winding cobbled lanes among dreaming spires and sand-coloured stone.

5 days from £895

3 days from £395

In the Footsteps of the Tudors

Organic Gardening in Coventry

Wild Food in Western Cornwall

Follow the story of the volatile Tudor clan through visits to the settings of their many dramas — and even spend the night in a Tudor castle at Thornbury!

Take a fun day course on organic growing and sustainability at the superb Ryton Organic Gardens, twinned with a trip into the Roman city of Coventry.

Find a whole new meaning to ‘pick your own’ with Fat Hen Cookery School, set in a picturesque farmhouse in the unbelievably beautiful rural south-west.

5 days from £995

4 days from £395

5 days from £650

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

UK and Irish Tours

Gardens of the Welsh Borders The green, green grass of Monmouthshire and Herefordshire doesn’t just extend to beautiful rural surroundings — these two counties are also home to a rich vein of wonderful private gardens. Join us, and meet the passionate gardeners behind them. Deep in the bucolic countryside of Herefordshire, you might expect to find shady glades, fragrant rose and herb gardens, ponds, the odd fountain...but perhaps not all in one place. This magnificent, multi-faceted garden is The Laskett, brainchild of Sir Roy Strong and his wife Julia Oman, and a real triumph of garden-making. As in the Renaissance garden, The Laskett takes the wandering plant-lover on a journey that’s not only a feast for the eyes, but for all five senses. But it’s true what they say about the grass being greener on the other side — cross the border into South Wales, and a wonderful world of horticulture awaits. The houses and gardens of High Glanau Manor and Wyndcliffe Court are a real treat for the Arts & Crafts enthusiast, while Llanover House’s 15-acre garden is a masterclass in maximum-impact landscaping. Add to that easygoing country walks (with scheduled stops at cosy pubs) and you have the perfect tour. Not that we’re biased...

4 days from £595 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more inspiration around the UK Gorgeous gardens and stirring landscapes can all be found just a short hop from home. Here are some more ideas of where your tour could take you...

Eisteddfod: Cardiff Bay

Gourmet Gower and Swansea Bay

Gardens of Kent & Sussex

Join us and join in the fun at the Cardiff Bay edition of the Welsh national celebration of literature, art and music, billed as an ‘Eisteddfod with no fence’.

Enjoy hands-on foraging and local delicacies such as salt marsh lamb in this beachy Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and beyond.

From the innovative World Garden of Plants to Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Hever Castle, there’s more to the Home Counties than meets the eye...

4 days from £395

The Legacy of Capability Brown

Celts, Castles & Cathedrals

A Private Grand Tour of Wales

From our base in the scenic Cotswolds, we take a tour of some of the man himself’s greatest hits: Compton Verney, Croome Court, and more.

From the rugged coast of West Wales to the green hinterland of Ireland, join us on a compelling journey from prehistory to the present.

Roman forts and Gothic castles, colourful seafronts and bustling cities: this is the very best of Wales — choose your greatest hits for a truly bespoke tour.

4 days from £495

7 days from £995

5 days from £695

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

UK and Irish Tours

In an Irish Garden Create your own country-hopping horticultural tour with Brightwater, and take in the very best of what the island’s gardens have to offer on both sides of the border.

If there’s one thing you can expect from the so-called ‘Emerald Isle’, it’s surely wide, wild green expanses. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland alike have those in spades, of course, but they also have so much more to offer. Discover the Palladian mansion nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, the only surviving portrait of William Shakespeare at Newbridge Estate, and the Italianate garden of the 19th century Corke Lodge. If there’s one thing these seemingly disparate houses have in common, it’s incomparable gardens. But the green-fingered inclinations of the Irish people aren’t just showcased in the country’s stately homes — we visit some superb private gardens, too. And then there’s the cities, about as far from green as you can get but no less lovely for it. Wend your way though the cobbled streets of Dublin’s Temple Bar, where toetapping ceilidh bursts forth into the street as a pub door swings open; or take to the streets of Belfast in a black cab, taking in some of the city’s many murals as you go.

8 days from £1,195 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more British Isles inspiration Gorgeous gardens and stirring landscapes can all be found just a short hop from home. Here are some more ideas of where your tour could take you...

Traditional Music in Ireland

London’s Rooftop Bars & Gardens

The Irish Rover

From the cobbled streets of Dublin to the heritage town of Ardara, this journey through the rich history of Irish music is sure to have a winning soundtrack.

The high-rise gardens of the English capital are proof that horticulture (and merrymaking) needn’t necessarily happen on ground level...

A coast-to-coast voyage from Dublin and back again. Stroll the streets of Galway, admire the monumental Cliffs of Moher, and more.

5 days from £695

3 days from £495

6 days from £875

Spirits and Stout: A Drinks Tour of Ireland

Kew Gardens & Wakehurst

Lord of the Dance: Derry 2018

A guided tour of Guinness’ birthplace, distillery experiences in Dublin and County Westmeath, and a journey along the ‘Whiskey Trail’ — sláinte!

A full day’s exploration of the world-class Kew Gardens and country estate Wakehurst, home to the largest wild plant seed bank in the world.

Combine a fantastic performance of Lord of the Dance with a stepdancing workshop, where you can try out some fancy footwork for yourself.

5 days from £595

3 days from £450

3 days from £395

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Scenic Scottish Tours

A Private Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides The concept of a Grand Tour might seem almost at odds with the famously laid-back pace of life in Scotland’s Western Isles, but the profusion of sites here is so full that you don’t have to go very far to see it all — and have plenty of time to take it all in, to boot. In the Outer Hebrides, a uniquely slow pace of life is reminiscent of times past — in the north, establishments go into once-weekly hibernation in observation of the Sabbath, while up and down the island chain there is a pleasing dissonance as ancient sites meet modern life. Just off the coast of Barra, we can journey by boat to ‘the Castle in the Sea’, the impregnable, wave-lapped Kisimul Castle; on the Isle of Lewis, we can see Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln, a fascinating insight into a way of life once common on the island, and walk among the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish. But a trip here is by no means all about the sites: with stunning stretches of land and sea aplenty, Hebridean journeys are just as much of an event as the destinations themselves. Enjoy a scenic southward drive from Lewis, punctuated by mist-cloaked hilltops, green expanses and steely seas; a serene early-morning ferry ride on the Sound of Harris, and much more as we explore these fascinating islands.

WHAT’S INCLUDED This is just an example of what we could organise for your tour group — add or subtract at will for your perfect package: • Return coach travel from local pick-up points • Ferry crossings and comfortable coaching throughout • Services of a Brightwater Holidays Tour Manager and Expert Guide • All site, museum and garden entries • Bed and breakfast in hand-picked hotels • Meals in local restaurants

6 days from £785 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more Scottish inspiration Scenic Scotland provides plenty of opportunity for bonny breaks — what those involve, be it hiking, painting or wildlife-watching, is up to you:

Arran: Scotland in Miniature

Painting Scotland’s Cityscapes & Seascapes

Islay & Jura

With its highlands and lowlands, charming towns and wealth of history, bijou Arran has more in common with the mainland than you might think.

From the picture-postcard seaside town of St Andrews to the wild expanses of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s landscapes are bursting with artistic inspiration.

With ample beautiful beaches, an abundance of heritage sites, and nine working whisky distilleries between them, Islay & Jura are natural bedfellows.

5 days from £495

5 days from £695

Edinburgh: Stills & Speakeasies

Walk Hadrian’s Wall for Charity

Highlands & Islands: A Whisky Tour

Visit the cutting-edge distilleries, charming bars and elegant gin palaces at the forefront of Scotland’s gin renaissance on this long Edinburgh weekend.

Walk one of the British Isles’ most scenic and historic stretches, while challenging yourself and your friends for charity at the same time. Win-win!

Award-winning artisan whiskies, avant-garde distilleries and a handful of those remote, cosy pubs in which to taste a dram or two: what’s not to love?

3 days from £495

5 days from £995

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Scenic Scottish Tours

Castles & Gardens of the Far North A journey to the far north of Scotland brings many rewards, not least the enchanting castles and gardens we see on tour — the distance travelled is certainly worth it!

Rewards come in all shapes and sizes in Scotland’s far north: why not weave them together as you like for a pitch-perfect pick-and-mix tour? Fascinating castles and luscious gardens bring out the best in this remote and unspoilt region. Get to the heart of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tales — the notorious ‘Scottish Play’ — at Cawdor Castle, and explore the grounds of the late Queen Mother’s favourite summer retreat at the Castle of Mey. Then there’s Dunrobin Castle, with its continental touches and horizon-skimming formal gardens... Whether you’re in search of dramatic landscapes or manicured borders, you’ll be sure to find it in the far north. But that’s by no means the end of it. Why not go forth to the firths (Pentland to the north, and Moray to the east) for boat tours around the scenic coast? A paradise for wildlife lovers, the latter is one of the best places in Europe to see bottlenose dolphins in the wild. For those of a more indoorsy bent, there’s always those famous pubs...

4 days from £379 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more Celtic inspiration The Celtic fringe is bursting with age-old landscapes and other marvels quite different from the rest of Britain. Discover it for yourself with our suggestions...

The Clearances & the Scottish Disaspora

Travelling The North Coast 500

Cornwall & the Scillies: Arts & Gardens

Learn the tragic tale at the very heart of Highlands lore: one of disturbance and displacement, sending some to the coast, others to Australia and America.

Join us on the British Isles’ answer to Route 66 for a road trip to remember through the unbelievable coastal scenery of Scotland’s North Coast.

England’s extreme southwest has long provided inspiration for artists: see for yourself just why on this easy breezy coastal painting and garden tour.

5 days from £695

Castles & Gardens of North Wales

Wildlife of the Far North

Highland & Island Gardens

The castles and gardens of North Wales are an event in themselves — just add mountain backdrops and dramatic seascapes for extra grandeur.

A spot of seal-spying or puffin-watching in Caithness? A chance to see otters and golden eagles on Skye? Northern Scotland is paradise for wildlife lovers.

The Western Seaboard of Scotland is home to some of the finest gardens in Europe, thanks in part to a gentle Gulf Stream climate and passionate growers.

5 days from £675

5 days from £650

5 days from £575

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Scenic Scottish Tours

Scenic Scottish Railways In the Scottish highlands, railway tracks carve through rolling hill and gentle glen with an ease unmatched by any other mode of transport. This is a landscape of sparkling lochs and craggy mountains, and one seemingly made for rail travel. A gently rocking carriage, a continuous reassuring chug punctuated by a reedy whistle, the unmistakable smell of smoke — a trip by train is truly a trip for all the senses. When that trip is taken through the breathtaking landscapes of the Cairngorms and along Scotland’s northwest coast, it quickly takes a turn for the unforgettable. These beautiful places are impossible not to enjoy from any aspect, but we think you’d agree that discovering them by train brings another dimension altogether — all aboard for a new perspective on Scotland’s dazzling variety of beautiful landscapes. If you’re taken with the story of Scotland’s transport heritage — and as the inventors of the steam engine, the world’s first pedal cycle, and even tarmac, there’s an awful lot of it — why not throw in some trips to some truly topflight museums? See why Glasgow’s Museum of Transport is an award winner, and while you’re at it, finish the day with a bridge-spotting boat trip on the Firth of Forth — we can hardly think of a better way to round things off.

4 days from £475 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more rail inspiration Some of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth were just made to be witnessed by rail. Choose your own journey, or see below for our suggestions:

The Cathedrals Express

Sweden by Train: the Inlandsbanan

The Rockies by Rail

Choose your steam-hauled journey through the British countryside, and marvel at astounding cathedrals: Ely? Winchester? Canterbury? Decisions, decisions...

This laid-back northward journey to the Land of the Midnight Sun, passing herds of reindeer and miles of dense spruce forest, is the best way to see Sweden.

All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for a journey through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies — add an Alaskan cruise for maximum adventure.

4 days from £495

8 days from £1,995

12 days from £3,995

The Danube Express

The California Zephyr

Taking the Deerstalker Express

See Middle Europe in sheer luxury — complete with private suites and fine dining — aboard this Balkan alternative to the Orient Express.

A two-night, 2,438-mile odyssey through America’s heartland, boarding at Chicago’s Union Station and alighting in easygoing San Francisco.

Board in Euston, drift off with the help of a wee dram from the lounge car, and awake in the Highlands — a truly magical start to any Scottish sojourn.

8 days from £1,299

8 days from £2,995

4 days from £455

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Archaeology Tours

Orkney & Shetland: an Archaeologist’s View Starkly beautiful, isolated archipelagoes, blanketed with windswept landscapes and dotted with the remains of ancient cultures, Orkney and Shetland are an archaeologist’s dream.

Creating your very own island-hopping archaeological tour is a cinch with Brightwater. If you like, we can even arrange for your group to be accompanied by an expert archaeologist who will bring the extensive relics of these isles to life. Gain a fascinating insight into Stone Age life at Skara Brae, where the beds, jewellery, and even medicines of inhabitants long gone paint a telling picture. Enjoy a unique hands-on experience at the Tomb of the Eagles, where we ponder the still-unanswered questions of ancient life in Orkney; and marvel at the complexity of the former Norse settlement at Jarlshof. But while the human history of Orkney and Shetland is truly something to behold, there’s plenty more to see. Take a free afternoon to wander the lanes of Kirkwall, Orkney’s colourful capital, or walk the cliffs of dramatically craggy Sumburgh Head, soundtracked by the chatter of resident fulmars. Then, top it all off with an overnight ferry voyage across the North Sea. Magic.

WHAT’S INCLUDED This is just an example of what we could organise for your tour group — add or subtract at will for your perfect package: • Return coach travel from local pick-up points • Ferry crossings and comfortable coaching throughout • Services of a Brightwater Holidays Tour Manager and Expert Guide • All site, museum and garden entries • Bed and breakfast in hand-picked hotels • Meals in local restaurants

6 days from £945 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more archaeological inspiration With thousands of years of human history, spread over thousands of miles, an archaeology tour can take you anywhere. Here are a few more suggestions:

Standing Stones to U-Boats

Rock Art of the Pyrenees

A Wessex Weekend

The entire history of the wild Northern Isles, from remarkable prehistoric settlements at Maeshowe to modern sites of conflict at the Churchill Barriers.

Cave art gives us one of our closest connections to our distant past. Marvel at paintings and drawings left remarkably intact for millennia.

Henges, burial mounds and causewayed camps dot the chalk downs that once formed part of ancient Wessex. See it all, and even walk inside Stonehenge.

8 days from £1,195

7 days from £1,395

3 days from £450

The Ice Man and his World

The Archaeology of Dalmatia & Dubrovnik

Chile & Easter Island

Venture into the Italian Alps to visit Ötzi, the incredibly well-preserved natural mummy who has proved invaluable to archaeologists.

From Zagreb to Zadar, the Adriatic coast of Croatia is home to a wealth of remarkable archaeological sites and charming medieval towns.

An adventure across the globe, in the company of an expert guide, to see some of the most peculiar rock art in the world, in vast and remote landscapes.

6 days from £1,095

8 days from £1,450

18 days from £6,795

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Archaeology Tours

Romanian Archaeology Often unfairly overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours, Romania has just as much to offer the history lover as nearby Hungary or Croatia — whether that’s the relics of ancient tribes or remnants of more recent troubled times. A landscape of steep alpine slopes and dense evergreen forests is already primed to capture the imagination — when that landscape is dotted with medieval watchtowers, brightly-painted monasteries and ancient ruins, it becomes nothing short of extraordinary. This is Romania: a captivating mix of Old World simplicity and new global sensibilities, where contemporary office blocks are interspersed with crumbling palaces on the city streets, and stunning Dacian ruins sit, isolated and magnificent, on seemingly ordinary hillsides. But the archaeology is just the beginning: walk the halls of fairytale castles in Transylvania, the fictive home of Count Dracula; devote a whole day to exploring the capital, with its trendy cafés and idyllic parks; dine like a local in one of Bucharest Old Town’s beer-and-ciorbă joints, or head northward to the National Village Museum, a bucolic site demonstrating Romanian rural life.

10 days from £1,500 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more archaeological inspiration With thousands of years of human history, spread over thousands of miles, an archaeology tour can take you anywhere. Here are a few more suggestions:

Bulgarian Archaeology

Norway: Vikings & Seafarers

Pompeii & Ischia

Bulgaria has earned its reputation as a haven for religious art — visit Rila Monastery, high in the Rila Mountains, and see just why for yourself.

Get behind the myths (and the horned helmets) to find out the true story of these fearsome sea-going explorers and their place in Northern Europe.

Explore the Bay of Naples in all its incarnations — from the frozen-in-time Roman settlement of Pompeii to the laid-back spa towns of Ischia.

9 days from £1,375

8 days from £1,995

8 days from £1,250

Albanian Archaeology

Caves & Castles

Central Mexico

After almost five decades of Communism, Albania has been slowly opening its doors to the world — and behind them lie a bevy of ancient wonders.

Get acquainted with the depths of the early human mind and the turbulence of medieval life through visits to the caves and castles of Franco-Iberia

From the bustle of modern capital Mexico City to the otherworldly open avenues of Teotihuacan, Central Mexico is truly a land of contrast and intrigue.

9 days from £1,295

12 days from £1,995

12 days from £3,750

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Archaeology Tours

Bronze Age Crete Four thousand years ago, the island of Crete became the home of the first advanced society in Europe: the Minoans. What better place to get better acquainted with Bronze Age Greece — and beyond — than this wild, wonderful island? It’s often said within Greece that Crete, with its charming towns and wild interior, could almost be its own country — and from the moment you set foot on this most striking of islands, we’re sure you’ll find yourself in agreement. We make our base in Heraklion, a place characterised by its uplifting bustle and vibrancy, and one where it’s very possible to lose yourself among hidden backstreets and while away hours on the waterfront. From here, we are ideally placed to explore the many archaeological wonders that Crete has to offer — labyrinthine Minoan palaces, including the world-famous Knossos; Bronze Age sites, and world-class museums full to the brim with momentous finds.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

But despite being the home of such famed ancient sites, there is also ample opportunity to focus on the present – slow down, enjoy the heartwarming hospitality, great company, and delectable cuisine, and savour what will surely be a tour to remember.

• Comfortable coaching throughout

This is just an example of what we could organise for your tour group — add or subtract at will for your perfect package: • Return flights • Services of a Brightwater Holidays Tour Manager and Expert Guide • All site, museum and garden entries • Bed and breakfast in hand-picked hotels • Meals in local restaurants

8 days from £1,295 per person

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

See below for more archaeology inspiration With thousands of years of human history, spread over thousands of miles, an archaeology tour can take you anywhere. Here are a few more suggestions:

Wonders of Ancient Egypt

Jordan: Dead Sea & Desert Fortresses

Roman Lyon and the Rhône Valley

From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, there’s hardly a better destination on Earth for the lover of ancient history than Egypt.

Journey from Jordan’s modern capital to the incomparable, rock-carved Nabatean city of Petra — with time for a dip in the Dead Sea, of course.

The vine and the divine come together admirably in beautiful Lyon, with winery trips and gourmet experiences, plus a visit to the Roman Theatre.

10 days from £1,995

8 days from £1,250

The Romans in London and Paris

Greek Islands Cruise

Classical Sicily

In two of the Western Roman Empire’s greatest strongholds, extravagant villas, cemeteries and theatres leave clues to its great influence.

Sail leisurely across the Aegean, pausing to explore the spectacular ancient treasures found on the islands of the Dodecanese and the Cyclades

At its crossroads of cultures, Classical Sicily occupied a very important position indeed, evidenced today by Norman churches and Roman ruins.

6 days from £1,095

11 days from £3,995

8 days from £1,395

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Case Studies

Excellent group tours? Don’t just take it from us... With two and a half decades of helping enthusiasts of all kinds realise their travel dreams, it’s only natural that we would have scored some winners. But don’t just take our word for it, here it is straight from the source: our pleased-as-punch private group guests of years past.

ANNE RICHARDSON YORK ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL TRUST

“I would give Michael Gill a 10+++, there are not enough marks to rate how absolutely excellent he is, the best guide I have ever had on a holiday. He goes above and beyond to make sure all the travellers are happy. He is a lovely, kind, sensitive and very knowledgeable man and deserves the utmost praise. He is an asset to Brightwater Holidays. The duration of the visits was just right and the local guides were excellent.”

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

“Fantastic trip to Normandy — happy customers and a great tour manager in Michael Gill. How did you arrange such brilliant weather?” GARETH JAMES KEW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

“We all had a ball and loved the Dublin WAFA. It was a most enjoyable trip and we cannot thank you enough for all your help.” MARLENE CROY ORKNEY NAFAS

“Many thanks for organising our tour to the Netherlands. It was such a success and enjoyed by all.” ANGELA EDGINGTON NZWA

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

SPECIALIST JOURNEYS Here at Brightwater Holidays, we are very proud to be a member of the Specialist Journeys Group. As with all families, each individual member (or, in this case, each company) brings its own unique charms and advantages to the table. We all have one thing in common though: a shared ethos which prizes the opportunity to provide quality, authenticity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences above all. • • • • • • • •

Andante Travels Archaeological Tours Arblaster & Clarke Brightwater Action for Charity Dream Challenges Historical Trips Authentic Adventures

Each of our companies has its own area of expertise, so whether your interest lies in wine or walking, art or archaeology, we’ve got you covered. You can organise your private tour in conjunction with any of the operators mentioned in these pages, so get in touch, and we’ll get started.

Find out more at www.specialistjourneys.com

After 30 years in the industry, Andante Travels is now one of the world’s leading providers of archaeological holidays. From Pompeii to Petra, there are very few corners of the world left unexplored by Andante travellers. archaeological tours Led by noted scholars | superb itineraries | unsurpassed service

For insights into the ancient world, it really doesn’t come much better than an Archaeological Tours holiday. Expert scholars and in-depth itineraries leaving no stone unturned are par for the course.

Wine Tours

Arblaster & Clarke pioneered the concept of wine travel and continue to lead the world in product quality and innovation across the Old and New Worlds, whether that’s through Champagne short breaks or epic adventures in the Antipodes.

Brightwater Holidays specialise in garden and special interest tours all over the world. With a good balance between famous properties and private gardens, these are great tours for green fingers!

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

ction for charity lifechangingevents

Action for Charity have raised millions for charities with exciting challenge events around the world. We guarantee a lifechanging experience for everyone taking part, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trekking in Africa or night-cycling around Central London.

Founded and run by historians, Historical Trips is proof positive that a love of things past does not keep you from knowing how to have a good time in the present. A fascinating roster of tours, spanning four continents and 1,000 years of history.

Authentic Adventures offer high quality painting, singing, walking and sightseeing tours. Operating since 1997, they have built up a wonderful list of contacts, a team of professional tutors, and excellent local guides in well-known destinations.

Call today on 01722 713832 | Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com | Private Group Tours

Brightwater Holidays Ltd, Eden Park House, Cupar, Fife KY15 4HS Contact: 01722 713832 Email: stephanie@brightwaterholidays.com Web: www.brightwaterholidays.com Main Office Tel: 01334 657155 Email: info@brightwaterholidays.com

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