
New Zealand
From
£6,795
£6,995
Summary
For us in the United Kingdom, visiting New Zealand is rather like entering a parallel universe. On the surface, everything appears familiar, but look more closely and you notice subtle differences – an unusual plant, an outlandish insect or a brightly coloured bird – which tell you that you are in fact a long way from home. There are parts of New Zealand that could be anywhere in the British Isles, from a Hampshire country garden to a Highland glen, an illusion which is strengthened by the abundance of familiar place names and by the plants which were imported by the early settlers to make them feel more at home. Yet where in Britain can you find bubbling mud pools and gushing geysers, majestic fjords and glittering glaciers, huge tree ferns and penguin colonies? In addition to viewing some of these natural wonders, we will be taking a close look at the flora of the country, both in its natural habitat and in a cross-section of some of the many wonderful private and public gardens with which New Zealand is blessed. The native flora evolved in isolation here, after the land split from the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 60 million years ago, and of the country’s 2000 or so flowering plants about 75% are found only in New Zealand. Among the species we can expect to see are Raoulias (Vegetable sheep) and Celmisias, Ranunculus lyalli (Mount Cook Lily), Aciphyllas (Wild Spaniards), Bulbinellas, Chionohebes and Hebes; New Zealand Beech and Tree Ferns, as well as the many non-native plants which gardeners here like to grow alongside the native bush.
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£6,995
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Single supplement: £1,675
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Meet your Experts
Mike Nelhams
Tour Manager
Mike Nelhams is the Curator of Tresco’s Abbey Gardens and one of Brightwater Holidays’ most popular and well-travelled garden experts.
Your itinerary
Day 1 -
We depart from London Heathrow late afternoon on our overnight flight to Singapore. (Regional flight connections, flight upgrades and/or overnight accommodation before or after the tour available at a supplement).
Inc. Meals: In-flight only
Day 2 -
On arrival in Singapore we will be met and taken on a tour of Singapore, which includes visits to Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown and Little India.
Later we will be transferred to our 4-star city centre hotel. Evening at leisure. There are various dining options within the hotel and downtown Singapore has a wide range of inexpensive restaurants offering Asian and Western cuisine.

Meals included | Breakfast |
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Day 3 -
After breakfast visit Singapore’s iconic horticultural attraction, Gardens by the Bay. Spanning 101 hectares, this award-winning venue houses over 250,000 rare plants in an innovative and imaginative way. There are obvious similarities to our own Eden Project, in particular the huge domed conservatories, but other features are strikingly unique, such as the impressive Supertrees. Early evening we will check-in for our overnight flight to Auckland.
Inc. Meals: In-flight only

Day 4 -
On arrival in Auckland we are met by our coach and local driver/guide to be transferred to our first visit, Eden Garden. Built in an old quarry in the centre of Auckland, Eden Garden sits on the side of Mount Eden, one of the many volcanic remnants within Auckland. Fifty-three years of garden passion has turned an abandoned wilderness into a memorial garden of great beauty and interest.
This evening we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Hotel | Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland
The Grand Millennium Auckland is conveniently located in the city centre Close to Queen Street and the Viaduct Harbour. Enjoy the cosmopolitan city, fine dining, shopping and entertainment only minutes from your room. The stylish rooms offer chic, smart design with floor to ceiling windows delivering natural light throughout. From the heated indoor pool to the Grand Millennium Brasserie, there is something for everyone.
- Club Lounge
- Dry Cleaning and Laundry
- WIFI – Complimentary
- Air-conditioning
- Concierge
- Pool
- Gym
- Bar and Restaurant
Day 5 -
We begin this morning with a visit to Beverley McConnell’s 12-acre country garden Ayrlies, also classified as being of national significance. Maple woodland complements large ponds connected by a tumbling stream and edged in hostas, irises and other damp-loving plants. There are collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and masses of old roses and other climbers twining through trees and over pergolas. Wandering paths lead to some surprises and garden seats take advantage of delightful vistas with distant views of the sea.
Travelling south from Auckland, we break our journey in Hamilton with a visit to the impressive Hamilton Gardens. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is 'the story of gardens' which is explored through a series of five garden collections: the Paradise Garden Collection featuring gardens representing some of the most significant garden design traditions; the Productive Garden Collection representing different aspects of the relationship between people and plants; the Fantasy Garden Collection representing different forms of garden fantasy; the Cultivar Garden Collection featuring the story of plants selected and bred for the garden, and the Landscape Garden Collection with areas representing the different historic interpretations of an idealised landscape.
We continue our journey to Rotorua, also known as ‘Sulphur City’ for the distinctive odour that permeates the city (though you do get used to it!). Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Maori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed tomorrow evening.
Tonight we are treated to a Maori cultural experience. We are transferred from our hotel and on arrival enjoy a Powhiri, a traditional Maori welcome, followed by a special meal called a Hangi (Hung-ee = feast).

Hotel | Distinction Hotel, Rotorua |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Located in New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland, the Distinction Hotel Rotorua offers a range of facilities to delight. With newly furnished accommodation, high definition smart T.V’s and heated pool and spa, there and a multitude of ways to relax after a long day exploring the geothermal wonderland that is Rotorua.
- Bar and Restaurant
- WiFi – Complementary
- Heated pool and spa
- Gym Sauna
- Concierge
- Dry Cleaning and Laundry
- Air conditioning
Day 6 -
This morning we head south through the small towns of Piopio and Mokau, to the fertile Taranaki region, dominated by Mount Egmont or Taranaki (2518m). On arrival in New Plymouth we visit Tikorangi, The Jury Garden, home to world-renowned plant breeders, the late Felix Jury (holder of the Veitch gold medal from then RHS) and now Mark Jury. This large landscaped garden has one of the best plant collections in the country and has been rated as a Garden of National Significance.
En route to the hotel visit the amazing structure that is the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge for a photo stop.

Hotel | Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth
Enjoy a stay at New Plymouth's largest independently owned hotel, which is situated near to East End Beach and also the Coastal Walkway. This 4* hotel boasts complimentary WiFi throughout, modern rooms that are spacious and each include private bathrooms, and an outdoor heated saltwater pool. You will also find a spa and onsite fitness centre.
Day 7 -
Today, following breakfast, we will take in a sightseeing tour of New Plymouth, featuring the gardens and beaches of this unique city. The gardens include:
Te Popo is richly under-planted with many rate and beautiful shrubs, bulbs and flowers to complement the shady and sun-filled borders and dell. Ponds, waterfall, fern gully plus a 30m suspension bridge also feature.
Hollard Gardens, the achievement of a lifetime's work by Bernie and Rose Hollard. It is a monument to patience and horticultural skill. It features intimate gardens, hidden paths, expansive lawns and swamp gardens.
Pukeiti (meaning ‘little hill’), which boasts the largest collection of species and hybrid rhododendrons in New Zealand, in flower all year round. Founders Garden features native planting with countless complementary shrubs and plants. One of the pleasures of New Zealand gardens is that they often adjoin the native bush and Pukeiti is an excellent example of this, with bush walks throughout the surrounding natural rainforest.

Hotel | Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth
Enjoy a stay at New Plymouth's largest independently owned hotel, which is situated near to East End Beach and also the Coastal Walkway. This 4* hotel boasts complimentary WiFi throughout, modern rooms that are spacious and each include private bathrooms, and an outdoor heated saltwater pool. You will also find a spa and onsite fitness centre.
Day 8 -
Today, following breakfast, we visit a selection of the gardens featured in the Taranaki Garden Festival.
Te Kainga Marire is the only private native garden sanctuary in New Zealand to be rated as a Garden of International Significance. Keen outdoor adventurers, the owners wanted a bird friendly garden design around the ecological groups they had observed in the wild.
Tupare is a beautifully restored garden that surrounds a classic arts and crafts era Chapman-Taylor home, near New Plymouth. Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, it is one of the Taranaki region's premier landscaped gardens and features many large mature trees
Nikau Grove – hundreds of nikau palms set the South Pacific theme. Native plantings and lush exotics create splashes of colour and interest throughout this developed 1.5-acre garden.
We return to our hotel where the evening is free for you explore the local dining options at your leisure.

Hotel | Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth |
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Meals included | Breakfast |
Plymouth International Hotel, New Plymouth
Enjoy a stay at New Plymouth's largest independently owned hotel, which is situated near to East End Beach and also the Coastal Walkway. This 4* hotel boasts complimentary WiFi throughout, modern rooms that are spacious and each include private bathrooms, and an outdoor heated saltwater pool. You will also find a spa and onsite fitness centre.
Day 9 -
We will transfer today to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. En route we will visit the outstanding Paloma Gardens at Wanganui, which has four distinct areas. The first contains foliage, bamboos, palms, alocasias, ferns and cycads. The second has many species of cyads, e.g. Dioons from Mexico, and species from Madagascar, the Solomon Islands and beyond. Also growing here are Pachypodiums (related to frangipani) with different species flowering most of the year, Euphorbias, and oddities like Welwitschia mirabilis and Dioscorea elephantipes, the climber with the way-out base. The third area is on the north-facing hillside and features succulents, cacti, palm forest and a giant African Lobelia tree. Finally, there is the Paloma Arboretum, with extensive tree plantings.

Hotel | Copthorne Hotel, Wellington |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Copthorne Hotel, Wellington
Overlooking Wellington Harbour and located near on the area's Oriental Parade, the Copthorne Hotel is just 10 minutes away from the heart of the city. With 118 rooms in total, this hotel is well-suited for the modern traveller. Rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers and in-room entertainment. There is also a restaurant and cocktail lounge, which you might enjoy after a busy day of exploring.
Day 10 -
Today, following breakfast, we start with an informative sightseeing tour of the city, including the Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul’s Cathedral, a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture, the lovely Botanical Gardens, Victoria University and the views from Kelburn. We continue to Otari, or Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only native botanic garden, devoted solely to the cultivation and preservation of indigenous plants. Predominant native trees include mahoe, tawa, kohekohe, rewarewa, hinau and northern rata. Other features at Otari include a fernery, a small Alpine garden, rock garden with adjoining fish pool and a wild garden, all easily accessed by a network of paths and boardwalks.
Later today, we visit the Zealandia Ecosanctuary (formerly the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary). Home to over 225 hectares of regenerating native forest and 40 species of birds, Zealandia is a unique, world-first eco-attraction, providing an excellent opportunity to experience New Zealand’s natural environment just minutes from the capital. On our return to the city we visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, affectionately called simply ‘Te Papa’, where there are some wonderful exhibits and interactive displays. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore New Zealand’s capital city. Take the opportunity to wander the waterfront area or sample some of the excellent shops; visit the vibrant Cuba Street or Courtney Place precincts for a coffee or dinner in a top fine-dining restaurant or quirky café. The Crab Shack and the more up-market Shed 5 on the waterfront are highly recommended for sea food lovers.

Hotel | Copthorne Hotel, Wellington |
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Meals included | Breakfast |
Copthorne Hotel, Wellington
Overlooking Wellington Harbour and located near on the area's Oriental Parade, the Copthorne Hotel is just 10 minutes away from the heart of the city. With 118 rooms in total, this hotel is well-suited for the modern traveller. Rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers and in-room entertainment. There is also a restaurant and cocktail lounge, which you might enjoy after a busy day of exploring.
Day 11 -
Today we leave the North Island as we board a ferry in Wellington harbour out onto the Cook Strait through New Zealand’s only true sound, the picturesque Marlborough Sound into Picton. The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname. Reboarding our coach we continue to Blenheim, the principal town of the Marlborough district. Forty years ago there was hardly a commercial grape grown in this area — today, Marlborough is the top wine-producing area in New Zealand, with its wines winning awards around the world. We visit the sumptuous tasting room and cellar at Wither Hills Vineyards, producers of award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Hotel | Quality Hotel, Blenheim |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Quality Hotel, Blenheim
The Quality Hotel in Blenheim is a short drive from some of the country's best vineyards and just a five-minute walk from the town centre, making it perfectly situated for any visitor to this part of New Zealand. The facilities at this hotel range from Sky TV to a solar-heated swimming pool and a bar and guest lounge.
Day 12 -
Today we enjoy a full day Marlborough Garden tour - East Coast & Awatere Valley. This always popular tour features a selection of large gardens, diverse in climate but all framed by spectacular scenery, from the rolling Pacific to the rugged Kaikoura ranges. The tour includes the well-known gardens of Barewood, Winterhome and Paripuma, all recognised as ‘Gardens of National Significance’ by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. Morning and afternoon teas and a delicious packed picnic lunch complete the experience. Tonight dinner is included at Arbour, a modern and relaxed restaurant with innovative seasonal cuisine with a focus on local producers and purveyors – a real taste of Marlborough.

Hotel | Quality Hotel, Blenheim |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Quality Hotel, Blenheim
The Quality Hotel in Blenheim is a short drive from some of the country's best vineyards and just a five-minute walk from the town centre, making it perfectly situated for any visitor to this part of New Zealand. The facilities at this hotel range from Sky TV to a solar-heated swimming pool and a bar and guest lounge.
Day 13 -
This morning we enjoy another Festival garden tour – this time a half day Urban tour featuring clever and thoughtfully designed smaller gardens. Often brimming with a profusion of luscious foliage and a myriad of spring flowers, this selection of Blenheim’s town gardens provides inspiration aplenty for gardeners wanting to exercise their creative talents on a smaller scale. This is a chance to get behind the hedges and fences and enter a private world of scent and colour.
This afternoon visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum to visit the Knights of the Sky and Dangerous Skies exhibitions. The development of aviation and the stories of the men that flew them are brought to life in two distinctive exhibitions. The first features the extensive collection of World War One aircraft and rare memorabilia belonging to Sir Peter Jackson and showcases the talents of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop in Knights of the Sky. The second exhibition, the story of aviation continues with Dangerous Skies in World War II. The aircraft, some exclusive to Omaka, are given the trademark theatrical treatment for which the museum has become famous.
Tonight dinner is included at Arbour, a modern and relaxed restaurant with innovative seasonal cuisine with a focus on local producers and purveyors – a real taste of Marlborough.

Hotel | Quality Hotel, Blenheim |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Quality Hotel, Blenheim
The Quality Hotel in Blenheim is a short drive from some of the country's best vineyards and just a five-minute walk from the town centre, making it perfectly situated for any visitor to this part of New Zealand. The facilities at this hotel range from Sky TV to a solar-heated swimming pool and a bar and guest lounge.
Day 14 -
This morning time is available for anyone wanting to do a whale watch tour (additional cost, not included). Then travel down the coast towards Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch enjoy the sights of the ‘Garden City’, including a visit to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where land was first set aside in 1849. The first oak tree was planted in 1863 to mark the marriage of Edward VII and development has continued over the years, including a native New Zealand garden, the Cockayne garden of native alpine plants, the renowned central Rose Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, a floral conservatory and a fernery. More recent additions include an alpine house and a house for bromeliads and orchids.

Hotel | Distinction Hotel, Christchurch |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Distinction Hotel, Christchurch
The 4.5* Distinction Hotel in Christchurch boasts 179 rooms and three of the hotel's floors are dedicated solely to new superior rooms and suites. Positioned in the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the area's wonderful Botanical Garden, you'll find contemporary rooms equipped with flatscreen Smart TVs, free high-speed WiFi, an air-conditioned gym and an excellent on-site restaurant.
Day 15 -
This morning travel out to Governors Bay, to visit Ohinetahi. Originally owned by one of New Zealand’s first botanists, Mr. Thomas H Potts in 1865, the garden was restored to its former glory by Sir Miles Warren and gifted to the City of Christchurch in 2012. Today, Ohinetahi is as well known for its displays of art, architectural works and sculptures as it is for its magnificent grounds.
Our next garden visit is to Akaunui Historic House and Gardens. The Akaunui garden was originally designed by Alfred Buxton, established over 100 years ago. During the last 15 years major developments have taken place. The garden now covers 6 hectares and includes magnificent old trees (both native and exotic) and a wide variety of recently planted species. There is a pond, a creek and a bog garden, a woodland garden with a large collection of rhododendrons and associated plants; formal and less formal gardens, many roses and a productive vegetable garden. The garden complements the imposing century old double storey brick homestead.
On our return to Christchurch we visit Trott’s Gardens. The Woodland area was developed around a series of gently curving paths. Later the water gardens and finally the English inspired formal gardens. The layout is such that the garden areas are integrated yet contain elements of surprise as the visitor explores.

Hotel | Distinction Hotel, Christchurch |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Lunch |
Distinction Hotel, Christchurch
The 4.5* Distinction Hotel in Christchurch boasts 179 rooms and three of the hotel's floors are dedicated solely to new superior rooms and suites. Positioned in the heart of the city, a stone's throw from the area's wonderful Botanical Garden, you'll find contemporary rooms equipped with flatscreen Smart TVs, free high-speed WiFi, an air-conditioned gym and an excellent on-site restaurant.
Day 16 -
A day for spectacular sights as we say farewell to Christchurch and travel through Geraldine and Fairlie, over Burke’s Pass into the vast Mackenzie Basin and the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo. We visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog, before continuing on through Twizel, Omarama and arriving in Cromwell where we visit Mrs Jones’ Fruit Shop. This amazing shop is a Central Otago icon which also has a lovely rose garden attached – an unmissable stop along the way for quite literally a taste of Central Otago! From Cromwell we follow the Kawerau Gorge Road, into Queenstown – ‘a town fit for a Queen’.

Hotel | Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront
Overlooking the shorts of Lake Wakatipu in beautiful Queenstown, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort is the ideal place to return to after a day of exploring the local area. This 4* hotel is located within walking distance of the town's central shopping area and it boasts a total of 240 guest rooms. There is also a restaurant on-site as well as a cocktail bar for your convenience.
Day 17 -
This morning we visit Chantecler Garden, a twelve acre garden that was supposed to be a 'hobby' in retirement, but has gone beyond that and just keeps expanding. Mike and Maureen have created a themed garden with specific aspects based on plants and garden styles from around the world, thereby giving visitors a unique and rewarding experience. 'Chantecler's' gardens are complimented by mature Redwood, Oak, Beech, Ash, Rowan, Maple, Willow, Birch and many other trees including exotic Conifer. The backdrop of the garden is the magnificent Remarkables mountain range. Next, we visit Gibbston Valley Winery and join a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, completing the experience with a tasting in the caves. Travel 76 metres underground into the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave. The rocky schist walls within the cave are lined with barrels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay still reaching their prime. With constant humidity and a temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius, the cave provides a perfect haven for the maturation of these wines as well as providing a unique atmosphere for wine tasting. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening we take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station to dine at the Colonel’s Homestead – this has proved to be one of the absolute highlights of this tour.

Hotel | Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront
Overlooking the shorts of Lake Wakatipu in beautiful Queenstown, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort is the ideal place to return to after a day of exploring the local area. This 4* hotel is located within walking distance of the town's central shopping area and it boasts a total of 240 guest rooms. There is also a restaurant on-site as well as a cocktail bar for your convenience.
Day 18 -
Today we have a most rewarding day when we enjoy one of the undoubted highlights of our tour as we depart for Milford Sound. The journey there is an experience in itself as we travel through the breathtaking alpine scenery of the Milford Road. On arrival at Milford Sound we will join our boat for a 2½ hour cruise, which will take us the 16km from the head of the fjord to the open sea and back again, with a picnic lunch on board included. The Maori attributed the creation of the fiords to a “titanic mason”, Tute Rakiwhanoa, who hewed out the steep sided valleys with keen edged adzes. No other explanation seems to fit, as it is impossible to comprehend the scale of the geological events that created this seemingly perfect sculpture, as sheer cliffs rise vertically from the ocean. We advise you to take spare memory cards today as the photo opportunities are simply endless! Return to Queenstown.

Hotel | Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown Lakefront
Overlooking the shorts of Lake Wakatipu in beautiful Queenstown, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort is the ideal place to return to after a day of exploring the local area. This 4* hotel is located within walking distance of the town's central shopping area and it boasts a total of 240 guest rooms. There is also a restaurant on-site as well as a cocktail bar for your convenience.
Day 19 -
Sadly our tour of New Zealand comes to an end today as we join our homeward flight from Dunedin. We fly via Christchurch and have a brief stop in Singapore before continuing to London.
Day 20 -
We will arrive in London early this morning and disperse or transfer to flight connections.
Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single Supp. | Offer | Availability |
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25 October 2021 | BWNEZ211025 | 25 October 2021 (Monday) | 13 November 2021 (Saturday) | Mike Nelhams | £6,995 (inc. flights) |
£50 |
£1,675 |
£6,795 save £200 |
Book Now |
9 January 2022 | BWNEZ220109 | 9 January 2022 (Sunday) | 28 January 2022 (Friday) | Trevor Edwards | £6,995 (inc. flights) |
£50 |
£1,675 | Book Now |
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