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What to Expect on a Brightwater Holiday
Your journey, our
You can be assured of an inspiring, hassle-free experience with everything taken care of when you travel with Brightwater Holidays. In the company of experts, look forward to exclusive access to private gardens and visits to world-famous horticultural wonders as part of meticulously designed tours and itineraries.
Quality & comfort Enjoy exceptional value, with your accommodation at trusted hotels, excursions to must-see highlights and comfortable coach travel from easy-to-reach pick-up points all included, so that you can simply sit back and relax from the moment you join. Many holidays have a selection of meals included too, just look out for the details against each individual holiday on our website.
√ Great value for money with coach travel, visits, accommodation and most evening meals included
√ Over 30 years of tour experience and knowledge
expertise
expert
Get in touch with an
Give our Specialist Sales Executives a call, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm, on:
01334 800 670
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√ Unique and innovative itineraries √ Behind-the-scenes access to private gardens √ No hidden extras √ Knowledgeable and welcoming Tour Managers √ Professionally recognised partnerships √ Welcoming, friendly service from first contact √ Enjoy peace of mind with financial protection 2
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
Financial protection All our holidays are fully bonded and financially protected. Holidays with flights included are protected by ATOL and those without flights by ABTOT.
Key Highlights
A Grand Tour of the Gardens of Scotland
Exotic planting at Inverewe, Arduaine and Logan Botanic Gardens The late Queen Mother’s homely and much-loved rose garden at the Castle of Mey
SCOTLAND
N TO EW U R
Scottish Garden Inspirations
Peaceful, loch-side gardens in Argyll The great woodland gardens of Ardkinglas and Glenarn The stately surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
11 DAYS from £2,995 £2,695 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £895
Dunrobin Castle
Our Grand Tour of Scotland’s finest gardens holiday spans every corner of the country, from the open spaces of the far north to the wilds of the west, the splendours of the south and the elegance of the east. We begin at Branklyn and Cluny House before continuing to Inverness for visits to Dunrobin Castle, the Castle of Mey, Dundonnell and the outstanding Inverewe. Travelling through the Great Glen, we enjoy tranquil West Highland gardens such as Ardchattan and Arduaine. Turning south into Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, we discover further lush planting before concluding in Edinburgh at the Arduaine distinguished Royal Botanic Garden.
Autumn Tints of Dumfries & Galloway
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Drumlanrig Castle
► Ten nights dinner, bed & breakfast: three nights in the Inverness area; two nights in the Oban area; one night near Glasgow; two nights near Stranraer; one night in Dumfries; one night in the Edinburgh area ► Visits include: Branklyn Gardens, Cluny House Gardens, Dunrobin Castle, Inverewe Gardens, Abriachan Gardens, Glenarn, Dumfries House, Logan Botanic Gardens & Threave Estate ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
Gardens of Dumfries & Galloway
Logan Botanic Garden
As the summer fades, autumn colours begin to blaze in high definition in the south-western corner of Scotland. As the warm yellows, rusty oranges and fiery reds consume the foliage we explore the region’s most delightful gardens. Highlights of our tour include Dumfries House, home to the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden; Glenwhan Gardens, Logan Botanics and a visit to Brightwater tour manager Colin Crosbie’s own garden of Dalswinton Mill.
Key Highlights
A visit to the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden, which is one of the best examples of its kind in Scotland The private garden at Millhall Stunning interiors and a wonderful walled garden at Dumfries House Colin Crosbie’s own garden, Dalswinton Mill
Some of Scotland’s most attractive gardens and artistic treasures await. Dumfries House in Ayrshire, saved with the support of King Charles, shines with superb Adam interiors, a unique Chippendale collection and an outstanding walled garden. At Broughton House, we enjoy EA Hornel’s Japanese-influenced artist’s garden, while Drumlanrig Castle impresses with its extensive grounds, fine art and Renaissance grandeur.
Key Highlights
Stunning interiors and a wonderful walled garden at Dumfries House Plants from around the world in the lush surroundings of Logan Botanic Gardens The tranquil pond at the heart of Glenwhan Gardens The treasure trove of fine art that is Drumlanrig Castle
4 DAYS from £895 £805 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 25 - 28 Oct
DEPARTURE: 2 - 12 Jun
4 DAYS from £845 £760 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 DEPARTURES: 31 May - 3 Jun, 19 - 22 Jul & 13 - 16 Sep
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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SCOTLAND
N TO EW U R
Horticultural Highlights LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Gardens of Wester Ross
Gordon Castle & Gardens of the East Highlands
Attadale
Gordon Castle - Garden Cottage - © Ed Bollom
Discover some of the finest gardens in one of Scotland’s most scenic regions. A highlight is our private visit to Attadale Gardens, voted RHS Partner Garden of the Year for Scotland in 2023, complete with a light lunch in the main house. We also explore a three-acre private garden near Inverness, visit Skye’s award-winning Dunvegan Castle garden and enjoy magnificent Inverewe – an unforgettable tour for garden lovers.
Key Highlights
The desolate beauty of the Highland landscape Inverewe, widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest gardens Exclusive private visit to Attadale Gardens, RHS Partner Garden of the Year in Scotland 2023, including lunch in the main house, not normally open to the public
5 DAYS from £1,145 £1,030 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195
N TO EW U R
DEPARTURE: 19 - 23 May
Explore the spectacular gardens of the East Highlands, from grand glasshouses and royal plantings to unique nurseries and castle grounds. Highlights include the UK’s most northerly botanic gardens at Inverness, the wildflower meadows of Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness and Gordon Castle Gardens, RHS Regional Partner Garden of the Year 2024, where its restored kitchen garden provides a perfect setting for our included afternoon tea.
Key Highlights
Stroll amongst the unique variety of plants and vibrant flowers at Branklyn Garden Enjoy exploring the impressive Gordon Castle Gardens, complete with afternoon tea Discover the colour of Aldourie Castle Gardens, set on the banks of Loch Ness
4 DAYS from £895 £805 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150 DEPARTURE: 14 - 17 Sep
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Key Highlights
Historic castles and their fine gardens Sweeping views of Montrose Basin, a haven for birds Travel into the Angus Glens The richly planted borders of the House of Pitmuies
4 DAYS from £845 £760
Best of Angus Gardens Glamis Castle
The rich, fertile soil of Angus creates ideal conditions for gardening and this historic corner of North-East Scotland is home to a wealth of beautiful gardens. The House of Pitmuies, with its lavishly planted herbaceous borders, is a clear highlight. We also visit two grand gardens: Edzell Castle, with its charming formal layout and Glamis Castle, famed for its royal connections and attractive grounds. Further delights include the traditional mixed borders of Dunninald and the gardens of Langley Park near Montrose, where four separate walled gardens, woodland and wildflowers combine to create a wonderfully varied House of Dun horticultural experience.
4
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPARTURE: 1 - 4 Jul ► Three nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Links Hotel, Montrose ► Visits include: Glamis Castle, Pitmuies House, Dunninald, Hospitalfield House, Edzell Castle, Langley Park Gardens & House of Dun, Garden and Estate ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Brian Sinclair as tour manager
Pitmuies Gardens
N TO EW U R
Key Highlights
A visit to Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation The spectacular house and gardens of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute The impressive herbaceous border at the Walled Garden at Geilston
SCOTLAND
Gardens Along Scotland’s Shores
Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Room, a Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece
Geilston
Charles Rennie Mackintosh & Gardens of the Clyde
4 DAYS from £895 £805 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150 DEPARTURE: 26 - 29 Jun
Charles Rennie Mackintosh is arguably Scotland’s most famous architect and designer, and his works were influential in various European design movements. Living most of his life in Glasgow, there are many buildings around the city that are to Mackintosh’s architectural design, including the Glasgow School of Art, Queens Cross Church and the Daily Record Building. No Mackintosh tour would be complete without a visit to his Willow Tea Rooms, where we enjoy afternoon tea, and also visit his finest domestic creation at Hill House. Other highlights include the Burrell Collection, the Walled Garden at Geilston, Glenarn Hill House Garden and Mount Stuart.
► Three nights dinner, bed and full breakfast at a comfortable hotel in the Glasgow area ► Afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms ► Visits include: The Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Hill House, Glenarn Garden, The Walled Garden at Geilston and Mount Stuart ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
N TO EW U R
Key Highlights
The delightful gardens at the Castle of Mey Special access to private gardens in Orkney and on the mainland Explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney
6 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295
Orkney’s Garden Trail The Quoy of Houton
The far north of Scotland and the Orkney Isles may be known for wild moorlands, dramatic cliffs and booming surf. Yet, they also nurture remarkable gardens created by determined gardeners over generations. Long summer days – the famed ‘simmer dim’ – provide an ideal backdrop for these green havens. We begin in Caithness and Sutherland with a visit to the Castle of Mey before crossing the Pentland Firth to Orkney. There, we follow Orkney’s Garden Trail, enjoying special access to selected private gardens and exploring archaeological treasures such as the standing stones of Stenness and Brodgar.
DEPARTURE: 17 - 22 Jul ► Five nights dinner, bed & breakfast: one night at the Park Hotel, Thurso and four nights at the Kirkwall Hotel, Orkney (one dinner is taken on the ferry) ► Visits include: Old Allangrange, the Castle of Mey, Greens Garden, Westlea Garden, Skara Brae, Kierfold, The Quoy of Houton, Standing Stones of Stenness and Dunrobin Castle ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Return ferry travel ► Services of horticulturalist Sue Pomeroy as tour manager
Kierfold House
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Castles & Abbeys of Western Scotland
Castles of Aberdeenshire
Culzean Castle
Balmoral Castle
Western Scotland’s castles and abbeys reveal a landscape shaped by power, faith and imagination. This tour explores grand estates, ancient fortresses and sacred medieval sites amid dramatic coastal scenery. Highlights include Culzean Castle high above the Firth of Clyde, a private tour and afternoon tea, at Mount Stuart on Bute and the artistic Kelburn Castle, along with visits to evocative Paisley Abbey and the birthplace of Robert Burns.
Key Highlights
Admire the romantic splendour of Culzean Castle
Discover a rich tapestry of history, legend and architectural splendour on this journey through Aberdeenshire’s castles. From the dramatic clifftop ruins of Dunnottar to the royal grandeur of Balmoral, each site reveals a chapter of Scotland’s turbulent past. Explore romantic tower houses, ancient fortresses and elegant gardens, all set within the spectacular landscapes of the north east on a four-day tour celebrating Scotland’s noble heritage.
Key Highlights
The magnificent painted ceilings at Crathes Castle
Visit atmospheric Paisley Abbey, one of Scotland’s most important medieval religious sites
Castle Fraser, one of Scotland’s grandest baronial tower houses
Discover the striking contrast of ancient stone and bold street art at Kelburn Castle
A scenic tour of Royal Deeside, famed for its picturesque landscapes, sparking rivers and historic villages like Ballater
4 DAYS from £945 £850 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 1 - 4 Jun
Castles, Palaces & Abbeys of Eastern Scotland
Key Highlights
Stirling Castle is set in an imposing position with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside Glamis Castle - the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Loch Leven Castle where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567
4 DAYS from £945 £850 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
4 DAYS from £945 £850 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Explore the East of Scotland’s royal palaces and historic castles. Highlights include Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, Glamis Castle – birthplace of the Queen Mother and setting for Macbeth – Scone Palace, Falkland Palace and Loch Leven Castle. We also visit Culross Palace, with its maze of passageways and painted ceilings and Dunfermline Abbey, the resting place of Scottish royals including Robert the Bruce, celebrating Scotland’s rich royal heritage.
DEPARTURES: 12 - 15 Jun & 28 - 31 Aug
175 years of royal history at Balmoral
DEPARTURE: 8 - 11 Jun
Falkland Palace
6
N TO EW U R
SCOTLAND
N TO EW U R
Castles, Palaces & Scotland’s Cultural Story
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Glasgow’s Art Treasures featuring the Burrell Collection Kelvingrove
Re-opened in 2022, Glasgow’s Burrell Collection showcases treasures from around the world, from 5,000-year-old Chinese porcelain to paintings by Manet, Cézanne and Degas, alongside medieval stained glass, armour and tapestries. We also visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Hunterian, the Gallery of Modern Art, Holmwood House and the House for an Art Lover, exploring Glasgow’s finest art, classical architecture and the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Key Highlights
Explore the newly refurbished Burrell Collection Discover one delight after another at Kelvingrove See world class art (and a Glasgow icon) at the Gallery of Modern Art Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s design brought to life at the House for an Art Lover
4 DAYS from £695 £625 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 13 - 16 Mar & 30 Oct - 2 Nov
LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Dolphins, Moray Firth
Knitting in the Shetland Isles
Fair isle knitting
Scotland’s Highlands offer wildlife encounters amid stunning scenery. We visit Loch of the Lowes to see breeding ospreys, deer and red squirrels, then the Highland Wildlife Park with rare animals including snow leopards and polar bears. Highlights include a Moray Firth dolphin-spotting boat trip, the House of Aigas, Inverewe Garden and the Abernethy and Insh Marshes reserves for ospreys and breeding waders.
Key Highlights
Ospreys on the nest at Loch Garten and Loch of the Lowes
Explore knitting in the Shetland Isles with workshops led by skilled artisans. Visit Nielanell Design Studio for wool souvenirs and enjoy other textile-related experiences. Discover the islands’ heritage and scenery, including Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head’s cliffs. Travel in comfort on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick, combining relaxation, scenic cruising and an unforgettable crafting holiday in this remote and inspiring archipelago.
Key Highlights
Three tutored knitting workshops
The chance to see the famous Moray Firth dolphins
Learn from local experts
A walk on the wild side at Beinn Eighe
Visits to textile galleries, museums and woollen mills
Spectacular plant life at Inverewe
Scenic tours of Shetland
Beavers and Wildcats at the House of Aigas
Comfortable overnight cruising with Northlink
4 DAYS from £995 £895 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150 DEPARTURE: 22 - 25 Jun
SPECIAL INTEREST
Highland Wildlife Safari
SCOTLAND
Wildlife, Wool & Island Heritage
6 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURE: 13 - 18 Sep
Key Highlights
Highlights of Orkney & Shetland
The multi-period settlement of Jarlshof Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage Centre Spectacular sea cliffs at Eshaness The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel, poignant reminders of more recent history Multitudes of seabirds at Sumburgh Head (May-July)
6 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £495
St Ninian’s Isle
Sail to lands of rich history, vibrant wildlife and breathtaking scenery – the Orkney and Shetland Isles. People have been drawn here for millennia, from early settlers around 3000 BCE to the legendary Vikings. Orkney’s green, fertile landscapes contrast with Shetland’s dramatic cliffs and sea-lochs, yet both are steeped in the stories of Picts, Norsemen and seafaring legends, united by a fiercely independent spirit. We travel overnight aboard modern Serco Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick, enjoy two Standing Stones of Stenness full days exploring Shetland, then sail Alternative option: 5 days by Air departing to Kirkwall for two days discovering 12 May & 11 Aug 2026 Orkney’s archaeological and natural from £2,195 £1,975 treasures.
DEPARTURES: 18 - 23 May, 17 - 22 Jun, 13 - 18 Jul, 2 - 7 Sep & 14 - 19 Sep
► One night dinner, bed & breakfast at the Scalloway Hotel, Shetland (or similar) and three nights bed & breakfast (plus two dinners) at the Kirkwall or Shore Hotel, Orkney (or similar) ► All ferry crossings, including one night in two-berth inside cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries MV Hrossey/Hjaltland on the outward sailing ► One breakfast and two dinners on board ship ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
7
Island Landscapes & Scenic Journeys SCOTLAND
Mull, Staffa & Iona
LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Scenic Scottish Railways Tobermory
The Isle of Mull, with high peaks and dramatic coastal views, is a place of serene beauty. From our base at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, explore colourful Tobermory, sail to the seabird-filled Treshnish Isles and Staffa’s basalt cathedral, visit Duart Castle with sweeping views to Ben Cruachan and discover the peaceful Abbey on Iona – a perfect blend of wildlife, history and tranquillity.
Key Highlights
Sailing out of Oban Bay as the holiday begins Wildlife cruise from Tobermory plus the amazing spectacle of Fingal’s Cave Taking in the view towards Ben Cruachan from the top of the keep at Duart Castle
Ivatt Loco No 46512 heads out of Broomhill
Northern Scotland boasts some of the country’s most scenic railways, with Victorian engineers creating sweeping curves and majestic viaducts across wild moors and glens. Highlights include Eilean Donan Castle, a ride on the Jacobite steam train over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and a visit to Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Line, where the charm of the Highlands’ steam era is perfectly recreated.
Key Highlights
Iconic views over Loch Shiel from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Eilean Donan situated on an island where three lochs meet The palm trees of Plockton Scenic banks of the Beauly Firth
Moments of peaceful contemplation at Iona Abbey
4 DAYS from £1,595 £1,435 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £420 DEPARTURES: 13 - 16 Jun & 19 - 22 Sep
4 DAYS from £945 £850 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150 DEPARTURES: 27 - 30 May & 14 - 17 Oct
The Architecture of Glasgow & Edinburgh
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Shetland & its Outer Isles Bressay Island
Shetland’s rugged islands offer raw beauty, unique culture and abundant wildlife. We visit four islands, including Mousa with its Iron Age broch, the Shetland Croft House Museum and Jarlshof, a 3,000-year archaeological treasure. We explore the northern islands of Yell and Unst, sail by boat as islanders have for centuries and take in dramatic seascapes, fresh air and the distinctive character of this remote archipelago.
Key Highlights
Rich wildlife on the Island of Mousa 3,000 years of archaeological history at Jarlshof Muness Castle – the most northerly castle in the British Isles
Scotland’s largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, offer a friendly rivalry and strikingly different architecture. Glasgow’s grand Victorian centre reflects its ‘Second City of the Empire’ past, while Edinburgh blends Georgian elegance with its historic Old Town. Highlights include Gladstone’s Land, the Scottish Parliament and Georgian House in Edinburgh and Glasgow’s City Chambers, exploring each city’s history, character and architectural heritage.
Key Highlights
Visit Gladstone’s Land with its hand-painted ceilings Contrast and compare Edinburgh’s Georgian House with Glasgow’s Tenement House
The stunning sea cliffs of Noss
Private tour of the marble staircases and cavernous rooms at Glasgow City Chambers
Bobby’s bus shelter in Baltasound – surely the most famous in the world!
Afternoon Tea at Mackintosh at the Willow
5 DAYS from £1,545 £1,390 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURES: 22 - 26 Jun & 12 - 16 Aug
8
Edinburgh
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
4 DAYS from £895 £805 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 6 - 9 Nov
Undiscovered Orkney
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Westray
Scotland’s Extreme North West
LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Smoo Cave
Orkney’s 70 islands offer unique history, charm and landscapes. Based on the Mainland, we explore hidden gems across the North and South Isles. Sail Westray’s Old Norse routes, cross Scapa Flow to Hoy with its dramatic scenery and discover the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ on Mainland, including the Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae. This itinerary also features part of the scenic North Coast 500.
Scotland’s rugged north-west coast is at its most majestic in early spring and autumn, with Atlantic waves crashing dramatically against the shore. Based in Kinlochbervie, with panoramic views over lochs and hills, we explore coastal gems including the white sands of Oldshoremore and Smoo Cave at Durness. Evenings are spent enjoying fine food, good company and a welcoming fireside dram in our highland hotel.
Key Highlights
Key Highlights
The Scaun Natural Arch and the spectacular sea cliffs, Westray
The magical Smoo Cave
Views of the Old Man of Hoy as we sail to Scrabster
The spectacle of the Suilven Mountain
Discover Orkney’s naval history at the Scapa Flow Museum
Officially the best hot chocolate in the world at Cocoa Mountain
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Maeshowe, Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae
Salmon Leap at Loch Shin
A dram of the finest whisky at Highland Park Distillery
5 DAYS from £1,695 £1,525 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 8 - 12 Jun & 17 -21 Aug
Scotland’s Northern Edge featuring the North Coast 500
SCOTLAND
Scotland’s Far North & Hidden Islands
White sands of Oldshoremore
4 DAYS from £695 £590 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150 DEPARTURES: 12 - 15 Mar, 7 - 10 Apr, 17 - 20 Apr & 6 - 9 Oct
LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
NO/LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Classic Scottish Steam Break
Ardvreck Castle
The Jacobite Steam Train
Scotland’s northern coast is breathtaking, where wind and sea clash against ancient rock. Highlights include Duncansby Head with sea stacks and seabirds, John O’Groats, Dunnett Head and the Castle of Mey, former summer home of the Queen Mother. From Kinlochbervie, explore Strathnaver’s haunting valley and Smoo Cave at Durness, with its waterfall and blowhole, revealing the raw power and timeless beauty of this remote coastline.
Key Highlights
Scotland’s steam journeys combine engineering feats with stunning scenery. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig past Ben Nevis, Loch Morar, River Morar and across the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Discover the beauty of Loch Lomond followed by Inveraray Castle, cruise Loch Katrine on the steam-powered Sir Walter Scott and experience the rotating Falkirk Wheel, linking the Union and Forth & Clyde canals.
Key Highlights
The famous Stacks of Duncansby Head
Enjoy a journey on the Falkirk Wheel boat lift
Journey’s End signpost at John O’Groats
Stunning views from the Jacobite steam train
Summer gardens at the Castle of Mey
Cruise on Loch Lomond followed by a trip to Inveraray Castle
The magical Smoo Cave
A captivating sailing on Loch Katrine on the steamship Sir Walter Scott
5 DAYS from £1,195 £1,075 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £120 DEPARTURES: 5 - 9 May, 9 - 13 Jun, 8 - 12 Sep & 20 - 24 Sep
4 DAYS from £795 £715 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £90 DEPARTURES: 23 - 26 Apr (No Single Supplement), 7 - 10 May (No Single Supplement),25 - 28 Jun & 8 - 11 Oct
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
9
Outer Hebrides: A Grand Scottish Journey SCOTLAND
A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (5 days) Luskentyre
Our best-selling grand tour takes in all the beauty and diversity of the Outer Hebrides. Numerous islands and travel by local ferry offers great variety and the sense of a true journey of discovery which will live long in the memory. Our odyssey begins as we travel north via the Highlands to Ullapool and take the ferry to Stornoway. A captivating journey follows as we travel through the magnificent mountain scenery of Harris, the rolling moorland of Lewis, visiting the Standing Stones of Callanish*, the tranquil little Norse Mill and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearrannan. From here we take the ferry to North Uist and cross the causeway to the Isle of Benbecula the ‘stepping stone’ between the Uists, before visiting the islands of Eriskay, Vatersay and Barra. (*The main Callanish site will be closed until early 2026 and we will visit the nearby smaller circles instead if Calanais I has not reopened.)
Key Highlights
The unique airport at Cockleshell Beach 5,000 year old standing stones The tranquil location of the Norse Mill at Shawbost Four scenic ferry crossings
5 DAYS from £1,295 £1,165 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £200 DEPARTURES: 24 - 28 Apr,
16 - 20 Sep, 25 - 29 Sep & 2 - 6 Oct
► Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights at the Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula and two nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (breakfast served on board the ferry on day 5) ► Visits include: The isle of Barra, St Clement’s Church at Rodel, Callanish Standing Stones site, the Black Houses at Gearrannan and the the Norse Mill at Shawbost ► Comfortable coach travel and all ferry crossings ► Services of an expert tour manager
Croft on Isle of Lewis
10
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
Key Highlights
5,000-year-old standing stones The Black Houses at Gearannan, typical of the crofting settlements St Columba’s Ui Church, one of the most important archaeological sites on the Isle of Lewis
A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (6 days) Stornoway Harbour
This remarkable tour of the Outer Hebrides promises to live long in the memory, featuring a wide range of islands with hidden treasures at every turn. The stunning scenery of towering peaks, rugged moorland and unspoilt coastlines await as we journey through the Highlands, Harris, Lewis, Eriskay, Vatersay and Barra, home to turquoise waters and white sands. Along the way, expect to see a whole host of wonders, including the Standing Stones of Callanish*, the Norse Mill at Shawbost and the Black Houses at Gearannan, typical of the crofting settlements which until relatively recently were found throughout the Western Isles. (*The main Callanish site will be closed until early 2026 and we will visit the nearby smaller circles instead if Calanais I has not reopened.)
Callanish
SCOTLAND
Outer Hebrides: A Grand Scottish Journey
6 DAYS from £1,645 £1,480 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £250 DEPARTURES: 10 - 15 May & 2 - 7 Aug ► Five nights dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights at the Dark Isle Hotel, Benbecula and three nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (breakfast on board the ferry on day 6) ► Visits include: The Isle of Barra, St Clement’s Church at Rodel, the standing stones at Calanais II, the Black Houses at Gearannan and St Columba’s Ui Church ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager Please note: on 2 August departure we stay three nights at the Dark Isle Hotel, Benbecula and two nights at the Cabarfeidh Hotel. Instead of visiting St Columba’s Ui Church, we visit South Uist and Kildonan Museum.
Key Highlights A tour is the island of Barra
A visit to the Kildonan Museum A visit to the Lews Castle and Museum
7 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £300
A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides (7 days) Eriskay Harbour by Graham Addison
This exciting grand tour has proven very popular and takes in all the beauty and diversity of the special Outer Hebrides, with ten different islands and four ferry trips included. Two comfortable hotels ensure that this holiday is as relaxing as possible, with highlights including the unique airport at Cockleshell Beach, 5,000-year-old standing stones, the turquoise sea of Vatersay and the tranquil location of the Norse Mill at Shawbost. NC500: Please note that these itinerary features part of the North Coast 500, the highly scenic coastal route around the north of Scotland which begins and ends in Inverness.
DEPARTURE: 30 May - 5 Jun ► Six nights dinner, bed and breakfast: three at the Dark Isle Hotel Benbecula and three at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway ► Visits include: Kildonan Museum, the RSPB reserve at Balranald, St Clement’s Church at Rodel, Callanish Standing Stones site and the Lews Castle and Museum ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► All ferry crossings ► Services of an expert tour manager
Lews Castle
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
11
Scotland’s Historic Homes, Island Life & Archaeology SCOTLAND ARCHAEOLOGY
Autumn Tints of Arran
Arran, Scotland in Miniature
Brodick Castle
Blackwaterfoot
Often called “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran blends Highland peaks and glens in the north with lush farmlands in the south. Its small villages, like pearls on a necklace, include Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie and Sannox, passing the ‘12 Apostles’ at Lochranza. Brodick Castle impresses with warm sandstone, a dramatic setting and gardens ablaze with autumn colour, making this a truly memorable island visit.
Key Highlights
Sailing across the Firth of Clyde and watching the mountains of Arran draw ever nearer Brodick Castle, with its incomparable setting and autumn colours in the garden The comfortable Kinloch Hotel, located on the ‘sunset side’ of the island
4 DAYS from £995 £895 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £250 DEPARTURE: 14 - 17 Oct
As we approach the island, Goat Fell rises from the Firth of Clyde, hinting at Arran’s magic. “Scotland in Miniature,” blends northern granite peaks and glens with southern farmlands. Explore villages like Whiting Bay, Lamlash, Brodick, Corrie and Sannox, passing the ‘12 Apostles’ at Lochranza. Brodick Castle impresses with its dramatic setting and gardens, bursting with seasonal interest.
Key Highlights
Highly scenic circular tour of the island Brewery tour and tasting The incomparable setting and colourful gardens of Brodick Castle
5 DAYS from £1,395 £1,255 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £325 DEPARTURES: 18 - 22 May, 7 - 11 Jun, 10 - 14 Aug & 21 - 25 Sep
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Historic Houses of the Scottish Borders Abbotsford House
The Scottish Borders offer rolling hills, misty valleys and the salmon-rich River Tweed. Visit historic houses and castles, including Paxton House, Traquair House, Mellerstain, Abbotsford and Floors Castle. Based at the Peebles Hydro, the tour blends tranquil landscapes with a rich slice of Scottish history, folklore and architectural heritage, revealing the understated beauty and remarkable past of this often-overlooked region.
Key Highlights
Georgian masterpieces at Mellerstain
Orkney and Shetland are rich in archaeological treasures, from 5,000-year-old settlements to Norse and medieval sites. Visit Mousa with its 2,000-year-old broch, Jarlshof, St Ninian’s Isle, Scalloway Castle, the Italian Chapel, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Skaill House. En route to Aberdeen, pause for photos at the dramatic Dunnottar Castle, offering a remarkable insight into ancient life and the people who shaped these islands.
Key Highlights
Mousa Broch – the best preserved Iron Age tower in existence
Regal connections at Traquair House
The multi-period settlement of Jarlshof
Sir Walter Scott’s personal collections at Abbotsford
Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage Centre
The opulence of Floors Castle
The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel, poignant reminders of more recent history
Lunch in the Victorian Kitchen at Thirlstane Castle
4 DAYS from £1,095 £985 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 2 - 5 Sep
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Jarlshof
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
6 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £495 DEPARTURES: 11 - 16 Apr (No Single Supplement) & 24 - 29 Aug
Dun Carloway Broch
Aberlemno Pictish Stone
Around 1800 BC, a vigorous civilisation left its mark on the Outer Hebrides. The Standing Stones at Callanish align with the midsummer full moon, while later settlers created cairns, Iron Age houses, Norse mills and Blackhouses. With a local guide, explore Lewis and Harris’s moors, beaches and mountains and enjoy four nights in Stornoway, where Gaelic culture thrives, music plays and history lives on.
Key Highlights
Bosta Iron Age Village, the Outer Hebrides’ version of Skara Brae The remarkable and mysterious Callanish Standing Stones Glimpses into a not-so-distant past at the Blackhouses of Gearrannan and Arnol Echoes of vanished lives at the Genealogy Centre
LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Beyond Rome’s northern frontier, the Picts were fierce Celtic tribes who left few homes but remarkable carved stones and jewellery before disappearing around 900 AD. Explore their heartland in Perthshire and Angus, visit a newly excavated Pictish fortress and see their artistry and symbols of power in museum collections in Edinburgh and Perth, with unique access to recent discoveries revealing their extraordinary culture.
Key Highlights
Pictish jewellery and sculpture in the National Museum of Scotland Magnificent Pictish stones at Aberlemno Pictish stone carving demonstration Specially-arranged tour of East Lomond Hillfort
The incomparable scenery of the Western Isles
5 DAYS from £1,595 £1,435 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £225
4 DAYS from £895 £805 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £90 DEPARTURE: 7 - 10 Aug
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
N TO EW U R
DEPARTURE: 14 - 18 Aug
SPECIAL INTEREST
In the Footsteps of the Picts
GARDENS
Ancient Stones of the Outer Hebrides
SCOTLAND
Great British Ancient Landscapes & Garden Inspirations
The Mary Rose: A Tudor Tale
Castles & Gardens of Kent & the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
© Mary Rose
Hever Castle
Explore the Tudor world through Henry VIII and his flagship, the Mary Rose. Visit Hampton Court, then Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard for the Mary Rose Museum and a private talk. Continue to Anne of Cleves’ House and Arundel Castle before ending at Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, bringing this richly layered Tudor story to a memorable close.
Key Highlights
Walk in Henry VIII’s footsteps at Hampton Court Palace Exclusive Mary Rose talk & guided tour with Tudor artefacts Explore Anne of Cleves’ House & historic Arundel Castle Discover Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Hever Castle
Discover the rich history and horticultural beauty of Kent on this inspiring garden tour. From Leeds Castle to the elegant gardens of Doddington Place and Mount Ephraim, each day offers fresh delights. Enjoy exclusive visits, including a private tour and tasting at Yotes Court, a tour with the head gardener at Hever Castle, plus a full day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the natural serenity of Wakehurst.
Key Highlights
Admire the floral artistry of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Explore the historic beauty of Hever Castle & Gardens and enjoy a guided tour with the Head Gardener Enjoy a wine tasting at Yotes Court Vineyard Discover the romantic setting of Leeds Castle A cream tea at Whitstable Castle
4 DAYS from £895 £760 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 31 Mar - 3 Apr & 9 - 12 Oct
7 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £350 DEPARTURE: 16 - 22 May
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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GARDENS
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Showcase Gardens & Floriculture
Key Highlights
Spend the day at the Great British gardening event of the year, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Gardens of Southern England & The RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Enjoy lunch and an extended visit to the ornamental and experimental gardens of RHS Wisley Experience an ‘early-bird’ visit to the world-renowned courtyard gardens of Sissinghurst Castle
12 DAYS from £2,995 £2,695 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £595
RHS Rosemoor
DEPARTURE: 13 - 24 May ► 11 nights dinner, bed & breakfast: 3 nights at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel, near Falmouth, 2 nights at the Headland Hotel, Torquay, 3 nights at the Walnut Tree, South Petherton & 3 nights at the Holiday Inn, Farnborough (or similar) ► Lunch at RHS Wisley ► Full-day ticket for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Sue Pomeroy as tour manager
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This exceptional springtime tour combines the vibrancy of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with visits to Southern England’s most enchanting gardens. Travelling through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Hampshire, Surrey, and Kent, we explore both hidden treasures and world-famous sites. Highlights include an early visit to Sissinghurst, a guided tour of Hestercombe Gardens by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens, and an extended exploration of RHS Garden Wisley with its extraordinary plant collections. Expect a feast for the senses: contemporary sculptures, imaginative design, medieval layouts, Japanese-inspired features, tranquil lakes, sub-tropical foliage, and brilliant seasonal displays of azaleas, peonies, West Green House Garden wisteria, and rhododendrons.
The RHS Sandringham Flower Show & Gardens of Norfolk
RHS Garden Bridgewater & Gardens of the North West
Helmingham Hall
The Paradise Garden © RHS Neil Hepworth
Norfolk’s gentle landscapes, rich gardening heritage and coastal charm provide the perfect backdrop for this summertime tour. Including the new RHS Sandringham Flower Show, one of the season’s most anticipated events, we also visit a handpicked selection of the region’s most beautiful gardens. From the hidden tranquillity of Norwich’s Bishop’s House Garden to the world-class rose displays at Peter Beales Roses, there’s something to inspire everyone.
Key Highlights
Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Bishop’s House Garden in Norwich Spend a day at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show Explore the richly planted borders and rose displays at Peter Beales Roses Discover the extraordinary design and exotic plantings of East Ruston Old Vicarage
5 DAYS from £1,295 £1,165 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 DEPARTURE: 22 - 26 Jul
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LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
One of the largest gardening projects in Europe, RHS Garden Bridgewater has established itself as a world-class garden. Come along and discover its wonders alongside other horticultural gems on this delightful exploration. Highlights include Trentham Estate with its Italian Gardens, the great plantsman’s garden of Dunham Massey and Tatton Park, whose gardens have developed over 200 years yet retain much of their Edwardian character.
Key Highlights
Special visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater, the newest addition to the RHS stable Italian style at Trentham Estate Special access to a privately-owned garden Dunham Massey and Tatton Park, two of the foremost gardens in Cheshire
4 DAYS from £745 £670 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £120 DEPARTURES: 23 - 26 May & 15 - 18 Aug
N TO EW U R
Popular Favourite
Hidden Gardens of the Cotswolds & The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Highnam Court
GARDENS
Classic English Garden Craftsmanship
Highgrove & the Cotswolds Highgrove ©Robert Smith
Journey through the gardens and idyllic landscapes of the Cotswolds and experience the grandeur of the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show. At every turn, this tour offers an exquisite blend of historical estates, innovative garden designs and the pinnacle of horticultural displays. With visits including Tom Stuart-Smith’s The Barn and the Victorian Highnam Court, sign up for an unforgettable exploration of Britain’s finest gardens.
Key Highlights
A full-day visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Rousham House Gardens, one of the most exquisite examples of 18th-century landscape design in England Wander through the gardens, park and woodlands of Hatfield House An exclusive visit to Highnam Court Garden, a stunning example of Victorian landscape architecture
7 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295
Our tour of the Cotswolds features an exclusive visit and lunch at Highgrove House, the country home of The King. This is a rare opportunity to see these fascinating gardens cultivated using organic methods alongside fine gardens nestled in the rolling hills of Gloucestershire. Discover the ‘outdoor rooms’ of Rodmarton Manor, marvel at the colour of Hidcote Manor, breathe in the fresh air at Westonbirt and enjoy the plant collection at Kiftsgate Court.
Key Highlights
Weaving through the magical meadows of Highgrove and lunch in the Orchard room overlooking the Orchard Terrace Discovering the secret gardens at Hidcote The woodland walks and well-planned vistas at Painswick Rococo Garden World renowned gardens of Kiftsgate Court
4 DAYS from £995 £895 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 DEPARTURES: 29 May - 1 Jun, 26 - 29 Jun & 13 - 16 Aug
DEPARTURE: 20 - 26 May
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Somerset’s Secret Gardens
Gardens of Cornwall & the 25th Anniversary of the Eden Project Wells Cathedral
Eden Project
The picturesque pastures, orchards and villages of Somerset provide a wonderful backdrop to a varied collection of private gardens at a time when they will be looking their best. Look forward to discovering the idyllic garden of Watcombe, the contrasting riot of colour and oasis of calm at Batcombe House, the breathtaking views at Stoberry and the Grade I garden of Iford Manor, amongst other gems.
Key Highlights
Eclectic mix of topiary and hedging at Watcombe Breathtaking views of Wells and the Vale of Avalon at Stoberry Grade I registered garden of Iford Manor
Key Highlights
Exclusive guided tour at the Eden Project with a member of the horticultural team The exotic and sub-tropical Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens Trelissick with its delightful views across the River Fal
The hidden gem of Cannington Walled Garden
This tour is led by horticulturalist Alex Goodyear
Scenic drive through the Quantock Hills
4 DAYS from £895 £805 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 DEPARTURE: 4 - 7 Jul
2026 marks a remarkable anniversary for the Cornish horticultural scene: 25 years since the Eden Project fully opened to the public. We enjoy a full day here visiting the unique biomes, walking through the world’s largest indoor rainforests and enjoying the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean. We also visit some of the county’s other unique gardens including beautiful Trelissick, Bonython Estate Gardens and Glendurgan.
4 DAYS from £1,195 £1,075 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295 DEPARTURE: 5 - 8 Sep
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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The Great Gardens of Cornwall & Devon GARDENS
Key Highlights
reat Gardens of Cornwall in G the Company of Mike Nelhams
Tour of Heligan with a member of the gardening team Lunch and tour at Caerhays Castle Private visit to the Tregothnan Estate and Tea Plantation Day trip to Abbey Gardens and personally conducted tour with Curator Mike Nelhams
5 DAYS from £2,295 £2,065 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295 DEPARTURE: 14 - 18 Apr
Tresco
With the help of Mike Nelhams, Curator of Tresco’s Abbey Gardens and a long-standing friend of Brightwater Holidays, we have put together this special tour of Cornwall, featuring not only the gardens but the personalities behind them. These include Sir Tim Smit, the driving force behind the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project, Charles Williams of Caerhays Castle and Lord Falmouth of Tregothnan Estate. After an exciting day on Tresco and a tour of the outstanding Abbey Gardens led by Mike himself, our tour concludes with the private garden of Lamorran House and the unique Tregothnan Tea Tregothnan Plantation.
N TO EW U R
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
► Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Alverton Hotel, Truro ► Two lunches ► Return standard class rail travel between London and Truro (regional rail connections and upgrades can also be arranged at a supplement; £100pp discount for no rail travel) ► Return helicopter flight to the Scilly Isles ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Mike Nelhams as tour manager
Key Highlights
Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens’ collaboration at Hestercombe Four National Plant Heritage Collections at Marwood Hill The innovative Wildside Garden
5 DAYS from £1,095 £985 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Delightful Summer Gardens of Devon
DEPARTURE: 17 - 21 Aug ► Four nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Headland Hotel Torquay
Astilbes and lake
Join us for a jaunt to the English Riviera! From our base in Torquay we explore Mothecombe Gardens, an RHS partner garden perched on a cliff, offering panoramic coastal views. We also visit Wildside Garden, evolved from a flat, featureless field to a rich and complex landscape that offers ecological niches and a vast array of plants. The Garden House delights year-round but in the summer months, the herbaceous borders of the walled garden steal the show, while the award-winning Marwood Hill Gardens, home to four National Plant Heritage Collections, rounds off a superb collection of Devon’s finest gardens. Torquay
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
► Visits include: Hestercombe, Mothecombe Gardens, Wildside Garden, The Garden House, Marwood Hill Gardens and Castle Hill Gardens ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Trevor Edwards as tour manager
Spring Gardens in Devon
Scotney Castle
Forde Abbey
If there’s one tour that epitomises the joy of strolling around a perfect English country garden, it is this one. Even if you have visited some of these properties before, such is their allure that you can return again. Highlights include Great Comp filled with rare and beautiful shrubs, Lullingstone Castle, Nymans Garden, offering outstanding plants in a theatrical setting, as well as an early bird visit to iconic Sissinghurst, renowned for its stunning garden rooms.
In spring, gardens are a feast for the senses. The warming weather, blossoming flowers and buzzing bees make for a welcoming time of year. Make the most of it on this delightful tour exploring Devon’s hidden gems, from the magnolias and camellias at Fast Rabbit Farm to the enchanting displays of daffodils, tulips and bluebells at Forde Abbey, with each garden offering a unique experience.
Key Highlights
Key Highlights
Lullingstone Castle’s innovative World Garden of Plants Outstanding plant collections at Nymans An exclusive early bird visit to the manicured gardens of Sissinghurst Lunch and guided tour of RHS Wisley Led by horticulturalists Julia Corden (June) and David Hurrion (August)
4 DAYS from £945 £850 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150
Autumn Gardens of Devon
Explore the magical gardens of Forde Abbey Enjoy a visit to RHS partner garden Dartington Hall & RHS Rosemoor Visit Greenway House, the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie Discover Burrow Farm Garden, East Devon’s best-kept secret
5 DAYS from £895 £805 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 6 - 10 Apr & 23 - 27 Apr
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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DEPARTURES: 1 - 4 Jun & 9 - 12 Aug
GARDENS
Gardens of Kent & Sussex
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
SPECIAL INTEREST
N TO EW U R
England’s Seasonal Garden Delights
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
History & Architecture of Oxfordshire Dartmoor National Park
Oxford Cathedral
Explore some of Devon’s most beautiful gardens as they metamorphosise with the rich tapestry of colours the autumn brings. Highlights include Overbecks, a subtropical paradise which is spectacularly perched on a cliff above Salcombe, Lukesland Garden, said to be one of the best in this corner of Britain, and Bicton Botanical Gardens, home to a collection of British champion trees and Victorian glass houses.
Key Highlights
Lukesland Gardens, said to be one of the finest gardens in the Southwest A visit to Bicton Botanical Gardens including cream tea
Steeped in history and architectural splendour, Oxfordshire offers a fascinating glimpse into England’s cultural heritage, from Oxford’s dreaming spires to Blenheim Palace’s grandeur. We enjoy an afternoon tea in opulent surroundings here, while our visit to the Kingston Bagpuize House offers a more personal perspective on English country life. Perfect for lovers of history and architecture, this is a tour filled with insight and charm.
Key Highlights
Admire the striking architecture of Oxford Cathedral Explore the world-famous Bodleian Library
An afternoon at your leisure to explore Torquay
Enjoy a visit to UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace along with a traditional afternoon tea
The Garden House, a whimsical garden draped over romantic 16th-century ruins
Discover the elegance of Kingston Bagpuize House on our guided tour
4 DAYS from £795 £715 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 26 - 29 Oct
4 DAYS from £895 £805 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 2 - 5 Oct
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
N TO EW U R
SPECIAL INTEREST
N TO EW U R
Houses, Landscapes & Great Designers LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Rothschildshire - The Vale of Aylesbury with Nicholas Merchant
Secrets of County Durham & North Yorkshire with Nicholas Merchant
Waddesdon Manor
Ushaw Historic House
GARDENS
Join us on this exclusive journey through architectural marvels and treasures associated with the Rothschild family. We explore locations such as Stowe House, the Natural History Museum in Tring and Waddesdon Manor, learning more about the legacy of one of the world’s most renowned families. With expert guidance from Nicholas Merchant, this tour combines historical narratives, Capability Brown landscapes and curated visits to exquisite collections.
Key Highlights
A guided tour of Stowe House A talk on the furniture at Waddesdon Manor with Mia Jackson, Curator of Decorative Arts A visit to the Natural History Museum in Tring Led by Nicholas Merchant, a lecturer on Decorative and Fine Arts and accredited lecturer of the Arts Society
4 DAYS from £995 £895 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £120
Key Highlights
A guided tour at Ushaw and an opportunity to meet the curator A guided tour of Hovingham Hall The fine art and furnishing collection of Rokeby Park The extensive collection at the Bowes Museum Led by Nicholas Merchant, a lecturer on Decorative and Fine Arts and accredited lecturer of the Arts Society
5 DAYS from £1,295 £1,165 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £150 DEPARTURE: 24 - 28 May
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DEPARTURE: 3 - 6 Aug
Delve into the some of the hidden treasures and fascinating collections of County Durham in the company of Nicholas Merchant, an expert lecturer on Decorative and Fine Arts. Enjoy a guided tour at Ushaw College along with an opportunity to meet the library Curator, plus a guided tour of Hovingham Hall and a visit to the Bowes Museum, home to The Curiosity Project.
Key Highlights
Exclusive visit to Perch Hill with Sarah Raven The historic Riverhill Himalayan Garden An expert-led vineyard tour and wine tasting at the Hush Heath Estate The plantsman’s haven of Great Comp Garden
Perch Hill with Sarah Raven & Gardens of the South East Perch Hill
Enjoy an English country garden at the height of summer on this tour of world-class gardens in the South East, crowned by an exclusive event with the inspirational writer, cook and broadcaster, Sarah Raven. Explore the shrubs and perennials of Great Comp, the restored Walled Kitchen Garden at Titsey Place and Riverhill Himalayan Garden with its Edwardian Rock Garden and sweeping views across the Weald of Kent. A guided tour and tasting at the renowned Hush Heath Estate, home of the Balfour Winery, adds further flavour. The highlight is Perch Hill, where Sarah Raven gives a special talk, followed by a guided tour and seasonal two-course lunch.
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
4 DAYS from £1,245 £1,120 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 DEPARTURE: 13 - 16 Jul ► Three nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Donnington Manor Hotel ► An exclusive visit to Perch Hill with 1 hour talk with Sarah Raven, a guided tour and 2 course lunch ► Visits include: Great Comp Garden, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Titsey Place & Garden and the Hush Heath Estate ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Trevor Edwards as expert tour manager
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
In the Footsteps of Gertrude Jekyll
Stately Homes & Seaside Castles of Norfolk
East Lambrook
Sandringham
Few would doubt the influence Gertrude Jekyll had on garden design. This tour stretches across the south of England, visiting gardens associated with the plantswoman extraordinaire, painter and writer, such as Barrington Court and the private Upton Grey Manor House, to name but a few. We also include a private dining experience at Gravetye Manor, home to William Robinson, one of the greatest gardeners of all time.
Our historical tour of Norfolk begins as we travel through verdant rolling countryside to the 500-year-old Oxburgh Hall, followed by a visit to one of Britain’s largest and best-preserved keeps, Castle Rising. We also visit Jacobean Blickling Estate, beloved Sandringham, the Palladian-style Holkham Hall and the moated manor of Hindringham Hall, amongst other treasures, and also enjoy a trip on the North Norfolk Heritage Railway.
Key Highlights
Key Highlights
Hestercombe, one of Jekyll and Lutyens’ greatest masterpieces Garden tour and private dining experience at Gravetye Manor
Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine and private guided tour of Sandringham
The lovingly restored gardens at Upton Grey Manor House
House and Gardens tour at Wolterton with refreshments in the Saloon
Visits to Heale House, East Lambrook Gardens, Vann Gardens and Loseley Park
Tour with Lady Walpole at Mannington Hall with lunch
6 DAYS from £2,095 £1,885 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £495
Private afternoon access to the gardens & grounds at Hindringham Hall
5 DAYS from £1,595 £1,435 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 8 - 12 Jun
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DEPARTURE: 17 - 22 Jun
GARDENS
English Architecture, Gardens & Coastlines
LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Key Highlights
Gresgarth Hall, home of esteemed garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd Rydal Hall Gardens, designed and built by renowned landscape architect, Thomas Mawson A scenic cruise on Lake Windemere
Gardens of the Lake District
4 DAYS from £995 £895 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £90 DEPARTURE: 29 Jun - 2 Jul
Rydal Hall Gardens
► Three nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 3-star Lakeland Hotel, Kendal
The Lake District boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in England. It is packed with natural wonders, from iridescent lakes to craggy fells, which rise above sweeping valleys. Our tour includes a visit to some of the area’s most celebrated gardens including Holker Hall, home to the Cavendish family, Holehird, a garden run by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, Gresgarth Hall, home of esteemed garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd, as well as the topiary gardens of Levens Hall, which are world-famous and were created in the 17th-century by Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont. We also enjoy a cruise on Levens Hall the waters of Lake Windermere.
► Return standard class rail travel from London to Lancaster (regional connections can be arranged and upgrades are also available at a supplement; £100pp reduction for no rail travel) ► Visits include: Gresgarth Hall, Rydal Hall Gardens, Holehird, Holker Hall and Levens Hall ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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Gardens & Landscapes of England & Wales GARDENS
Gardens of Yorkshire
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
SPECIAL INTEREST
Newby Hall
Uncover the delights of Yorkshire as we discover some of the best gardens in England’s largest county, including the northern flagship garden of the RHS Harlow Carr. We also explore the vast Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, plus Newby Hall with its impressive double herbaceous borders. Other visits include York Gate, a magical one-acre garden tucked behind the ancient church at Adel.
Key Highlights
A visit to the award winning Breezy Knees Garden Guided tour at RHS Harlow Carr Free time in the picturesque spa town of Harrogate The innovatively designed York Gate A visit to the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, inspired by the Himalayas, and Newby Hall
4 DAYS from £995 £895 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURE: 30 Jun - 3 Jul
Alnwick Gardens
Escape to the low-lying coast and wide-open spaces of Northumberland, peppered with a host of historic houses, castles and Roman ruins. Perhaps the most impressive of these is Bamburgh Castle, which sprawls over a rocky plateau on the coast, close to the Farne Islands. Further highlights include visits to the holy island of Lindisfarne, Belsay Hall, Wallington House, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall and Chester’s Fort.
Key Highlights
Unique experience at Belsay Hall – visit the house then the garden built in the quarry that provided the stone for the house Bamburgh Castle, one of the most impressive fortresses in the land In the footsteps of Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle The magnificent grounds of Wallington House
5 DAYS from £1,245 £1,120 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 DEPARTURES: 27 Jun - 1 Jul & 13 - 17 Sep
The Isles of Scilly
Gardens of South & West Wales
St Mary’s
Aberglasney
The Isles of Scilly, a true sub-tropical paradise, has remained unspoiled and unchanged for decades, where spring arrives early, autumn lingers and winter is nearly absent. The highlight is Tresco’s stunning Abbey Garden, home to thousands of plants species and an abundance of colour. There truly is no other garden like this in the world, and there’s plenty more to enjoy on this tour too.
Key Highlights
Guided tour of Abbey Gardens on Tresco with Mike Nelhams Pelagic Boat tour with local birding expert Guided tour of a local flower farm Lunch at Juliet’s Garden with views across St Mary’s Led by Mike Nelhams, the Curator of Tresco’s Abbey Gardens
6 DAYS from £2,495 £2,245 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £525 DEPARTURE: 4 - 9 Sep
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Highlights of Northumberland
Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire are some fine parks and gardens. The centrepiece is the National Botanic Garden of Wales, where mere panes of glass separate the familiar green hills of Wales from a panoramic sweep of warm, Mediterranean scenery. By contrast, Aberglasney is a superb, restored 16th/17th-century garden, while an interesting collection of private gardens completes our tour.
Key Highlights
Beautiful woodland gardens surrounding the castles of Upton and Picton An imaginative private garden at Llwyngarreg A day of striking contrasts at the innovative National Botanic Gardens of Wales and historic Aberglasney Led by horticultural expert Tony Russell
5 DAYS from £1,295 £1,165 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £320 DEPARTURE: 10 - 14 Apr
Gardens of the Island of Ireland The Cliffs of Moher
Bantry House Gardens
Join our resident Irish expert and much-loved tour manager, Trevor Edwards, to discover Ireland’s scenic and rugged west coast. Home to a diverse range of colourful wildflowers and impressive geological features, this tour promises to be an experience to remember. Along the way, we discover the Burren, private gardens at Knockpatrick and Caher Bridge, Inis Oírr, Cliffs of Moher plus Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Key Highlights
Privately-owned gardens giving an insight to gardening in this corner of Ireland Masses of wildflowers of great variety
Embark on a captivating journey through Ireland, where botanical beauty, wild landscapes and fascinating history combine. Beginning in Belfast and meandering to Dublin, through the Wicklow Mountains and on to Bantry Bay, this tour offers the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking spots the Emerald Isle has to offer, from the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens to the Italianate Ilnacullin on spectacular Garnish Island.
Key Highlights
Discover the huge collection of plants at Mount Congreve Explore the extensive and enchanting gardens of Mount Stewart Experience Rowallane’s mysterious approach and mixed borders
Unique landscapes of The Burren Dramatic vistas from the Atlantic of the Cliffs of Moher Poulnabrone Dolmen, an impressive megalith
5 DAYS from £1,495 £1,345 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195
Stroll through the historic island gardens of Ilnacullin Visit the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens
8 DAYS from £2,495 £2,245 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £595 DEPARTURES: 23 - 30 May & 8 - 15 Sep
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
N TO EW U R
DEPARTURE: 1 - 5 Jun
The Art & Architecture of Antwerp
Art Masters of Holland
Antwerp Central
Teylers Museum
Famed for its medieval streets and Renaissance monuments, Antwerp is home to thousands of paintings by the Old Masters, housed in some of the world’s most famous museums. Our tour explores some of the wonderful architecture to be found in the city, including the Cathedral of Our Lady, and we are joined by expert local guides as they take us through the notable art collections.
Key Highlights
Join us as we explore a collection of museums which showcase some of the most well-known Art Masters and celebrated painters in the world, led by experienced Art Historian, Mariska BeekenkampWladimiroff throughout. From Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring to Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, each masterpiece offers insight into the artistic development and personal struggles of the artist as well as the culture of the time.
Key Highlights
Walking tour of central Antwerp
The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals at the Frans Hals Museum
Guided tour of the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis Museum
Guided tour of Snijders & Rockox Huis
The iconic Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum
Visit to the Rubens Experience Centre and Gardens
Panorama Mesdag, a cylindrical painting by Hendrik Willem Mesdag
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plantin-Moretus Museum
5 DAYS from £1,395 £1,185 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 26 - 30 Mar & 8 - 12 Oct
SPECIAL INTEREST
N TO EW U R
Gardens & Wildflowers of the Burren
GARDENS
Gardens & Art Across the British Isles & Europe
6 DAYS from £1,595 £1,355 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £375 DEPARTURES: 20 - 25 Mar & 17 - 22 Aug
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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Archaeology Across Northern & Southern Europe
Albanian Archaeology
Frederiksborg Palace
Amphitheatre at Butrint
The neighbouring Nordic nations of Sweden and Denmark offer a host of archaeological and historical sites, from Neolithic megaliths and Viking forts to fairytale castles and a magnificent royal warship. We begin in Uppsala and visit Stockholm’s excellent Historical Museum and Vasa Museum before a high-speed rail journey to Malmö. Next is the Osterlen region, Copenhagen and Aarhus, where we learn about the region’s former inhabitants.
Key Highlights
The Royal Mounds at Gamla Uppsala, Sweden’s oldest national symbols
Key Highlights
The Roman amphitheatre in Durrës, one of the largest in the Balkans
Skokloster Castle, one of the great castles of Baroque Europe
Apollonia, the second oldest Greek colony in Albania, dating back 2,700 years
The hugely impressive but ill-fated warship Vasa
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint
Coming face to face with a man and a woman who died more than 2,300 years ago
Dramatic views from the remote site of Byllis
8 DAYS from £2,995 £2,695 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £595 DEPARTURE: 16 - 23 Sep
Malta’s Archaeological Heritage
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Malta’s diminutive archipelago is by no means any indication of the vast riches it holds — from the Neolithic to now, they’re all waiting to be discovered on this special tour. We venture inside the walled citadel of Mdina, explore the tomb-lined passages of St Paul’s Catacombs, enjoy a Blue Grotto boat trip and discover the mysterious sites of Mnajdra Temples and Ħaġar Qim.
Key Highlights
The ancient and mysterious Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site The ‘Cave of Darkness’, one of the earliest sites used by Neolithic man The extraordinary labyrinth of St. Paul’s Catacombs 5,000 year old temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
7 DAYS from £1,895 £1,610 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 3 - 9 Mar & 3 - 9 Nov Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
The medieval town of Berat, another UNESCO World Heritage site
8 DAYS from £1,995 £1,795 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295 DEPARTURE: 6 - 13 Oct
Ħaġar Qim
22
In archaeological terms, the dramatic landscapes of Albania offer some of Europe’s best sites with a host of Classical cities, once on a par with those in Greece and Italy. We visit Durrës on the Adriatic coast, one of the largest amphitheatres in the Balkans, Albania’s second largest Greek colony of Apollonia, the UNESCO-listed site of Butrint and the remote mountain city of Byllis.
N TO EW U R
ARCHAEOLOGY
Archaeology of Denmark & Sweden
Archaeological Secrets of Sardinia
Archaeological Area of Tharros
Welcome to a captivating journey through time and history on the beautiful island of Sardinia. From the bustling streets of Cagliari to the serene landscapes of Supramonte, we are guided by an expert who brings stories of the past to life. Join us as we delve into the mysteries of the Nuragic civilisation, marvel at Roman architecture and uncover archaic legacies amidst stunning surroundings.
Key Highlights
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Cagliari in the company of a local guide Visit one of the oldest settlement sites in Sardinia at Nora Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Su Naraxi Led by archaeological expert Clive Warsop
8 DAYS from £2,495 £2,245 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £245 DEPARTURE: 8 - 15 Oct
Kato Pafos Archaeological Park
Keukenhof Gardens
The Mediterranean Island of Cyprus has a rich Prehistoric, Classical and Medieval past just waiting to be explored with our archaeological expert Clive Warsop. Among the highlights are three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Khirokitia and the Archaeological Park and Tomb of the Kings at Paphos, along with a host of other fascinating sites, including the very spot where the newborn goddess Aphrodite came ashore in her shell.
For vibrancy, colour and charm, nothing quite compares to the sight of not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of flowering bulbs, carpeting the fields in a radiant vision of patterns and patchwork. On this tour, enjoy the riot of colour at world-famous Keukenhof, along with visits to historic Vlinderhof, plus the Botanic Gardens and Rubens House in the Belgian city of Antwerp.
Key Highlights
Key Highlights
A visit to Amathous Archaeological Site
The tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens
A full day discovering the Cypriot capital, Nicosia
The Vlinderhof Garden, designed by Piet Ouldolf
Visits to Kourion Archaeological site, Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates and Aphrodite’s Rock
The recently re-opened Rubens House
Archaeological sites in Paphos including the Archaeological Park and Museum and Tomb of the Kings
8 DAYS from £1,995 £1,695 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURES: 18 - 25 Mar & 11 - 18 Nov
Trompenburg Arboretum, a beautifully designed botanic garden boasting a large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs
5 DAYS from £1,595 £1,435 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395
CRUISE
Tulips of Keukenhof & Dutch Gardens Cruise
SPECIAL INTEREST
The Archaeology of Ancient Cyprus
ARCHAEOLOGY
European Culture, Gardens & Ancient Civilisations
DEPARTURE: 4 - 8 Apr
Key Highlights
Angiolina Park, the most famous and historic park in Opatija Brijuni National Park, an enchanting island with some 700 plant species, located off the western coast of Istria The American Gardens in Opatija, home to an array of Mediterranean and exotic plants The historic city of Pula One of Croatia’s few immortelle farms on the island of Krk
Cultural Croatia
Histria Aromatica, a beautiful botanical garden and estate
American Gardens
Join us as we explore some of Croatia’s hidden garden gems with Julia Berg, an experienced tour manager and the UK’s expert on Croatia. This two-centre holiday covers the regions of Kvarner and Istria, visiting beautiful gardens, areas of outstanding natural beauty, flower farms dedicated to producing natural cosmetics and essential oils, as well as places of historical significance. Highlights include the terraced American Gardens in Opatija, the island of Košljun, home to a Franciscan monastery, the historically important city of Pula with its magnificent Roman monuments, and a diverse range of plant species, many of Brijuni National Park which are rare and protected.
8 DAYS from £2,695 £2,425 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295 DEPARTURE: 30 May - 6 Jun ► Seven nights dinner, bed and breakfast: three nights’ at the 4-star Hotel Admiral, Opatija (Superior Sea View Room) and four nights at the 4-star Park Plaza Histria, Pula (Standard Park View Room) ► Return flights from London to Pula ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of expert tour manager Julia Berg and local guides
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
23
Gardens, Palaces & Floral Europe GARDENS
Key Highlights
Apricot Blossom in the Wachau Valley The Baroque Palace of Schönbrunn Visit the abbey of Melk, the largest Benedictine Abbey in Europe
Austrian Palaces, Gardens & Apricot Blossoms
Leopoldskron Castle (the Castle at the pond from The Sound of Music)
8 DAYS from £2,995 £2,695 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295 DEPARTURE: 10 - 17 Apr
Belvedere Palace and Park
N TO EW U R
Austria is the cultural heart of the Continent, thanks to its memorable musicians and stunning palaces that have defined the country for centuries. Our tour begins in magnificent Vienna, where we explore its highlights before journeying through the Wachau Valley, following the winding Danube River. Here, the apricot trees bloom in the early spring and the valley is beautifully peppered with flurries of white flowers. We then head to Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg, home to a clifftop fortress backed by snow-dusted mountains. We find a collection of castles including Leopoldskron Castle, featured in the beloved film, The Sound Vienna of Music.
Arts & Gardens of Florence & Tuscany
► Seven nights bed and breakfast in four-star hotels: four nights at the Strudlhof Vienna, one night Hotel Donauhof, Emmersdorf and two nights Hotel Untersberg in St Leonhard (or similar) ► Three dinners ► Flights from London to Vienna returning from Munich to London ► Visits include: the Palace of Schönbrunn, Schloss Hof Castle, the permanent garden exhibition in Tulln, an apricot farm, where we enjoy a guided tour, Melk Abbey and Herrenchiemsee ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Linda Robinson as tour manager
Key Highlights
Admire the unforgettable panorama of Florence’s red-tiled rooftops and Renaissance skyline from Bardini Gardens Enjoy an exclusive visit to Toriggiani Gardens, Europe’s largest private garden Visit the world-famous Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David
Boboli Gardens
Follow in the footsteps of renowned painters, sculptors and horticulturalists in sun-soaked Florence, a walking museum with some of the world’s greatest treasures on display. Boasting beacons of architectural excellence and masterpieces of art, there is no better place to see icons of the Renaissance. Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi’s terracottatiled dome await, along with Toriggiani Gardens, Boboli’s vibrant blooms and the breathtaking panoramas from the fragrant Bardini Gardens. Other highlights include the storybook city of Siena and the Castello di Verrazzano vineyard, where a wine tasting is the perfect way to round off this Tuscan Bardini Gardens discovery.
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
7 DAYS from £2,795 £2,515 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURE: 31 May - 6 Jun ► Six nights bed & breakfast at a comfortable hotel in Florence ► Welcome and farewell dinners ► Return flights from London to Pisa ► Visits include: Toriggiani Gardens, Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens and Villa, the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, Villa Gamberaia and Villa La Pietra ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of officially accredited guide Kate Williamson as tour manager
Mediterranean Villas, Cities & Gardens
White Cities of Puglia Botanical Garden in Padua
Alberobello Trulli Houses
Veneto is one of Italy’s wealthiest regions, reflected in the extravagance of the grand villas and their gardens. Many of the treasures we visit were designed by Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential individuals in the history of Western architecture. We discover no fewer than six glorious villas, beginning with one of the most recognisable buildings of the Renaissance, the Palladian masterpiece, Villa Rotonda.
For centuries, Puglia was fought over and conquered by the major powers of the day, from the Greeks and Romans to the Turks and Spanish, all of whom have left their mark. Among the more striking features are the cylindrical, whitewashed buildings with grey conical roofs known as trulli. We also see imposing castles, ornate cathedrals, ancient archaeological sites and mysterious caves.
Key Highlights
Key Highlights
Guided tour of Villa Rotonda with Count Valmarana A tour of historic Vicenza, known as la città di Palladio The gardens of Villa Barbarigo, the most complete historical garden in Europe Giambattista Tiepolo’s grand frescoes at Villa Valmarana
SPECIAL INTEREST
GARDENS
Palladian Villas of Veneto
La Cutura Botanical Garden, an old country estate built in the classic rural style of the late 19th century Guided tour of the town of Alberobello to see some of the trullo houses Matera, the Sassi town, famous for movies such as The Passion of Christ and No Time to Die
Famous mazes at Villa Pisani
5 DAYS from £2,195 £1,975 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195
DEPARTURE: 7 - 14 Oct
Key Highlights
N TO EW U R
DEPARTURE: 15 - 19 Sep
8 DAYS from £2,395 £2,155 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395
Discover the Secret Garden at Palazzo Lomellino, a beautiful example of an Italian Renaissance garden Take a guided walking tour of Genoa with its medieval buildings, vibrant piazzas, majestic palaces and winding alleys (known as caruggi) Admire the gardens of Villa la Pergola, meticulously restored by famous landscape architect, Paolo Pejrone
Gardens & Villas of Liguria
Enjoy a guided tour of the exquisite Villa Marigola
Villa Durazzo
Experience la dolce vita in Liguria, one of the most stunning regions of Italy, with its sparkling coastline, colourful towns and historic treasures. After discovering the winding streets of Genoa, we visit some of the most spectacular villas nestled along the coast, such as the salmon pink-hued Villa Durrazzo. Each has been carefully restored to reflect its original splendour, with intricate stucco decorations, magnificent frescoes, period furnishings and remarkable art collections along with beautiful gardens. The result is a serene journey back through the centuries and a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyles of the Italian elite during the Villa Del Principe Garden Renaissance era.
7 DAYS from £2,195 £1,975 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURES: 1 - 7 May & 25 Sep - 1 Oct
► Six nights bed & breakfast at 3-star hotels: three nights at the Best Western Hotel Porto Antico, Genoa and three nights at the Hotel Corallo, La Spezia (or similar) ► Welcome and farewell dinners at local restaurants ► Return flights from London to Pisa ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of officially accredited guide Kate Williamson (in May) as tour manager
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
25
Italian Lakes & Coastal Riviera Gardens GARDENS
Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes
Key Highlights
Visit the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society A private tour with the owner of Villa Cicogna Mozzoni The extravagance of the Borromean Islands Stunning views of lakes and mountains at every turn
8 DAYS from £2,795 £2,515 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £595 DEPARTURES: 22 - 29 Apr, 17 - 24 Jun
Isola Bella
& 21 - 28 Sep
The fabulous scenery and benign climate of the Italian lakes have attracted aristocrats for years, with their elegant villas perfectly complementing the natural landscape. From our bases on the Gulf of Borromeo on Lake Maggiore and the foot of Lake Como, we explore a succession of villas and gardens, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glittering waters. Look forward to discovering the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society, the sumptuous terraced gardens of the Borromean islands, the rare botanical specimens of Villa Taranto and the dazzling display of azaleas and rhododendrons at Villa Carlotta. Isola Madre
► Four nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac on Lake Maggiore; three nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Barchetta Excelsior on Lake Como ► One lunch ► Return flights from London to Milan ► Visits include: Isolas Bella, Madre and Pescatori and the gardens of the villas Taranto, Carlotta and Balbianello ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of officially accredited local guide Kate Williamson
Key Highlights
Gardens of the Neapolitan Riviera
Caserta Palace Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe The gardens of Villa San Michele on the island of Capri The gardens of Villa Rufolo, which commands picture perfect views over the Amalfi coast
7 DAYS from £2,395 £2,155 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURE: 21 - 27 Apr
Villa San Michele
Southern Italy has a beautifully warm climate which, combined with a rich and fertile soil, is ideally suited not only to olives, oranges and lemons but to a wide range of tender exotics. This has led to the creation of some fantastic villas, gardens, vineyards and lemon groves all doused in the ancient culture that surrounds vibrant Naples. We visit La Mortella, a dazzling garden of lush exotics, Villa Rufolo on the Amalfi Coast and the clifftop Villa Cimbrone. There is also the opportunity to visit Pompeii, one of the most remarkable sites anywhere in the world. Villa Cimbrone
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
► Six nights dinner with wine, bed and breakfast at the 4-star Best Western La Solara ► Return flights from London to Naples ► Visits include: Caserta Palace Gardens, Villa San Michele, Giardini di Augusto, La Mortella, Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone and Pompeii ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Mike Nelhams as tour manager & local guides
Rome, Ninfa & Castel Gandolfo
NO/LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Key Highlights
Enjoy exclusive access to the beautiful and ancient gardens of Ninfa Wander Castel Gandolfo, the Papal residence
GARDENS
Gardens of France & Classical Italy
Explore the streets of Rome at your leisure Visits to Villa d’Este and Villa Lante Guided tour of Viterbo
4 DAYS from £1,795 £1,615 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £195 Papal Garden in Castel Gandolfo
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT IN SEPTEMBER
Open by special arrangement, we are delighted to offer this rare opportunity to visit the ancient gardens of Ninfa. They are as close to gardening perfection as you can get, with roses, hydrangeas and jasmines curtaining what remains of the walls of medieval buildings and paths meandering beside a crystal-clear river. Equally rare is the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Popes as we visit the gardens of Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence just outside Rome. The view from the balcony here, with its strict geometric parterres, edged by towering cypresses and umbrella pines, is a sight to behold.
DEPARTURES: 8 - 11 May & 1 - 4 Sep ► Three nights bed & breakfast at the Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara in Rome (or similar) ► Dinner and welcome drink on the first evening ► Return flights from London to Rome ► Visits include: Villa Lante, Castel Gandolfo, Ninfa and Villa d’Este ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager ( horticulturalist Julia Corden in May)
Gardens of Ninfa
N TO EW U R
Key Highlights
Enjoy three half-day cruises on the Somme waterways with lunch and wine included Take a boat trip around the floating gardens of Les Hortillonnages Discover the elegance at the Château de Long Admire a tranquil country garden with many water features
7 DAYS from £1,895 £1,705 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £295
Gardens of Picardy Les Hortillonnages
DEPARTURE: 7 - 13 Jun
The River Somme, which meanders gently through the countryside of Picardy in north-east France, takes its name from a Celtic word meaning ‘tranquillity’. We discover why this is so apt as we cruise along some 50km of the river aboard our electrically powered barge. Running the full length of the waterway, there is a well-maintained towpath, offering the chance to walk where the locks are more closely spaced. We enjoy three half-day cruises over the course of our tour, with the rest of the time spent exploring our host city of Amiens and visiting some of the region’s outstanding gardens.
► Six nights bed & breakfast at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Amiens ► Three half-day cruises on the Somme Waterways with lunch and wine included ► Two dinners ► Return ferry crossings from Dover to Calais ► Visits include: Jardin Moulin Ventin, Les Hortillonnages, Château de Long, Floral Gardens of Digeon and the Gardens of Maizicourt ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
Gerberoy
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
27
France: Riviera Roses & Loire Grandeur GARDENS
Key Highlights
Sit back and enjoy all the colour and spectacle of the Menton Lemon Festival - in February Cacti of every shape and size in Èze The richness of the plant collection at the Hanbury Garden
Gardens of the French Riviera - Menton Lemon Festival & the International Rose Festival
Menton Lemon Festival
Menton’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. The Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh is filled with lush tropical foliage, a lovely lily pond and showcases an exceptional array of vegetation from around the world. At St. Jean Cap Ferrat, we visit the exquisite gardens of the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild, while a short hop over the border to Italy finds us at the incomparable Hanbury Gardens.
6 DAYS from £1,995 £1,695 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FROM £325 DEPARTURES:
Menton Lemon Festival 12 - 17 Feb International Rose Festival 7 - 12 May ► Five nights bed & breakfast at the 4-star Hotel Le Grimaldi, Nice (or similar) ► Three dinners and four lunches ► Return flights from London to Nice ► Visits include: Serre de la Madone, Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild, Jardin Exotique d’Èze, Jardin Exotique de Monte Carlo and a grandstand seat at the Menton Lemon Festival ► Comfortable coach travel throughout
Monte Carlo
► Services of horticulturalists Trevor Edwards in February and Mike Nelhams in May
Key Highlights
N TO EW U R
In May, the International Rose Festival in Grasse takes the place of the Lemon Festival.
Marvellous sea views and opulent surroundings in St Jean Cap Ferrat
Celebrate the life and works of the genius botanist, engineer and artist Leonardo da Vinci at his former home, Château du Clos Lucé Discover Château Chenonceau, one of the region’s best-known castles, and its stunning gardens Enjoy a wine tasting at Les Caves du Père Auguste, where the same family has been producing wine for 145 years
Gardens of the Loire Valley Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Blessed with rich soil and a mild climate, it is no wonder that the Loire Valley is known as ‘The Garden of France’. As we travel through this tranquil and timeless landscape, one magnificent château after another appears before us, each one apparently striving to outdo the other with their romantic atmosphere, dramatic locations and beautiful grounds. Highlights include the breathtaking recreation of a 16thcentury Renaissance garden at Château de Villandry, the International Garden Festival held at Château Chaumontsur-Loire, Château du Clos Lucé, which celebrates the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci, plus a wine tasting at Château de Valmer. Château de Chenonceau
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
Admire Chédigny, the charming village transformed into a garden with thousands of blooming plants and flowers
7 DAYS from £1,595 £1,435 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURE: 5 - 11 Jun ► Six nights bed and full breakfast at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Tours ► Welcome and farewell dinners ► Return Eurostar travel from London St Pancras (first class upgrades and regional connections also available on request) ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Linda Robinson as tour manager
The incomparable gardens of Giverny, carefully maintained as Monet would have wished The Orangerie Museum and Les Nymphéas – impressionism at its most impressive The sumptuously decorated Grands Appartements and the Galeries de Peintures of the Château de Chantilly
4 DAYS from £1,445 £1,300 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £325
The Genius of Monet Monet`s Garden
DEPARTURES: 29 May - 1 Jun &
Just as the gardens at Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, they continue to enthral countless visitors in 2026, the 100th anniversary of his death. His paintings are brought to life, with apple-green arched bridges festooned with wisteria and water lilies framed by the draped fronds of weeping willow. The perfect complement to Giverny is the Orangerie Museum in Paris, where the centrepiece of this outstanding collection is Monet’s breathtaking series of murals, Les Nymphéas. We also visit the Château de Chantilly, with its extensive collection of art and Château de Chantilly gardens designed by Le Nôtre.
N TO EW U R
CRUISE
Key Highlights
GARDENS
Impressionist & Provençal Gardens
Lavender Fields & Gardens of Provence Cruise
24 - 27 Jul
► Three nights dinner (with wine), bed & breakfast at the Château Jeanne & the Forest, Chantilly ► Return standard class rail travel between London and Paris with Eurostar (first class upgrades and regional connections also available on request) ► Visits include: Château de Chantilly, house and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny and Musée de l’Orangerie des Tuileries ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
Key Highlights
Soak up the lovely views and landscapes of Provence aboard the sundeck of A-ROSA STELLA Visit the Musée de la Lavande Luberon, home to the ‘real’ lavender of Provence Discover the blooms intertwined with Saint-André Abbey, a Remarkable Garden of France Enjoy an immersive experience at Un MAS en Provence de La Plante Au Parfum
8 DAYS from £2,995 £2,695 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £695
Provence
Delve into Provençal life on this idyllic cruise, admiring lilac-hued fields, strolling through Old Town squares, discovering beautiful gardens and sampling superb French cuisine. Our ports of call along the Rhône are filled with layer upon layer of history, such as popular Avignon and Arles, a city of terracotta-tiled rooftops with a treasure trove of UNESCO-listed gems. The pièce de résistance of Provence is of course its fragrant lavender, and we celebrate this glorious plant with an immersive experience at Un MAS en Provence de La Plante Au Parfum and a visit to the famous Musée de la Lavande Luberon. Lyon Botanical Garden
DEPARTURE: 28 Jun - 5 Jul ► Seven nights in a lower deck cabin on the A-ROSA STELLA on a full-board basis ► Drinks on board with meals and at the bar (excluding premium drinks and spirits) ► Return standard class rail travel from London St Pancras to Paris on board Eurostar ► Return standard class rail from Paris to Lyon (first class upgrades and regional connections also available on request) ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Trevor Edwards as tour manager
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
29
River Cruising & Andalucían Architecture CRUISE
Key Highlights
Seine River Cruise featuring Monet’s Garden & the Gardens of Normandy
The incomparable gardens of Giverny, carefully maintained as Monet would have wished A taste of Normandy at a Calvados producer
GARDENS
Guided tour of the gardens at Le Vasterival Visit to the iconic Château de Versailles
8 DAYS from £2,895 £2,605 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £695 DEPARTURE: 7 - 14 May
Château de Canon
Join us on a relaxing cruise along the sinuous River Seine combined with a series of visits to the outstanding gardens of Normandy, including Monet’s idyllic garden at Giverny. Other garden highlights include the Château de Mirosmesnil, which represents four centuries of harmonious architectural styles, and Le Vasterival, one of the finest gardens of its type and a lasting legacy of its creator, the Princess Sturdza. At the Jardin de Plume, we discover a natural yet structured contemporary garden in a typical Normandy orchard. We also enjoy a visit to France’s most iconic palace, the Château de Versailles. A-ROSA VIVA
Gardens & Architecture of Andalucía
► Seven nights in a Deck 1 outer cabin on the A-Rosa Viva on a full board basis ► Drinks included throughout the day (excluding premium drinks and spirits) ► Return standard class rail travel from London St Pancras International to Paris (first class upgrades and regional connections also available on request) ► Visits include: Musée de l’Orangerie des Tuileries, Jardin de Plume, Château de Miromesnil, Château de Canon and the house and gardens of Claude Monet ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Trevor Edwards as tour manager
Key Highlights
Pinnacle of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace Dramatic views of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range Mesmerising multi-arched columns of Córdoba’s Great Mosque The historic Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans the El Tajo gorge in Ronda
8 DAYS from £2,095 £1,885 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 Seville, Plaza de España
Andalucía is unrivalled in Europe for its wealth of history, culture, Moorish architecture and gardens, all set against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. We visit the famous Alhambra and Generalife, which commands exceptional views down towards the old city, the Albaicin. Moving on to Córdoba, we visit the Great Mosque and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with its characteristic terraced pools before discovering the treasures of beautiful Seville. We conclude in the dramatically situated town of Ronda, visiting the Alameda del Tajo Gardens and the Palacio de Mondragon, with its Moorish courtyards and gardens. The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
DEPARTURES: 26 Apr - 3 May & 7 - 14 Sep
► Seven nights bed & breakfast: three nights at the 4-star Senator Granada Spa Hotel; three nights at the 3-star Hotel Macarena in Seville; one night at the 3-star Hotel R. Polo in Ronda (or similar) ► Three dinners ► Return flights from London to Málaga ► Visits include: The Alhambra Palace, the Great Mosque and the Royal Palaces of the Alcázar in Córdoba, Gardens of Murillo and the Alameda del Tajo Gardens ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager & local guides (horticulturalist Sue Pomeroy in Apr)
Gardens & Architecture of Mallorca
Key Highlights
Enjoy Moorish gardens in Raixa and Alfaiba Visit the largest prehistoric cemetery in the Balearics
GARDENS
Island Gardens of Spain & Portugal
Visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa Spectacular mountain scenery
6 DAYS from £1,695 £1,440 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395 DEPARTURES: 17 - 22 Mar, 21 - 26 Apr & 14 - 19 Oct
Cathedral La Seu
Away from the busy resorts, the Balearic Island of Mallorca offers a timeless, verdant landscape of wooded hills and orange groves, sweeping bays and rocky mountains. The gardens here are a delight to visit in the warm sunshine, including Raixa and Alfaiba, both with Moorish origins and later Christian influences and the Gardens of Sóller, a botanist’s paradise. Elsewhere, we visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa, tour the island’s principal city of Palma, with its Gothic cathedral and Arab baths, and take an exhilarating ride on the Tren de Soller, a heritage train that runs through spectacular mountain scenery.
► Five nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4-star Hotel THB Maria Isabel, Playa de Palma, plus one lunch ► Return flights from London to Palma ► Visits include: Jardínes de Alfabia, Gardens of Sóller, the gardens of Raixa, Real Cartuja de Valldemossa, Museo Sa Bassa Blanca and Palma City ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
Garden at Son Marroig
Key Highlights
Tour of the Botanical Gardens, an introduction to the flora of Madeira A gentle walk on the ‘levadas’ Cable-car ride to Monte Palace Gardens Afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace Hotel
8 DAYS from £1,995 £1,795 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £395
Gardens of Madeira
DEPARTURES: 1 - 8 May & 24 Nov - 1 Dec
Flower Festival
Set in a bright blue sea, some 400 miles off the coast of Africa, lies the lush, volcanic Portuguese island of Madeira. Just 36 miles long and 14 miles wide, it is an island of outstanding natural beauty. Orchids, bougainvillaea, lilies, hydrangeas, magnolias, jacarandas and azaleas bloom effortlessly throughout the year and delight the eye at every turn. Our May departure is timed to coincide with Madeira’s Flower Festival, when the streets are carpeted in flowers and colourful displays can be seen on every corner. Enjoy grandstand seating along the main avenues of Funchal to watch this floral spectacle.
► Seven nights bed & breakfast at the 4-star Golden Residence Hotel, Funchal (or similar) ► Welcome and farewell dinners at the hotel and afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace ► Return flights from London to Madeira ► Visits include: The Children’s Flower Parade, Madeira Botanical Garden, Quinta da Boa Vista Gardens, the Flower festival parade, Quinta Vigia, Quinta do Palheiro and Monte Palace Gardens ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
Botanical Garden Monte
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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GARDENS
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Spring Blooms of Portugal & Sweden
Springtime Flowers in Sintra & Lisbon
Key Highlights
See the stunning UNESCO World Heritage landmarks in Sintra, the Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira Visit the monumental D. Carlos I in Caldas da Rainha, with its African Sculpture art garden Enjoy the beauty of water mirrors, wide paths, leafy trees and a century-old Noria at Jardim do Cerco
7 DAYS from £2,495 £2,245 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £495
Palacio Fronteira
DEPARTURE: 5 - 11 Apr Embark on a journey through the stunning and historic gardens of Portugal, where springtime brings a burst of vibrant colours and fragrances. We visit the Palacio de Fronteira and its beautiful gardens: a perfect introduction to the elegance of Portuguese horticulture. We also explore the Estufa Fria, a lush indoor botanical garden, and the Lisbon Botanical Garden, an oasis of tranquillity in the city. Other highlights include the Marquês de Pombal Garden and the Queluz Palace, showcasing the opulence 18th-century garden design, plus the romantic Monserrate Palace gardens and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, where every corner reveals a new surprise.
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Monserrate Palace
Sweden & Gotland in the Footsteps of Carl Linnaeus
► Six nights bed & breakfast at the 4-star Heritage Lisboa Plaza (or similar) ► Return flights from London to Lisbon ► Welcome and farewell dinners ► Visits include: The Foundation of the Houses of Fronteira and Alorna, Estufa Fria, Lisbon Botanical Garden, Queluz Palace, Marquês de Pombal Garden, Monserrate Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist David Hurrion as tour manager
Key Highlights
Discover locations connected to the Flower King, Carl Linnaeus, including his museum and summer estate Admire the diverse species at Uppsala University Botanical Garden, Sweden’s oldest botanical garden Visit the studio of wildlife illustrator Lars Jonsson on the Baltic island of Gotland
9 DAYS from £3,095 £2,785 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £595 Visby
Botanist Carl Linnaeus is the inspiration behind this tour, featuring lakes and gardens in southern Sweden and the wildflowers and seascapes of Gotland. We begin on the Swedish mainland, touring locations with direct Linnaeus connections in and around Uppsala, including the Linnaeus Garden and Museum and his summer estate at Hammarby. A ferry takes us across the Baltic Sea to the island of Gotland, to which Linnaeus led an expedition in 1741. Here we enjoy some excellent botanising opportunities along with a visit to the studio of wildlife illustrator Lars Jonsson before ending with Sweden’s sophisticated capital of Stockholm Stockholm.
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
DEPARTURE: 13 - 21 Jun ► Eight nights bed & breakfast: two nights Uppsala, one night Vadstena, one night Oskarhamn, three nights Gotland and one night Stockholm ► One lunch and two dinners ► Return flights from London to Stockholm Arlanda (regional flights/connections available on request) ► Return ferry crossings from the Swedish mainland to Gotland ► 24hr SL Access card in Stockholm ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager
Explore the ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Admire the Temple of the Sun at Dougga Step inside the Great Mosque of Kairouan Revel in the sights and sounds of a bustling medina
An Archaeological Tour of Tunisia
9 DAYS from £2,195 £1,975 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPARTURES: 16 - 24 Apr &
Dougga
25 Sep - 3 Oct
Join us on an extraordinary journey as we explore the archaeological wonders of Tunisia. We stay at four carefully selected hotels near key archaeological sites and visit Roman ruins, bustling medinas and museums. Our tour includes visits to magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic medina of Kairouan, the ancient ruins of Carthage and the impressive hilltop remains of Dougga. We uncover ancient Roman treasures too, including a well-preserved amphitheatre that stands spectacularly against the backdrop of the Tunisian landscape. Throughout our tour, we also visit several notable museums that house collections of Punic, Roman and Carthage - Byrsa Hill Islamic treasures.
► Eight nights dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation: two nights at the Regency Tunis Hotel, Gammarth, two nights at the Hotel Thugga, Dougga, two nights at the Hotel La Kasbahm, Kairouan and two nights at Le Royal Hotel, Hammamet ► Return flights from London to Tunis ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of archaeologist Clive Warsop as tour manager and local guides
Gardens & Temples of Ancient Egypt
A Cultural Tour of Malta
Giza Pyramids
Upper Barrakka Gardens
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Within 24 hours of arriving in Egypt, we find ourselves marvelling at one of the world’s most iconic sights, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. That is just the start of our memorable journey along the Nile, which sustained one of the greatest civilisations ever seen. Other highlights include the treasures of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum and the botanical Al-Orman Garden.
Nowhere on earth concentrates as much turbulent past into such a small land mass as Malta, so if you’d like to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region in just five days, this is the tour for you! Venture inside the walled citadel of Mdina, visit the Barrakka Gardens, discover the Blue Grotto and explore the ancient megaliths of Ħaġar Qim.
Key Highlights
Key Highlights
The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza
Priceless art treasures at St John’s Cathedral
The newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum
The walled citadel of Mdina
Stopover at the luxurious Sofitel Winter Palace
5,000 year old temple of Ħagar Qim
Four night Nile cruise on a full board basis
Boat trip to the Blue Grotto
The unique Valley of the Kings
A splendid afternoon tea in the most opulent surroundings
12 DAYS from £4,595 £3,905 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £1,195 DEPARTURES: 5 - 16 Feb & 5 - 16 Nov
ARCHAEOLOGY
Key Highlights
GARDENS
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
SPECIAL INTEREST
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Archaeological Wonders from Tunisia to Malta
5 DAYS from £1,295 £1,100 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT DEPARTURES: 3 - 7 Mar & 3 - 7 Nov
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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Global Gardens: Africa & Asia GARDENS
Key Highlights
Spring Flowers of Namaqualand
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, one of the finest in the world Tea tasting with the San people Botanising in the Namaqua National Park Discover the Quiver Tree forest at the Vanrhyns Pass Optional Whale Watching Excursion
15 DAYS from £5,295 £4,765 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £495 DEPARTURE: 29 Aug - 12 Sep
Namaqua National Park
Namaqualand, in South Africa’s Northern Cape, is a place of exquisite beauty, an unspoilt expanse of open spaces broken by ancient outcrops of granite – and a plant lover’s delight. Come spring, the ground bursts into a carpet of flowers, and in addition to this spectacular display, our tour includes coastal and mountain fynbos, succulent plants, bulbs and orchids, proteas and heaths, a game drive, a chance to go whale watching and a vineyard visit! We begin in Cape Town with visits to familiar destinations such as Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain, before moving north into less wellknown yet fascinating territory.
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Wildflower Garden in the Ramskop Nature Reserve
Singapore Garden Festival
► 12 nights bed & breakfast basis: three at the 4-star Commodore Hotel, Cape Town; one night at the 3-star Saldanha Bay Hotel, Saldanha; three nights at the 3-star Letsatsi Lodge, Vanrhynsdorp; one night at the 3-star Clanwilliam Hotel, Clanwilliam; two nights at the 4-star De Zalze Lodge, Stellenbosch, two nights at the 3-star Windsor Hotel, Hermanus (or similar) ► Ten lunches and four dinners ► Return flights from London to Cape Town ► London pre-flight Executive lounge access ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Colin Crosbie as tour manager and local guides
Key Highlights
The iconic Gardens by the Bay Enjoy a full day at the Singapore Garden Festival Experience afternoon tea at the iconic Raffles Hotel
10 DAYS from £4,895 £4,405 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £795 DEPARTURE: 5 - 14 Jul
Singapore Garden Festival
► Seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation at a central 4-star hotel ► Five dinners and one lunch
The Singapore Garden Festival takes place every two years and is among the premier flower shows on the international calendar. It was the first event to bring together top award-winning landscape and garden designers, florists and horticulturists from around the world, who are invited to the festival to work alongside Singapore’s own talented horticulturalists. In addition to a full day at the show, we explore Singapore’s many treasures, including the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, Hort’s Park, Fort Cannings Spice Garden and Singapore Botanic Gardens. No trip here would be complete without an Merlion Park afternoon tea at iconic Raffles too.
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Brightwater Holidays | 2026 Holidays
► Afternoon tea at Raffles ► Return flights from London to Singapore ► London pre-flight Executive lounge access ► Visits include: A half day city tour, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanical Garden, Singapore Garden Festival, Hort Park and Fort Canning Spice Garden ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of horticulturalist Mike Nelhams as tour manager and local guides
Seasonal Gardens of Japan
Gardens of Barbados
Sensō-ji Temple
Hunte’s Botanical Garden
Japanese gardens evolved from sacred forest clearings into serene landscapes shaped by stone, water and seasonal planting. In Kyoto, we explore tranquil stroll gardens and the shimmering Golden Pavilion. Travelling by Bullet Train to Tokyo, we visit Hamarikyu, the Imperial Palace Garden and Lake Ashi beneath Mount Fuji. An optional excursion to Hiroshima and a final day in Kamakura complete this journey through Japan’s timeless beauty.
Key Highlights
The temples and gardens of Kyoto, arguably the finest in Japan
GARDENS
Tropical Gardens of Asia, Africa & the Caribbean
Barbados may be small, but it offers pure Caribbean bliss: radiant seas, palm-lined beaches and lush rainforest. Discover flourishing private gardens, vibrant orchids and sweeping views from Cherry Tree Hill. Meet Anthony Hunte in his celebrated garden, visit Andromeda Botanical Garden and explore George Washington House, with an optional catamaran cruise.
Key Highlights
Explore Hunte’s Garden
Riding the bullet train to Tokyo
Visit George Washington House
The enormous Buddhas at Todaiji and Kamamura
Discover Harrison’s Cave and the Flower Forest
Stunning scenery in Hakone, including the iconic Mount Fuji
Services of horticulturalist David Hurrion as Tour Manager
Services of horticulturalist Colin Crosbie in March and Sue Pomeroy in November
14 DAYS from £6,995 £5,945 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £995 DEPARTURES: 22 Mar - 4 Apr & 10 - 23 Nov
9 DAYS from £3,695 £3,140 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £795 DEPARTURES: 5 - 13 Feb & 9 - 17 Nov
Gardens of Marrakech
Gardens of Mauritius
La Majorelle Garden
Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses
Marrakech enchants with its rose-coloured buildings framed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. At its heart lies Jemaa El Fna, alive with storytellers, musicians and snake-charmers. Highlights include the serene courtyards of El Bahia Palace, the dramatic ruins of El Badi, the Menara gardens and the vibrant Majorelle Garden. We also escape to the peaceful Ourika Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
Key Highlights
Mauritius may be small, but its forests and coasts hold remarkable biodiversity, with many plants found nowhere else. We discover once-lost trees, rare palms and the giant waterlilies of Pamplemousses Botanic Garden. At L’Ile aux Aigrettes we witness vital conservation, while Black River Gorges offers sweeping tropical views. There’s also time to enjoy white beaches, turquoise waters and the island’s vibrant culture.
Key Highlights
Faded glory at El Badi Palace
Giant tortoises at La Vanille
Bright colours and international glamour at La Majorelle
Giant waterlillies at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Botanic Garden
Delightful flavours and aromas in the Ourika Valley
Rare trees and exotic birds in the Black River Gorges
Services of horticulturalists Trevor Edwards in April and David Hurrion in October
A taste of local rum at Labourdonnais
5 DAYS from £1,795 £1,615 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £400 DEPARTURES: 20 - 24 Apr & 5 - 9 Oct
Relaxing in a luxurious resort hotel and bathing in the wonderfully warm water of the Indian Ocean
12 DAYS from £3,995 £3,395 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £795 DEPARTURES: 18 - 29 Mar & 10 - 21 Nov
01334 800 670 | info@brightwaterholidays.com | www.brightwaterholidays.com
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GARDENS
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Long‑Haul Gardens & Cultural Discovery
Gardens of New Zealand
Key Highlights
Discover a wide range of gardens at the peak of their summer flowering Sail from North to South Island across the Cook Strait, admiring the stunning scenery of Marlborough Sounds
SPECIAL INTEREST
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station and dine at the Colonel’s Homestead
19 DAYS from £6,995 £6,295 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £1,195 DEPARTURE: 10 - 28 Nov Milford Sound
New Zealand dazzles with snowcapped mountains, aquamarine lakes, geysers, fjords, tree ferns and glittering glaciers. Travelling from Auckland to Rotorua, New Plymouth and Wellington, we then cross to the South Island to explore Marlborough Sounds, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. Along the way, we discover remarkable spring flora, unique wildlife, Māori culture and superb wine in a land where 75% of flowering plants grow nowhere else.
► 15 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels; one night in Auckland; one night in Rotorua; two nights New Plymouth; two nights in Wellington; two nights in Marlborough; two nights in Christchurch; two nights in Dunedin and three nights in Queenstown ► Three dinners ► Flights from London to Auckland and Queenstown to London ► London pre-flight Executive lounge access ► Comfortable coach travel throughout Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Discover the Durrells’ Corfu with Lee Durrell
► Services of horticulturalist Colin Crosbie as tour manager
Key Highlights
Private talk and Q&A session with Lee Durrell See the White House, the former home of Gerald Durrell’s brother, Lawrence Lunch in the oldest village on the island Visit to Mouse Island, one of the Durrells’ favourite places
5 DAYS from £1,795 £1,615 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £225
Mouse Island
Discover the magical Mediterranean island that inspired The Durrells. Corfu’s landscapes were among the show’s brightest stars, and it’s hard to read Gerald Durrell’s books or watch the series without wishing your own family had moved here. Now you can enjoy a five-day holiday filled with special moments for Durrell fans, including a private talk with naturalist Lee Durrell and visits to the family’s favourite places. Stay at the five-star Corfu Holiday Palace, with time to relax by the pool or on the private beach and explore the island at leisure. Come and Corfu experience Corfu’s charm for yourself.
expert
Get in touch with an
Give our Specialist Sales Executives a call, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm, on:
01334 800 670
DEPARTURES: 5 - 9 May & 6 - 10 Oct ► Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 5-star Corfu Holiday Palace ► One lunch ► Return flights from London to Corfu ► Special appearance by Lee Durrell, including a tour of locations and exclusive evening talk and Q&A session ► Comfortable coach travel throughout ► Services of an expert tour manager and local guide
Alternatively, send us an email to:
info@brightwaterholidays.com For further details, please visit our website:
brightwaterholidays.com