English Garden Extension

Sunday, May 27 ~ After breakfast, depart your London hotel with Huron Tour and Travel's private motorcoach, Certified Blue-Badge Guide, and Huron Tours escort. We'll spend the next four days in the lovely English village of Rye exploring a garden paradise, the county of Kent. Enroute to our hotel we will visit Hever Castle and Gardens, one of the area's most visited attractions. And for good reasons!

From Hever it is a pleasant two-hour drive to our historic hotel for the next 3 nights, The Mermaid Inn. This 15th Century English jewel is set on Rye's most picturesque road and is brimming with old world charm and a rich history. It is not only one of England's oldest inns, but also one of its loveliest! This evening we'll enjoy a three-course dinner together in the hotel's award winning restaurant.

Monday, May 28 ~ A day that gardeners dream about! After our full-English breakfast buffet we depart for Christopher Lloyd's famous creation, Great Dixter Gardens. We'll be greeted by one of Dixter's gardeners who will take us on a guided tour of one of the best known gardens in Britain (for many years Christopher wrote a garden column for the Royal Horticultural Society's monthly magazine). You will also have ample time to explore the gardens on your own and to marvel at the topiary, the sunken garden, the wildflower and naturalized bulb meadow, and the 300-foot plant-loaded border, plus more! Truly a delight.

Then we'll continue on a short ride to certainly one of the finest gardens in the world, Sissinghurst Castle. Sissinghurst is a delightful spring garden with a magical setting around the ruins of the castle which dates back to the 12th century. Vita Sackville-West, the creator, designed one of the most romantic gardens in the country and a magnificent example of English Garden design. Everything is kept in an immaculate condition, well labeled, with charming vistas around every turn. Vita's structure of separate outdoor rooms has had an immense influence on garden design and her combinations of plant materials framed by hundreds of feet of boxwood hedging is truly amazing. Lunch today will be at your leisure in Sissinghurst's excellent cafeteria. Dinner is on your own, perhaps at an English pub, Tavern, or fish house in the town center (just a short walk away), or in the hotel.

Tuesday, May 29 ~ A completely free day to explore and enjoy the historic town of Rye. This ancient and delightful village is one of the few hill towns in England, and as such is very picturesque. Spend the afternoon wandering the enchanting cobble-stone streets while marveling at the beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times. Take in the fantastic views of the river Roth and Romney Marsh and be sure to pay a visit to the parish church of Saint Mary's which houses the oldest working church turret clock in England. The Lamb House which was the home of author Henry James is also a favorite attraction.

If you prefer shopping to sightseeing, Rye is full of unique antiques, potteries, art galleries and craft shops to browse. When it is time for an afternoon break, visit one of Rye's famous tea rooms or traditional bakeries.

This evening we will enjoy fine-dining at our Farewell Dinner at the historic Eastwell Manor. The Manor dates back to King Edward the Confessor and the Saxon empire, and as you enter the stone-flagged courtyard you will easily imagine the Knights in their shining armor preparing for battle. This evening will be one you fondly remember as we say good-bye to our traveling companions!

Wednesday, May 30 ~ After breakfast our private motorcoach takes us back to our airports for our departures, arriving home the same day. (flights cannot depart before 11am)