Coopersmith's Style

Bloomfield House, Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo by Suzanne Parker

COOPERSMITH'S garden and fine arts tours are upscale without being ostentatious, energetic without being exhausting, instructive without being academic. Here are some distinguishing features of our trips that attract discerning travelers of all ages, inspiring many of them to return year after year:

“Gardens Plus.” Among our 2011 offerings is a tour that features Lindesfarne (Holy Isle), Hadrian’s Wall, and four nights in a luxuriously furnished 14th-century castle (Gardens, Castles & Stately Homes of Durham & Northumberland); one that includes a dolphin-watching cruise and a ride through luxuriant countryside on a turn-of-the-century steam railway (Gardens & Castles of Southwest Wales); and another that offers tours of the Musée Chagall and Musée Renoir, along with visits to Portofino and the Cinque Terre (Italian & French Rivieras).

Small groups. A maximum of 16, 18 or 20 people per tour, depending on the tour category (See Tour Categories). Unlike virtually all of our competitors, we are able to operate with as few as 5 members.

Three- and four-night stays at charming country inns, elegant manor houses, and historic, atmospheric hotels. The five-star, 12th-century Chateau St. Gerlach in Maastricht, Holland, boasts extensive parkland, stylish baroque gardens, two gourmet restaurants, and a luxury spa and indoor pool (Belgium, Holland & the Floriade). The Prideaux-Brunes’ lovely Plumber Manor, located in the heart of Thomas Hardy Country, has been in the same family for over 400 years (West Country Gardens). Taychreggan Hotel, a beautifully-appointed 300-year-old inn on the banks of Loch Awe, has some of the most breathtaking views anywhere in the British Isles (Scottish Highlands & Islands). In some cases, an entire seven-night tour is based at the same delightful stately home. For 2012 we have two hotels that fit that description: Corse Lawn House in England¹s Cotswolds, named 'Country Hotel of the Year' by the prestigious Good Hotel Guide in 2005 (Springtime in the Cotswolds) and Ty Mawr Mansion, recipient of the prestigious “Guest Accommodation of the Year” award by the Automobile Association (UK) in 2007-2008 (Gardens & Castles of Southwest Wales).

Large comfortable motorcoach. Unlike other tour companies, we routinely use motorcoaches that are large enough to guarantee each passenger a window seat throughout the tour.

Gourmet meals. Yes, even in Great Britain and New Zealand!

Relaxed pace. If you are looking for an “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium” type tour, we are decidedly not it. Instead, our tours are crafted in a way that enables you to savor, and remember, each day (see "What is a typical day like" in Frequently Asked Questions).

Visits to special places, with special people. In addition to world-renowned venues like Lawrence Johnson’s Hidcote Manor, Kiftsgate Court, Gertrude Jekyll’s Hestercombe, Lindisfarne, Keukenhof gardens, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the once-a-decade Floriade, we'll take you to the private homes and gardens of horticultural celebrities such as the Duchess of Northumberland, Barbara & Ian Pollard (The “Naked Gardeners” of Abbey House Gardens), and Helena Gerrish of High Glanau Manor. You'll also meet the owners of many lesser-known, but equally memorable and inspiring gardens and manor houses that seldom, if ever, open to the public.

Topnotch tour leaders. This is what makes a good tour great. Our guides, who have lived and worked in the countries concerned, and have a minimum of ten years’ experience in the field, are among the most knowledgeable and creative tour leaders anywhere! (See "Who leads your tours" in Frequently Asked Questions).

“The Cotswolds trip was perfect—so much beauty and history.”
—Catherine Avila, Malvern, Pennsylvania

"I felt pampered the entire time...Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience!"
—Marta Bach, Marblehead, Massachusetts