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