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Jules Verne
Visit destinations that are home to some of the world’s most wonderful gardens, from far- ung Costa Rica to the enchanting Italian Lakes
With 40 years’ experience, Jules Verne is one of the UK’s leading tour operators bringing you innovative small group escorted tours. Packed with special touches and little extras, expert guides will show you the true character of each destination and take you beyond the norm, whether your chosen destination is closer to home or across the globe.
Learn about the history, landscape and design of the gardens and villas along the Italian Lakes; explore the fascinating mix of native plants, and cultivated ornamental and crop plants on the island of Madeira; discover the ‘secret’ national parks of Croatia – a wonderful blend of oak forests, meadows, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling lakes; Costa Rica’s natural riches make it a must-see destination for any garden enthusiast; and stay at the heritage Samode Bagh hotel in Jaipur, India – the garden retreat of the Samode Royal Family with its 19 acres of stunningly manicured gardens built by the Mughals in the Persian style.
Gardens are often described as ‘oases of tranquillity’; travel with Jules Verne on a small group escorted tour to some of the world’s most fascinating gardens and gain an insight into the horticultural beauty that surrounds us. Included visits venture into world-acclaimed gardens as well as unknown gems, so you can contrast meticulously maintained estates with the charming untamed beauty of wild meadows.
The British have long held a ection for the Italian Lakes with several rich and talented gardeners deciding to settle and take advantage of the benevolent yet challenging conditions, such as Captain Neil McEacharn (Villa Taranto). Equally, Italian nobility and botanists have been inspired to create and develop gardens at villas on or around lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore. Discover the heritage and ora of lakes Como, Maggiore and Lugano by boat, road and on foot with a specialist guide, on Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes; a seven-night tour from £1,145 staying at the classic Grand Hotel Menaggio on scenic Lake Como. Visit Villa Balbianello, built on a breathtaking promontory with elaborate terraced gardens in the 18th century, and now belongs to FAI – the Italian equivalent of the National Trust. The gardens of the aristocratic Villa Carlotta reveal a multitude of azaleas, camellias, rhododendron woods, ferns and bamboos.
Enjoy a sojourn on the sub-tropical garden isle of Madeira; A Slice of Madeira offers contrasting landscapes, an abundance of ora and fauna, a temperate climate and an absorbing history, and just a short ight from the UK, Madeira is a unique sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. Staying in Funchal, this four-night itinerary from £745 visits the Blandy family-owned Quinta do Palheiro gardens – one of Europe’s largest private gardens, and the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, voted by Condé Nast as one of the world’s most beautiful tropical gardens.
Join Secret Wonders of Croatia, a seven-night cruise from £1,695 with no single supplement (limited availability). Ideal for nature lovers, this new cruise combines the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the islands and coast of less-visited central Croatia. Explore Krka National Park, one of Croatia’s most famous national parks, along with Plitviče Lakes.
Costa Rica combines both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines as well as fiery volcanoes, highlands of coffee plantations, misty cloud forests and sultry rainforests. Explore the best of the country on Jules Verne’s 11-night Central America’s Garden of Eden tour from £2,245, providing the perfect introduction to the country, with accommodation in charming eco-lodges and small-scale hotels throughout. Discover Tortuguero, which is only accessible by boat or plane, to travel through its lush waterways and witness the magical sight of turtles carefully laying their eggs on protected beaches. Explore the wildlife of La Selva Nature Reserve, before travelling on to Arenal National Park, with its tempting geothermal springs and beautiful La Fortuna waterfall. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, just to the south of Arenal, is one of Costa Rica’s most famous highlights, with orchids ourishing in the cool, damp conditions, spectacular birdwatching and an amazing network of walkways and bridges built high up in the canopy. You even have the option of a night walk to discover the area’s nocturnal inhabitants, such as frogs, insects and wide-eyed kinkajou mammals.
India is best known for its historic Mughal gardens; significant original Mughal gardens have been preserved and are fascinating places to visit for their exquisite beauty, the most famous of which is the Taj Mahal garden. Save up to £200 on Rajasthan Royals and enjoy a stay at the heritage Samode Bagh hotel; as featured on BBC Two’s Monty Don’s Paradise Gardens. 17 nights from £2,495 and no single supplement (limited dates/availability). All Jules Verne tours include ights, taxes, transfers, accommodation, sightseeing, and the services of a local tour guide.