Brightwater Holidays - Q1 - US Version Spring 2026
Spring is the season of renewal – a time when landscapes soften, gardens burst into colour and the world feels open once more. It’s the perfect moment to travel, to slow down and to rediscover beauty in every corner.
Every Brightwater holiday is designed with care and attention to detail. Your travel, accommodation and excursions are seamlessly arranged, leaving you free to enjoy every moment in the company of like-minded travellers. Our expert Tour Managers are at the heart of each journey – knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about sharing the stories, culture and character that make every place unique.
Whether you’re drawn to the wild beauty of home or the rich colours of faraway landscapes, we’ll make your spring travel effortless, enriching and memorable.
We look forward to welcoming you on a Brightwater holiday soon.
Warmest regards,
Alison Wilson Managing Director
A Cultural Tour of Malta Malta’s Archaeological Heritage
Nowhere on earth concentrates as much turbulent past into such a small land mass as Malta, so if you’d like to learn as much as possible about the complex history and rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region in just five days, then this is the tour for you!
Key Highlights
Priceless art treasures at St John’s Cathedral
5,000 year old temple of Ħaġar Qim
Boat trip to the Blue Grotto
A splendid afternoon tea in the most opulent surroundings
From the Neolithic to now, Malta boasts many riches, all waiting to be discovered on this special tour. Explore mysterious sites left by ancient civilisations, venture inside the walled citadel of Mdina, discover St Paul’s Catacombs and enjoy a boat trip around the spectacular cliffs and caverns of the Blue Grotto.
Key Highlights
The ancient and mysterious Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The ‘Cave of Darkness’, one of the earliest sites used by Neolithic man
5,000 year old temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
5 DAYS from $1,535 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 7 DAYS from $2,375 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPARTURE: 3 - 7 Mar
DEPARTURE: 3 - 9 Mar
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Qim
Galicia’s Camellia Route Gardens and Architecture of Mallorca
In Galicia’s lush, rain-kissed landscape, camellias bloom brilliantly in shades of pink, white and red. Following the Camellia Route from La Coruña to Vigo, we visit elegant pazos and gardens – including the magnificent Castillo de Soutomaior – where these exquisite flowers bring spring colour to Spain’s verdant northwest.
Key Highlights
Visit the famous pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy the sight of camellias at a selection of country estates (pazos)
The impressive hill-top site of Castillo de Soutomaior
The Balearic Island of Mallorca offers a timeless landscape of wooded hills, orange groves, sweeping bays and rocky mountains as well as a host of beautiful gardens. We visit several of these, discover the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa, tour the city of Palma, observe the flora and fauna of the Albufera Nature Reserve and take an exhilarating ride on the Tren de Soller.
Key Highlights
Enjoy Moorish gardens in Raixa and Alfaiba
Visit the largest prehistoric cemetery in the Balearics
Visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa
Spectacular mountain scenery
6 DAYS from $1,925 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $275 6 DAYS from $2,095 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $555
DEPARTURE: 11 - 16 Mar
DEPARTURES: 17 - 22 Mar, 21 - 26 Apr
Santiago de Compostela
Cathedral La Seu
Art Masters of Holland
Explore a rich collection of museums which showcase some of the most well-known Art Masters and celebrated paintings in the world, from Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring to Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. This insightful and fascinating journey into the Dutch Golden Age is accompanied by an experienced Art Historian.
Key Highlights
The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals at the Frans Hals Museum
Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis Museum
The iconic Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum
Panorama Mesdag, a cylindrical painting by Hendrik Willem Mesdag
6 DAYS from $2,025 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $525
DEPARTURE POINT: London St Pancras International
DEPARTURE: 20 - 25 Mar
The Art and Architecture of Antwerp
A gem in Belgium’s Flanders region, famed for its medieval streets and Renaissance monuments, Antwerp is home to thousands of paintings by the Old Masters throughout iconic museums. This tour explores some of the city’s wonderful architecture and notable art collections with expert local guides.
Key Highlights
Guided tour of the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Guided tour of Snijders & Rockox Huis
Visit to the Rubens Experience Centre and Gardens
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plantin-Moretus Museum
5 DAYS from $1,815 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPARTURE POINT: London St Pancras International
DEPARTURE: 26 - 30 Mar
Teylers Museum Antwerp Central
Gardens of the French RivieraMenton Lemon Festival
With elegant gardens, azure skies, and a stunning coastline that inspired artists, the French Riviera has retained its glamour for over a century. We explore fine gardens, including those of Thomas Hanbury and the Rothschilds. In February, Menton hosts the vibrant Lemon Festival, a colourful celebration with elaborate floats and citrus sculptures parading through the Promenade du Soleil, bringing zest and joy to early spring.
We also visit the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh, the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild gardens, Italy’s Hanbury Gardens, Jardin Exotique d’Èze, Villa Thuret, Serre de la Madone, Monte Carlo parks, and La Mouissone’s tranquil spaces.
K ey H ighlights
Sit back and enjoy all the colour and spectacle of the Menton Lemon Festival
Cacti of every shape and size in Èze
The richness of the plant collection at the Hanbury Garden
Marvellous sea views and opulent surroundings in St Jean Cap Ferrat
YOUR TOUR MANAGER COLIN CROSBIE
Join Colin the former Header Gardener to Her Majesty the Queen Mother as witnesses to the dazzling displays at the Menton Lemon Festival.
6 DAYS from $2,515
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $455
DEPARTURE: 12 - 17 Feb
► 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
► Comfortable coach travel throughout
► Services of horticulturalists Colin Crosbie
Menton Lemon Festival parade
Monte Carlo
Route of the Almond Blossom
Journey through Portugal’s Douro Valley as almond trees burst into pink and white bloom, rivalling Japan’s cherry blossoms. Explore Porto’s colourful Ribeira district, take a scenic journey to Vila Nova de Foz Coa and visit elegant manor houses and gardens surrounded by fragrant blossom.
Key Highlights
Explore The Ribeira area, the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the Crystal Palace Gardens
Foz Côa
8 DAYS from $3,355 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $695
DEPARTURE: 26 Feb - 5 Mar
Tulips of Keukenhof & Dutch Gardens Cruise
Sail through a living canvas of colour as millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths carpet Holland’s bulbfields. Visit world-famous Keukenhof, Oudolf’s Vlinderhof and Antwerp’s newly restored Rubens House gardens on this glorious cruise celebrating Dutch artistry, horticultural heritage and the timeless beauty of spring.
Key Highlights
The tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens
The Vlinderhof Garden designed by Piet Ouldolf
The recently re-opened Rubens House
5 DAYS from $2,065 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $555
DEPARTURE POINT: London St Pancras International
DEPARTURE: 4 - 8 Apr
Almond trees, Douro Valley
Keukenhof Gardens
Almond blossom in Vila Nova de
Snowdrop Gardens of the Cotswolds Spring Gardens of Cornwall
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT LOW SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The Cotswolds offer superb snowdrop gardens, appealing to galanthophiles and nature lovers alike. Highlights include Colesbourne, Newark Park’s snowdrop carpets, Cerney House’s romantic displays, Stroud’s Museum in the Park, Painswick Rococo Garden’s naturalistic plantings, and Rodmarton Manor’s stunning 150 varieties.
Key Highlights
Colesbourne House, considered to be England’s greatest snowdrop garden
Stunning Victorian walled garden at Cerney House
Arts and Crafts style at Rodmarton Manor
Cornwall’s gardens are globally celebrated and our tour features some of the finest. Spring arrives early, with rhododendrons, magnolias, and camellias blossoming at Trebah and Glendurgan. Explore the award-winning Lost Gardens of Heligan and the transformative Eden Project. National Trust gems Knightshayes Court and Killerton complete the journey.
Key Highlights
Gothic Revival style at Knightshayes Court
The continually evolving marvel that is the Eden Project
Masses of rhododendrons in full flower
Negotiating the hedge maze at Glendurgan
4 DAYS from $1,045 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 4 DAYS from $1,045 | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $210
PICK-UP POINTS: London, Reading, Swindon, Bristol
DEPARTURE: 6 - 9 Feb
PICK-UP POINTS: London, Swindon, Reading, Bristol
DEPARTURE: 26 - 29 Mar
Snowdrops
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Glasgow’s Art Treasures featuring the Burrell Collection
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Reopened in March 2022 after refurbishment, Glasgow’s Burrell Collection offers access to all three floors, showcasing treasures like ancient Chinese porcelain, French paintings, and medieval artefacts. We’ll also explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Hunterian, Gallery of Modern Art, Holmwood House, and House for an Art Lover.
Key Highlights
Explore the recently refurbished Burrell Collection
Discover one delight after another at Kelvingrove
Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s design brought to life at the House for an Art Lover
Scotland’s two largest cities, just 45 miles apart, enjoy a friendly rivalry. We explore their architecture, contrasting Glasgow’s grand Victorian edifices with Edinburgh’s Georgian elegance in Old and New Towns.
Key Highlights
Guided tour of the Scottish Parliament building
Private tour of the marble staircases and cavernous rooms at Glasgow City Chambers
Afternoon Tea at Mackintosh at the Willow
4 DAYS from $1,255 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
PICK-UP POINTS: Glasgow, Edinburgh
DEPARTURE: 20 - 23 Mar
Museum of Modern Art
Royal Mile Edinburgh
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Great Gardens of Cornwall in the Company of Mike Nelhams
The Mary Rose: A Tudor Tale
Step back into Tudor England on a journey through Henry VIII’s world. From Hampton Court and Anne of Cleves’ house to the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, discover royal intrigue and maritime history before ending at Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
Explore Cornwall’s finest gardens with Mike Nelhams of Tresco Abbey Gardens. Meet visionaries like Sir Tim Smit and Charles Williams as we visit Heligan, Eden, Caerhays and Tresco. A rich mix of horticulture, hospitality and Cornish character – all from our Truro base.
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
4 DAYS from $1,255 | NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
PICK-UP POINT: London
DEPARTURE: 31 Mar - 3 Apr
Key Highlights
Tour of Heligan with a member of the gardening team
Private visit to the Tregothnan Estate and Tea Plantation
Day trip to Abbey Gardens and personally conducted tour with Curator Mike Nelhams
The rugged north-west coast of Scotland transforms into a majestic spectacle in early spring. Towering Atlantic waves crash against the shore, showcasing raw natural power. From our Kinlochbervie base, we explore treasures like Oldshoremore beach and Smoo Cave, while our evenings promise fine food, camaraderie and fireside drams.
Key Highlights
The spectacle of the Suilven Mountain
Officially the best hot chocolate in the world at Cocoa Mountain
DEPARTURES: 12 - 15 Mar, 17 - 20 Mar, 7 - 10 Apr, 17 - 20 Apr
Discover the length and breadth of the Western Isles, from Eriskay and Barra to Harris and Lewis. Experience sweeping beaches, ancient standing stones and Gaelic culture amid unforgettable island scenery, with comfortable stays in Benbecula and Stornoway along the way.
Key Highlights
The unique airport at Cockleshell Beach
5,000 year old standing stones
The tranquil location of the Norse Mill at Shawbost
Japanese gardens evolved from sacred forest clearings into serene landscapes shaped by stone, water and carefully chosen plants. In Kyoto, we explore exquisite gardens – from tranquil stroll gardens to the shimmering Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji – where form and colour reflect the seasons.
Travelling by Bullet Train to Tokyo, we visit Hamarikyu and the Imperial Palace Garden, with excursions to Omi Hachiman and Lake Ashi beneath Mount Fuji. An optional visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and a final day in Kamakura, with its Great Buddha and Hase Temple, complete this immersive journey through Japan’s timeless beauty.
The temples and gardens of Kyoto, probably the finest in Japan
Stepping back in time to old Japan at Omi Hachiman
Riding the bullet train to Tokyo
The enormous Buddhas at Todaiji and Kamamura
Stunning scenery in Hakone, including the iconic Mount Fuji
The pulsating light show that is Tokyo at night
YOUR TOUR MANAGER COLIN CROSBIE
Join Colin exploring the majestic gardens and captivating culture of Japan
12 DAYS from $8,395
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1,395
DEPARTURE: 21 - 30 Jan
► 11 nights bed & breakfast; six nights at the 4-star ANA Hotel, Kyoto and five nights at the 4-star Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, Tokyo (or similar)
► Services of horticulturalist Colin Crosbie as tour manager
Sensouji Temple
NEWTOUR
Gardens of Southern India
Discover the wonders of Southern India on an unforgettable journey through vibrant cities, majestic palaces and breathtaking landscapes. In Bengaluru, explore lush gardens where nature’s beauty meets architectural brilliance. Marvel at the stunning Maharaja’s Palace and the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple. Enjoy a scenic ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Toy Train and immerse yourself in Southern India’s rich cultural heritage with a captivating Kathakali dance performance in Kochi. From royal palaces and sacred temples to tranquil gardens and scenic trains, each moment of this exclusive journey promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Cubbon Park and Botanical Garden, Bengaluru
Evening show at Brindavan Gardens
Visit to the colourful flower market in Mysore
Journey on board the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Railway
Kathakali dance show in Kochi
Heritage walk in Fort Kochi
YOUR TOUR MANAGER COLIN CROSBIE
Join Colin exploring the majestic gardens and captivating culture of Southern India
12 DAYS from $4,095 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $835
DEPARTURE: 20 - 31 Jan
► 9 nights dinner, bed & breakfast: two nights at the 5-star Taj MG Road Bengaluru; two nights at the 4-star Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore; three nights at the 4-star Gateway Hotel Coonoor and two nights at the 5-star Fragrant Nature Hotel Kochi (or similar)
► Services of horticulturalist Colin Crosbie as tour manager and local guides
Shri Chamundeshwari Temple
Mysore Palace
An Archaeological Tour of Tunisia
Gardens and Temples of Ancient Egypt
Cruise the Nile in style, exploring Egypt’s awe-inspiring temples, pyramids and gardens. From the Great Sphinx and Luxor to the AlOrman and Montazah Gardens, experience ancient wonder, lush oases and timeless beauty on this unforgettable journey through history.
Key Highlights
The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza
The stunning Al-Orman Garden
Stopover at the luxurious Sofitel Winter Palace
Four night Nile cruise on a full board basis
DEPARTURE: 5 - 16 Feb
Uncover Tunisia’s rich past on visits to Carthage, Dougga, Kairouan and more. Explore Roman amphitheatres, ancient ruins and vibrant medinas while enjoying comfortable stays near key sites. A fascinating journey through millennia of history, art and culture.
Key Highlights
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
DEPARTURE: 16 - 24 Apr
Giza Pyramids Dougga
Gardens of Barbados
In tropical Barbados, orchids, lilies and heliconias flourish in glorious profusion. Visit vibrant gardens, including Hunte’s Garden with Anthony Hunte himself, explore island heritage at George Washington House and relax at our beachside hotel – a perfect Caribbean escape.
Key Highlights
Explore Hunte’s Garden
Visit George Washington House
Discover Harrison’s Cave and the Flower Forest
Gardens of Costa Rica
8
DEPARTURE: 5 - 12 Feb
Discover Costa Rica’s astonishing biodiversity, from lush rainforests to exquisite botanical gardens. Visit Else Kientzler Gardens, the Monteverde Cloud Reserve and more with horticulturalist Julia Corden, encountering rare plants, exotic birds and the legendary resplendent quetzal along the way.
Key Highlights
World’s largest butterfly garden at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
The imposing volcano of Arenal
Exploring the cloud forest at Monteverde
Spotting subtropical wildlife in the Caño
DEPARTURE: 8 - 19 Feb
Hunte’s Botanical Garden
Monteverde
Negro Wildlife Refuge
Up Helly Aa - Shetland’s Festival of Fire
A wander through the streets of Lerwick is normally a quiet, peaceful experience, but take a walk there at the end of January and it’s quite likely that you will bump into a squad of very large, bearded Vikings, in gleaming chain-mail and winged helmets. Later, the Vikings and their fancy-dressed followers fill the narrow streets,
their flaming torches illuminating the winter skies, their boisterous songs filling the air. A 30-foot Viking longship is carried aloft before it is set alight with a thousand blazing brands. As the sky over Lerwick shimmers with heat and light, fireworks explode and the gloom of winter is lifted for another year.
