Magic of gardens

Day 1: Arrival in Dover

Upon arrival at London airport or at our hotel in Dover, you will be greeted by your knowledgeable guide who will be accompanying you throughout your trip.

Day 2: Coast, beaches and green Kent - approx. 43 km

Dover is home to one of the most awe-inspiring castles from the Middle Ages, which has withstood the test of time and resisted countless conquests for centuries. The castle's imposing presence looms over the city, serving as a testament to its historical significance and architectural grandeur. As you explore Dover and delve deeper into its fascinating history, you will undoubtedly be struck by the enduring legacy of this magnificent fortress. We take time to visit it in the morning and then cycle down to enjoy the fantastic view of the white cliffs of Dover. On the coast, we cycle straight to the water's edge through Deal to Sandwich and through the lush gardens of Kent to Canterbury.

Day 3: Canterbury and Sissinghurst - approx. 23 km

In the morning, we visit Canterbury Cathedral. It is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England, with a rich history dating back over a thousand years. The cathedral is considered the "mother church" of the worldwide Anglican Communion and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The interior of the cathedral captivates us with the splendour of its medieval stained glass windows. The bikes then take us through a landscape of green parks to Sissinghurst. With its ten themed gardens including the legendary "White Garden", Sissinghurst is considered by many to be the most beautiful flower garden in England. It was created by the writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson in the 1930s, and has since become one of the most iconic and influential gardens in the world. We have ample time for a thorough and comprehensive tour.In the evening, we arrive at our comfortable hotel in Tenterden.

Day 4: Sparkling Kent - approx. 32 km

The gently rolling hinterland of Kent is home to charming villages among vineyards, meadows and hop plantations. Our destination is Kent's "best address" for premium sparkling wine. The French champagne houses had already discovered the advantages of the soil and climate conditions for the production of wines according to the Champagne method. During a guided tour of the winery and cellar, we have the opportunity to get an idea of the quality of the local wines. We continue cycling through Rye towards the coast and our picnic by the sea. In the late afternoon, a bus will take us to the beautiful Crown Hotel in the New Forest (2 nights).

Day 5: Isle of Wight - approx. 40 km.

We cycle on a quiet road through the New Forest to Lymington, a seaside resort and ferry port for the Isle of Wight. On the way, Elizabeth Walker awaits us for refreshments in her enchanting garden. We take the boat to the Isle of Wight. Chalk cliffs, thatched farmhouses, idyllic gardens - once again we enjoy the charm of southern England. Our goal is to admire the "Needles", three distinctive chalk sea stacks located off the western coast. They are named after their needle-like shape, rising steeply out of the sea to a height of around 30 metres.. On the way back, we stop at a nice café in Yarmouth, by the sea, and we treat ourselves to a particularly British pleasure: Cream tea, an hour of tea with scones, cream and homemade jam (not included in the price).

Day 6: Forest, Moors and Middle Ages - approx. 43 km

We leave the New Forest, surrounded by deep green oaks, towering beeches, hollies and ancient yews, and head for the vast expanses of heather that turn a beautiful shade of purple in summer. Semi-wild ponies watch us as we pass. After our picnic lunch under the trees, we join the Avon River, which accompanies us to Salisbury. In Salisbury, we are expected to take a guided tour of one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in England. We then cycle to our hotel in the centre and end the evening with dinner in a local restaurant (2 nights).

Day 7: Romantic Gardens at Stourhead - approx. 55 km

We follow the Wylye River through a green valley to the small farm "The Ginger Piggery" for a refreshment. We then cycle over gently undulating terrain towards Stourhead, where English horticulture is at its best. Stourhead is a magnificent 18th-century landscape garden. Its lake is surrounded by gently rolling hills and forests, and its shores are dotted with a variety of classical temples and statues, including a replica of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the Pantheon in Rome. Visitors can explore the garden on foot, following a variety of paths and trails that wind through the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. The romantic landscape park has a perfect harmony that we discover during our visit.

Day 8: Stonehenge to Bath - approx. 35 km

In the morning we visit the prehistoric monument Stonehenge, the mystical and mysterious temple of the Stone Age. The purpose of Stonehenge is still unclear, but it is believed to have been used for various ceremonial and religious purposes, including as an astronomical observatory. We then set off on our bikes to the small town of Devizes. We cycle along a towpath along the Kennet-and-Avon Canal, which offers an unforgettable panoramic view. Accompanied by small barges, the towpath leads us to Bath. We arrive at our traditional, centrally located hotel, then explore the city on an evening walk.

Day 9: Departure

With its remarkable Renaissance city centre, Bath is one of the cultural highlights of the trip and known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture. A guided tour will allow us to discover the most beautiful parts of this charming city. We then take the bus to London Heathrow, where our trip ends.