The Gardens Getaways Travel Program
We’ve received rave reviews for the well-planned exclusive and customized trips and tours we present, both in the U.S. and abroad. All tours benefit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Announcing…New Gardens Getaways
We’re currently accepting reservations for new trips to entice you to travel with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. These Gardens Getaways were meticulously planned for us by Patsy West, Director of Valerie Wilson Travel. Pricing and detailed itineraries will be announced soon and posted here when available. However, since our group sizes are intentionally kept small, we suggest you reserve space now with a refundable deposit of $100 per person. Contact Patsy at 207-633-4883 or distvoy@gwi.net.

“Gardens Galore – Vancouver & Victoria, British Columbia”
April 22-29, 2011
We’ll start this memorable, seven-night visit in cosmopolitan Vancouver, one of the most beautifully sited cities in North America, with dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains, and a glittering skyline. From our home base in the beautiful Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, we’ll take privately guided tours of Van Dusen Botanic Gardens, UBC Botanic Garden, and gorgeous Minter Gardens and venture to the city’s historic Gastown, Chinatown, and Stanley Park.

Then we’ll board a ferry and cruise across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and the elegant city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, where the Hotel Grand Pacific awaits.  Our guides will orientate us with a tour of the beautiful Inner Harbour, the ornate Parliament Buildings, and Bastion Square.  And yes, we’ll have tea in the elegantly restored lobby of the Fairmont Empress!

However, the highlight of the trip will surely be a Canadian National Historic Site, Butchart Gardens. We’ll have plenty of time to truly enjoy the fabulous floral displays and landscapes. Our visit will also include a very special breakfast hosted by one of Butchart’s popular horticulturists in the conservatory of the Blue Poppy Restaurant.

“The Land of the Green! – Ireland”
September 12-22, 2011
We’ll explore the tapestry of Irish history and rich tradition with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ private guides and escorts, experiencing the glory of internationally renowned gardens and indulging our senses in rare and beautiful botanical treasures.

Ireland - Cashel Abbey

Journeying through time, we’ll visit formal 17th century gardens, landscape parkland of the 18th century, kitchen gardens, and 20^th century cottage gardens!  Traveling from Dublin to Cork and Limerick to Galway, we’ll visit the Talbot Botanic Gardens, historical water gardens of Knockabbey Castle, Brigit’s Garden, Vandeleur Walled Garden, and so many more! 
Our ten nights of accommodations will be in well-located castles and great houses.

“Holiday Time – New York City”
November 29-December 2, 2011
There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of New York City during the holidays. See the city at its best, with four nights in the New York Barclay at 111 East 48th St., a perfect spot for taking in the glittering shop windows and sights.

During a private tour at the legendary New York Botanical Garden, we’ll marvel at the spectacular Holiday Train Show and the largest Victorian-era glasshouse in America and savor luncheon in their new riverfront Stone Mill Restaurant. By exclusive arrangement with the Flower School of New York, one of the city’s greatest designers will show us how to make festive arrangements and will take us to New York’s wholesale flower market. We’ll thoroughly enjoy visits to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s conservatory and Brooklyn Museum of Art. We’ll take in a Broadway show, opera at the Met, and the Rockettes performing their Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Altogether a magical holiday journey!