Canal Cruise
17 day Royal Gardens of England & Scotland
A Royal Passion for Gardens & the Lord of the Highlands
Visit key royal locations, Dumfries House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court and Sandringham Estate, as well as the private residence of King Charles III, Highgrove House. Then embark the Lord of the Highlands small ship, exclusively chartered for Botanica’s guests, and cruise the Caledonian Canal and remote Scottish Isles. Discover Scotland’s renowned gardens, including Lip na Cloiche, Attadale Gardens, and Cawdor Castle & Gardens. In 2027, we discover the childhood home of the Queen Mother, Glamis Castle. While our 2028 tour features the royal residence, Balmoral Castle.
This journey departs:
4 July 2027
2 July 2028
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Royal Palaces, Gardens & Ecology
Learn about the passion King Charles III has for gardens, from their positive influence on mental health to sustainability benefits.
Royal History & Gardens
Enjoy Hampton Court Palace, exploring its royal history and magnificent gardens.
Highgrove House and Gardens
Wander the grounds of Highgrove House and Gardens, admiring its striking wildflower meadows and walled gardens. The 18th-century property is the private residence of King Charles III.
Sandringham Estate
Tour the formal gardens of Sandringham Estate, one of King Charles’ many royal residences.
Read the Top Five Highlights of England & Scotland
In 2025, Botanica guests Judy and Peter Fitzgerald set out to explore England’s iconic Royal Gardens and the spectacular canals and landscapes of Scotland.
Botanical Guide - Colin Crosbie
Be escorted by an expert Botanical Guide, who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.
Scottish Isles & Canal Cruise
Discover spectacular Scottish gardens during a cruise aboard the Lord of the Highlands small ship.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by an expert Botanical Guide, Tour Manager and Cruise Director
Privately chartered seven-night cruise aboard the Lord of the Highlands, taking a maximum of 36 guests, and nine nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 37 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Visit the royal gardens of Dumfries House; Sandringham Estate; and King Charles’ private residence, Highgrove House and Gardens, in Tetbury (subject to confirmation) and Balmoral Castle.
Enjoy a tour of Hampton Court Palace and Gardens.
Visit premier Scottish gardens, including Inverewe, Lip na Cloiche, Attadale Gardens, and Cawdor Castle Gardens
Discover the history of Clan Donald at Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye, as well as the brightly coloured fishing village of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Cruise the scenic Caledonian Canal to legendary Loch Ness
Itinerary
Your day-by-day itinerary details the gardens and other sights that make up your journey.
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
Up to 18 Botanica guests aboard Lord of the Highlands, which has a capacity of 36 passengers. Cruise is in partnership with Hebridean Island Cruises. To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
**Entry to Highgrove House & Gardens in Tetbury is subject to confirmation