New Journey's in 2027
Botanica's Senior Product Development Executive, Sarah Fitzgerald, reveals four of our latest, exciting journeys, all taking place in vastly different settings. Read about how they were developed and what you can look forward to in 2027.
In planning our latest journeys, we really wanted to put more of an emphasis on the cultural aspects of each destination. More than ever, we'll explore their respective histories, art, culture and music, making for a more well-balanced experience in each region. This also places the many gardens we visit within a greater historical and cultural context.
Southern Africa's Art, Icons & Ecosystems
In Stellenbosch, we spend time at the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. The large bronze works of art here are set among indigenous fynbos plants and will capture the imagination of guests who enjoy the contrast of art within nature. During our time in Zambia, we visit Mukuni Village, home to the Leya people, where an ethnobotanical tour enables us to better appreciate their use of medicinal plants and connection to the land. We get up close to Victoria Falls, before travelling to the Okavango Delta, whose lush surrounds are teeming with wildlife and plant life. And finish with a three-night cruise of the Chobe River. This is a unique combination of destinations, blending nature, wildlife, art, created gardens and indigenous plants.
Biodiversity & Resilience at Work in South America
Our South American itinerary focuses on the distinctive regions found within Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Spending multiple nights in each country, we're able to immerse ourselves in some of their most prominent and historic destinations. Learn about Chile's native species during a visit to Pumahuida Nursery. In Peru's Sacred Valley, we admire the innovation of the Inca Empire, with their stone wall terraces and water-efficient canal systems. The scenery changes yet again as we cruise the lush rainforest Biodiversity & Resilience at Work in South America Our South American itinerary focuses on the distinctive regions found within Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Spending multiple nights in each country, we're able to immerse ourselves in some of their most prominent and historic destinations. Learn about Chile's native species during a visit to Pumahuida Nursery. In Peru's Sacred Valley, we admire the innovation of the Inca Empire, with their stone wall terraces and water-efficient canal systems. The scenery changes yet again as we cruise the lush rainforest
China's Spring Gardens & Cultural Riches
So many of the plants we have in our gardens here in Australia originated from China, including azaleas and peonies, as well as Gardenias, Camellias, and certain Magnolia species. We see examples of these plants in their natural setting, such as the proliferation of colourful azaleas across Tiger Hill, or carefully cultivated, like Beijing Botanical Garden's collection of peonies. Our itinerary includes visits to two of China's famous classical gardens, The Humble Administrator's Garden and the Summer Palace. These are both recognised as national cultural treasures, with each having its own defining features and philosophy. This journey can also be combined with our 15-day Japan and South Korea coastal cruise. This comprehensive Asian garden experience will give you the opportunity to better appreciate the contrast that Chinese gardens have with those in Japan.
Baltic Sea Voyage & the Artistry of Northern Europe
This cruise has a real mix of art, gardens and music. It also features a lot of included optional experiences, so you can customise your experience of the region. You may prefer to focus mainly on the range of garden excursions. While in Denmark, you might like to visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, with one of Scandinavia's largest collections of modern art. We also visit the former home of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, where we will be guests at a private concert. The gardens on this journey vary from grand palace gardens to community allotments, and we see four centuries of Swedish garden history at the world's oldest open-air museum, Skansen.