With next week’s Chelsea Flower Show completely sold out, all is not lost if you have been left without a ticket to London’s most prestigious event. Why not consider an early summer holiday and take some inspiration from some of the world’s most beautiful gardens and recreate that relaxed ‘holiday feel’ in your own back yard. So whether your greens fingered or not, take a look at these “blooming marvelous” Thomas Cook holidays to help inspire your very own exotic garden makeover.
South Africa – Cape Town
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Whether for a casual stroll, more strenuous walk or lazy picnic, these gardens are a must-see for any visit to Cape Town. Nestled against the steep and rugged slopes of Table Mountain, they are a celebration of South African flora showcasing thousands of unique plants and flowers such as the Protea.
Thomas Cook Signature – 7 nights in Cape Town from £1,098 per person
Staying at 4 star Protea Hotel President in Cape Town on bed and breakfast, flying with South African Airways from London Heathrow – 26th June 2011.
Malta – Valetta
Barrakka Gardens
Popular with locals and visitors, Valetta’s Barrakka Gardens offer the best views over this city’s Grand Harbour. Beautifully manicured and dating back to 1661 when they were private gardens for the Italian knights, today they provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Valetta’s busy streets. Divided into two parts, Upper Barrakka has various statues and monuments including one dedicated to Winston Churchill, and those visiting the gardens at noon or sunset can expect to hear the cannon that are fired as a salute dating back to British rule in Malta.
Thomas Cook – 7 nights in Malta from £344 per person
Staying at the 4 star Rivera Resort in Marfa Bay on bed and breakfast, departing London Gatwick on 21stJune 2011.
Morocco – Marrakech
Jardin Majorelle
Owned by Yves Saint Laurent until his death in 2008, these gardens are full of perfumed flowers, fruit trees, water and shade and Marrakchis consider them to be paradise on earth. This beautifully manicured oasis contains plants from the five continents in an enchanting framework.
Cresta – 3 nights in Marrakech from £269 per person
Staying at the 3 star Hotel Oudaya in Marrakech on bed and breakfast, flying with Easyjet from London Gatwick – 27th June 2011.
For more information please visit: www.thomascook.com
