Walled gardens, ancient species of trees, fruit plantations and a modern art installation are just some of the surprises waiting to be discovered by gardening enthusiasts travelling on Botanica World Discoveries' private and exclusive Gardens, Gourmet & History Cruise along the Rhine, Moselle, Saône and Rhône rivers in 2015.

Accompanied by an expert botanical guide, guests will enjoy exclusive access to one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious gardens as part of a royal invitation extended to Botanica's guests by Princess Heide von Hohenzollern who has thrown open the doors, and garden gates, to her home, Namedy Castle.

Located near the 2,000 year old city of Andernach, on one of the most picturesque areas of the Rhine River, Namedy Castle's history stretches back to the 14th Century. Originally a late gothic mould Castle, it was built as a place of protection for local Cistercian nuns. The Castle has been in the Hohenzollern family since 1907 and Princess Heide has continued restoration work, overseeing a program of events that has transformed the Castle into a centre of cultural activity.

Adding to the Castle's fairytale appearance is its stunning 45-acre surrounds. Developed from formally planned and laid out gardens during the occupation and housing of refugees during the two world wars, today they are vast natural parklands. Now under the protection of Germany's historical heritage, the gardens are maintained by a local gardener and the soil is nourished by an expert who lives in the village, highlights include:

Ancient trees

• Yellow Chestnuts, red chestnuts, white chestnuts and light purple chestnuts:
  Namedy Castle is accessed via Chestnut Alleys comprising a special species of different coloured Chestnuts. Planted over 100 years ago, they come into bloom in May.
• Japanese Catalpa Trees -these 100 year old trees made their way to Namedy Castle during the Japanese Russian War of 1904-05 that saw the Japanese beat the Russian Navy. During this time Prince Carl-Anton von Hohenzollern was working as a diplomat in Japan and was given the trees as a gift to mark the victory, which he then subsequently brought home to Germany and planted in the castle grounds, along with Japanese Gingko trees.

Fruit plantation and vegetable growing

• Special fruit varieties: In 1860 Baron von Solemacher, then owner of Namedy Castle, created a famous fruit plantation, raising plums, pears, apples and strawberries which were sold all over Germany. The Baron developed some special species of fruits, some of which are still existing today - the apple 'Namedyer Gold' and the strawberry 'Baron von Solemacher'. The fruit plantation was in operation until the late 1970s. Both the 'Namedyer Gold' and the 'Baron von Solemacher' were recultivated by the city of Andernach and the latter is still found in the UK today. 
• Vegetables for all: Vegetables are planted in the grounds and also in public places throughout the city of Andernach. They are maintained by locals who are unemployed and anyone living locally can help themselves to the crops. With this very unique concept 'Essbare Stadt' the city of Andernach won all main awards and prizes for city development in Europe.

Rose Garden

• A special part of the grounds, the castle's rose garden is well stocked with many varieties of English roses, as well as its own signature rose – the sweet and delicately perfumed 'Namedy Rose'.

Events

• Art in the Park – A decade ago, many of the fields that make up the 45 acres of grounds were reclaimed as part of the 'Art in the Park' art project. Instigated by Princess Heide, the artists who are accepted for the project are given a special theme and can create installation art, sculptures, even paintings. The only caveat is the artists' acceptance that nature (whether people, wild boars, storm, snow etc) has the right to change or even destroy their art work over the time.
• Namedy Castle Annual Garden Fayre – the castle plays hosts to an annual event that welcomes around 20,000 visitors each September. The fayre runs over four days.

Says Princess Heide, “Namedy Castle is a very special place and its gardens are filled with historical significance and hidden secrets. When guests step through our gates, we want them to see and feel for themselves the beauty and magic of what we've been working so hard to preserve here at our beautiful castle and we look forward to welcoming Botanica's guests as our own in 2015.”

To book contact 1300 305 202, see Botanica's new website botanica.travel or speak to your local travel agent.

Notes to editors:

Botanica's private and exclusive 15-day Gardens, Gourmet & History Cruise along the Rhine Rhone, Moselle, Saône and Rhône Rivers is priced from $8,995 per person, twin share and departs on 23 April 2015.

As well as visiting the gardens at Namedy Castle, guests will also learn about Europe's history, enjoy French cookery demonstrations, dine at a Michelin Star restaurant and explore some of the region's finest public and private gardens.

The cruise also features a guest lecture from Monty Don, who will join the cruise in Avignon for a special cocktail reception. Guests are also joined in France's gourmet capital, Lyon, by well known gourmand and author, Jane Webster, who will share her love and knowledge of the local food and lead a tour to explore some of the city's edible treasures.

For further information, please contact:

Zoe Palmer, PR Executive, APT

T. 03 8526 2152 M. 0407 601392 E. zoe.palmer@aptouring.com.au