As part of its special 15th anniversary celebrations, Botanica World Discoveries has announced that well known gardening author, journalist and television presenter Monty Don will join one of its small ship cruises around the British Isles in 2016 to deliver a special guest lecture.

Monty Don will step aboard the 11-day British Isles, Castles, Gardens, History & Birdlife small ship coastal cruise as it docks in Dublin on the 3 June 2016. As well as delivering a special lecture to the lucky guests, Monty will also host a cocktail party where he will be on hand to answer questions relating to his gardening experience.

The cruise aboard the MS Hebridean Sky is priced from $11,995 per person, twin share and sets sail on the 27 May 2016 from Edinburgh to Portsmouth via the Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English coastlines.

As well as having the chance to meet Monty Don, guests travelling on the cruise will also enjoy highlights such as whisky tasting on the Isle of Jura and Freedom of Choice™ touring options in four locations including the choice of visiting either Portmeirion or Snowdonia in Wales.

Travelling with Botanical Guide Judy Horton, gardening author and former Communications Manager for Yates, guests will visit some of the most outstanding gardens in the British Isles including the exotic botanical gardens of Inverewe in the Highlands, stunning gardens such as Bodnant in Wales and Tresco on the Isle of Scilly, Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull and Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland.

Included in the price of the cruise is all sightseeing, 28 meals, wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner on board, expert lectures, services of a cruise director, expedition team and botanical guide, airport transfers on the first and last day and all tipping and port charges.

Travellers can design their own itinerary by combining holidays and Botanica is offering a saving of $1,000 per couple when you combine two cruises or tours of more than 10 days length each. This offer is available until 31 October 2015 and is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply and can be found on Botanica's website.

For more information about Botanica call 1300 305 202, visit botanica.travel or see your local travel agent.

Notes to editors:

Monty Don

Well-known gardening author, journalist and presenter, Monty Don has gardened on television for over twenty years, including 'around the world in 80 Gardens' and 'Monty Don's French & Italian Gardens'. Previously The Observer's gardening editor, he now writes a gardening column for the Daily Mail and Gardener's World. He has authored over 20 gardening publications.

For further information, please contact:

Zoe Palmer, PR Executive, Botanica World Discoveries

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