Enjoy some of the finest garden holidays in the world with the Royal Horticultural Society with their collection of specially created RHS Garden Holidays (www.rhsgardenholidays.com, 0203 735 1855) for 2016-17. Highlights for 2016 include a unique Landscape Gardens of Capability Brown to mark this influential garden designer's tricentenary; Gardens and Wildflowers of South Africa's Western Cape - timed to witness the spectacular array of wildflowers in the region and two tours to the French Riviera featuring the Menton Lemon Festival in February and the International Rose Festival in Grasse in May. May also sees a superb Architecture and Gardens of Andalucia tour, which includes a visit to Cordoba's patio festival.

With expert hosts on many departures, the programme features 26 escorted tours to destinations including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and the Azores, Sweden, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand, Chile and Sri Lanka, the UK and Ireland.  Hosts are drawn from within the RHS including curators, botanists and head gardeners as well as recognised names in horticulture. 2016 hosts include Christopher Bailes, former curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden; Jekka Mcvicar, one of the country's leading experts on herbs and the RHS's own Sabatino Urzo from RHS Garden Wisley. For some, it is the chance to share the gardens of their homelands, whilst for others it's an opportunity to return to countries where they have studied or worked. All are knowledgeable and passionate about bringing the gardens to life.

Itineraries showcase horticulture in its widest sense encompassing private, botanic and historic gardens, wild landscapes and national parks as well as vineyards, nurseries and charitable gardening projects. Wherever possible, exclusive access has been secured as well as private openings and a welcome from the garden owner or curator.  These include an exclusive visit to the private garden of the President of the Italian Camellia Society, a special guided tour at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in South Africa and a guided tour with the owner of Plessis Sasnieres in the Loire Valley.

The Landscape Gardens of Capability Brown:

2016 marks the tricentenary of the birth of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, who changed the face of 18th century England, designing country estates and mansions, moving hills and creating lakes.  To mark this special date, this bespoke tour has been specially developed by the team at the Royal Horticultural Society, visiting some of his most striking landscapes and parklands including Compton Verney, Ragley Hall, Bowood House and Stowe.

Three nights from £495pp, departing April 19, June 24, Sept 30 2016. Price includes three nights dbb accommodation, coaching during tour and garden visits. 

Gardens of the French Riviera:

Visit a range of private and public gardens including the Clos du Peyronnet in Menton, the Fondation Ephrussi de Rothschild at St Jean Cap Ferrat with a trip over the border into Italy to the superb Hanbury Gardens.  February's departures include a visit to the colourful Menton Lemon Festival, whilst the May date include visits to the International Rose Festival in Grasse.

5 nights from £1,175pp, departing Feb 18, 25 and May 5 2016. Price includes return flights from London to Nice, five nights b&b accommodation, one dinner, transport in France, garden entries.

Architecture and Gardens of Andalucia:                                                                                                    Much loved for its beaches and tapas, Andalucía also boasts spectacular historic gardens and palaces reflecting the region's diverse influences. Along with Granada's renowned Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, this tour includes Seville's parks and gardens, a city whose past as a major trading port and former capital makes for varied horticulture – with a fascinating variety of tropical species and plants of American origin.  Another treat will be the alpines and wildflowers in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.

May's departure includes Cordoba's 'patio' festival, whilst September's  is hosted by the RHS's Raoul Conde-Vilas, a native Andalucian who trained in Spain before coming to RHS Wisley.

Seven nights from £1245pp, departing on April 5, May 11, September 20 2016.  Price includes return flights from Luton or London Gatwick to Malaga, seven nights b&b accommodation, one dinner, all transport in Spain, garden entries.

Gardens and Wildflowers of South Africa's Western Cape: As September brings Autumn colour to our own gardens, South Africa  welcomes the spring.  This RHS Garden Holidays tour is at a time when the wildflowers of the Western Cape should be putting on a dazzling display. Combining the region's best flora and fauna, it features wild bird and whale sighting opportunities as well as wild landscapes, national parks, famous and private gardens, estates, vineyards and even a spot of wine tasting.

RHS highlights include exclusive guided tours of Kirstenbosch gardens and the wildflower lands of Cedarberg, Niewoudtville and the Biedouw Valley , local Flower Shows  and some wonderful gardens around Stellenbosch.

15 nights from £4295pp, departing August 25th and September 11th 2016, including international flights from London Heathrow, all accommodation on a b&b basis, some dinners, all transport in South Africa, garden entries and a whale watching trip.   Both departures have RHS expert hosts.

To book or for further information, please visit www.rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0203 735 1855

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For further media information, please contact: Sarah Bolam - sarahbolam2@rhs.org.uk or 07714 337756 

Notes to Editors:

About RHS Garden Holidays

RHS Garden Holidays offer a range of garden-themed escorted tours and partner cruises around the world that combine the gardening-related passion and knowledge of the RHS with the experience of leading tour operators.  Partners for escorted tours are Brightwater Holidays in the UK and Ireland, Europe and Worldwide and a range of cruises in partnership with Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic.

All tours are escorted by an experienced tour manager and include international flights, transport accommodation and some meals.

A contribution from every booking goes towards the charitable works of the RHS.  On all bookings, there is a promotion to purchase 12 months RHS membership for the price of nine.

About the RHS

The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 by Sir Joseph Banks and John Wedgwood for the encouragement and improvement of the science, art and practice of horticulture. We held our first flower shows in 1820, were granted a Royal Charter in 1861 and acquired RHS Garden Wisley in 1903. From our first meetings in a small room off London's Piccadilly, we have grown to become the world's largest gardening charity.

Today the RHS is committed to providing a voice for all gardeners. We are driven by a simple love of plants and a belief that gardeners make the world a better place. 200 years on we continue to safeguard and advance the science, art and practice of horticulture, creating displays that inspire people to garden. In all aspects of our work we help gardeners develop by sharing our knowledge of plants, gardens and the environment.

RHS membership is for anyone with an interest in gardening. Support the RHS and secure a healthy future for gardening. For more information call: 0845 130 4646, or visit www.rhs.org.uk/join

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262