Join Berkshire Botanical Garden on an exceptional journey to South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, where one of the world’s great centers of biodiversity has inspired centuries of garden design. South Africa is recognized as a global hotspot for plant diversity, with a rich garden history shaped by indigenous flora, colonial influence and evolving horticultural traditions spanning more than 300 years.

This carefully curated tour explores how that legacy unfolded, from early Dutch East India Company gardens to today’s celebrated estates. Highlghts include the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, internationally admired for its focus on indigenous plants, as well as extraordinary private and historic gardens at Babylonstoren, Vergelegen, Morgenster, Rustenberg, Stellenberg, and the celebrated rose garden at Fresh Woods.

Art and architecture enrich the journey with visits to the Michaelis Collection, Koopmans-de Wet House, Groote Schuur, the Irma Stern Museum, and Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate.

Guests enjoy four nights at the Vineyard Hotel in Claremont on the banks of the Liesbeek River with attractive gardens that are laid out with exotic and indigenous planting, followed by three nights at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa restored by the hotelier David
Rawdon as it was the first country house hotel in South Africa. Visits to private wine estates, Table Mountain National Park and the famous Penguin Beach complete a journey shaped by history, horticulture and extraordinary landscapes.

Discover a living landscape where history, horticulture and beauty meet

For details and registration, email Olivia@ClassicalExcursions.com or call 413-446-8728 or visit Classical Excursions.

OPTIONAL JOHANNESBURG PRE-TOUR EXTENSION
NOVEMBER 2-7, 2026
The Johannesburg extension offers visits to a selection of rarely seen private houses and gardens.
St. Christopher Garden with the Johannesburg Garden Club, Colette Ball’s Garden, Ailsa Barrow’s Garden, Everard Read Gallery, River Lodge Farm, Shangri La, the extensive gardens of John O' Meara. Exclusive dinners and lunches in several private homes.