Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group
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HPS/MAG International Trip: Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia with Optional Extension to Gardens of Marrakech
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 8:00 AM to Sunday, October 05, 2025, 5:00 PM EDT
Category: Trips-Domestic/International
2025 HPS/MAG International Garden Trip: This is a “Members Only” trip. Registration opens on Monday, February 10, 2025. Scroll to end for details. Note: In the US, Andalucia is more commonly referred to as Andalusia, and Marrakech as Marrakesh. We are presenting these tour details as written by Brightwater Tours of the UK. Thus, you will also see these and various other words spelled differently than as commonly written in the US. “Gardens & Architecture of Andalucia” Wednesday, September 24 – Wednesday October 1, 2025 £1,860 per person (based on min 20 paying guests) Overview: On September 24, 2025, HPS/MAG will begin our tour of the outstanding gardens, fantastic scenery and historic architecture of the Andalucia region of southern Spain, with an optional extension to tour several of the must-see gardens of Marrakech. All travelers will arrange their own air travel to and from the Málaga airport in Spain, where our tour guide will meet us and we will travel by coach to our hotel in the hillside city of Granada for 2 nights, followed by our 3-night stay in Seville and 2 nights in Ronda. We return to the Málaga airport on Oct 1. Itinerary Day 1 – Wednesday 24 September 2025 Flights under own arrangements. We will assemble at the Málaga airport ready to depart at 1400 hours for our visit to La Concepción Historical Gardens, located just outside Málaga. Founded in 1855, the gardens are home to a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world. Step into a world of towering palms, fragrant blooms, and exotic flora from around the globe. Wander through historic estates, admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Málaga, or find serenity by the lily-covered ponds. Following our visit we travel to our comfortable hotel in Granada, the 4* Senator Granada Spa Hotel for our first 2 nights. Dinner on your own and the evening is at your leisure. Day 2 – Thursday 25 September 2025 This morning, following breakfast we visit the famous Alhambra Palace with its Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Alhambra means "red castle", and the buildings are of a seductive pink stone and were built in the 14th Century. We will also visit the gardens of The Generalife which was the summer palace of the Sultans of Granada in the 14th Century. In the afternoon, after lunch on your own, your guide will accompany you as you wander through the medieval streets of the Albaicín, glimpsing several "Carmens", which are the enclosed gardens typical of the Moorish era of Granada and of which many good examples have been maintained by the Christians. We return to the hotel late in the afternoon and there will be free time for the remainder of the day with dinner on your own.
Day 3 – Friday 26 September 2025 After breakfast we depart for Córdoba, passing through a landscape with millions of olive trees. We will visit the Great Mosque with its Orange Grove, which was first laid out in the late 8th Century and must be one of the true wonders of the world. Outside is a huge patio covered in orange trees - Patio de los Naranjos - which was originally covered with fountains used for bathing before entering the mosque. On entering you are struck by the vast number of pillars supporting the arches with their distinctive red and white tiles which are very symbolic of the whole design. The mosque is now a mixture of Moorish and Christian design with chapels incorporated into the building and is stunning in both its appearance and atmosphere. The gardens of The Royal Palaces of the Alcázar are Moorish in style, laid out in rows around long pools with numerous fountains. The sound of the water and the smells of the garden make it an experience for all the senses. At the end of one of these long pools are statues of Columbus together with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel symbolizing their meeting in Córdoba. Following our visit we will have some free time to discover the charms of this emblematic Spanish town. Late afternoon we continue to our comfortable hotel in the Seville – the 4* Ribera De Triana Hotel, where we will stayfor 3 nights. Dinner is on your own. Day 4 – Saturday 27 September 2025 After breakfast the whole day is spent in Seville. We begin by visiting the Maria-Luisa Park and also the Plaza de España, laid out in 1929 for a “Fair of the Americas”. This is among the most impressive public spaces in Spain. Nearby is the Tobacco Factory where Carmen - in Bizet’s opera - worked as a cigar maker. Later you will see the Gardens of Murillo, planted in honor of the famous painter from Seville, and Seville’s majestic Cathedral. In the afternoon we will visit Seville’s Orange Tree Courtyard, which belonged to the old mosque, and the gardens of the Royal Palaces of the Alcázar. The Alcázar is a magnificent palace which mixes Christian and Moorish styles, having several patios and salons, all of which are grand and highly decorated. The ceilings, in particular, are very intricate in design; one having a wooden dome decorated with red, green and gold cells inscribed in Arabic. After viewing the palace, walk through the beautiful gardens from several eras, including an “English Garden” that is different from Spanish gardens as the trees and plants are much larger! There is also a huge 500 year old magnolia tree brought by Columbus from the New World. The gardens are rambling and a leisurely walk here shows orange trees, eucalyptus, palms and many others. You may also see the “Flower of Spain”, so-called because of its colours of the Spanish flag. The gardens are similar to those of the Alhambra but on a smaller scale. There are many fountains and places to sit and admire the great variety of trees and palms. We return to the hotel with dinner on your own.
Day 5 – Sunday 28 September 2025 Following breakfast we will spend the day in and around Seville. Our first visit will be to the private gardens at the Palace of the Adelantados Mayores (governors) of Andalusia, better known as the Casa de Pilatos, which was chiefly built between the 15th and 16th centuries. There are two gardens here: the Large Garden, which was originally used as an orchard in the primitive Mudejar palace and the Small Garden. The remainder of the day is free to explore Seville at leisure. This evening, the group will enjoy an excursion to a “Tablaos” in Seville for dinner and an unforgettable experience which showcases the passionate and expressive art form of flamenco dancing. Day 6 – Monday 29 September 2025 After breakfast we leave Seville behind and head for Ronda, a spectacular town rising dramatically amid a ring of dark, angular mountains set above the gorges of the River Tajo. Enroute we will visit one of the many excellent wineries that the region has to offer to enjoy a tour and some appetizers. We then continue to Ronda where we will visit Casa del Rey Moro gardens and water mine. The gardens were designed in the early 20th century by the renowned French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, who wanted to create a garden for the senses based on his concept of a " Mediterranean garden ". It is a type of garden inspired by Hispano-Muslim art, reminiscent of the gardens of the Alhambra or the Alcázar of Seville; it integrates fruit trees and aromatic plants, adapted to the climate of Ronda to provoke sensations throughout the year. Those who wish may venture down the 200+ steps into a hidden 14th-century Moorish water mine, an incredible feat of engineering built to provide water during sieges. The descent leads to the Guadalevín River, offering a one-of-a-kind perspective of Ronda’s dramatic cliffs. We later continue to our comfortable hotel the 4* Hotel Maestrana, Ronda where will stay for 2 nights. Evening is at leisure with dinner on your own. Day 7 – Tuesday 30 September 2025 After breakfast we will enjoy a full day exploring Ronda including a visit to the Alameda del Tajo gardens, set on the edge of the spectacular gorge offering fantastic views. We have also included a visit to the gardens of the old Palace of the Moorish King of Ronda (Mondragón Palace) with its narrow terrace over-hanging the gorge. The evening is free to explore Ronda with dinner on your own. Day 8 – Wednesday 1 October 2025 After breakfast on Wednesday October 1, 2025 we will transfer to the Málaga Airport where guests are free to make their own onward travel (under own arrangements). Those opting to join the Gardens of Marrakech tour will depart together from Málaga mid-morning at an agreed time (full details will be provided in advance). Cost of the Gardens and Architecture of Andalucia trip is: £1,860.00 Per person based on double occupancy Included in the price:
Not included (per person):
The trip is limited to 22 people and requires a minimum of 20 paying travelers. This trip is full. We will keep a waitlist for the Andalucia trip once we have 22 registered travelers. Meet Your Brightwater Tour Manager - Colin Crosbie Colin studied horticulture at the West of Scotland Agricultural College. He then worked in the Savill and Valley Gardens in Windsor Great Park before being appointed as Head Gardener to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother at Royal Lodge Windsor. Colin then moved to RHS Garden Wisley, firstly as a Superintendent before being appointed Curator in 2010. Colin is a passionate plantsman with a keen interest in garden design and has appeared on radio and television gardening programmes and is in demand as a guest speaker. Colin is also the immediate past President of the Scottish Rock Garden Club and is currently a trustee for Scotland’s Garden Scheme for whom he opens his garden annually as well as a trustee for The Caledonian Horticultural Society. “Gardens of Marrakech” – Optional Extension Wednesday, October 1 – Saturday, October 5, 2025 £1,595 per person (based on min 15 paying guests) Overview: On October 1, 2025 HPS/MAG will begin our tour of the must-see gardens of Marrakech. There we will settle into the 4* Es Saadi Gardens & Resort Palace, our residence for 4 nights. Itinerary Day 1 – Wednesday 1 October 2025 We depart mid-morning from Málaga airport on a direct flight to Marrakech. On arrival early afternoon we will be met by our local coach and local guide and transfer to our first stop at Following our visit we continue to our comfortable hotel, Es Saadi Gardens & Resort Palace, located in the heart of the luxurious district of Hivernagein. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the heart of old Marrakech. and features sumptuous decoration created by Master Craftsmen of Morocco. Once we have settled into the hotel, we will have a tour of the extensive Es Saadi Gardens with the Head Gardener. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 2 – Thursday 2 October 2025 After breakfast we begin our exploration of Marrakech with a visit to El Badi Palace, built by Ahmad al-Mansur over a period of 25 years in the late 16th century. The original building is thought to have consisted of 360 rooms, richly decorated with marble and gold. We continue to the famous garden of La Majorelle, which was made in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, with marble pools, raised pathways, banana trees, groves In the afternoon we will walk to the Yves Saint Laurent Art and Design for a brief visit before we drive to the expansive gardens of M. Ben Chaabane, who is a renowned Garden Designer, botanist, perfume maker and publisher. M. Chaabane was approached in 1998 by Yves Saint Laurent to restore the Majorelle Gardens and develop a perfume that represented them. He also encouraged him to create his own perfumes, which are now commercially available throughout the country. Within this garden property we will admire a stimulating collection of contemporary paintings by local and foreign artists. Nearby we will see the cactus garden, an excellent example of a dry garden of the semi-arid zones. We later return to the hotel where dinner is served in the evening. Day 3 – Friday 3 October 2025 Our exploration of Marrakech continues today with a visit to the tranquil Menara Garden, which has its origins in a 12th century orchard of palm, olive and fruit trees. An orchard, pools and pavilions are the primary components of Islamic gardens and Menara is a classic example, with a formal pool overlooked by a pavilion previously used by the sultan and his family. The present pavilion dates from the nineteenth century but is believed to be on the site of a 16th-century Saadian structure. We continue with a walk in Arset Moulay Abdessalam within the city walls, which was a space for the artisans of the souks to organize their parties. Then we continue to Jnane Harti, known for its cactus and other exotic plants. After an opportunity for lunch (not included) we will visit Dar el Basha,, one of the most sumptuous palaces of Marrakech, built for the famous dignitary El Glaoui more than a century ago.We continue to Le Jardin Secret, a garden that has been the home of some important political figures. Designed by Chelsea Gold Medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith, this is an outstanding example of the art and architecture of an Islamic garden and is held in the tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. From here we continue to the artisan quarter to visit the workshops of dyers, tinsmiths, leather makers and wood painters, with the opportunity to take many rewarding photos of this colourful, bustling market. At the end of the afternoon, we will enjoy a guided walk on the square of Jemaa El Fna, which teems with acrobats, jugglers, snake-charmers and storytellers and provides a colourful taste of Moroccan life and culture. Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening. Day 4 – Saturday 4 October 2025 After breakfast we drive into the Atlas Mountains to visit the organic and aromatic gardens nestled in the lush valley of Ourika. As we reach the first foothills we will visit a Saffron Plantation and learn all about this ancient, expensive and almost mythical spice; its cultivation and its culinary and therapeutic properties. We will enjoy a cup of delicious Moroccan saffron tea before we head to Nectarome, an aromatic garden located deep in the valley. On arrival we will have a guided tour of the property to discover the secrets and benefits of local plants as well as Moroccan natural cosmetic products. We then enjoy a succulent lunch, carefully prepared with organic vegetables and aromatic plants from the garden. After lunch (included) we will go to visit the contemporary gardens of Anima, created by an Austrian artist who skillfully combines plants and indigenous African art. We return to our hotel where we enjoy our final evening meal together. Day 5 – Sunday 5 October 2025
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and continue back to the airport in time for our early afternoon flight back to Málaga. On arrival in Málaga the group shall disperse for their onward flight connections (under own arrangements).
Additional Cost of the Optional Marrakech Extension is: £ 1595.00 Per person based on double occupancy Included in the price
Not included (per person):
The trip is limited to 22 people and requires a minimum of 15 paying travelers. Registration begins February 10th. We will keep a waitlist for the Marrakech extension once we have 22 registered travelers. Click here for the Brightwater Booking Conditions. Brightwater Tour Manager - Colin Crosbie REGISTRATION Click here to view and print the detailed itinerary for the Andalucia base trip and the Marrakech extension trip. Click here to view and print the Registration Form: Available February 10th This is a “Members Only” trip. Non-members who want to go on this trip click here to first join HPS/MAG. Registration is by paper mail only and on a first come first served basis. To register: 1) Download and print the Registration Form 2) Complete your Registration Form 3) Make deposit checks payable to HPS/MAG
4) Mail your completed registration form and deposit check as per the Registration Form Please Note: The Activity Level for this trip is - Moderate - A decent level of fitness is required for our moderate tours. There could be walking between sites, more standing and more travelling to encounter. Some of the places we visit have many steps to climb, some without railings, and long distances to walk on hilly terrain. It is important that you are able to generally keep pace with the group in order to keep the tour on schedule. Questions: Please contact [email protected]
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El Bahia Palace, which was built in the late 19th century by the great vizier Sidi Moussa and intended to be the greatest palace of its time, capturing the essence of the nation’s style, both Moroccan and Islamic. There is a two-acre garden with rooms opening onto sunlit courtyards, planted with cypress, orange trees and jasmine and furnished with wells and fountains to provide a sheltered and private space.
of bamboo, coconut palms and bougainvilleas. Unsurprisingly, the garden is composed and coloured like a painting, with many of the solid features painted in a rich blue ('Majorelle Blue') which works very well with the soil, climate and plants. Water is a prominent feature of the garden, with channels, lily-filled ponds and fountains and there is a wide range of plants, for Majorelle was an avid collector. After years of neglect, the garden was restored by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and today presents an extraordinary and at times surreal combination of colour, form and light.
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