Carex Tours Reviews

Dutch Wave Gardens was our first trip with Carex, and we’re very glad we went. We’re a mixed couple – one gardener and one non-gardener – and the tour kept us both happy and engaged all the way through. In fact, it was even a bit inspiring. Our knowledgeable and experienced tour leaders provided just the right amount of background information and we saw an amazing variety of Dutch Wave-style gardens at their peak season. The non-garden parts of the tour were great, too. We also enjoyed meeting and getting to know our other tour participants, and the accommodations and transportation were excellent. Many thanks to the Carex team for providing an amazing Dutch Wave Gardens tour experience and many wonderful memories. We’re already thinking about our next Carex tour.

Just returned from a delightful 9 days in the Netherlands on the Dutch Wave Tour. Accommodations were excellent, including the hotels and bus transport. The 13 gardens were a nice mix of public and private gardens. I especially enjoyed those where we got to meet the persons involved in designing and building their gardens. Mellow group of twenty, smoothly guided by Chris and Kitty. I am not a garden expert, but I discovered my home garden is actually a variation of the "Dutch Wave", and I've been adding edits inspired by me trip since I've gotten back.

My English gardens tour was the trip of a lifetime for me. I have longed to visit the gardens I had only read about and finally it was time. Everything about the Carex tour was beautifully considered, our accommodation, the meals, even a Michelin star lunch at the wonderful Gravetye Manor. We had a comfortable coach and two engaging tour guides, Chris ‘seatbelts’ Walsh and Kitty. Chris would discuss the gardens we were heading to about 20 minutes out. The history of the gardens and what to look out for and Kitty would let us know about the architecture of the area. We had a great bunch of fellow garden enthusiasts, made some wonderful friends. But it was all about the gardens and they were all wonderful. I’m not sure I could pick a favourite, maybe Sissinghurst. It surely was as magical and inspiring as I imagined. But Pettifers and Great Dixter were amazing as well. Having had Carex tours do all the organising, purchasing tickets to gardens, accommodation, meals and travel meant I could just enjoy and soak up the experience.

The Chelsea Garden Flower Show and Garden Tour offers an exceptional look at beautiful gardens in Southern England. This small group tour, lead by warm, friendly, expert guides, includes some group experiences but also plenty of time to wander at your own pace to explore the beauty that surrounds you daily. With most meals provided and comfortable lodgings, tour members are free to spend their time and energy focusing on the gardens, sharing their experiences, and making new gardening friends (and shopping in the garden gift shops.) This review isn't complete without a few images that speak for themselves.

Dreams do come true! I had been thinking about this trip, Great Gardens of England, May 2026, for probably 15 years and got real about it in the last two and narrowed it down to Carex Tours. And I’m so happy I did: fabulous group of women (our tour happened to be all women but apparently that’s not the norm.) Between Chris and Kitty, our valiant tour guides and by the way that title goes way beyond -what they provided us with such rich detail and knowledge from having been in the gardens multiple times . They covered every base and kept us all in line with a lot of humor. An immense amount of humor! They just had so many gems, insights and information about each of the different gardens we were visiting: what to look for where to go and of course where to end up so we were all on time! Our fabulous and very skillful bus driver, Michal, maneuvered a very comfortable bus (brand new!) in and out of so many tight situations that I just couldn’t imagine! And I thought I was good with backing up my 8x4 trailer. Fabulous tour I learned so much and I counted: I took over 1600 photos- now the tough part is to edit the photos and figure out the five things I’m going to do differently in my garden in the next six months, all because of this wonderful tour! There were so many people on this tour that that left an impression on my heart- I will keep connected with many of them! I can’t wait for the next tour! Deb Dodds

Absolutely fantastic experience! The tour staff were excellent, the gardens were in full bloom and our fellow travelers were delightful. I highly recommend Carex garden tours.

Throughly curated to impress any gardener with smooth service, lots of information and lovely accommodations. Gravity Manor was an exceptional treat. You may need to get on a waiting list because there are 20 spaces, .but it will be forth it.

If you love gardens, this is the trip for you. Hang out with like minded people and visit the most incredible gardens you’ll ever experience.. Incredible accommodations. And well thought out itinerary. You’ll get to see the classics that everyone talks about, but also rare access to gardens that others don’t get to see. Our garden expert was so knowledgeable and helpful and kind. The Tours Manager checked on us and made sure we knew what to expect at every turn. I heard several people say it was the best tour they’ve ever been on. I think I have to agree."

Best and most beautiful land tour I have ever taken. The green rolling hills and exquisite English gardens were a continuous delight to my eyes.

I had the most amazing with Carex tours. From the moment I first contacted Jacqueline about the trip the caring customer service and passion for what they do was apparent. The English garden tour included the most beautiful gardens and ended with a day at the famous Chelsea Flower Show. Our guides Chris and Kitty are so knowledgeable and I learned so much. Chris, Kitty and Michele all went out of their way to make sure we all had a fabulous experience. I highly recommend Carex tours and look forward to exploring other gardens with them in the future. Vicki DeFord

The guides (Chris and Kitty) were knowledgeable and outstanding. I especially enjoyed meal and gardens at Gravetye Manor. Group was fun to travel with, we were lucky with cool and cloudy weather.

Carex Tours had a hard task ahead to give me a successful trip. I was looking for an experience that would inspire, calm and excite me with interesting, fun people. Carex met that challenge beautifully. Chris and Kitty are excellent guides- funny, knowledgeable, and gracious people. The group was a delight to be with and the gardens were awesome. The flow of the days and dinners made this trip truly memorable. I would recommend Carex Tours to anyone wanted a true vacation amidst beautiful places.

We are so glad we decided to go on the Carex 2025 Japan Garden Tour. It was an excellent immersion into Japanese history, culture and cuisine with a focus on Japanese gardens and design. In addition to touring incredible gardens, we also went to museums, temples and attended cultural activities. The tour leaders were very knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended for both the serious and casual garden enthusiast.

The garden tour to Normandy was great. Great, collegial group with a commonality of interest. Gardens were excellent and the visits to the Calvados distillery, St. Michel and Omaha Beach were welcome departures. We would be willing to pay a bit more for a bit higher level accommodations and cuisine. The accommodations at Caen, we felt, were a bit tired although the location was great. Tour guides, Chris and Rianne, were fantastic as was the driver. All in all, a great trip -- we'll look forward to future garden adventures with Carex.

Tom & Linda Gagnon

This was my first experience with a group tour and it exceeded any expectations I may have had! (Gardens of Normandy tour) Our guides were not only knowledgeable and helpful, they were also fun! The garden destinations were all amazing. In addition, there was time for us to visit a few historic sites along the way. I enjoyed the opportunity to roam the sites we visited at my own pace. Definitely no requirement to be with the guides or group at all times. The small group size (14) made it easy to get to know one’s fellow travelers and provided a more intimate & enjoyable experience. It was a wonderful trip and I would definitely travel with Carex again!

What can you say about perfection? The trip was planned and executed perfectly by two guides who handled every situation with a smile. I've taken two to three specialty tours (mostly photography) a year over the past 11 years, so I've had experiences of all kinds. The hotels were first class, along with the meals. It's a tour that has you on your feet for many hours at a time, so be sure your shoes are comfy and supportive.

Six weeks later, I’m still reliving the wonderful experience of the Chelsea Flower Show and Great English Gardens tour. Carex planned for a fantastic experience and their boots on the ground (Kitty, Chris and Arndt) carried it out flawlessly to the benefit of all on the tour.
The garden choices were so varied- RHS, private, wild to serene, all stunning. They each transport you with their beauty. Fairlight End was just enchanting... I felt like I was in every English novel as the day was misty and foggy and just over the hill was the English Channel.
I learned and admired not only the garden designs and blooms, but also enjoyed the rich conversations in the gardens or on the bus, or with the gardeners and owners who invited us into their homes for tea and enthusiastically responded to our questions.
This experience really became so much more than garden tours. Truly enriching to the soul. Thank you.

It was the trip of a lifetime! I’ve been on many trips and this was one of THE best! Great itinerary!

This was my first garden tour and it was excellent, from the variety of gardens we visited, to the staff, accomodations, meals and especially the group! Will definitely sign up for another Carex garden tour.

Wonderful June tour through some of the finest 'new style' gardens of England.

We have enjoyed three Carex Tours-curated garden tours: Ireland, England and Normandy. All had expert guides, excellent accommodations and well-appointed coaches. In addition to the top-rated public gardens, Carex included exclusive access to some of the best private gardens in the area. We give Carex the highest recommendation to garden enthusiasts and look forward to future trips with them.