Logo
Specialist Journeys brings together
Andante Travels and Brightwater Holidays
British Travel Awards 2023 - Best Company for UK Coach/Touring Holidays
United States
Order a brochure Contact us FAQs
Menu

Contact us on 1-800-759-7715

Contact us on 1-800-759-7715

Special Offers

To celebrate the launch of Specialist Journeys, enjoy 15% off our 2027 tours with code Curious15. From archaeology and ancient history to remarkable gardens, follow your curiosity somewhere extraordinary. Book by 20 October 2026.

trustpilot embed

From Kyoto to Easter Island

Our tours beyond Europe, Africa and the Middle East follow familiar subjects into places where they take an entirely different form. Japanese gardens evolved from sacred forest clearings into landscapes shaped by stone, water and carefully chosen plants, and Japan's own story runs back more than fourteen thousand years to the Jomon, among the earliest pottery-makers anywhere. In northern Chile and on Easter Island, rock art and massive earth pictures raise questions about who made them and why. Costa Rica's cloud forest holds extraordinary plant life, Mauritius has species found nowhere else, and along the Silk Road stand Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.

Each tour here is built around one shared interest, whether that's gardens, archaeology or wildlife, and you travel with specialists who love sharing it.

From the art of a Japanese garden to the cities of the Silk Road, follow your curiosity into different ways of shaping - and understanding - the world.

Filter by

8 results

The Gardens & Wildlife of Costa Rica

The Gardens & Wildlife of Costa Rica

The term biodiversity may have been coined with Costa Rica in mind, such is the range of different species within its pristine, tropical forests. Throw in some spectacular scenery and resplendently laid-back citizens, and you have all the makings of a life-affirming holiday experience. On this memorable tour, we visit a broad range of gardens both public and private, such as the Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens with its world-class collection of plants. At the Monteverde Cloud Reserve, we see some of the 100 mammals, 400 bird species and more than 2,500 varieties of plants that thrive here, including, if we are lucky, the famously elusive resplendent quetzal.
12 days from $6,970 View Tour
Gardens of Barbados

Gardens of Barbados

Barbados may be small, but it offers pure Caribbean bliss: radiant seas, palm-lined beaches and lush rainforest. Picture gazing across the sweeping vistas of Cherry Tree Hill, watching the lively monkeys of the Andromeda Botanical Garden and exploring the George Washington House, an important remnant of the island’s plantation past. At Hunte’s Garden, we are accompanied by the man himself, owner and creator Anthony Hunte, who introduces us to his multidimensional mix of native jungle and sunny open spaces in one of the island’s top destinations. There is also an optional cruise on a catamaran on offer during this laidback tour.
8 days from $4,915 View Tour
Australia's Gardens in Bloom: Iconic Gardens & WAFA 2027

Australia's Gardens in Bloom: Iconic Gardens & WAFA 2027

Discover Australia’s gardens in bloom as we combine two internationally renowned flower shows with some of the finest gardens and landscapes of Victoria and New South Wales. Enjoy the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show and WAFA World Flower Show alongside visits to celebrated gardens, historic estates and natural landscapes. From Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens and the Dandenong Ranges to Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, this carefully planned journey reveals Australia’s horticultural treasures and iconic landmarks, with expert guidance and thoughtful touches throughout.
12 days from $8,245 View Tour
Seasonal Gardens of Japan

Seasonal Gardens of Japan

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 1-800-759-7715 to find out more. Japanese gardens evolved from sacred forest clearings into serene landscapes shaped by stone, water and carefully chosen plants. In Kyoto, we explore exquisite gardens – from tranquil stroll gardens to the shimmering Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji – where form and colour reflect the seasons. Travelling by bullet train to Tokyo, we visit Hamarikyu and the Imperial Palace Garden, with excursions to Omi Hachiman and Lake Ashi beneath Mount Fuji. An optional visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and a final day in Kamakura, with its Great Buddha and Hase Temple, complete this immersive journey through Japan’s timeless beauty.
12 days from $9,595 View Tour
Uzbekistan - Great Cities of the Silk Road

Uzbekistan - Great Cities of the Silk Road

Visit the UNESCO-listed sites of Bukhara and Samarkand On this tour, we explore the sites and cities of the Silk Road, which once ran all the way from China to Europe, with Uzbekistan right at its heart. The steppes, deserts, mountains and gleaming blue-tiled cities tell a story of trade and conquest. Join us on the road to Khiva, Bukhara and fabulous Samarkand; cities built to dazzle the travellers who have passed by for thousands of years. For centuries, this is where not only goods, but knowledge, ideas and cultures crossed from East to West. Travel in the footsteps of those ancient caravans, from grassy plain to desert, voyaging from city to city, crossing Uzbekistan on an unforgettable journey.
14 days from $7,380 View Tour

Rest of the world tours: your questions answered

Everywhere outside Europe, Africa and the Middle East. At present that includes Japan, Australia, Uzbekistan, Costa Rica, Barbados, Mauritius and Chile.

Gardens and horticulture, archaeology and rock art, and wildlife and flora. Several combine them, since a botanical garden and a conservation project often sit on the same island.

Generally yes. The distances involved mean these itineraries run longer than the European tours, and each one sets out its duration and pacing before you book.

It varies entirely by destination. Japan is timed for blossom or autumn colour, Australia for its flowering season and flower shows, and the tropical itineraries for their drier months. 

It varies widely, from garden paths to cloud forest trails and remote archaeological sites. Heat and humidity add to it on the tropical tours. Each itinerary carries an activity level of easy, moderate or active so you know what to expect before you book. 

Yes, and many guests do. Shared interest does most of the work, and a longer journey tends to make a group quickly.

Cookies


This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of all cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time. Learn more.

Accept Only Essential Cookies Reject All Non-Essential Cookies Accept All