Monet’s garden in France is one of the world’s most instantly recognisable, as it was immortalised in paint and canvas numerous times by the French Impressionist.
Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 and over four decades transformed the garden into the masterpiece it is today. As well as inspiring many of his artworks and providing him with the ‘en plein air’ painting locations he loved, the garden is itself a magnificent piece of art. Matt recommends this because it brings Monet’s paintings to glorious, colourful life, and is a delight to visit whatever the season.
The garden is divided into two parts: the more formal Clos-Normand, and the water garden, home to the famous bridge and pond. The Clos-Normand was planted with thousands of flowers in straight-line patterns, all carefully arranged to maximise their visual impact and create balanced compositions. The water garden is immortalised in Monet’s ‘Nympheas’ (Water Lilies) series, which features around 250 oil paintings.
To plan a visit to Giverny, choose a cruise that docks at Le Havre, Honfleur or Rouen between April and October.
Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, the Netherlands
Easily accessible from the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Ijmuiden, the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are on many gardeners’ must-visit list. World-famous for their dazzling displays of spring flowers – there are over 7 million spring-flowering bulbs – you can see hyacinths, freesias, chrysanthemums and, of course, tulips. “It’s not world-renowned for nothing!” says Matt. “The vibrancy of the coloured bulbs and meticulous landscaping is breath-taking.”
The park is divided into garden areas which in 2024 include the beach garden, where Ibiza meets the Netherlands; the Mediterranean garden; and the Sound of Spring with its mix of art, music and nature. There are also sculptures and works of art artfully placed throughout the park, showcasing the work of 25 different artists.
Only open end of March to May, you can easily plan your visit in combination with an Ambassador cruise to the Netherlands.
Madeira Botanical Gardens, Madeira
If you’re on a cruise that’s stopping in Madeira, the Madeira Botanical Garden is a must-visit place for garden lovers.
Madeira’s subtropical climate is perfect for a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, and the Madeira Botanical Gardens in Funchal are where you can explore over 3000 species of plants. You’ll find an arboretum, a succulent garden, choreographed gardens and topiary, and a section dedicated to endemic plants from the Madeira archipelago.
Located on the slopes overlooking Funchal with panoramic views of the Atlantic, Matt advises getting there by an unusual method. “You can arrive by cable cars to experience a peaceful retreat above the bustling city.” And you can also leave in fantastic style, too. “If you take the cable car back to Monte, you can then pick up the traditional wicker toboggan to return to the ship,” he advises. “What a way to get back down the slopes!”
Tresco Abbey Gardens, Isles of Scilly
Another subtropical garden that can be visited on a cruise is Tresco Abbey Gardens. Described on their website as ‘a perennial Kew without the glass’, the Gardens are home to 2,000 species from the subtropics and southern hemisphere – and all just 28 miles off the Cornish coast!
Plants on display include echium, strelitzia, King Protea and heliconia, also known as lobster claw. And among the plants you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or golden pheasant. “These gardens are like visiting the Caribbean!” enthuses Matt. “With such diverse plants that bloom all year, they’re truly stunning.”
If your cruise stops in St Mary’s, it’s an easy boat ride over to Tresco to explore the gardens.
The Gardens and National Palace at Queluz, Portugal
The Gardens and National Palace at Queluz were the residence of the Portuguese royal family until 1800s. The gardens have been carefully restored and include a topiary parterre, a grotto with an artificial waterfall, formal terraces and walkways with sculptures, and a Flemish-inspired grand canal. And as you’d expect from a Portuguese construction, there are lots of beautiful azulejos – ceramic tiles – depicting historical scenes.
“The gardens are meticulously kept and complement the palace perfectly,” says Matt. “The style of formal gardens with fountains are exactly what you’d expect from the grounds of a palace.”
Add these glorious gardens to your itinerary if you’re embarking on an Ambassador cruise that stops in Lisbon, as they’re easily accessible from the capital city.
Don't forget to use your 5% Members’ discount with Ambassador Cruise Line, when booking your next garden holiday!