Trips & Travel

International Trips

The Gardens’ Center for Global Initiatives offers trips that traverse many continents.

Space is limited for all trips.

Magical Mexico: Mexico City, Monarch Butterflies and Valle de Bravo

January 25-31, 2025

Every winter, montane cloud forests in central Mexico host millions of over-wintering monarch butterflies. This aggregation of monarchs in Mexico’s central highlands ranks as one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles on the planet. When masses of butterflies are in flight, it sounds like rain falling. Their cumulative weight can even bend branches of towering oyamel fir trees. In addition to spending two days at monarch butterfly sanctuaries, travelers will also explore vibrant Mexico City known for its thriving art scene, charming neighborhoods, world-class gastronomy and its unique blend of old and new. This trip is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, associate director of community relations.

Itinerary for Magical Mexico: Mexico City and Register

Price: $4,815 per person double occupancy. Single room supplement: $1,045

Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

Botanical Wonders of Eastern Turkey

Pre-tour: May 8-11, 2025
Main Tour: May 11-21, 2025

Explore the steppes of Turkey with Curator of Steppe Collections Mike Bone and renowned plantsman Christopher Gardner. Turkey is at a convergence of two different floristic regions, the Mediterranean and the steppes of Asia. The result is an incredibly diverse plant palette.

Begin in Cappadocia with its ancient cultural and geological wonders and floral treasures. Then explore the montane steppe in eastern Turkey, where many transition zones give rise to wildflower displays. On the main portion of the trip, travel through Turkic villages and explore mountains and fertile valleys in search of natural wonders.

The tour is 14 days and the experience of a lifetime. Travel a portion of the ancient Silk Road where steppe, sea and mountain converge.

Itinerary for Botanical Wonders of Eastern Turkey and Register

Price for Pre-tour: $1,240 per person, double occupancy. Single room supplement: $300*
Price for Main Tour: $3,725 per person, double occupancy. Single room supplement: $600*
*For anyone joining both tours the combined single supplement is $800

Rome and the Amalfi Coast: Health and Wellness Italian Style

May 24 – June 1, 2025

Spend eight nights in Rome and the Amalfi Coast learning about Denver Botanic Gardens’ connections to Italy – ranging from food and water security collaborations to the importation of a line of herbal remedies. Eat, drink and incorporate a bit of yoga and herbalism, if you’d like, while exploring the Eternal City as well as the regions of Campania and Basilicata. Co-led by Blake Burger, the Gardens’ associate director of horticulture and curator, and Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, the Gardens’ director of marketing and social responsibility, this is the third time this trip has been offered (and the first time it hasn’t sold out before being shared on this website!).

Register: Please contact Jennifer.riley@botanicgardens.org for pricing and itinerary.
 

Magical Mexico: Oaxaca

July 18-23, 2025

We invite you on a vibrant journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, during its most spectacular annual event—La Guelaguetza. This colorful festival unites Oaxaca’s 16 ethnolinguistic groups in a celebration of the region’s rich cultural diversity. Adorned in traditional attire, communities perform their unique folk dances, and in a joyous finale, they share offerings from their respective regions with the crowd.

Immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s artistic and culinary traditions, where history comes alive in every corner. Explore the city and nearby villages, meet artisans preserving centuries-old techniques and savor authentic flavors in a special cooking class. This thoughtfully curated tour provides a deep connection to Oaxaca’s culture, art, and food—an experience that will leave you in awe of the region’s vibrant heritage.

Collaboration trip with the Gardens is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, associate director of community relations.

Itinerary for Magical Mexico: Oaxaca and Register

Price: $3,950 per person double occupancy. Single room supplement: $900
Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

Cape Floral Region Botanical Safari With Optional Game Reserve Extension

Main tour: September 15-25, 2025
Extension: September 25-29, 2025

This once-in-a-lifetime adventure highlights the intersections of art and science in a place rich in the arts and biodiversity. The Cape Floral Region of South Africa is celebrated worldwide for its fascinating and diverse plant life—more than 9,000 species in all, over two-thirds of which are only found there. South Africa is also renowned for its dynamic and evocative contemporary art scene, world-class galleries and museums.

Associate Director of Learning Engagement and Interpretation Hannah Craft leads a botanical safari to discover the Cape's remarkable plant communities, stunning gardens and art centers. Visit sculpture gardens, picturesque estates in the Cape Winelands, the incomparable Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and the five-star eco-paradise Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

An optional extension explores Phinda Private Reserve, a stunning landscape with lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and rhinos.

Botanical Safari Itinerary

Main Tour Price: $10,141 per person, based on double occupancy; single room supplement $2,344 
Extension Price: $5,513 per person, based on double occupancy; single room supplement $1,786

Register: Complete the Interest Form, call Ujuzi African Travel at 608-444-8122 or email anne@ujuzitravel.com

Magical Mexico: Mérida 

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4, 2025

Experience the magic of Mérida with Denver Botanic Gardens on a journey blending rich Mayan culture, gastronomy and history. Celebrate Día de los Muertos, explore the legacy of salt and sisal industries, and discover the secrets of Yucatán's renowned honey production. This immersive trip offers a sensory feast, connecting you to the heart of Mayan Mexico. Collaboration trip with the Gardens is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, associate director of community relations.

Pricing and itinerary coming soon. 

Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045, visit Group Trips or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.



 

The Gardens has several future trips in development, with destinations including Japan, New Zealand and India. If you would like more information on these trips, have general inquiries or would like to be added to a wait list for a sold-out trip (when possible), please contact travel@botanicgardens.org.

National & Local

Join the Gardens’ experts on trips in Colorado and across the country. Some regional trips are in the pipeline. Check back for updates or contact travel@botanicgardens.org to express interest.