Trips & Travel

International Trips

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

Space is limited for all trips.

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).

Sold out with a waitlist: Please contact Jennifer.riley@botanicgardens.org for information on this and future trips to Italy.

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.

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.

Mérida Itinerary

Price: $3,990 per person double occupancy. Single room supplement: $760
Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

Botanical Wonders of Chile

Dec. 2-10, 2025

Chile’s Southern Patagonia is the last frontier of the American continent—a land of wind, wilderness and stunning landscapes. During this botanical expedition, led by two experts in the field, we’ll have the opportunity to explore everything from temperate rainforests of the Lakes District to the rugged steppe of Torres del Paine, discovering a captivating range of flora in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. As we explore Patagonia’s striking landscapes during the southern spring, we’ll encounter the vibrant wildflower season in full bloom.

Collaboration trip with the Gardens is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Panayoti Kelaidis, senior curator and director of outreach.

Chile Itinerary

Price: $6,620 per person double occupancy. Single room supplement: $1,255.
Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

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

Jan. 24-30, 2026

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Mexico, where art, history and nature collide in a journey unlike any other. From the charming streets of Coyoacán and the intimate world of Frida Kahlo to the breathtaking expanse of the Zócalo, Mexico City’s rich cultural tapestry comes alive. Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Teotihuacan from the skies in a sunrise hot air balloon ride, then stand amidst millions of fluttering monarch butterflies in the UNESCO-listed Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This journey takes you from the city’s architectural wonders to Valle de Bravo’s tranquil landscapes, offering a perfect balance of exploration, discovery and awe-inspiring beauty. Collaboration trip with the Gardens is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, associate director of community relations.

Mexico City, Monarch Butterflies and Valle de Bravo Itinerary

Price: $5,250 per person double occupancy. Single room supplement: $1,650
Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

Nepal’s Natural Beauty and Tranquility

March 1-9, 2026

In the heart of the Himalayan mountains, plant and animal diversity abound in one the world’s most unique landscapes. Join the Gardens’ Director of Horticulture and Center for Global Initiatives Phil Douglas on a 10-day guided tour through some of the most iconic regions of Nepal. Participants will experience the breadth of Nepal’s flora and fauna through visits to the National Botanical Garden, day hikes in the Annapurna Conservation Area and a stay in the subtropical jungles of Chitwan National Park. With a focus on plants, animals and people, our guides will unveil the intricate ecosystems and unique cultures across this varied landscape.

Nepal Itinerary and Register

Price: $5,480 per person, double occupancy. Single room supplement: $1,840.
Register: Please email Phil Douglas at horticulture@botanicgardens.org 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.