FALMOUTH, CORNWALL

The spectacular Eden Project opened fully in spring 2001, and is an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking location. Eden is a gateway into the fascinating world of plants, where science meets arts and technology in a living theatre

The spectacular Eden Project opened fully in spring 2001, and is an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking location. Eden is a gateway into the fascinating world of plants, where science meets arts and technology in a living theatre.

Our journey from Falmouth will take approximately 75 minutes, giving us an insight into the delightful countryside. The home of the Eden Project is a dramatic global garden the size of 30 football pitches, nestling like a lost world in a crater overlooking St Austell Bay. Cornwall’s mild climate, clean air, ample water supply and southerly location provide ideal conditions for the Eden Project. It is a 14 hectare bowl, 60 metres (200 feet) deep with steep, south facing walls that catch the sun even in the depths of winter – a natural theatre in which the global garden has been built.

A good start to the Eden Project experience is at the Visitor Centre, situated on the lip of the crater, which will give us an overview of the layout as we look down on to the series of Biomes (giant conservatories). We will then wander at our leisure down the series of pathways towards the bottom of the crater, enjoying the outdoor landscape. The crescent shaped terraces tell the stories of plants that have changed the world and could change our future – plants to eat, drink, wear and use, day in and day out.

We will continue to the Humid Tropics Biome, where we will experience the sights, smells and sheer scale of the rainforest in the world’s largest conservatory. Visit the Oceanic Islands, Malaysia, West Africa and Tropical South America, and look at how people are managing the land to meet their needs and conserve the environment. Discover the tropical plants and products we use every day, and explore ways in which they are being managed for a positive future.

In the Warm Temperate Biome we will travel the world, from the Mediterranean to South Africa and California, where the plants thrive on drought and poor, thin soils. Delve into traditional cultures amongst old olive groves and gnarled vines. Investigate the cork-popping present and glimpse the future of naturally coloured cottons, new tastes and new ideas.

TOUR NOTES: Walking at the Eden Project is at passengers’ own discretion over the varying terrain. Lunch is not included in this tour – there are a number of different places from which to purchase food. Although there is a land train conveying visitors to and from the bottom of the centre, it does become very popular at peak times, and passengers using this facility should be prepared to allow plenty of time for the return to the tour coach.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON