Not only are Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens' two upcoming tours impeccably planned, but the destinations are also just what anyone who loves gardens and history, art and beauty will want to visit.

Reservations and deposits are being accepted now, and in fact the trip for this coming September is already more than half full. Patsy West of Southport, the director of Valerie Wilson Travel who expertly plans deluxe, small-group trips to benefit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, advises making reservations now.

Below is an outline of the two trips - one to Pennsylvania this fall and the other to Holland next spring. For reservations, trip brochures, or more information, call West at (207) 633-4883, or e-mail her at distvoy@gwi.net.

Southeastern Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley is legendary for its abundance of gardens, historic mansions, and art (think Wyeth). All these will be a part of the itinerary West has planned for Thursday, September 11 through Monday, September 15.

The tour begins and ends at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay. Guests will travel via motor coach to Logan Airport in Boston, where they'll board a flight to Philadelphia.

The first stop will be Bartram's Garden for lunch and a tour of the house and garden of 18 th -century botanist and naturalist John Bartram, who named trees he discovered Fran k linia , after his friend Ben Franklin. After arrival at the Brandywine River Hotel in Chadds Ford, home for the next four nights, the group will relax with afternoon tea.

On Friday, after breakfast in the hotel, the group will visit the spectacular Chanticleer Gardens. Lunch will be a fine-dining experience in the Restaurant Taquet. The afternoon will include a guided tour of the Brandywine River Museum, famous for the extensive collection of paintings by several generations of Wyeths. That evening's champagne reception at the Chadds Ford Historical Society will include an art exhibit and a visit to the 1724 home of John Chads, for whom Chadds Ford is named.

Saturday's first destination is spectacular Longwood Gardens, with several hours to enjoy the multitude of horticultural and other attractions. The afternoon will include a private tour and tasting at the Chadds Ford Winery. That evening, the group will enjoy a very special dinner at the restaurant, Simon Pearce on the Brandywine.

On Sunday morning, a tram ride and guided tour at the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate will present a delightful look at this DuPont family historical site. Then, in the afternoon, a guided tour of the mansion and gardens at Nemours will highlight more of the region's historical and horticultural bounty. The group will reconvene in the evening for a "Farewell to Brandywine" cocktail party at the hotel.

On Monday, September 15, a late morning departure from Philadelphia will bring the group back to the Gardens by late afternoon.

Door-to-door delivery is just one appealing feature of this carefully planned tour. Many meals, including some exceptional dining experiences, are part of West's itinerary.

The elegant Brandywine River Hotel is a historical treasure in beautiful Chadds Ford Village, with private suites that include relaxing Jacuzzis and fireplaces. Tour participants will enjoy daily "European Plus" breakfasts and tea.

The total cost of this tour, including all transportation, is $1,434, per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy is $1,672, and triple-room prices are available upon request. All prices include a $250 tax-deductible contribution to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Nearly a year from today, from April 27 through May 6, 2008, another Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens tour will visit Holland at the height of its spring glory.

Cruising from one fabulous locale to another on the luxurious new river boat Amadeus Diamond , guests will tour the ancient cities of Amsterdam, Edam, Arnhem, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and of course the highlight - Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom!

West has planned this itinerary to showcase the most brilliant array of flowers in the world during Holland and Belgium's finest season. A refundable "holding" deposit of $200 per person will save a place on this tour that's guaranteed to wash away next winter's doldrums with a refreshing dose of spring.

For more information about Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, along with programs and events amid its extraordinary surroundings year-round, call (207) 633-4333, or visit www.mainegardens.org.