If you're interested in a botanical adventure of your own, Orient-Express Hotels offers tours to some spectacular places where you can get intimate with the flora and fauna.

There's an upcoming class at Hotel Cipriani in Venice October 7-12, with Jenny Philips. This class, inspired by fall fruits and foliage, takes place at a particularly evocative time of the year and inspiration will be drawn from the private gardens of Venice, as well as the lively fruit and vegetable market by the Rialto.

November 3-12 Carol Woodin will hold a class in Peru. The itinerary includes a trip to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco staying at the Hotel Monasterio. The trip continues onto an overnight stay at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, home to an 'orchid walk' featuring countless lesser known species, before returning to Lima for the classes that will center around the rare orchids of Peru with accommodation at Miraflores Park Hotel.

Rates range from approximately US$445* for a five-day course not including accommodation to US$4,660* for a five-night course including accommodation, tuition, all excursions, airport transfers and some meals and beverages. Students are asked to supply their own art materials. Further information on all the classes can be found on:

Orient-Express Botanicals

Reservations can be made by calling 800-237-1236.