PHONE1800 630 343
Heidi Martin started her horticultural career in the family nursery when she was 16 and has now enjoyed over 30 years in the industry. She is the owner of multi award winning garden centre Van Loons Nursery in Victoria and is a regular co-host on 3AW’s Weekend Breakfast gardening show. Heidi is a regular identity at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show hosting demonstrations and garden talks as well as being involved in three display gardens, winning a prestigious Gold Medal. She is a passionate plants person and loves speaking at garden clubs and hosting workshops at her nursery. Heidi is looking forward to sharing her love of gardening with you.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Tuesday May 16, 2023 Departure
Our holiday begins with our flight to Nice.
DAY 2 Wednesday May 17, 2023 Nice
Early afternoon the group arrives at Nice Airport. We enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the main sights of the French Riviera. We will explore the narrow, picturesque streets of Nice and drive along the Corniche Road. We have spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs on our way to Monte Carlo, famous for its casino and royal family. We check into our hotel in Nice late afternoon.
DAY 3 Thursday May 18, 2023 Nice
This morning we travel to near Menton to visit Le Colombieres, designed by the painter and garden designer Ferdinand Bac. He believed in using the indigenous flora of the coast and the natural Provencal stone. Brilliant ceramics appear in unexpected places in the steep hillside garden. In the afternoon we visit Le Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh. Created by Miss Maybud Campbell, a botanist who worked at the British Natural History Museum. She added hundreds of species to the garden in the 1950’s. We return to Nice for an included welcome dinner. This gives tour members a chance to get to know each other and to meet Heidi.
DAY 4 Friday May 19, 2023 Nice
We will visit La Serre de la Madone this morning. This famous garden was designed by Lawrence Johnston during the interwar years after he had developed well known Hidcote in England. In the afternoon we cross the Italian border to visit La Mortola, founded in 1864, it has become the flagship of Riviera gardens. Rows of terraces have been established to display the plants collected from all over the world by Thomas and Daniel Hanbury. A visit to a perfumery will give us an insight into the use of the acres of flowers grown in the Riviera. The evening will be free to explore the many charming restaurants in Nice.
DAY 5 Saturday May 20, 2023 Nice
This morning we will have free time for individual exploration of Nice. This afternoon Heidi will lead the group on our visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The garden was laid out at the beginning of the 20th century by Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, a member of the wealthy Rothschild family. The garden has been developed as a series of compartments representing different architectural and planting styles and is the ultimate in manicured French exotic style. This evening Heidi Martin will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.
DAY 6 Sunday May 21, 2023 Avignon
Today we travel around the Mediterranean to Avignon. On the journey we visit Chateau Val Joanis for lunch and a wine tasting. This 19th century style garden was created by Mrs Cecile Chancel from 1978, together with landscape architect Tobbie Loup de Viane. Terraces were designed to resemble a French garden of the 18th century, combining both ornamental plants and a selection of vegetables and fruits. It features rose trees, a wonderful herb garden and gorgeous rose arbours. Avignon stretches along the banks of the River Rhone. Ramparts surround the city, dominated by the Rocher des Doms, the majestic cathedral and the Palais des Popes. We stay in Avignon for three nights.
DAY 7 Monday May 22, 2023 Avignon
This morning we have a sightseeing tour of Avignon, with a local guide. We will see the Palace of the Popes, which was the seat of the popes from 1309 until 1377 and the Place de l’Horloge, an attractive square shaded by plane trees. We see the theatre and town hall located in this square. The afternoon will be free to explore Avignon. The tour manager will suggest restaurants for the evening meal.
DAY 8 Tuesday May 23, 2023 Avignon
Today we travel to the Bambouseraie, a unique bamboo forest. The garden was started by Eugene Mazel in the middle of the 19th century. He spent so much on the watering systems for the garden that he died a ruined man. There is a surprisingly wide variety of bamboo with their coloured stems – glaucous green, emerald, yellow and black are among the interesting species. We have free time
in Anduze, an attractive village with a covered market place and numerous
fountains, for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Jardin de la Noria for a guided tour.
Jardin de la Noria is a private garden designed by noted French designers Arnaud
Maurieres and Eric Ossart. The remains of an old noria, or water wheel determined
the hub of the new garden influenced by the spirit of Islamic paradise gardens.
This is a garden that encourages visitors to wander slowly and sit to enjoy the
sculptures and surrender to the delights of the sound of the water, the perfume
and colour of the garden.
DAY 9 Wednesday May 24, 2023 London
We fly to London today. On arrival we visit Raworth’s Garden, a private garden
in West London. This is a true collectors’ garden, with perennial borders, a knot
garden, bog garden, conservatory and views to a private park. We also enjoy a
delicious afternoon tea, which will give us a wonderful experience. Heidi will
meet those wishing to dine with the group.
DAY 10 Thursday May 25, 2023 London
The highlight of our time in London will be an escorted visit to the famous Chelsea
Flower Show. Chelsea is the main event in the English horticultural calendar and
boasts amazing displays of the world’s best flowers and plants. You will see
fabulous show gardens specially created by leading designers. Heidi will ensure
that you get the most from this wonderful show. We return to our hotel early
afternoon, with an optional drop off at Harrods for those who would like to have
time to shop. The rest of the day is free for independent activity.
DAY 11 Friday May 26, 2023 London
This morning we visit the famous Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World
Heritage Site and home to the world’s most diverse collection of living plants
and a scientific research centre of international renown. Set in 300 acres we will
discover beautiful glasshouses including the iconic Palm House and its exotic
rainforest; the Princess of Wales Conservatory with ten of the world’s climatic
zones; and the Waterlily House with its amazing, giant lily pads. In the afternoon
we travel to Westminster, where we board a ferry to sail along the Thames to
Greenwich. We see the many developments that have recently occurred in the
dock area of the river, including the tower at Canary Wharf, which until recently
had been the tallest building in London. We return to near Canary wharf to visit
the Sky Garden. This subtropical garden is located within a three-story rooftop
atrium. We will learn how rooftop gardens are sustained.
DAY 12 Saturday 27 May, 2023 London
Today we visit the Royal Horticultural Garden, Wisley. The RHS was given Wisley
Estate in trust by Sir Thomas Hanbury in 1903. The garden will capture the
imagination with richly planted borders and luscious rose gardens and amazing
glasshouses which recreate tropical, moist temperate and dry temperate habitats.
Trials of flowers, vegetables and fruit were expanded at Wisley and they continue
to be some of the principal features of the garden. Several Chelsea Flower Show
prize winning gardens are displayed in the grounds. Our visit will be an interesting
look at the history of gardening in Britain. The afternoon will be free to explore
London. Why not book a show?
DAY 13 Sunday May 28, 2023 Taunton
Today we depart London and travel to visit Monacute House. The 25 acres of
formal garden are an elegant setting for the Elizabethan manor. Twin Elizabethan
pavilions are surrounded by plantings of purple-leaved shrubs, roses and
perennials and scented roses. We continue to the historic city, Taunton on arrival
we check into our hotel.
DAY 14 Monday May 29, 2023 Taunton
Today we will visit two superb gardens. Cothay Manor is located in a magical
setting, surrounded by 15 acres of garden and wildflower meadow. During the
1990’s the present owners completely re-made the garden as a series of rooms and
courts within the original framework. There is a Bishop’s room, where the colour
scheme is reds and purples reflecting the episcopal robes and a white garden
called the Green Knight garden. We continue our journey to visit Knightshayes
garden. Near the house the terraces are planted with shrub roses and tree peonies
and herbaceous plants. Battlement hedges frame the pool garden with a backdrop
of acer’s and topiary foxes repeated throughout the garden. This evening Heidi will
meet other tour members, who would like to have dinner together.
DAY 15 Tuesday May 30, 2023 Stratford-upon-Avon
We travel east through the beautiful English countryside to visit Stourhead. Heidi
will take the group on a tour of delightful Stourhead and explain the visionary
design of Henry Hoare 11. It is claimed by many that this garden is the greatest
surviving example of a classical garden. We continue to Stratford-upon-Avon for
a four night stay. The tour manager will meet the group in the lobby to suggest
restaurants for the evening meal.
DAY 16 Wednesday May 31, 2023 Stratford-upon-Avon
We travel west to beautiful Gloucestershire today. We first visit Bourton House,
an inspiring garden offering an alternative to a traditional country house garden.
The geometric potager is a particular delight. Well-kept lawns, quiet gardens,
a knot garden and Cotswold’s stone walls are set off by herbaceous borders. In
the afternoon we visit Sezincote. We travel along a long dark avenue to enter the
property, where we are surprised to see an English country house built in the
Mogul style of Rajasthan architecture. The cool and elegant curving Orangery
frames the Persian garden of Paradise in the south which has been laid out with
canals and Irish yews. Streams and pools are lined with great clumps of bog
plants. We return to Stratford-upon- Avon for an evening of exploration.
DAY 17 Thursday June 1, 2023 Stratford-upon-Avon
Today we will visit two of the finest gardens in England. We first visit Hidcote, one
of the most notable gardens in the world. It was created by self-taught gardener,
Lawrence Johnson in the early part of the 20th century with a fabulous sense of
design and great planting skills, using mainly 19th century varieties. After lunch
at leisure at Hidcote, we travel the short distance to Kiftsgate Court. This garden is
full of colour and scent. The magnificent old species of roses are the glory of the
garden. We return to Stratford-upon- Avon for an evening of exploration.
DAY 18 Friday June 2, 2023 Stratford-upon-Avon
The morning is free for individual activities. This afternoon we will visit historic
Abbotswood garden. This 20 acre garden retains its Edwardian charm. The
elegant formal gardens surrounding the house were originally designed by
Lutyens. Herbaceous borders are full of interest and colour. This evening we enjoy
a farewell dinner.
DAY 19 Saturday June 3, 2023 Departure
We enjoy some free time before we check out of the hotel and travel through
the Cotswolds to Snowshill Manor. The honey coloured house looks over a
picturesque valley and contains the collection of artefacts assembled by Charles
Wade. We will enjoy the organically gardened cottage garden with a wide range
of spring flowers, bulbs and roses. In the late afternoon we continue to London
airport for our return flight to Australia
DAY 20 Sunday June 4, 2023 In flight
DAY 21 Monday June 5, 2023 Arrival
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $9,990 | $12,390 |
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, Licence number 30858 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at March 1, 2022. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with a full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $800 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 62 days before departure of the Garden Tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payment by credit card.
AIR TAXES: From Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at March 1, 2022. If they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
CANCELLATION CONDITIONS:
* Cancellations within 62 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 62 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of $800 per person.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs
of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions:
The tour has been
priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked
60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour,
giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed
with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change
advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other
services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas
for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you
hold another passport please check with Travelrite.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for the 20kg (44lb) free baggage
allowance.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it’s agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/cruise/ stay holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the fly/cruise/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/cruise/stay holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/ cruise/stay holiday and/or make such changes in the fly/ cruise/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruises. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of NCL Cruises passage contract, detailed at the NCL Cruises website.
Delays and Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite to book
this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as
your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the
various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services
that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide
or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party
to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour
itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for
any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You
agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in
respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain
travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such
good or service may become required.
TRAVEL VACCINATION POLICY:
The wellbeing of our guests is our
top priority. All guests booked to travel internationally with Travelrite
International are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which
may include a booster shot to keep it current and valid.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $800 for the Garden Tour.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
ABOUT TRAVELRITE: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 38 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has an ATAS accredited offices at Balwyn, which is also accredited with IATA. As such we directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”
