During the day casual clothing is typical, although shorts and swimwear are not permitted in the formal restaurants. There are some nights at sea classified as formal for dress purposes. Nights in port are classified as informal. During the evening on formal nights, a dinner suit or dark suit for gentlemen and eveningwear for ladies is required for the main restaurants. Smart casual attire is required in the public lounges and restaurants.
About a third of people on the cruise travel alone. We will match people up in twin-share cabins when available – saving you the single supplement. You won’t be left alone; the Travelrite tour manager will be there to guide you. There will be group activities almost every day.
The Queen Elizabeth is sleek and contemporary with the most advanced technological features and luxurious appointments. The Queen Elizabeth continues the heritage of cruising of the 1930s and the great Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. The great traditions of fine service, food and entertainment continue better than ever. Enjoy the facilities of the gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, the casino, theatres, the cinema, computer and internet access, the Health and Spa Club, seven bars and much more. Take part in the multitude of daily activities that include numerous lectures on an array of topics, the regular musical performances, ship sports and much more. A voyage on Queen Elizabeth is an experience to be savoured and remembered!
Jane Edmanson is a well-known garden identity, who presented radio 3AW’s The Big Backyard every Saturday and Sunday morning for 27 years. Jane is seen regularly on ABC television’s national Gardening Australia a position she has had for the past 33 years. She writes gardening articles for magazines and has given talks on gardening during this time. Jane has been awarded the OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia). This will be the thirty second year that Jane has accompanied garden tours for Travelrite International.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Monday 25 March, 2024 Tokyo, Japan
Today we board our flight to Tokyo, Japan. We arrive in Tokyo later the same day.
Upon arrival we are transferred to our city hotel.
DAY 2 Tuesday 26 March, 2024 Tokyo
Tokyo is the political, economic and cultural capital of Japan. There are over
twelve million people living in Tokyo and many millions more living within a
radius of fifty kilometres. We will enjoy a city tour of exciting Tokyo this morning.
We see the famous Ginza area and visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, which
is still part of the Royal Residence. It is a superb example of traditional Japanese
landscape design. We continue with a visit to Asakusa, the heart of traditional
Japan. The main attraction is Sensoji, a popular Buddhist temple built in the
seventh century. We will have time to walk along Nakamise-dori, the bustling
market area, where we are able to buy souvenirs and wooden sandals. Later we
are transferred to our city hotel. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner to
meet other tour members.
DAY 3 Wednesday 27 March, 2024 Tokyo
Today we visit the Omiya Museum, the most outstanding center for bonsai in
Japan. Opened in 2010, it has a collection of over 100 bonsai masterpieces. In
addition, we will see bonsai pots, miniature landscape stone, books and woodblock
print. We continue our travels to visit Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, built
in the early Edo period in 1629 it is one of the three Great Gardens of Japan. A
traditional garden, which exhibits the main elements of a Japanese garden it was
named after a poem. It boasts a gorgeous pond, tea house on the edge of the
pond, a full moon bridge and includes man-made hills.
DAY 4 Thursday 28 March, 2024 Embarkation
This morning we visit the Hama-Rikyu-Teien garden. The landscape garden
features seawater ponds which change level with the tides and gorgeous views
of lakes and hills. Late morning we are transferred to the port of Yokohama to
board the Queen Elizabeth for our cruise around Japan.
DAY 5 Friday 29 March, 2024 At Sea
A day at sea is the perfect opportunity to explore the fabulous facilities of this
magnificent ship. Perhaps visit the Spa for a relaxing massage. Late morning join
us for an interesting talk by Jane about her life in gardening.
DAY 6 Saturday 30 March, 2024 Akita, Japan
Today we call into Akita. We first visit Shenshu Park, which features a water
gardens around a ruined Endo period castle. It is known for the 700 cherry
blossom trees, which produce glorious flowers during the cherry blossom
season. We hope that they will be in flower during our visit. We continue with a
visit to Joshitei, a Japanese landscape garden and a national designated place of
Scenic Beauty. Look out for the gorgeous covered bridge over a stream flowing
through the garden.
DAY 7 Sunday 31 March, 2024 Kanasawa, Japan
Kanazawa, which means ‘marsh of gold’,draws its name from an old legend in
which a Japanese peasant, digging for potatoes, found flakes of gold in the
ground. Today, gold leaf is a major art form synonymous with the city, and even
has a designated museum. We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, known
for its intricate kaga-nui embroidery and delicate kutani porcelain, among
other handicrafts, making it a shopper's paradise! Once boasting geisha houses
and a labyrinthine samurai village, the city was built around Kanazawa Castle.
Fire destroyed all but a few small 16th-century castle structures – namely the
elegant Ishikawa Gate and some watchtowers which have become a focus of
many photographers today. We visit a highlight of the tour today the enchanting
Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and the home of
the country’s oldest fountain. We will experience a unique private tea ceremony
in a pavilion next to Kenroku-en, where once Samuari met before battle.
DAY 8 Monday 1 April, 2024 At Sea
A day at sea. Perhaps visit the library to check out the large collection of books..
Late morning join us for gardening trivial pursuit. Jane will call the questions to
test your knowledge of plants and gardens.
DAY 9 Tuesday 2 April, 2024 Busan, South Korea
Today we call into the port of Busan, South Korea where we enjoy a sightseeing
tour with a local guide. We first experience the serenity of the 8th-century
Bulguksa Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Tohan. We explore the royal
tombs at Tumuli Park and visit the ancient Silla capital, Gyeong-Ju, – a place,
which is UNESCO designated as one of the world’s top 10 historic sites. This
palace and artificial pond is located in the Geongi National Park.
DAY 10 Wednesday 3 April, 2024 At Sea
A day at sea is the perfect opportunity to explore the fabulous facilities of this
magnificent ship. Perhaps attend one of the interesting lectures. In the afternoon
Jane will chat about her life in the media.
DAY 11 Thursday 4 April, 2024 Nagasaki, Japan
Today we arrive in the city of Nagasaki. It is best known as the site of the second
nuclear attack on Japan during WW2. We have a sightseeing tour of the city. We see
the Peace Memorial Park, located near Ground Zero, the centre of the blast, which
is home to a beautiful memorial fountain and the 30-foot-high Statue of Peace.
We will also see other parts of the city that was for 200 years Japan’s port to the
outside world. This afternoon the group will walk to the nearby Glover Gardens,
where we see early European settlers’ houses surrounded by attractive gardens.
DAY 12 Friday 5 April, 2024 At Sea
Our last day at sea to explore the ships facilities or to re-visit favorites activities.
DAY 13 Saturday 6 April, 2024 Shimizu
Today we arrive at Shimizu at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain
and the focal point of the sprawling Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This morning
we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this very special area, named for the Buddhist
fire goddess Fuchi, which is sacred to the Shinto goddess Sengen-Sama, whose
shrine can be found at the summit. Mount Fuji is the holiest of Japan’s ‘Three
Holy Mountains’. We travel through the Owakudani Valley and enjoy a ride on the
Hakone Ropeway’s aerial cable car. This offers amazing views of nearby Hakone
National Park, where cherry trees should be in blossom. We will then enjoy a
cruise on beautiful Lake Ashi.
DAY 14 Sunday 7 April, 2024 Disemarkation/ Kyoto, Japan
This morning we arrive in Yokohama. After disembarking we will travel by Bullet
train to Kyoto, which will be our home for four nights. On arrival we will have a
panoramic tour of Kyoto to see the main sights. We will visit the Kyoto Imperial
Palace, completed in 1855 and home of the Imperial household from that date
until the Meiji Restoration, when they moved to Tokyo. There is an attractive
garden surrounding the Palace.
DAY 15 Monday 8 April, 2024 Kyoto
Today we will visit the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the temple of the Golden
Pavilion. It was built in the late 14th century with three stories topped with gold
leaf. It extends over a pond, which reflects the building and is surrounded by a
beautiful landscaped garden.We also visit the Silver Pavilion and the nearby
picturesque Philosopher’s path, which extends along the river under cherry
trees, which we hope will be in blossom. In the afternoon, we will visit the Ryoanji
Temple, and its famous rock garden. Attributed to the artist Soami, it was created in
the 16th century in a space of thirty metres by ten metres. Following the waterless
stream style, the garden is composed of fifteen rocks set into raked white gravel.
The Zen garden with its arrangement of rocks represents mountains, and sparse
vegetation is symbolic of an individual’s journey through life.
DAY 16 Tuesday 9 April, 2024 Kyoto
Today we travel to the nearby hills to visit Jojakko-ji, a temple originally built
in 1640. It is set in a beautiful grove of trees. The temple platform provides a
viewing space for the beautiful garden. In the afternoon we visit the Adachi
Museum of Art and its gardens. Donated by a textile wholesaler, it opened in
1980 and is surrounded by several lovely gardens. They include a dry landscape
garden, a moss garden, a tea garden and a pond garden.
DAY 17 Wednesday 10 April, 2024 Kyoto
This morning we visit the gorgeous garden of Saihoji, known as the Moss Temple.
Within a walled garden a unique and fragile landscape of mosses unfolds around
a central pond. It is the most famous moss garden in the world with more than
one hundred varieties. We continue with a visit to Fushimi Inari, the most famous
shrine dedicated to the Shinto God of rice. It is most famed for its thousands
of red torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings,
offering amazing photographic opportunities. The afternoon will be free for
individual activities. We will enjoy a farewell dinner at a Japanese restaurant
tonight to say farewell to Jane and other group members.
DAY 18 Thursday 11 April, 2024 Departure
This morning we travel to Osaka. We will pass through Osaka's downtown area
on the way to the Osaka Castle. Built in 1583 and destroyed just 32 years later, the
castle has undergone many reconstructions – the most recent in 1931. Its walls
encompass the Municipal Museum and the Hokoku Shrine, which is dedicated to
its original owner, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Later we are transferred to the airport for
our flight back to Australia.
DAY 19 Friday 12 April, 2024 Arrival/Australia
This morning we arrive back in Australia and tour activities conclude.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE | Inside | 4,5,6,8 | $11,790 | $15,190 |
| ID | Inside | 5,6,7 | $11,890 | $15,290 |
| GC | Inside | 1 | $11,990 | $15,440 |
| FB | Obstructed Outside | 4 | $12,290 | $15,840 |
| EC | Outside | 1 | $12,450 | $16,150 |
| EB | Outside | 1 | $12,490 | $16,190 |
| BE | Balcony | 4,5,6,7,8 | $12,890 | $16,790 |
| BD | Balcony | 5,6,7 | $12,990 | $16,990 |
| BB | Balcony | 5,6,7,8 | $13,190 | $17,290 |
| P1 | Suite | 7,8 | $17,890 | $27,190 |
| Q4 | Suite | 7 | $20,790 | $32,990 |
| Included port and handling charges | $350 | $613 | ||
| Included ship gratuities | $186 | $186 | ||
| Air taxes as at 20 March 2023 will added to fare $200 | ||||
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
You can stay longer in Japan for minimal additional cost. Please contact 1800 630 343 for more information.
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 need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. The Queen Elizabeth is operated by Cunard Lines and the fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Cunard Line brochure 2024. All passengers must complete the Cunard Line online check in and Travelrite International booking form.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $1500 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The confirmation advice will contain all details. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 91 days prior to the commencement of the fly/cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Mastercard or AMEX card.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:* Number of days before sailing.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 91 days | loss of deposit |
| 90 days or less | loss of 100% of full fare |
| Non-appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid passport. If not
an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International for visa
requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events
during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from
events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on
flights to join or return from the cruise.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been
made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the
event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed
their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International
reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid,
or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/
or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/
cruises, 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. The
passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of
this fly/cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw
any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be
found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the
proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. This contract shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal
action must be taken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed
to the terms and conditions of the Queen Elizabeth fly/cruise passage
contract with Cunard Lines, detailed in the Cunard Lines brochure
or on the website. If you can’t find this form please contact Travelrite
International and we will tell you where you can see it.
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.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $1500 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (A.B.N.64 005 817 078) is a well established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully ATX accredited:A10538 and has a fully credited IATA offices in Balwyn. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for 36 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. 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.”
