Chloe Thomson is a passionate gardener, avid educator and award winning presenter. She’s happiest when talking about gardening, exploring other gardens or out in her own garden in the outer north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. During her 18 years in the horticultural industry she’s written for the bi-monthly Good Organic Gardening magazine, hosted a podcast and presented on Garden Gurus. She’s also written blogs and created video content for popular brands including Bunnings, Oasis Horticulture, Nylex and Cyclone. She co-founded and presented on ‘The Gardenettes’ online video series for four years, winning the Video Laurel Award from the Horticultural Media Association Australia (HMAA) for her story on Beautiful Brassicas in 2020. Chloe is also a regular guest on the 3CR Radio Gardening Show. During the depths of Melbourne lockdowns, Chloe hosted a short podcast series for Bunnings called ‘Staying Grounded’ and was awarded the Best Audio Laurel from the HMAA in 2022 for her work. In 2021 Chloe created Sprout School a unique online gardening course designed to inspire and educate anyone to be a better gardener. Running two sessions of this online course each year, Chloe’s taught over 100 students from around Australia. In 2023 Chloe presented and produced a brand new video series ‘Behind the Garden Gate’ that has been aired on YouTube. This video series is designed to take you – the viewer – into private gardens to be inspired and learn from clever garden designers and other passionate gardeners. Find Chloe on social media and YouTube by searching ‘Bean There Dug That’.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Tuesday 3 September 2024 Depart Australia
Today we board our overnight flight to London.
DAY 2 Wednesday 4 September 2024 London, Britain
On arrival in London we will be met by our private coach. We travel to 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. We travel to our hotel for check in. This evening we will
enjoy a welcome dinner.
DAY 3 Thursday 5 September 2024 London
This morning we visit the RHS Wisley Flower Show. It is the Royal Horticultural Garden
Societies’ autumn show. The RHS was given Wisley Estate in trust by Sir Thomas
Hanbury in 1903. The Flower Show in the grounds highlights nurseries all over the
country as well as specialist societies. You will marvel at the dahlia’s on show in
the Dahlia Societies marquee. Chloe will lead the group around the richly planted
borders, luscious rose gardens and amazing glasshouses, which recreate tropical,
moist temperate and dry temperate habitats in Wisley’s grounds. 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. We return to the hotel early afternoon, and the rest
of the day will be free to explore London. Why not book a show?
DAY 4 Friday 6 September 2024 London
This morning we will visit Hampton Court Palace and Garden. The Palace offers a
fascinating insight into the activities of British monarchs from Henry VIII onwards.
The garden is most famous for its Great Vine, planted in 1768, which still produces
hundreds of bunches of Black Hamburg grapes each year. The Pond Gardens offer a
magnificent display of bedding plants. The newly restored Privy Garden of William
III is a spectacular example of baroque design, with parterres, cut work, clipped
yews and spring and summer displays of 17th-century plants. This afternoon
will be a delight as we visit a private “Romantic” garden. Chloe will lead the goup
along a short woodland path that leads from dovecote to beehives, where we will
see informal planting that contrasts with formal topiary, this includes box and
garlanded cisterns. We also see a colourful courtyard, a conservatory and a pond
with a fountain.
DAY 5 Saturday 7 September 2024 Stratford-upon-Avon, Britain
Today we travel east through the beautiful English countryside to visit Stourhead.
Chloe will take the group on a tour of delightful Stourhead and explain the
visionary design of Henry Hoare II. It is claimed by many that this garden is the
greatest surviving example of a classical garden.
DAY 6 Sunday 8 September 2024 Stratford-upon-Avon
This morning we travel west to beautiful Gloucestershire. 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. Chloe and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the
group in the lobby.
DAY 7 Monday 9 September 2024 Stratford-upon-Avon
The morning is free to explore the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. This afternoon
we depart to 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. We continue
and 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 our hotel in the late afternoon. The evening will be free to explore the many
charming local restaurants.
DAY 8 Tuesday 10 September 2024 Stratford-upon-Avon
We will depart for our visit to Sudeley Castle Garden this morning. Described as
one of the most beautiful castles to visit in England, there is so much to discover
at Sudeley Castle. There are 10 magnificent gardens to explore, each with its own
unique style and design. Later we 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.
DAY 9 Wednesday 11 September 2024 Wicklow, Ireland
Today we travel to London Heathrow for our flight to Dublin. On arrival we travel
south to Wicklow. Chloe and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with
the group in the lobby.
DAY 10 Thursday 12 September 2024 Wicklow
Today we visit Powerscourt House and Gardens, one of Ireland’s showpiece gardens.
The garden dates from 1841 and is the design of Daniel Robertson. A central stairway,
which descends through the amphitheater of six terraces with statuary and formal
beds leads to the Triton pool. Later additions include a woodland garden planted
with North American tree specimens. We continue with a visit to the exquisite 22
acre gardens of Mount Usher, which was laid out in 1868. The Vartry River flows
through the gardens under bridges and over weirs. Chloe will lead the group along
the maple walk, where we will see Japanese Maples and Golden Larch some might
have changed into beautiful autumn colour.
DAY 11 Friday 13 September 2024 Cork, Ireland
We travel to Ballymaloe House and Garden today. This is the home of the cookery
school founded by Davina Allen, the originator of the slow food movement in
Ireland. We will enjoy a guided tour of the garden. We continue to Cork, the
second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland. We will enjoy a dinner at our hotel
this evening.
DAY 12 Saturday 14 September 2024 Cork
This morning we visit Fotae House and Garden, which was laid out in the first half of
the 19th century by James Smith-Bury. We will visit the gorgeous sunken Italianate
garden and the stunning rose garden. We will have time to explore the arboretum,
which contains many unusual species. We continue our journey to visit the three
acre Glenview garden. It features a white sunken garden, a Mediterranean and
Japanese garden as well as a beautiful wildflower meadow. The rest of the day will
be free to explore Cork city individually.
DAY 13 Sunday 15 September 2024 Bantry, Ireland
Today we travel to visit Bantry House, the home of the White’s since the 18th
century. We will explore the formal gardens, which consists of seven terraces
overlooking Bantry Bay from where we get glorious views. The North Terrace has 14
round beds surrounded by statues, which were bought home from the Grand Tour.
In the afternoon we travel by ferry to Garnish Island, where we visit Glengarriff. It
is a renowned for its beautiful gardens, which are laid out between walks. We will
see stunning specimen plants and a Mortello Tower. This can be climbed by fit tour
members. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the
lobby to suggest restaurants for dinner.
DAY 14 Monday 16 September 2024 Bantryy
We visit Muckross House and Garden this morning. This 19th-century mansion is
set against the stunning backdrop of the Killarney National Park. The garden was
established in the 1850’s with a sunken garden, a rock and a stream garden. We
then travel around the Iveragh Peninsula, stopping at a traditional pub to enjoy
an included pint and a bite to eat. As we travel around the Ring of Kerry we will
see a rugged coastal landscape and rural villages, with every turn there a treat for
the eye.
DAY 15 Tuesday 17 September 2024 Dublin, Ireland
Today we first visit a truly unique garden full of colour and inspiration, Knockpatrick
gardens. The garden has an exceptional variety of flowers, shrubs and trees. We
continue with our journey across picturesque central Ireland to Dublin, the capital
of the Republic of Ireland and well-known as being a place of friendliness and ‘craic’,
and a city well over 1000 years old. Ireland’s famous capital is located on the River
Liffey and looks seawards to its port and the waters of Dublin Bay.
DAY 16 Wednesday 18 September 2024 Dublin
We will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide this morning. We see elegant
Georgian squares and streets including Merrion Square laid out in 1762. We see
Trinity College founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. It was developed according to the
traditions of Oxford and Cambridge. Many buildings were added to the university
in the 18th and 19th century. We visit Grafton Street, Dublin’s finest pedestrian
shopping street. We see Leinster House converted to house the Republican
parliament in 1922 and St Stephen’s Green, formally common land, enclosed in
1663. They are now beautifully landscaped gardens. In the afternoon we will have
free time to explore Dublin. Perhaps visit an art gallery or do some shopping.
DAY 17 Thursday 19 September 2024 Dublin
This morning we first visit June Blake’s garden, a rare fusion of inspired design and
painterly planting, situated in the townland of Tinode in County Wicklow. Within it
are many different areas of interest. These include swathes of naturalistic, prairiestyle
planting, sculptural landforms, a flower meadow and generous stretches of
woodland. We will enjoy a guided tour of the garden. In the afternoon we visit
Dummartin Garden near Dublin. Chloe will lead us along a stone path to the
Urn walk. We will continue to the Mediterranean garden, where gravel paths are
interspersed by flower beds, grasses and terracotta pots. In the evening we will
enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the wonderful time we have had on the tour.
DAY 18 Friday 20 September 2024 Depart
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight back to Australia.
DAY 19 Saturday 21 September 2024 In flight
DAY 20 Sunday 22 September 2024 Arrival Australia
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $11,195 | $13,575 |
Included Air taxes from capital cities as 30/6/23 - $ 200
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 (ABN 64 005 817 078)
is the tour organiser. fly/tour arrangements are subject to the terms and
conditions and general information detailed in this brochure. All passengers
must complete and sign a Travelrite International booking form.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A deposit of $900 per passenger for the
tour 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) the confirmation advise will contain
all details. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90
days prior to the commencement of the fly/tour. A 1.5% administration
fee will be added to all payments made by Amex, Visa and Master Card
cards. If fares and air taxes change due to government and airport
regulations and currency fluctuations Travelrite International reserves the
right to charge additional amounts.
Cancellation Charges
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 60 days | $900 |
| 60 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
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. If you
are not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International
for visa requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover tour members for the consequences of unforeseen events during
the tour 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.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The fly/tour 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 62 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International
reserve 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.
RESPONSIBILITY:
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 this tour shall
act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation,
including transportation by plane and coach, 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, acts
of terrorism, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities.
Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to
sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine,
government restraints, weather 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 tour. The passage contract between the carriers
concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the
carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right
is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as
may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties
and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in
accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.
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 sending full names and
addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $900 for the
Garden Tour. Please send to:
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
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN
64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which
has been marketing tours throughout Australia for over 30
years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has
an ATAS and an IATA accredited office in Balwyn. As such it
directly represents 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
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.”
