Susan Worner Tours Spring 2015 Brochure

SPRING & SUMMER 2015

SUSAN WORNER TOURSBotanical • Wild Flower • Garden

PROGRAMMEFEBRUARY Page

24 FEB – 03 MAR MENTON ��4-5 Mimosa and the Lemon Festival

MARCH 08 – 23 MARCH NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA ��6-7 A safari in the green season – Northern Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana – The Okavango Delta

APRIL 08 – 14 APRIL PORTUGAL �� 8-9 Spring Gardens around Lisbon and the Sintra Hills

14 – 21 APRIL MOROCCO ��10 -11 Gardens of Marrakech, Taroudannt & Atlas Mountains

21 – 28 APRIL ITALIAN LAKES �� 12-13 Spring Gardens around Lakes Como and Maggiore

22 – 27 APRIL FLORENCE & FIESOLE �� 14-15 Spring Gardens

MAY 01 – 08 MAY SICILY ��16-17 Spring Gardens from Taormina to Siracusa

11 – 17 MAY ROME ��18-19 Gardens from Latium to Tuscia

26 – 31 MAY VENICE ��20-21 Secret Gardens of Venice & the Veneto

JUNE03 – 09 JUNE PROVENCE ��22-23 Gardens from the Alpilles to the Luberon

Independent Travel ��24 Testimonials ��24 General Information ��25 Tour Costs ��26 Booking Conditions��27

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Our bi-annual brochures continue in 2015 with some excellent tours to gardens mainly in France and Italy, and venturing further afield. This first brochure for the year features our Spring and Summer tours; the second will follow in January with the Autumn tours. Our website shows full tour details, and up-to-date news features can be found on our blog. We have started a tour gallery on our website which shows more personal images of each tour.

Our classic destinations feature throughout Spring into Summer 2015. Sometimes we add a new garden recently discovered, and occasionally change hotels or add an interesting restaurant. In March, our new tour is to Northern Namibia and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It is a special time to visit this region while it is green. Flowering trees, water-lilies lining the channels in the Delta, migrating birds, wildlife with their young, all makes for a fascinating journey to a spectacular, unspoilt part of Africa.

Our tours to France start with Menton in the lemon fruiting season in late February, Provence features in June and a tour to Normandy and Brittany is being prepared for late June. Italian gardens are always popular. We return to eastern Sicily this year at the beginning of May when the wild flowers are magnificent and the gardens at their best. Giardino di Ninfa is so special and our Rome tour is always in demand.

Our regular autumn tour to South Africa, the Western Cape is in preparation. We combine stunning gardens with a few days visiting wildlife conservation reserves. The rich fynbos vegetation is breath-taking. We are registering names for this tour, full details in January.

What makes our tours special is the care and attention to detail, while always retaining quality as our hallmark. Our groups are small, convivial and we use superb hotels of character. Good contacts with garden owners and the hotels we use regularly give that extra touch.

Private, tailor-made tours are our speciality and we offer arrangements for independent holidays.

Your financial security is important and we offer full ATOL protection for tours with air flights and IPP protection for tours with no flights. Established for eighteen years, we are fully independent.

Looking forward to welcoming you on an enjoyable, stimulating 2015 tour.

2015 SPRING to SUMMER

Photo Credits: Main cover image and above: Clive Nicols Photography

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The warmth of the sun, the scents of mimosa and Genista monospermum in full bloom, and the trees laden with oranges and lemons provide a perfect reason to escape the northern winter. It is the season of the Lemon Festival in Menton, a time to soak up the pleasant warmth and enjoy the vivid colours.

Protected to the north by the Alpes Maritimes, and facing the Mediterranean, the gentle microclimate has encouraged plant collectors to create beautiful gardens amongst terraces of olive groves and citrus trees. Strong elements of Italian design have influenced Menton’s villas and gardens, which are close to the border with Italy.

We stay in Menton Garavan at the welcoming Hotel Napoleon surrounded by wonderful scenery and luxuriant vegetation. It faces the old perched Italianate town and the sea.

24 February – 03 March 2015

Menton – Mimosa and the Lemon Festival

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ItineraryDAY ONE – TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARYFlight to Nice airport where you will be met by Susan and transferred to the hotel. Aperitif and short talk on the week’s programme before enjoying dinner together in a nearby restaurant.

DAY TWO – WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARYIn the morning we visit Monsieur Mazet’s typical Mentonese terraced citrus garden to enjoy a guided tour of his extensive citrus collection, grown organically and sold to top chefs in France. Return to the hotel and a light lunch nearby, overlooking the sea. In the afternoon we walk to the terraced gardens of Villa Val Rahmeh created by Maybud Campbell in the mid-twentieth century. Superb collection of plants in a beautifully laid out garden. Evening free.

DAY THREE – THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARYMorning guided visit to La Serre de la Madone, the garden created by Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote fame in the 1920s for his extensive collection of tender plants. It has close links with Hidcote and a restoration programme is currently well under way. On a hillside away from the sea, terraces and paths lead through various ‘rooms’ and exotic plants intermingle with ancient olive trees. Lunchtime free. Afternoon visit to St Jean de Cap Ferrat and the Villa Ile de France created by Baroness Ephrussi Rothschild. A Venetian-style villa with a delightful garden of themed rooms. We walk to the medieval centre of Menton for dinner in a typical local restaurant.

DAYS FOUR – FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARYWe walk to Le Clos du Peyronnet, the garden of William Waterfield created early last century by his grandfather. A small but influential garden on a terraced hillside with a series of pools descending like a staircase to the sea, and many varieties of mimosa, ancient olives, rare species and avocado trees. Lunch at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Mirazur. Afternoon and evening free.

DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY – THE LEMON FESTIVALA weekend pass will be provided to visit the fascinating displays in the citrus gardens and orchid show in the town centre. Recommended morning visits: Menton’s vibrant covered market and the new Jean Cocteau museum.

DAY SIX – SUNDAY 01 MARCHOptional walk on Sunday morning around Cap Martin along the shore path to see the wild flowers. Entry to the afternoon parade of the citrus floats is included in the weekend pass – a real carnival atmosphere. In the evening, after a short walk to the port, we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant with Ligurian specialities.

DAY SEVEN – MONDAY 02 MARCH Leaving after breakfast, we visit the famous Hanbury gardens, La Mortola, just over the border in Italy: surely the greatest of the Riviera gardens, covering 45 acres. Thomas Hanbury discovered the terraced promontory in 1867 and, with his brother Daniel, created a garden with plants from all over the world, grouped together in themes and linked with avenues, terraces, pools and statues down to the seashore. Most of the day is given to visiting this extensive garden. Dinner together in a mountain village restaurant.

DAY EIGHT – TUESDAY 03 MARCHDeparture from the hotel for Nice Airport for the return flights.

Geneva

ParisPerros Guirec

Nice

GrasseArlesAvignon

Marseille

Beaune

RennesChablis

Geneva

Lyon

Reims

Lille

Strasbourg

Basel

Menton

Basel

Bern

GuardaEngadine

Zurich

ITITTALALALALYYY

AUAUAUAUSTSTSTSTSTRIRRRIRIAAAA

Po

Adig

e

Tanaro

Tibe

r

Aare

Aare

Rhine

Rhine

Inn

Rhone

River Dordogne

Rhin

e

CanneroBellagio

DolomitesLake

Lugano

SelvaGardena

MaggioreComo

VeniceMilan

CanneroBellagio

DolomitesLake

Lugano

PisaNice

Palermo

FlorenceLucca

Imperia

SelvaGardena

Rome

Siena

TaorminaCatania

Liguria

MaggioreComo

Tour Summary: Price: from £1750 pp (see page 26)

Activity Level: Terraced hill-side gardens.

Additional information: Why not add a few more days at the Hotel Napoleon to discover more of the area.

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A safari in the green season. Diverse verdant green landscapes, dramatic skies, unspoilt wilderness with game, bird-life, insects attracted by the fruiting trees and lush vegetation. We visit Northern Namibia: Etosha National Park and, the Caprivi Strip, continuing to Botswana: Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. We have included a day to visit the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe now with its infrastructure and economy improving.

The Okavango Delta is fed by the floodwaters of Central Africa fanning out into the Delta forming a wetland system of beautiful palm-fringed channels.

Our lodges have been hand-picked. They are well-run, comfortable and typical of their surroundings. Our guide/driver, Siggi Straube, is from Namibia and a top-rate guide and photographer. The local lodge guides know the flora and fauna well.

The group is small, maximum twelve guests. We travel in a comfortable coach, well-built for the terrain. Flights are with South African Airways and the local private charter Moremi Air for the Delta.

08 – 23 March 2015

Northern Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana – The Okavango Delta

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ItinerarySUNDAY 08 / MONDAY 09 MARCHEvening flight with South African Airways from London Heathrow overnight to Johannesburg. Transfer to Windhoek arriving late morning. We meet our driver/guide, Siggi, and head north to the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge.

TUESDAY 10 / WEDNESDAY 11 MARCHMorning walk on the plateau to discover the plants and animals. Afternoon game drive in the bush savannah to see eland, warthog, giraffe and perhaps rhino.Next day we leave for the Etosha and to Onguma Bush Camp, our base for three nights. We join a sunset game drive before dinner.

THURSDAY 12 / FRIDAY 13 MARCHMorning game drive on the Reserve; antelope, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, black rhino and many species of bird can be seen. After dinner a night drive to discover Onguma’s nocturnal creatures.Next morning guided interpretive safari walk in the bush to discover plants, trees and a diversity of fauna. Sundowner game drive in the reserve before dinner.

SATURDAY 14 / SUNDAY 15 MARCH Depart for northern Namibia, the Caprivi Strip, through farmland and villages and along the Kavango river. We arrive at the welcoming Runda River Lodge near Divundu late afternoon.A morning boat cruise to observe birds, hippo families, crocodiles and a rich variety of trees, reeds and indigenous flora. Afternoon game drive in the Mahango Game Park: many antelope and possibly the red lechwe. We enjoy a sundowner on the river deck.

MONDAY 16 / TUESDAY 17 MARCHWe visit the Popa Falls before travelling through the narrow Caprivi strip to Lianshulu Lodge. Afternoon boat cruise on the river. Sundowner on the viewing deck.Early morning game drive through the Mudumu National Park with dense savannah, mopane forest and narrow flowing channels in the lagoons. We may spot lions, zebra, impala, hyena and African wild dogs.

WEDNESDAY 18 / THURSDAY 19 MARCHWe depart from Lianshulu Lodge eastwards to Ngoma Bridge. We cross the border into Botswana and arrive at Chobe Bush Lodge in Kasane. Afternoon river cruise in the Chobe National Park, a lush flood plain with a

concentration of Kalahari elephants and hippos. Morning transfer to the Zimbabwe border to Victoria Falls. The Zambezi river pours through a 110 metre wide gorge. We continue to the town of Victoria Falls for afternoon tea overlooking the famous bridge.

FRIDAY 20 / SATURDAY 21 MARCHEarly morning game drive. Transfer to Kasane airport to fly to Pompom Camp in the private Nxabega concession. On the afternoon game drive, lions and leopards are often seen. A bird watcher’s paradise with Giant Eagle Owls and the African Jacandas.A full day to enjoy a mokoro boat trip with a poler/guide along the water lily-lined channels, and a guided nature walk on one of the islands, and a game drive. A fishing trip is also an option.

SUNDAY 22 / MONDAY 23 MARCHMorning game drive before our departure by light aircraft to Maun airport with a transfer flight to Johannesburg, and onwards overnight to London Heathrow arriving early morning.

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

ANGOLA ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

Rundu

EtoshaNational

Park

Skeleton Coast

National Park

NamibNaukluftNational

Park

OkavangoDelta

ChobeNationalPark

PomPomCamp

MaunAirport

ChobeBush Lodge

LianshulaLodge

Nunda RiverLodge

VictoriaFalls

Kasane

OngumaBushCamp

Twfelfontein

BrandbergMountain

Sossusviei

WindhoekSwakopmundOkahandja

NamibRandNature Reserve

WaterbergPlateau Lodge

Kune

ne

NaukluftMountains

Okavango

The

Kalahari


Activity Level: Pleasant temperature, travel days extensive, guided walks in rough terrain.

Additional information: Full detailed itinerary and notes available on request.

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The combination of formal gardens around Lisbon and Sintra with its special microclimate gives a contrast in landscape, style and vegetation. The arrival of the Moors in Portugal, and their subsequent influence, produced great garden architecture with colourful tiles, pools and citrus blossom enclosed by high walls. The major development of gardens came in the eighteenth century in Lisbon, though some suffered in the great earthquake. The gardens around Sintra came later in the following century when natural landscape design was used, with plants adapted to both the climate and terrain.

For the first few days we stay just outside Sintra in the delightful Hotel Palacio de Seteais, surrounded by beautiful gardens. We then move to the historical centre of Lisbon to enjoy the atmosphere, to a hotel with superb views to Sao Jorge Castle and the river Tagus.

08 – 14 April 2015

Portugal – Spring Gardens around Lisbon and the Sintra Hills

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ItineraryDAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 08 APRILMorning departure from London Heathrow, arriving mid-afternoon at Lisbon airport. Transfer to the hotel near Sintra. After arriving we take a walk around the original parterre gardens with views to the sea. Welcome drink with Gerald Luckhurst, a garden designer working in Portugal and Madeira. Gerald will give a talk on gardens in the region before dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY TWO – THURSDAY 09 APRILFull day in two famous gardens in Sintra. The extensive gardens of Quinta de Monserrate were created in the mid-nineteenth century for an inspired English owner, Francis Cook. The gardens are currently being restored with advice from Gerald Luckhurst. Lunch-time in the garden restaurant. We continue to the woodland walks of Pena Palace where Gerald will take us to the restored area of camellia and rhododendron planted in the nineteenth century. We return to the hotel for dinner.

DAY THREE – FRIDAY 10 APRILLeave on foot to visit a nearby privately-owned garden recreated recently with great flair. We enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Quinta da Regaleira. The sub-tropical hill-side garden is extensive and was laid out in the late nineteenth century on terraces, with statues, impressive stone structures and plants from around the world. Dinner together in the village of Colares in a typical local restaurant.

DAY FOUR – SATURDAY 11 APRIL We leave for the Royal Palace de Queluz to visit the extensive formal gardens with parterres, statues, vistas and glazed tiles. Gerald Luckhurst is involved with the restoration programme and he will accompany us. We then enjoy lunch in the old palace kitchen restaurant. On our return to Sintra we visit a private garden of five acres set on a sheltered hillside just outside Sintra. Magnificent, mature trees provide plenty of shade, with clever informal planting on large terraces linked by hidden stairs or sloping paths. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY FIVE – SUNDAY 12 APRILLeave Sintra in the morning to take the coastal road through Cascais to Belem in Lisbon. Visit to the cloister of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Belem, overlooking the River Tagus. Continue to the Ajuda Royal Botanic Gardens with lunch in the gardens. Late afternoon check in to Hotel do Chiado. Dinner together in a local restaurant.

DAY SIX – MONDAY 13 APRILOn the outskirts of Lisbon are the gardens of Palacio dos Marqueses da Fronteira with its striking house overlooking a formal garden. A guided visit of both the interior and garden with its parterre and beautiful seventeenth-century azulejos tiled walls. The blue and white designs on the tiles are reflected in the pool. Return to Lisbon at lunchtime. Interesting guided tour of the historical centre in the afternoon. Evening free.

DAY SEVEN – TUESDAY 14 APRILMorning visit to the Gulbenkian Museum hosting a superb private art collection surrounded by extensive contemporary gardens. We leave for Lisbon airport for the afternoon flight to Heathrow.

Sintra

Lisbon


Activity Level: Terraced hill-side gardens, some fairly large.

Additional information: Fascinating insight into gardens of Montserrat and Queluz with local garden designer Gerald Luckhurst.

River

Tagu

s

9

Morocco is a country of contrasts; the buzz of the medina and exotic souks in Marrakech, hidden courtyard gardens, long views to the dramatic Atlas Mountains and warm, hospitable people happy to share the history of their country over a glass of mint tea.

The gardens visited give a balance of intimate courtyard gardens with vibrant plants, colourful tiles, splashing water and country gardens known as jnane (gardens of paradise) with an emphasis on orchards and decorative herb gardens. We visit the Atlas Mountains where Berbers tend their terraced fields and flocks of sheep and goats.

Our first hotel is based in the countryside near Marrakech. Le Beldi, is a welcoming riad-style hotel, surrounded by gardens and rose fields with views to the Atlas Mountains. We move to Taroudannt, south of the Atlas, to a riad guest house with an amazing garden designed by Ossart and Maurières, well-known French garden architects and designers.

14 – 21 April 2015

Morocco – Gardens of Marrakech, Taroudannt and the Atlas Mountains

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ItineraryDAY ONE – TUESDAY 14 APRILDeparture from London Gatwick direct to Marrakech. Transfer to L’Hôtel Beldi, approached through a field of roses in flower. Time to relax and have a swim. Late afternoon guided walk through the sumptuous gardens with orchards of pomegranates, figs and orange trees, potagers with aromatic herbs. An air of tranquillity, bird song, and water trickling along seguia combines to create the perfect atmosphere for a welcome aperitif and short talk on the programme, before dinner together (each evening). DAY TWO – WEDNESDAY 15 APRILWe leave for Marrakech with our guide, Hafid, for a fascinating introduction to the extensive medina with its farmers’ markets and local craftsmen. Hafid takes us down bustling little streets at lunchtime until we reach an enchanting riad garden with rambling bougainvillea, jasmine, glazed pots, decorative tiles and water fountains. Afternoon visit to the striking Jardins Majorelle, created in the 1930s and restored by Yves St Laurent.

DAY THREE – THURSDAY 16 APRILA day in the Atlas Mountains. The snow-capped Toubkal mountain (4167 metres) towers above the Berber village of Imlil. Our guide, Hassan, take us on foot (Berber 4x4: mules can be arranged) up the valley with cherry orchards in blossom to his outlying Berber village for mint tea at the family home. We continue up the valley to the Kasbah du Toubkal. The stunning and dramatic scenery can be viewed from the rooftop terraced garden where we enjoy lunch. Walk down to Imlil village through walnut woods before returning.

DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 17 APRILMorning visit to the traditional country gardens of La Maison Arabe, an innovative blend of potager garden with decorative shrubs. We enjoy a delicious lunch under the fig trees. Continuing to Marrakech we discover the sumptuous gardens of Hotel La Mamounia. Traditional, immaculately-kept, large gardens within the medina walls, with produce used in their own restaurant.

DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 18 APRILDeparting south across the Atlas Mountains and through the Argan tree growing region, we arrive at medieval Taroudannt and to Dar al Hossoun, our base for three nights. Lunch awaits us in the garden and time to discover the plant collections. We enjoy an aperitif together before dinner with local specialities.

DAY SIX – SUNDAY 19 APRILMorning visit to an exceptional walled private garden on the outskirts continuing to the bustling, colourful souks. Lunch at the fabulous La Gazelle d’Or followed by a garden visit. Late afternoon optional cookery course at the riad, preparing dishes for dinner.

DAY SEVEN – MONDAY 20 APRILGuided visits to a nearby privately-owned garden with succulents and grasses, water rills and courtyards designed by Ossart and Maurières. We leave for the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains for lunch. Afternoon visit to the orange grove and gardens of the late Claudio Bravo, a well-known Chilean artist who made his home in Morocco. Return to Dar al Hossoun for dinner together.

DAY EIGHT – TUESDAY 21 APRILWe depart in the morning across the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Afternoon visit to a peaceful garden created by Abderrazzak Benchaabane with a good collection of plants. Depart to Menara airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

Atlas Mountains

Marrakech

Casablanca

Essaouira

Taroundannt


Activity Level: Level walking except day 3 Day 3: mountain walk – mules available Extensive walking in Marrakech.

Additionali information: Collection of superbly designed gardens, stunning landscapes.

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Concentrating on the wealth of beautiful gardens around Lakes Como and Maggiore in Italy, and Switzerland to the north, this tour gives a balance between interesting botanic gardens and those of classic Renaissance and later Italian style. Sheltered by high Alps to the north, the sharply varied seasonal temperatures and the humidity of the lakes provide excellent growing conditions. The exuberant spring flowers are set against breath-taking scenery including many varieties of azalea, wisteria, cornus and magnolia – a spectacular yellow variety is particularly eye-catching.

We commence at the delightful, family-run Hotel Florence in the lakeside village of Bellagio, overlooking Lake Como and the mountains. We then transfer to the very comfortable Hotel Cannero on the quiet Maggiore lakeside, run by Signora Gallinotto and her family.

Beat Fischer, our Swiss botanist, will lead this tour. His knowledge of the region and its gardens and plants is recounted with great enthusiasm.

21 – 28 April 2015

Italian Lakes – Spring Gardens around Lakes Como and Maggiore

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ItineraryDAY ONE – TUESDAY 21 APRIL Flight to Milan airport. Transfer to the hotel with time to relax or discover the village. Aperitivo and short talk on the week’s programme before dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY TWO – WEDNESDAY 22 APRILMorning visit on foot to Villa Melzi with its garden along the lakeside at Bellagio. Built by the Duke of Lodi, Francesco Melzi, in the early nineteenth century, there are extensive landscaped gardens with statues, a classic temple and orangery. Well planted with mature trees and acid-loving plants. Cross by boat to the lakeside town of Varenna. Lunch time free. Villa Monastero, a terraced garden along the lakeside with cypress avenues, statues, balustrading and terraces leading to a coffee house. Return by boat to Bellagio. Free evening.

DAY THREE – THURSDAY 23 APRIL Leave by private boat to visit the gardens of Villa Balbianello on a promontory across the lake. A strikingly beautiful garden with candelabra-shaped plane trees and tall cypress, dominated by an elegant loggia. Left to the Italian National Trust, a guided visit of the fascinating interiors is included. Continuing by boat to Tremezzo, we arrive at Villa Carlotta. Guided walk around the extensive garden of flowering azalea and rhododendron. Return by boat to Bellagio. Free evening.

DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 24 APRIL Depart from Bellagio in the morning, to visit Villa Cicogna-Mozzoni and gardens at Bisuschio. The Renaissance garden dates back to 1560, with its celebrated water staircase. Belonging to the same family for over 500 years, the current owner will show us around. We enjoy lunch in the villa. Taking the lake ferry across Lake Maggiore to Cannero, we arrive at the hotel. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant (each evening).

DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 25 APRILTaking the lake ferry, we visit the island of Isola Bella with its superb, theatrical Baroque gardens: an architectural wonder, it was conceived as a ship in the early seventeenth century. At lunchtime we arrive by ferry at the gardens of Villa Taranto where light refreshments are available. A superb collection of plants, in 44 acres, gathered from all over the world by Neil McEarcharn who created the garden in the 1930s. Tasting of Piedmont wines in the hotel cantina before dinner.

DAY SIX – SUNDAY 26 APRILMorning visit to the Botanical Park and Nursery of Otto Eisenhut at San Nazzaro in Switzerland. Guided tour of the collections, one of the most comprehensive in Europe, specialising in magnolias, camellias, cornus and azaleas. Lunchtime in Ascona. We continue by lake ferry to the well-known Swiss botanical garden on Isole di Brissago.

DAY SEVEN – MONDAY 27 APRILMorning visit to a private garden in Cannero. We leave for the Borromean island of Isola Madre, a botanic garden with its own microclimate, with citrus trees, mimosa and carob, hedges of camellias, cornus and azaleas – a magical garden. A huge Kashmir cypress grows by the Renaissance villa, which can be visited. Lunch time on the island. Return to Cannero late afternoon.

DAY EIGHT – TUESDAY 28 APRILMorning departure for Milan Malpensa and the return flights.

Geneva

ParisPerros Guirec

Nice

GrasseSt RémyAvignon

Marseille

BeauneBourges

ToursRennesChablis

Geneva

Lyon

Reims

Lille

Strasbourg

Basel

Menton

Basel

Bern

GuardaEngadine

Zurich

ITITTALALALALYYY


Po

Adig

e

Tanaro

Tibe

r

Aare

Aare

Rhine

Rhine

Inn

Rhone

River Dordogne

Rhin

e

CanneroBellagio

DolomitesLake

Lugano

SelvaGardena

MaggioreComo

VeniceMilan

CanneroBellagio

DolomitesLake

Lugano

Mount EtnaMount Etna

PisaNice

Palermo

FlorenceLucca

Imperia

SelvaGardena

Rome

Naples

Siena

TaorminaCatania

Siracusa

Liguria

MaggioreComo


Activity Level: On/off boats. Hill-side gardens with steps Good paths.

Additional information: Why not add a few more days at Hotel Cannero?

13

The Medici created gardens in Florence and the surrounding hills in the sixteenth century with grottoes, statues, boschetti and waterworks. Later perspective gardens were designed in conjunction with the villa, often with terraces, and the early twentieth century marked the revival of the Italian formal garden. This rich heritage offers a fascinating programme of visits in the spring flowering season. The gardens chosen are mostly private and form a good balance encompassing the different periods. The vibrant city of Florence with its art treasures, churches and markets is an additional attraction.

Our comfortable, welcoming hotel in the heart of Florence is a perfect base, a few minutes from the Duomo. Originating as a palazzo in the sixteenth century, and now well restored, it retains its frescoed ceilings and architectural features.

Caroline Holmes, our specialist garden historian, will lead this tour.

22 – 27 April 2015

Spring Gardens of Florence and Fiesole

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ItineraryDAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 22 APRILDirect flights from London City airport to Florence. Short transfer to the hotel. Afternoon guided visit of the historic centre of Florence with an excellent local guide. Aperitivo with a short talk on the programme before enjoying dinner in the hotel’s Bistrot Il Desco.

DAY TWO – THURSDAY 23 APRILWe leave for Fiesole, an attractive hill village with views over Florence and the River Arno. The gardens of Villa Le Balze designed with ingenuity by Cecil Pincent are on a steep, terraced hillside with an exceptional panorama of the city. The gardens belong to Georgetown University. Nearby Villa Medici dates back to the sixteenth century. The garden, with Cecil Pinsent’s influence, is divided into three terraces with a limonaia. Lunch-time in the village of Fiesole. Afternoon visit to the enchanting late sixteenth-century Villa Capponi with its secret gardens; the late Queen Mother had holidays here as a girl. Again Cecil Pinsent’s influence is evident; he added a library to the villa and created a hidden swimming pool area. Dinner together in a nearby restaurant.

DAY THREE – FRIDAY 24 APRILMorning visit to Villa La Pietra, laid out in the early twentieth century by Harold Acton in the hills above Florence. Recent extensive restoration work of the formal garden has been carried out and beyond the formality is a wild flower meadow rich with orchids. Guided visit with Nick Dakin-Elliot. Light lunch in hotel. Afternoon visit to Giardino Corsini al Prato with the owner. Hidden behind a high wall, and originally in the countryside, the beauty of this seventeenth-century garden is breath-taking. A rare example of a late Renaissance town garden. Evening at leisure.

DAY FOUR – SATURDAY 25 APRILMorning at leisure to visit museums, shops or just to relax. In the afternoon we visit the gardens of Villa Gambaraia, reached down a country lane from the village of Settignano. The views over the olive trees to Florence and the Tuscan countryside are splendid. The garden, with its gabinetto di roccaglia, links the villa to the limonaia. It is well-known for its water parterre garden and cypress trees. The collection of canine stone statues guard the Villa. Dinner together in a local restaurant with Florentine specialities.

DAY FIVE – SUNDAY 26 APRILCrossing the Ponte Vecchio we visit the recently restored Giardino Bardini. Bounded by the River Arno and the medieval walls, the garden is in three parts, divided by a superb Baroque stairway with statues and a beautiful wisteria pergola. Afternoon visit to the historic Boboli gardens. Started in 1549 by the Medicis, it still retains its Renaissance and later Baroque layout with amphitheatre, grotto, avenue of cypresses, leading to the Isolotto Basin and many beautiful statues. The views over Florence are stunning. Evening at leisure.

DAY SIX – MONDAY 27 APRIL Morning visit to the Giardino dei Semplici, created by the Medicis as a botanical garden. Depart late morning to Florence airport for return flight.

Geneva

ParisPerros Guirec

Nice


Marseille

BeauneBourges

ToursRennesChablis

Geneva

Lyon

Reims

Lille

Strasbourg

Basel

Menton

Basel

Bern

GuardaEngadine

Zurich

ITITTALALALALYYY


Po

Adig

e

Tanaro

Tibe

r

Aare

Aare

Rhine

Rhine

Inn

Rhone

River Dordogne

Rhin

e

CanneroBellagio

DolomitesLake

Lugano

SelvaGardena

MaggioreComo

VeniceMilan

CanneroBellagio

DolomitesLake

Lugano


PisaNice

Palermo

FlorenceLucca

Imperia

SelvaGardena

Rome

Naples

Siena

TaorminaCatania

Siracusa

Liguria

MaggioreComo


Activity Level: Some terraced gardens, extensive walking in Florence.

Additional information: Why not stay an extra few days in Florence?

15

Springtime in Sicily – the mythic garden of Persephone – is abundant with colour and luminosity. We visit gardens in the east of the island, some created by the English in former times, others planted more recently, and add some cultural elements to the programme.

An island of great contrasts, Sicily has been invaded by Greeks, Romans, Normans and Spaniards, who have all influenced its culture and character. The warm spring weather encourages luxuriant growth on terraced hillside gardens; the dramatic sweeping green hills of the interior have an abundance of wild flowers.

The Island of Ortigia is our base for the first few days at the Grand Hotel situated in the beautiful historical part of Siracusa. We change hotels to stay at the welcoming Villa Belvedere in the attractive hillside town of Taormina perched high above the sea and with a verdant garden.

01 – 08 May 2015

Sicily – Spring Gardens from Taormina to Siracusa

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ItineraryDAY ONE – FRIDAY 01 MAYAfternoon flight from London Gatwick to Catania. You will be met at the airport for the transfer to the Grand Hotel Ortigia, Siracusa. After an aperitivo on the terrace, we enjoy dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY TWO – SATURDAY 02 MAYWe depart southwards to visit the gardens of the Princess Maria Carla Borghese. A collection of succulents are intertwined with roses and jasmine; agaves and palms give structure, and beyond is an avenue of stone pines evocative of Roman landscapes. Buffet lunch in the garden. Evening at leisure to join the passegiata.

DAY THREE – SUNDAY 03 MAY In Siracusa, excavations in the ancient Latomia dei Cappuccini date back to fifth century BC. Given to the Cappuccini friars in 1592, a church was built and a garden with orchard created. We have a guided visit of this luxuriant garden in an old limestone quarry. At lunchtime we head to an orange farm to enjoy local delicacies with the owner, Giovanni. Sicilian oranges are particularly delicious and we learn about the seasons, varieties and how to tend them. Return to Ortigia to enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

DAY FOUR – MONDAY 04 MAY Morning visit to the estate of San Giuliano at Villasmundo. Surrounded by extensive citrus orchards, the late fifteenth-century fortified farmhouse has a giardinetto divided into four distinct areas. The traditional Arabic irrigation channels, saie, are still in use. The head gardener, Rachel Lamb, will take us round. Aperitivo and light lunch. We head northwards to Taormina arriving at Hotel Villa Belvedere, our base for four days. Aperitivo on the garden terrace before we walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

DAY FIVE – TUESDAY 05 MAY A full day in Taormina. Our first visit is to the gardens laid out by Florence Trevelyan at the end of the nineteenth century. We continue to Casa Cuseni, a private garden above the town, created by Robert Kitson, an early twentieth century painter. The terraced gardens have a strong Arts & Crafts influence with exuberant plantings. We can view the fascinating, well-preserved interiors created by Sir Frank Branwyn. Delicious buffet lunch on the terrace. Early evening aperitivo in the delightful San Domenico Palace gardens. Evening at leisure.

DAY SIX – WEDNESDAY 06 MAY Morning guided visit of the old town of Taormina and the ruins of the Greco–Roman Theatre, a remarkable archaeological site. Mount Etna holds a fascination for everyone: we take the southern road through the lava flows and discover the indigenous Mount Etna broom. Evening at leisure.

DAY SEVEN – THURSDAY 07 MAY Morning visit to Catania’s vibrant market in the Baroque centre of town. We continue to a private garden in the foothills of Mount Etna with a series of rooms amongst Etna lava. Return to Taormina for some leisure time before dinner together.

DAY EIGHT – FRIDAY 08 MAYDown to the coast for a relaxing lunch and visit the garden created by Piante Faro, the adjacent plant nursery. We continue to Catania airport for the return flight.

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Activity Level: Some steep, terraced gardens.

Additional information: Exceptional private gardens, fascinating cultural sites.

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The sweeping hill countryside around the eternal city of Rome has a superb collection of gardens – some historic, others recently renovated or created, some influenced by Russell Page. A private visit to Giardino di Ninfa is a highlight of the week. Its setting, variety of plants and flowing water are within an ancient ruined town – it is quite spectacular.

To visit the gardens south of Rome we stay for three nights in the attractive small hill town of Frascati, at a most comfortable hotel. A full day to visit Rome has been included; it can be reached in 30 minutes by train. We then transfer to the countryside near Lake Bracciano, north of Rome. The elegant and welcoming Hotel di Stigliano has recently re-opened after being beautifully renovated, and there are natural hot water springs and Etruscan remains in the surrounding gardens.

11 – 17 May 2015

Rome – Gardens from Latium to Tuscia

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ItineraryDAY ONE – MONDAY 11 MAYMorning flight to Rome Fiumicino airport, continuing to the gardens of Landriana near the coast at Tor San Lorenzo. Created by in the 1960s with Russell Page’s advice, it has well-defined structure and a series of ‘rooms’ – the hillside with Rosa mutabilis chinensis is particularly eye-catching. We lunch in the garden before the guided visit. We leave for the Castelli Romani hills towards Frascati, arriving at our hotel. Short talk on the week’s programme before dinner together.

DAY TWO – TUESDAY 12 MAYVisit to the amazing hill-side gardens of Villa d’Este in Tivoli. Reminiscent of the hanging gardens of Babylon, this masterpiece of a Renaissance garden with exuberant fountains, statues and fish ponds on different terraced levels was created for Cardinale d’Este in the sixteenth century. Afternoon visit to the dramatic Baroque gardens of Villa Aldobrandini, created in the early sixteenth century. A water staircase descends the hill-side to a semi-circular water theatre with a statue of Atlas supporting the world. We enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Frascati with delicious local specialities.

DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY 13 MAYFree day to visit the fascinating city of Rome, taking the train from Frascati. In the early evening we join the passegiata in Frascati, taking an aperitivo before dinner together.

DAY FOUR – THURSDAY 14 MAYMorning visit to the breathtakingly beautiful gardens of Ninfa near Cisterna di Latina, south of Rome. Restoration of the land around a ruined thirteenth-century town began in the 1920s, and an extraordinary garden was created, helped by gushing spring water descending from the hills. Departing north to the peaceful rolling hills of Tuscia we arrive at Hotel di Stigliano, recently renovated with a delightful garden. An aperitivo on the terrace before dinner together.

DAY FIVE – FRIDAY 15 MAYDeep in the countryside at the foot of the Tolfa mountains lies Palazzo Patrizzi at Castel Giuliano with its enchanting garden. The owners have carried out lengthy restoration work. A guided visit of the garden will reveal the extensive collection of roses. At lunchtime we descend to a lakeside village. Our afternoon visit is to the private gardens of San Liberato in the hills overlooking the volcanic Lake Bracciano. Created in the 1960s around a beautiful Romanesque church, Russell Page advised on both structure and planting. Dinner together in the hotel.

DAY SIX – SATURDAY 16 MAY After breakfast we leave for the Viterbo area to discover two classical Italian gardens. Villa Lante, above Bagnaia, was built for Cardinal Gambara in the 1560s. A formal walled garden, it is on four levels with fountains, rills and water parterres, river gods holding cornucopia. Clipped box, Laurus nobilis and statues give an air of beauty and formality. We continue to Vignanello for lunch on the terrace of the Castello di Vignanello, with its beautiful parterre garden, with a chance to see the castle interior with the owner, Princess Claudia Ruspoli. Dinner together on the final evening in the hotel.

DAY SEVEN – SUNDAY 17 MAY We leave in the morning for Rome airport for the return flight.

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Activity Level: Some hill-side gardens with steep flights of steps and terraces.

Additional information: The gardens of Ninfa are unforgettably beautiful and a perfect time for roses.

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A magical tour of gardens, staying in the centre of Venice in the superb, historic Hotel Palazzo Stern on the Grand Canal.

The history and beauty of the Veneto region, combined with the elegance of the formal gardens, provide the background to this tour. Gardens chosen complement their villa and have interesting structured design.

We discover the Brenta, where Venetians built their country houses in the seventeenth century, those near the rolling Euganean hills, and discover secret gardens around the canals and lagoon of Venice.

Our hotel is in the Dorsodoro district of Venice; overlooking the Grand Canal, the terrace is particularly delightful for breakfast or an aperitivo. The Ca’ Rezzonico museum, the Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim galleries are nearby. We use boats and walk on narrow paths, sometimes along canals, often discovering a lovely square. The tour will be led by Susan with Martina Boffelli, our Venetian guide.

26 – 31 May 2015

Secret Gardens of Venice and the Veneto

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ItineraryDAY ONE – TUESDAY 26 MAYFlight to Venice Marco Polo airport where you will be met and transferred to the most delightful Hotel Palazzo Stern on the Grand Canal by private boat – an exciting way to arrive into Venice. Early evening meet Martina and walk to a private garden on the Grand Canal and enjoy an aperitivo. Continue for dinner together in the Dorsodoro.

DAY TWO – WEDNESDAY 27 MAYWith Martina we take the boat to the Giudecca where we visit the extensive garden of the Franciscan monks behind Palladio’s Il Redentore church. Continue to discover a recently restored garden behind high walls, before enjoying lunch in a local ristorante overlooking the canal, with views to the Zattere and to St Mark’s. In the afternoon the gardens of the original Fortuny villa, the exclusive fabric manufacturers, can be enjoyed before we return to the Dorsodoro and to the hotel. Evening at leisure.

DAY THREE – THURSDAY 28 MAYFull day on the mainland. In the morning we visit Villa Emo in the foothills of the Euganean hills. The beautiful Palladian villa and garden are of classical Italian design with parterres, rose-lined fish ponds, arbours and statues. Lunch at a small restaurant in the country. We continue to Villa Barbargo Pizzoni Ardenani at Valzanzibio. Set in a wooded valley merging with the steep hillsides of the Euganean hills, it has an air of mystery, and was laid out in the period of the Venetian Republic. Evening at leisure.

DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 29 MAY Morning guided walk with Martina across the Accademia bridge to meet the owner of a delightful rose garden on the Grand Canal. We walk through hidden alleyways, cross San Marco square to take a private boat to the island of Torcello across the vast lagoon. It was the first island to be inhabited by the Venetians escaping the Barbarians. Arriving at the renowned Locanda Cipriani in its beautiful garden, we enjoy a leisurely lunch. On our return journey we pass the colourful islands of Burano and then Murano, famous for the Venetian glass blowers. Evening at leisure.

DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 30 MAYAfter breakfast we leave by boat to the mainland and on to Padua to visit the fascinating Giardino Botanico which is well-laid out and labelled. Founded in 1545 and forming part of the university, it is now a registered UNESCO heritage site. Lunch-time near the Prato della Valle. In the afternoon we visit a superb garden recently created by an inspiring young couple in the countryside near Padua. On our return, we take the road along the Brenta to admire the elegant villas and gardens, before returning to Venice. Dinner together in a restaurant with views to the Giudecca island.

DAY SIX – SUNDAY 31 MAYDepart by private boat from the hotel to Venice Marco Polo airport for the return flight.

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Activity Level: On/off small boats, walking in the Venetian calle.

Additional information: Accompanied in Venice by Martina, our guide.

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The Provencal landscape of farmhouses or mas, vineyards and typical unspoilt villages sets the scene as we pass along avenues of majestic plane trees. Our visits encompass both traditional farmhouse-style gardens and contemporary, Mediterranean country gardens, some influenced by Nicole de Vesian, modern local landscape architects and the Land Art movement. Most gardens are privately owned. Wild poppies in the cornfields, roses and lavender abound. The craggy limestone Alpilles are a focal point around St Rémy, while the forested Luberon hills have perched hill-top villages. A visit to the Camargue has been added, not to be missed when in the region.

We stay for the first few days at Château de Mazan on the edge of the medieval village of Mazan, moving afterwards to the attractive town of St Rémy-de-Provence at the foothills of les Alpilles. Hotel de l’Image has its attractive garden and pool.

Train travel available – London to Avignon.

03 – 09 June 2015

Provence – Gardens from the Alpilles to the Luberon

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ItineraryDAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 03 JUNEFlight to Marseille or train to Avignon where you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel in Mazan. Aperitif and short talk on the programme before dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY TWO – THURSDAY 04 JUNE Leave for the Luberon to the perched village of Menerbes, to visit two private gardens influenced by Nicole de Vesian. Gardens created on terraces of ancient olive trees under-planted with Mediterranean drought-resistant plants, orchards of cherry trees and a potager. In Bonnieux we visit a renowned garden designed and owned by the late Nicole de Vesian. Clipped clouds of Teuchrium fruticans, lavender, santolina and rosemary reflect the garrigue of the surrounding countryside. Buffet lunch in the garden. We return through the Ventoux hills. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY THREE – FRIDAY 05 JUNEMorning visit to an exceptional contemporary garden at the foot of Les Alpilles designed by the landscape artists Alain David Idoux and Marc Nucera. We leave for the garden of a well-known designer, Dominique Lafourcade. A personal, inspirational garden where ideas for her professional garden design projects were born. Pergolas, rills and cloud clipped shrubs combine with superb perspectives. We enjoy lunch in the garden. Return to Mazan with time to relax or discover the beautiful perched village. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.

DAY FOUR – SATURDAY 06 JUNE Morning visit to the historic centre of Avignon. We continue to a privately-owned bastide and its garden, north of Aix-en-Provence, with magnificent long views to Mont St Victoire, which often featured in Cezanne’s paintings. The house dates from the mid-seventeenth century; the garden was laid out later with box parterre, pools, fountains and woodland walk. We enjoy lunch with the owner. Arrive late afternoon at Hotel de l’Image, our base for three days. Evening at leisure.

DAY FIVE – SUNDAY 07 JUNE Van Gogh painted extensively during his stay at St Rémy-de-Provence – he came south, drawn by the quality of the light. Morning visit to the attractive cloister and gardens of the clinic where Van Gogh stayed and painted the surrounding landscape. Continue after lunch to the Camargue with its rice fields, tamarisk trees and

marshland. Flamingos feed in the lakes, local white horses and black bulls graze in the wild Rhone delta.

DAY SIX – MONDAY 08 JUNE Our morning visit to a spectacular private garden where Tim Rees, a London-based landscape architect, has worked over a number of years. Peter Coates and Rosemary Verey preceded him. An extensive garden, the head gardener gives a superb insight into its development and planting. Return to St Rémy at lunchtime. Our afternoon visit is to a private summer residence where adjacent cottages have been added to the main house. The end result is stunning: a Mediterranean garden with water fountains, columns of cypress trees, a checkerboard-designed bed opening up into a rural olive grove. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant/garden terrace.

DAY SEVEN – TUESDAY 09 JUNE We leave in the morning for Avignon TGV train station and/or Marseille airport for the return journeys.

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Activity Level: Level walking, terraced gardens.

Additional information: A particularly good collection of private gardens reflecting innovative garden design in Provence.

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LAKE MAGGIORE – Cannero

The welcoming Hotel Cannero, on the Maggiore lakeside, with its excellent restaurant has a private garden and pool. Includes 7 night half board accommodation with lake view. With airport transfers, 6-day lake ferry pass and suggestions for garden visits.Price for hotel and itinerary costs: 7 nights from £1150 per person sharing, half board depending on season. Supplement for lake view. Airflight to be advised.

Independent Travel

MENTON – French Riviera

Hotel Napoleon, overlooking the bay of the perched old town of Menton is a perfect base to discover many gardens. 7 nights accommodation b&b, airport transfers, transfers to the Hanbury gardens and Serre de la Madone included.Price for hotel and itinerary costs: 7 nights from £925 per person sharing b&b according to aspect and season. Airflight costs to be advised.

Travelling on you own is always popular. We include hotel accommodation, private transfer and create an interesting itinerary. The prices do not include travel which can be arranged.

Testimonials

Tel: +44 (0)1423 326 300 • [email protected] www.frenchgardenstoday.co.uk

Choose your own travel and hotel accommodation. Meet at agreed venues to enjoy well-organised 2-3 day visits to superb private gardens.

Lunches included plus reception and dinner on the final night.

Specialist independent tours

part of SW Tours

Limited

“The gardens and time spent with the owners/

gardeners was exceptional and exceeded all my

expectations. I learnt so much.”

Caren, South Africa

“We wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed the holiday;

everything was so well organised and so interesting. The gardens were spectacular

and each different.”

Lindsay, Buckinghamshire

“…runs an excellent ship backed by her years

of experience and quiet helpfulness to all

participants.”

Robin Lane Fox, Finance Times,8 February 2014

24

General InformationHow to BookIf you wish to make an optional booking, please call or email us. We will hold your option for eight days provided there is availability.To make a definite booking, please complete and sign the Booking Form, and post it to us with your deposit cheque. Details of the tour costs are on page 26. On receipt of your booking form, we shall send you a booking confirmation/invoice.Any queries, please call us on +44 (0)1423 326 300.

The TOUR COST includes:AIRFLIGHT, HOTEL & ITINERARY as shown in brochure

• Return scheduled airflights and all airport taxes and charges or by train travel

• Group transfers between airport and hotel• Hotel accommodation including breakfast• Half board/meals/packed lunches where shown

in itinerary• Transfers to all walks/gardens• Entrance fees and cost of guides and botanists• Personally escorted throughout

Prices do not include:• Drinks and meals not indicated• Personal expenses: telephone, laundry, tips

If for any reason it is no longer possible to visit a garden, or necessary to make changes to the itinerary, we reserve the right to alter or substitute. We endeavour to make your journey as smooth as possible but cannot be held responsible for flight delays, altered timetables, missed connections and luggage arrival delays.

If you wish to join a tour at the hotel, or book your own flight, please deduct £150 from the tour cost per person. To enjoy some additional days before or after the tour, please fill in dates required, and we will then arrange your departure or return flight to suit you.

Our tours are for small groups of people enjoying the programme arranged for their holiday. In consideration of this, we would ask you to ensure you are physically fit enough to cope with the walking levels indicated. We can often help if someone needs assistance, but we do need to know about this at the booking stage.

Flights and Train Travel for all ToursAll flights are from London airports or by train from London St Pancras station.If you wish to use regional airports, we are happy to look into the possibilities. We endeavour to find a solution – and often do! These flights may incur an additional cost.

Train travel within Europe is modern and efficient; we are happy to plan your itinerary. Please specify ‘Train’ in the departure box of the booking form. Depending on travel dates, first or standard class, there may be a supplement charged.

Travel Insurance – Important NoticeTo participate on any tour it is essential and a booking condition that all individuals are fully insured with no exclusion clauses.We are pleased to offer you insurance cover with Holiday Extras. Please call them on 0871 360 2742 quoting AD596 and you will be able to discuss your requirements and any medical screening you might need. You will receive your policy through the post.

Please send us details of your insurer, their emergency contact telephone number from overseas, and policy number, and confirm to us that you are covered for any pre-existing medical conditions. This is essential at the booking stage.

In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations1992” all passengers booking with Susan Worner Tours are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Susan Worner ToursThis Insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers.

The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 6063. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

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Menton – Mimosa and the Lemon Festival24 February – 03 March 2015

Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £1750Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 4 evenings, 2 lunchesSupplement – single use of double room £230To extend your stay £90pp day/sharing b&b, plus taxi to airport £95 (for 2/3 people)

Sicily – Gardens from Taormina to Siracusa01 – 08 May 2015

Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £2485Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 3 evenings, 5 lunchesSupplement – single use of double room £450

Spring Gardens of Florence and Fiesole 22- 27 April 2015

Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £1870Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 3 evenings, 1 lunchSupplement – single use of double room £320To extend your stay £115 pp sharing

Italian Lakes – Spring Gardens around Lakes Como and Maggiore

21 – 28 April 2015Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £1920Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 5 evenings, 1 lunchSupplement – single use of double room £255Lake view supplement £200 per room/sharingTo extend your stay (Hotel Cannero) £125 pp sharing - half board, plus taxi to airport £140

Northern Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana – the Okavango Delta

08 – 23 March 2015Airflights, Lodges and Itinerary Costs £5500Accommodation based on 2 people sharingDinner / b&bSupplement – single use of double room £480

Rome – Gardens from Latium to Tuscia11 - 17 May 2015

Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £2100Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 5 evenings, 3 lunchesSupplement – single use of double room £320

Portugal – Spring Gardens around Lisbon and the Sintra Hills

08 – 14 April 2015Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £1985Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 5 evenings, 3 lunchesSupplement – single use of double room £490

Secret Gardens of Venice & the Veneto26 – 31 May 2015

Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £2360Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 2 evenings, 3 lunchesSuperior room with Grand Canal view £200 per roomJunior suites with Grand Canal view £350 per roomSupplement – single use of double room £580

Morocco – Gardens of Marrakech, Taroudannt and the Atlas Mountains

14 – 21 April 2015Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £2060Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 7 evenings, 6 lunchesSupplement – single use of double room £475

Provence – Gardens from Alpilles to the Luberon

03 – 09 June 2015Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary Costs £2100Accommodation based on 2 people sharingb&b, dinner on 4 evenings, 3 lunchesSupplement superior room at Hotel de l’Image £150Supplement – single use of double room £450

Tour Costs

Please note: all tour costs are based on accommodation for 2 people sharing

Please complete booking form with chosen tour, any extras you require. If you have any queries, we shall be delighted to discuss

your requirements. Please contact us on 01423 326 300.

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Booking Conditions1. YOUR CONTRACTAll bookings are made with SW Tours Limited (The Company). The terms contained in this document are subject to English Law and jurisdiction. No contract exists until SW Tours Limited have received a booking form signed by the lead name and received the correct deposit or the full holiday cost for bookings made within 90 days of departure (120 days for long-haul).

2. HOW TO BOOKDEPOSITSTo confirm your booking and reserve the holiday, please send £300 deposit for each passenger (£600 for long-haul), together with your insurance details and the completed booking form.

FINAL PAYMENTThe full outstanding balance must be received by The Company 90 days prior to departure. For long-haul tours, a second payment of £900 should be made on 1 October 2014and the full balance paid on 1st December 2014 . If the above payment schedule is not adhered to, The Company reserves the right at its discretion to change and/or cancel the holiday before departure and/or to levy charges.

3. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENTAll cancellations must be received in writing by The Company. Cancellation charges payable by the lead name on behalf of the group are as follows:

Period before departure notification received

Cancellation charges per person

Up to 90 days Loss of deposit inc. Insurance tax

89 days – day of departure 100% plus £30 admin fee

For long-haul tours

Up to 120 days Loss of deposit inc. Insurance tax

119 days – day of departure 100% plus £30 admin fee

Please note that insurance cover gives protection against cancellation charges in most situations genuinely outside your control.

4. CANCELLATION BY COMPANYThe Company reserves the right to cancel your tour. In this unlikely event we will give you the option of accepting an alternative tour of a comparable standing or receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us on behalf of your party. In no case except for reasons of war, natural disasters, fire, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist action, closure of airport, industrial disputes, force majeure or similar events beyond our control will cancellation take place within 4 weeks of the departure date.

5. LIABILITYWe have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that proper arrangements have been made for the tours, and that the suppliers of the services which you will enjoy during your tour are efficient and reputable. Every booking is accepted subject to the conditions imposed by the shipping, airline, coach, hotel, restaurant, insurance and other companies, firms or persons concerned with the tour which may limit or exclude liability towards you and your luggage. We cannot be held liable for any loss or expenses suffered by you as a result of your late arrival at the start of your holiday or at any time during your holiday, for other than reasons within our control. Any wilful damage to property being used by The Company is the sole responsibility of that person/group and The Company will not be responsible for any costs incurred due to such action or measures taken up by the various authorities or

principals. Damage will be charged to the group and/or the individual and must be paid for in resort. We cannot accept claims when an inferior vehicle is used as relief or replacement in an emergency.The Company reserves the right to withdraw any person at any time if their conduct is deemed unsatisfactory. This will be without any liability whatsoever on the company’s behalf for homeward travel arrangements or refund of holiday costs. The decision of the Tour Manager will be final.

6. CHANGES TO YOUR HOLIDAYIf you wish to make a change, or alter details to a confirmed booking, we will do our utmost to satisfy your requirements. The company must be notified in writing before changes can be implemented. There will be a £30 per person charge made for administration in this case. This charge also applies to cancellations.

7. SURCHARGESThe Company guarantees that the price of your holiday will not be subject to any surcharge except for those resulting from fuel surcharges, government action and unfavourable changes in the currency rates. Even in this case, we will undertake to absorb an amount equivalent of 2% of the holiday price which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be surcharged, and where a surcharge is payable there will be no administration charge. If this means paying more than 10% of the holiday price, you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all money except for any insurance premiums and amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel because of this, you must exercise your rights to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice. Our prices are based on exchange rates at 15 August 2014. No refunds will be made for services not used and/or favourable changes in currency or costs.

8. COMPLAINTSIf you have a complaint during your holiday please notify your Tour Manager immediately so that he/she can try to solve the problem.

9. GROUP SUPERVISION AND RESPONSIBILITIESIn signing the booking form the lead name warrants to The Company that he or she has the authority of each party member to contract with The Company on their behalf, and that all the party members are aware of these conditions as set out and have agreed to abide by them. The lead name also accepts responsibility for the good conduct of all party members. The following conditions are also enforced:-a) all local laws, customs and regulations are to be adhered to;b) all party members abide by the House Rules for each

individual hotel or accommodating agent.

10. ACCURACY OF TOUR DETAILSAll the facts about resorts, resort facilities, accommodation and their facilities and other services are checked so that they are as accurate as possible before going to print. The details are compiled in advance and changes do happen which are out of our control. Such changes are regrettable and where a major change takes place we will inform you wherever possible.

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SUSAN WORNER TOURSP�O� Box 26, Boroughbridge,York YO51 9YU – GB

+44 (0)1423 326 300info@susanwornertours�comwww�susanwornertours�com

Susan Worner Tours Spring 2015 Brochure

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Transcript of Susan Worner Tours Spring 2015 Brochure