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THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW,
KENT & THE COTSWOLDS
May 19 to June 1, 2010
W/ Optional RETURN on THE QUEEN MARY 2

 

Explore the very best of England.....

Explore Kent, steeped in history and heritage and rightly renowned throughout the world as the Garden of England, a county full of iconic landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover.

Spend a full day at the famous Chelsea Flower Show - a celebration of the highest quality horticulture and a feast for your imagination, bursting with colour and creativity, the show features the latest trends and ultimate design from the cream of garden designers, nurseries and exhibitors. Your RHS membership includes entrance on "Members Only" days.

Then the Cotswolds - considered by many to be one of the most beautiful areas in England with its unique stone- built heritage, gently rolling hills and broad valleys. Great gardens, historic market towns and small charming villages dot the landscape, and there's always a country pub!

Finally enjoy an optional Transatlantic Crossing aboard the renowned Queen Mary 2 and experience 'The New Golden Age Of Ocean Travel'. Experience unforgettable days to revel in activities and fascinating enrichment programmes. Relax in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, browse the books in the largest library collection at sea, attend lavish Royal Nights balls, and indulge in traditional Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room.

       What's Included

  • Accomodation: 13 Nights in 1st Class hotels in rooms with private bath
  • Meals: Breakfast Daily, 9 Table d'hôte dinners at hotels (1 with wine and 1 pre-theatre dinner in London)
  • Transportation: By a private touring coach
  • Escort/guide: A Canadian escort from Travel Broker Tour will travel with the group; as well as a local guide for 4 sightseeing days
  • Sightseeing/entrance fees: Included to all sites per itinerary including the Chelsea Flower Show
  • Theatre tickets: For a West End Theatre show in London and Dinner
  • Taxes: Local taxes on all included services
  • Gratuities: To drivers, guides, servers for included meals; hotel porters for one bag per person


Our Program

  • 6 Nts Kent
  • 3 Nts London
  • 4 Nts The Cotswolds

Highlights Include:

  • Chelsea Flower Show(Royal Horticultural Society's most famous event in the UK)
  • Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle (With the war tunnels)
  • Leed's Castle & Sissinghurst Gardens
  • Spa Valley Steam Train to Groombridge Place Gardens
    (Pride & Prejudice was filmed here)
  • Battle of Hastings & Bateman's (Rudyard Kipling's home)
  • Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn's home) & Penshurst Place (A family home since 1552 )
  • Chartwell (Family home and garden of Winston Churchill)
  • West End Theatre Show in London (Including dinner)
  • Clivenden Gardens & Stowe Landscape Gardens (Shades of the Astor's)
  • Shakespeare's Stratford - Upon - Avon
  • Anne Hathaway's Cottage (Childhood home of Shakespeare's wife)
  • Hidcote Manor Gardens & Kiftsgate Court
    (Created by three generations of woman gardeners)
  • Blenhaim Palace (Winston Churchills birthplace)
  • Bladon (Churchyard where Churchill is buried)

Detailed Itinerary

TU May 18 - DEPART Home City
Departure on your overnight flight to London, England. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to assist you to arrange your flight and transfer details from your home city to join this tour.

Day 1: WE May 19, ARRIVE in London, England
Welcome to England! At Heathrow Airport meet your escort and transfer to the Best Western Donnington Manor Hotel in Sevenoaks, where we will stay for 6 nights. Balance of the day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: (D) Dinner
Lodging: Best Western Donnington Manor


Day 2: TH May 20, CANTERBURY & DOVER
After breakfast drive to Canterbury. The Cathedral's history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, established his seat (or 'Cathedra') in Canterbury. In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since, the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Later continue to Dover Castle, set high above the famous white cliffs, boasts a colourful and fascinating history. Re-live the turbulent war years as you discover the labyrinth of Secret Wartime Tunnels built deep within the cliffs. Walk through the rooms where Sir Admiral Ramsay planned the "miracle of Dunkirk" and tour the underground hospital as you follow the story of a wounded wartime pilot. Return to Sevenoaks for dinner and overnight.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Best Western Donnington Manor

Day 3: FR May 21, LEEDS CASTLE & SISSINGHURST GARDENS
This morning visit Leeds Castle Originally the Saxon manor of Esledes was an ideal place for the descendant of one of William the Conqueror's lords, Robert de Crevecoeur, to fortify and build a castle in 1119. Leeds Castle passed into royal hands in 1278 and became part of the Queen of England's dower - the settlement widowed queens received upon the death of their husbands. Over the course of 150 years it was held by six mediaeval queens. In Tudor times


© NTPL Penny Tweedie
Henry VIII visited frequently, notably with his Queen, Catherine of Aragon, and their entire court on the way to the tournament of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, which took place in France in 1520. Henry's son, King Edward VI, granted the castle to one of Henry's courtiers for his services. Nearby is Sissinghurst - celebrated gardens designed by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson in the intimate setting of the grounds of an Elizabethan mansion lakeside and woodland walks. The Vegetable Garden supplies fresh organic vegetables and fruit to the restaurant. Return to Sevenoaks for dinner and overnight.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Best Western Donnington Manor

Day 4: SA May 22, SPA VALLEY STEAM TRAIN - GROOMBRIDGE PLACE GARDENS
Drive to Royal Tunbridge Wells to take the Spa Valley Steam Train to Groombridge Place Gardens - A seventeenth century moated house with a series of enclosed gardens. There is a Sunken Garden, with topiary, a Draughtsman's Garden, a Secret Garden, a White Rose Garden, an Enchanted Forest and a Golden Key Maze. The 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice was filmed here. Return to Sevenoaks in the afternoon.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Best Western Donnington Manor

Day 5: SU May 23, BATTLE of HASTINGS & BATEMAN'S
 The events surrounding the Battle of Hastings and the actual battle itself are well documented - but there are many misconceptions about the events! What claim did Duke William of Normandy have on the throne of England? Why did King Harold lose the Battle of Hastings? Was he a bad leader? Did he just have some bad luck?


© NTPL John Miller
Was he betrayed? And where did the Vikings fit into the story of the Battle of Hastings? This morning you have the opportunity to answer these questions before visiting Bateman's - a Jacobean house and home of Rudyard Kipling, which remains just as he left it, reflecting the author's exotic oriental tastes. See the original illustrations for The Jungle Book, drawn by Detmold brothers. Explore the delightful gardens which run down to the River Dudwell and a working watermill. Return to Sevenoaks for dinner and overnight.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Best Western Donnington Manor

Day 6: MO May 24, HEVER CASTLE & PENSHURST
 In the early 1500s the Bullen family bought Hever Castle and added a Tudor dwelling within the walls and so it became the childhood home of its most famous inhabitant, Anne Boleyn. It later passed into the ownership of Henry's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. From 1557 onwards the Castle was owned by a number of families including the Waldegraves, the Humfreys and the Meade Waldos. Finally, in 1903, William Waldorf Astor invested time, money and imagination in restoring the Castle, building the 'Tudor Village' and creating the gardens and lake. Nearby is Penshurst Place and Gardens which has changed little over the centuries. This mediaeval masterpiece has been the seat of the Sidney family since 1552 and retains the warmth and character of a much-loved family home. The 11-acre formal walled garden, with records dating back to 1346, is one of the oldest gardens in private ownership, it remains much as it was when constructed by Sir Henry Sidney in the Elizabethan era. Return to Sevenoaks for dinner and overnight.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Best Western Donnington Manor

Day 7: TU May 25, CHARTWELL - LONDON


© NTPL Flo Smith
After breakfast leave Sevenoaks for Chartwell - family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill with an unrivalled collection of Churchill paintings, photographs and memorabilia. Explore the beautiful rose and water gardens commissioned by the Churchills and the productive vegetable garden, restored using original plans. Continue on to London arriving at the Millenium Hotel Knighsbridge in mid-afternoon.
Meals: (B) Breakfast
Lodging: Millenium Hotel Knighsbridge

Day 8: WE May 26, LONDON - CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, officially the Great Spring Show, is a garden show held each year on five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society ("RHS") in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London, England. It is the most famous such show in the United Kingdom, perhaps the most famous gardening event in the world and part of London's summer social season. The first Royal Horticultural Society Great Spring Show was held in 1862, at the RHS garden in Kensington. Before this date the RHS had held flower shows from 1833 in their garden in Chiswick, which themselves had been preceded by fetes. The Royal Hospital Grounds have been used since 1905. Transport from the hotel to the show in the morning and from the show at 6.00pm
Meals: (B) Breakfast
Lodging: Millenium Hotel Knighsbridge

Day 9: TH. May 27, LONDON
A free day in London - with unlimited choices! Back to Chelsea Flower Show? Shopping at Harrods just round the corner from the hotel? Sightseeing? Or people watching?The choice is yours.
Meals: (B) Breakfast
Lodging: Millenium Hotel Knighsbridge


WEST-END THEATRE and dinner ....
On Tuesday or Thursday evening there will be a dinner party followed by a visit to a West-End theatre for the evening's performance, with transfers from and to the hotel.



Day 10: FR. May 28, CLIVEDEN - STOWE LANDSCAPE GARDENS - CHIPPING CAMPDEN in the THE COTSWOLDS


© NTPL Arnhel De Serra
Leave London and drive to Cliveden Gardens, magnificent formal gardens overlooking the River Thames where you can explore a series of stunning formal gardens, each with its own style and character. (The celebrated parterre and magnificent Italianate mansion are now used as a private hotel) The gardens have an

© NTPL Andrew Butler
outstanding collection of sculpture and statues from the ancient and modern world as well as spectacular views and enchanting walks along the least spoilt stretch of the River Thames. Cliveden was once the glittering hub of high society, home to the 'fabulous Astors' and infamously associated with the 'Profumo Affair'. Continue to Stowe Landscape Gardens - breathtakingly beautiful landscape gardens full of mystery and hidden meanings with more than 40 monuments, temples and secret corners. Enjoy ornamental lakes, wooded valleys and spectacular views. Continue on the Three Ways Hotel in Chipping Camden to stay 4 nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Three Ways Hotel

Optional ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY performance....
One evening during the stay in Chipping Camden, after dinner, drive to Stratford for the evening's performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Day 11: SA May 29, STRATFORD - UPON - AVON
Drive to nearby Stratford and visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage - beautiful thatched farmhouse and childhood home of Shakespeare wife, Anne Hathaway where young William wooed his beloved. Stroll around stunning grounds and gardens overflowing with beautiful blooms, shrubs and traditional vegetables. Continue to Nash's House and New Place where the Shakespeare story ended with his death in 1616. Explore the picturesque gardens and see where his house New Place used to stand. It is hope that we can confirm a tour of the Courtyard Theatre has a unique and fascinating history. Built on the site of The Other Place some of the company's most acclaimed productions have played here, with casts including Judi Dench and Ian McKellen. Little known facts and ingenious tricks of the trade will be revealed as your experienced, entertaining guide, brimming with anecdotes and information, lead you through the auditorium and backstage areas. Return to Chipping Camden in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Three Ways Hotel

Day 12: SU May 30, HIDCOTE MANOR GARDENS & KIFTSGATE COURT


© NTPL Stephen Robson
This morning visit Hidcote Manor Garden, a celebrated 20th-century garden in the beautiful north Cotswolds, one of England's greatest gardens, an Arts & Crafts masterpiece. Explore a series of outdoor rooms each with its own unique character - old roses, unusual plants and trees from around the world. Later continue to Kiftsgate Court Gardens - a series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets. The garden is the creation of three generations of women gardeners. Started by Heather Muir in the twenties, continued by her daughter Diany Binny from 1950 and now looked after by Anne Chambers and her family. Return to Chipping Camden in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Three Ways Hotel

Day 13: MO May 31, BLENHEIM PALACE & BLADON
Spend the day at Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake. In the afternoon visit St Martin's, Bladon - the Churchyard where Churchill is buried. This evening a special farewell dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Three Ways Hotel

DAY 14: TU. June 1, HOMEWARD BOUND
After breakfast leave for London Heathrow Airport for your flight back to your home city. For those choosing the optional Return on The Queen Mary 2, they will be transferred to Southampton, England where they will embark on their Transatlantic Crossing to New York.
Meals: (B) Breakfast



OPTIONAL: Return on The Queen Mary 2:
This tour coordinates with a Transatlantic Crossing to New York on The Queen Mary 2 from Southampton, England. We would be happy to assist you with booking your stateroom, flights and transfer details for this wonderful option.


Pricing:

Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CA$)
In a Twin
In a Single

EARLY BOOKING BONUS - Per Person
(For bookings made by December 15, 2010)

$150.00
$150.00

LAND TOUR - May 20 to June 1, 2010
(Start and finish at London Heathrow)

$4,150.00
$4,950.00
  • Rates are based on tariffs and rates of exchange at October 1, 2009
  • Land tour rates are based on minimum 12 and maximum 24 passengers
  • Single accomodation rate only if space is available
  • Deposit at time of booking CA$1,250.00 per person + insurance premium if applicable (See details below)

Land Tour Inclusions:

  • Accomodation: Stay in Sevenoaks 6 Nts; London 3 Nts; Chipping Camden 4 Nts. (At 1st Class hotels in rooms with private bath)
  • Meals: Full breakfast daily; 9 Table d'hôte dinners at hotels (1 with wine and 1 pre-theatre dinner in London)
  • Transportation: By private touring coach throughout the stay in the United Kingdom.
  • Escort: A Canadian escort will travel with the group; in addition the group will be joined by a local guide for 4 sightseeing days.
  • Entrance fees: Membership in the Royal Horticultural Society & entrance to the Chelsea Flower Show for one day; entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Theatre tickets: Best tickets for a West End Theatre show in London; also for those taking the option for an evening performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford - Upon - Avon.
  • Tips & Taxes: Local taxes on all included services. Gratuities to drivers, guides, servers for included meals; hotel porters for one bag per person.

Tour Exclusions:

  • Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
  • Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations
  • Alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks)
  • Laundry & personal hotel charges, etc.)
  • All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary
  • Items of personal nature and souvenirs

Deposits and Final Payments:

  • Early Booking Bonus: If booked by Dec 15th, 2009, receive $150 CA$ per person off your tour price
  • Deposits: At time of booking CA$1,250 per person + insurance
    premium if applicable
  • Final Payment: Invoices will be issued March 17, 2010; final payment
    by March 31, 2010. Payments may be made by personal cheque,
    Visa or Mastercard

Cancellation Charges:

  • Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply: (Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable)
  • Until March 31, 2010: Deposits paid
  • From April 1 to April 20, 2010: 40% of final invoice
  • From April 21 to May 9, 2010: 75% of final invoice
  • May 10, 2010 or later: 100% of final invoice.

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Travel Broker Tours would be happy to assist you in arranging flights from your home to join us!

For more information or to register for this tour please contact Jeff Pychel at:

Travel Broker Tours
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: jpychel@thetravelbroker.ca
Web: www.thetravelbroker.ca