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ENGLAND'S WEST COUNTRY and it's GARDENS
April 26 to May 12, 2011
Explore England's West Country - amazing countryside, incredible shorelines, tales of buccaneers and beautiful gardens!
Come along with Travel Broker Tours on our "England's West Country and it's Gardens" Fully Escorted Tour.
England's West Country is rich in legends, thanks to its Celtic heritage. The Hound of the Baskervilles is based on Devil Dogs on Dartmoor; King Arthur's Excalibur rests, it is said, in Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor. Joseph of Arimathea is supposed to have hidden the Holy Grail in Glastonbury. Tolmens , huge vertical stones, with holes cut in them but to what purprose, no one knows. Lyonesse, which it is claimed, was a land between Cornwall and the Scilly Isles was the birthplace of Tristram, who loved Iseult. A small town near Looe disappeared, it is said, after fishermen insulted a mermaid.
Come and spend two weeks with us in England's West Country - beyond legends, there is amazing countryside, incredible shorelines, beautiful gardens, tales of buccaneers, stories of old mines, and great food - including, of course, that most sinful Cornish cream tea!
Our Program
- Wells, England - 5 Nts
- Truro, England - 6 Nts
- Winchester, England - 4 Nts
Highlights Include:
- Bath's Royal Crescent and Roman Baths
- Well's Cathedral and Bishop's Palace
- Glastonbury's Chalice Well and Abbey
- Clovelly
- Jamica Inn
- River Fal boat ride Trelissick Gardens
- Land's End
- Trengwainton Garden
- The Eden Project
- Helford River boat ride
- The Lizard Lighthouse
- Helston's Flora Dance
- Glendurgan Gardens
- Dartmoor
- Thomas Hardy's Casterbridge
- Winchester Cathedral
- The New Forest
- Beaulieu Abbey
- Mottisfont Abbey Gardens
........and much much more!
Detailed Itinerary
TUE April 26th - 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: WED April 27th, ARRIVE in LONDON transfer to WELL'S
Welcome to England! After arrival we will board our touring coach for the drive to Well's,
England's smallest city, to stay at the Swan Hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Meals: (D) Dinner Lodging: Swan Hotel
Day 2: THU April 28th, BATH
After the short drive to Bath see Bath's major sights such as The Circus, the Royal Crescent,
Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. Pause for refreshments at the Tea Room in the Jane Austen
Centre before a visit to the Roman Baths. Around Britain's only hot spring, the Romans built a
magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. See the water's
source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements. The afternoon at
leisure to explore on your own before returning to Wells. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: FRI April 29th, WELL'S - ROYAL WEDDING
Royal Wedding Day of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminister Abbey, the historic London church where Princess Diana's funeral was held. The british government has proclaimed this day, a public holiday. Take part in the local celebrations, watch TV or just explore the town. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: SAT April 30th, WELL'S
It's market day in Wells; start your sightseeing in the late morning. Explore the great Gothic
Cathedral dating back to 1180. The Bishop's Palace, protected by high defensive walls, a moat
and gatehouse with drawbridge and portcullis, has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells
for 800 years and is probably the most perfect and complete surviving example of a medieval
bishop's palace. And don't miss Vicars' Close, adjacent to the Cathedral Is the oldest complete
continuously inhabited medieval street in Europe. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: SUN May 1st, WELL'S and GLASTONBURY
After a morning at leisure visit Glastonbury; see the Chalice Well and the Abbey, once the
grandest and richest Abbey in England, set in acres of Somerset parkland, ponds, orchard and
wildlife areas. This is the legendary burial place of King Arthur . The story starts in 1191. Meals:
(BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: MON May 2nd, WELL's to TRURO
Follow the North Coast of Devon through Lynton to Barnstaple; continue to Clovelly, the
cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this world famous fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400'
high cliff, tumbles its way down pastwhitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny
working port. There are links with Charles Kingsley, Turner, Dickens and the Spanish Armada.
For those who wish there is transport down to the harbour. Lunch is included here. Later
continue across Bodmin Moor past Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn to Truro and the Alverton
Manor Hotel. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: TUE May 3rd, FALMOUTH & TRELISSICK
In mid-morning cruise down the River Fal to Falmouth; the town flourished in the 18th and 19th
centuries, and by 1871 - 40 packet ships were carrying passengers and mail to the Americas, the
West Indies, Europe and the Mediterranean. Time for lunch and a stroll around town. Visit
Trelissick Gardens - rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias and flowering cherries, and
exotics such as the ginkgo and palms. Flowers grown at Trelissick were used as models for those
painted on Spode China for many years. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: WED May 4th, PENANCE and LAND'S END
In Penzance explore Chapel Street which brings to mind the memories of ancient mariners,
smugglers and pirates. See the Union Hotel where, in the old town meeting rooms, the news of
Lord Nelson's victory at the battle of Trafalgar was first announced; the strange facade of the
Egyptian House; the Turk's Head Inn, which is believed to be the oldest public house in
Penzance and on whose site there has reputedly been a public house for nearly 800 years; then
off to Mousehole is a classic Cornish 
fishing village of bygone days. The village, whose name is
pronounced "Mowzel", is centered around a nearly circular harbour protected from the force of
the sea coming across Mounts Bay by two sturdy breakwaters. Land's End, situated
approximately nine miles west of Penzance, is the most westerly point of the English mainland
and the closest to the North American continent. At Trengwainton Garden, champion magnolias
and vibrant rhododendrons make way for lush banana plants and soaring echiums. The walled
kitchen garden was built to the dimensions of Noah's Ark! Finally the artists' paradise at St. Ives
with the Tate and Barbara Hepworth Galleries. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: THU May 5th, THE EDEN PROJECT
The Eden Project, a massive environmental center in Cornwall, England, is an unprecedented
accomplishment - a giant, multi-domed greenhouse, containing plants from around the globe.
Explore tropical rainforest, temperate zones and seasons - all within the site.
Meals: (B) Breakfast
Day 10: FRI May 6th, HELFORD RIVER
Morning free. This afternoon return to Falmouth for a boat ride across the Bay and into the Helford River a delightful unspoilt estuary stretching from the outer edge of Falmouth Bay up to the old port of Gweek, home to Britain’s Seal Sanctuary. It was from here that 7500 American infantrymen sailed to the D-Day beaches.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: SAT May 7, THE LIZARD and HELSTON
An early start to explore the Lizard which includes the southernmost pint of England and an
impressive lighthouse. Hear tales of buccaneers and buried treasure, perhaps try a Cornish
pastry. Visit Helston, a bustling market town with a 15th Century thatched tavern and close
connection to one of the world's greatest boxers. Then see this year's Flora Dance or Furry. This
celebration is believed to be pre-Christian and at one time during the Victorian era was banned
as being "a drunken revelry." The whole town is decorated 
with local greenery and bluebells
which grow in millions in the surrounding countryside. "Dancing here, prancing there, jigging,
jogging everywhere" To the beat of the big base drum, elegant gentlemen and their ladies dance
in and out of Churches, shops and houses. The formal dance is at noon with the men wearing
morning dress and the ladies magnificent ball gowns and hats that could be the envy of "Ascot."
If time permits visit Glendurgan Gardens - giant rhubarb plants in the jungle-like lower valley
and spiky arid plants basking in the sunny upper slopes. Wander past gigantic tulip-trees and
ponds teeming with wildlife. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12: SUN May 8th, WINCHESTER
An early start eastward, crossing Dartmoor with its infamous prison as you head for Exeter with
its Roman town walls, the medieval cathedral quarter, rows of Tudor and Stuart houses. On to
Dorchester, a historic market town with Roman roots but best known as 'Casterbridge' in the
novels of Thomas Hardy. Lunch en route today. Arrive in Winchester at the Royal Winchester
Hotel in the early evening. Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: MON May 9th, WINCHESTER
This morning explore the Cathedral with its beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, 12th
Century wall paintings, medieval carvings and contemporary art - it's the last resting place of
Jane Austin and has close connection to St. Swithin. With your guide take a stroll around the
Cathedral Close and the Town centre where, in 1850, England's first public library was
established in part of the former city gaol. Hear about the oldest continuously running school in
the country where they play a unique version of football called Winkies. Balance of the day at
leisure. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14: TUE May 10th, THE NEW FOREST
There can be few other places in England where the ancient landscape has remained so unchanged. In 1079 when William The Conqueror named the area his 'new hunting forest', little could he imagine that nearly 1000 years later his 'Nova Foresta' would still retain its mystery and romance. Ponies, cattle and deer wander through the forest; see Buckler's Hard, where ships for Nelson's fleet were built, using the mighty oaks from the forest. Visit Beaulieu, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and also home to the world famous National Motor Museum. See the Abbey started in 1204 and hear about the training ground for SOE agents during World War II. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15: WED May 11th, MOTTISFONT ABBEY
A short drive this morning to Romsey. At the heart of a tranquil rural estate is Mottisfont Abbey, set in glorious grounds alongside the fast-flowing River Test. See Gothic remains of the original 13th Century Augustinian priory. In the mid 20th Century the final private owner, society hostess and patron of the arts Maud Russell, used the Abbey as a base for her racy and intriguing life. Don't miss the walled gardens which house the National Collection of old-fashioned roses. The rest of the day is free. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner party. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16: THU May 12th, HOMEWARD BOUND
After breakfast be transferred from Winchester to London for your flight back home.Meals: (B) Breakfast
Pricing:
Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CA$) |
In a Twin |
In a Single |
BASIC TOUR - Apr 27 to May 12, 2011 |
$4,045.00 |
$4,595.00 |
LAND & AIR - Apr 26 to May 12, 2011 |
$5,445.00 |
$5,595.00 |
|
||
Tour Inclusions:
- Air: Return International flights in economy class from Ottawa to London, England are ONLY included if the Land & Air package is purchased. All taxes included.
- Accomodation: Stay in Wells 5 Nts, Truro 6 Nts, Winchester 4 Nts at 1st Class hotels in rooms with private bath
- Meals: Full Breakfast Daily, 2 Lunches and 15 Dinners. Wine with Farewell Dinner.
- Tour Transportation: By private touring coach throughout the stay in the United Kingdom. Boat rides as mentioned by scheduled boat services.
- Home Pick-up/Drop-off: Clients from Prince Edward Country to Brockville will enjoy home pick-up/drop-off from their home to the Ottawa airport ONLY when the Land & Air package is purchased.
- Entrance Fees and Sightseeing: Membership in the National Trust and entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tour Escort/Local Guide: A Canadian escort from Travel Broker Tours will travel with the group and a local English-speaking guide for local tours in the United Kingdom.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, hotel accommodation and included meals per itinerary.
- Gratuities: To all drivers, guides, servers for included meals per itinerary, hotel porters (one bag per person).
- Final Documentation: Final itinerary, mailing address lists, general information, ticket wallet and baggage tags.
Tour Exclusions:
- Please note that return international flights from Ottawa to London and Home Pick-up/Drop-off in Prince Edward County to Brockville area are NOT included in the Basic Tour package (See above pricing box for information on the Land & Air package option, which includes return air and home pick-up and drop-off from Prince Edward County to Brockville area)
- Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
- Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations
- All 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
- Any item not mentioned in the itinerary or in the inclusions above.
Deposits and Final Payments:
- Deposits: At time of booking CA$1,000 per person + insurance
premium if applicable - Final Payment: Invoices will be issued March 2, 2011; final payment
by March 16, 2011. 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 16, 2011: Deposits paid
- From March 17 to March 31, 2011: 40% of final invoice
- From April 1 to April 16, 2011: 60% of final invoice
- April 17, 2011 or later: 100% of final invoice
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 Barlow 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: jeffb@thetravelbroker.ca
Web: www.thetravelbroker.ca
