Highlights of British Isles
July 05 - July 19, 2009

Featuring the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show
With Marjorie Mason of Mason Hogue Gardens in Uxbridge

England
Discover with Marjorie, some of the spectacular gardens of South East England (Sussex, Kent and Essex). To be included, RHS Wisley, Beth Chatto’s garden and Downderry Lavender nursery. The highlight of our London area visit will be the Hampton Court Flower Show. We suggest that the Palace at Hampton Court is also a worthwhile optional gem to visit when we spend our special day there.

Wales
As we depart for the Welsh Borders, we will have the opportunity to admire the English countryside as we wend our way north, making a special “stop to smell the roses” at David Austin Rose Garden Nursery.

We will experience two days of spectacular beauty of the Welsh mountains and streams. Our touring day will include a visit to the National Botanical Garden of Wales, home of a unique double walled garden. Have your cameras ready as we stop for photo opportunities of the sheep that will almost surely cross our path.

Ireland
Westward across the sea to Ireland and it’s tapestry of garden delights. We will especially enjoy our morning coffee during our private tour of Helen Dillon’s garden in Dublin. Helen suggests we visit Hunting Brook, the recently created exciting and evolving garden, home of Jim Blake. This will be yet another specially arranged visit in the panoramic Wicklow Mountains. Our sightseeing tour of Dublin will include Glasnevin Botanical Gardens and time to view the Book of Kells at the University, and to sample the offerings at the Guinness brewery.

Northern Ireland
Rowallane, County Down, a plantsman’s garden will be our first visit as we head north to Belfast, Mount Stewart, another wonderful garden near our Hotel also recommended by Helen, will also be included on this day. The northern coastline, beckons us to the fabulous Giants Causeway and Dun Luce Castle and the Bush Mills Distillery.

Scotland
A short ferry crossing brings us to Bonnie Scotland to celebrate Homecoming Year and 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Historic Stirling will be our home base for our Scottish adventures. Our touring day in Fife means a visit to St Andrews, home of the world famous golf course and a stop in Anstruther for the world-renowned fish and chips.

The Scottish Highlands, welcome us with the heather on the hills to glorious Royal Deeside, Queen Victoria’s favourite northern home, Balmoral castle. Our picturesque route will include Crathes Castle Gardens, the village of Braemar and Pitlochry as we enjoy the grandeur of the typical Scottish scenery. The final night farewell dinner at our hotel will be a celebration of new friends and old as we recount some adventures of our tour in prose and possibly song.

This is just a synopsis of our 2009 Tour and as always, will include some surprise events along the way. We hope you would like to be included in another “MIRABILIS” garden adventure with Marjorie.

Included in your tour:

• Charter Air from Toronto to London Gatwick
  05 July 2009– times to be advised
• Charter air return from Glasgow to Toronto
  19 July 2009– times to be advised
• Luxury touring coach and driver Elwyn Jones
• 3 /4 star hotels
• Breakfast included daily
• 10 dinners (3 choices)
• porterage 1 piece luggage
• garden entrances as specified in itinerary
• Hampton Court Flower Show tickets

Not included:

• Government departure taxes and fuel surcharges items of a personal nature
• RBC Travel Insurance strongly recommended
  – contact Lorna for quote.
• Limited single accommodation, again, contact Lorna for rates and availability

Tour cost per person double occupancy $4889.00

Registation Deposit $100.00 now.

Balance of deposit $400.00 due by 01 Jan2009

Final balance of tour due 01 May 2009

Pre and Post Tours available. For those who would like to see the exciting London of Theatres and walking tours before our Highlights Tour or stay on in Scotland for the Scottish homecoming festivities. These are being celebrated all over Scotland in 2009 and you may discover your Scottish roots. May we also suggest the 9 day Ireland Tour arranged by Dee Montpetit of our Carlson Wagonlit Seattle office, starting in Shannon on 27 June 2009. Details available on request. We will be pleased to assist with all your personal requirements and answer any questions you may have.

Please click here to complete the reservation form and send your deposit to secure your reservation.

Lorna Bates
Tel: 905-432-8411
Email: lorna@cwtajax.com

Marjorie Mason
Tel: 905-649-3532
Email: mmason@bellnet.ca