The Castles and Gardens of Northern Britain

June 13-21, 2010

Tuesday, June 13
  

Wednesday, June 14

After breakfast on board, arrive at Manchester airport at 7.25am.

Andria will be waiting to welcome you and guide you to our coach.  After your bags have been placed on the coach the driver will take us along the Welsh coast to the pretty harbor town of Conway with its 800 year old castle.  Enjoy a guided tour.

Then on to the Seiont Manor Hotel which will be our home for the next three days and nights.   After freshening up, relax this afternoon.  Some may decide on an optional Spa treatment to be totally relaxed for the start of the tour, some to take the opportunity to learn how to fly fish in the Manors stream or for some an afternoon with a book in the garden will be just the ticket. Your choice.

Overnight at Seiont Manor Hotel with dinner at the hotel.

Thursday, June 15

Each day will start with a traditional full English breakfast.  After breakfast we board the coach for our first stop, Bodnant Gardens, to see the magnificent Himalayan shrubs and colorful herbaceous borders.  It is a beautiful drive through the wild Welsh mountains of Snowdonia.

In the afternoon we visit Canaervon Castle site of the investiture of all Princes of Wales, including the present Prince Charles.

By now you will be fast becoming an expert in Welsh history!

Friday, June 16

Today we make an early start today as we set out to visit Plas Newydd.  This gracious home is still lived in by the Marquis of Anglesey and is renowned for its associations with the Battle of Waterloo, and the artist Rex Whistler.  The garden was originally designed by Repton is has a spectacular site overlooking the Menai Straits.  The head gardener is an absolute  delight and you will certainly enjoy his explanations dealing with his work in the updating of this lovley  garden.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwymdrobwllantysiliogogogoch otherwise known as Llanfair PG! is on our way to the Tudor House our next stop.  The railway station at this little town must be seen to be believed!

The Tudor House is a real gem.  It is the fascinating home of Richard Cuthbertson, former President of the National Trust for Wales.  This cottage is incredible!  It was already old when its owner, Henry Tudor, picked up the crown from the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Our busy day ends as we  drive to the pretty town of Beaumaris where dinner awaits us at Ye Olde Bulls Head - a fascinating ancient hostelry -which still prides itself on its cuisine.  After enjoying a delicious meal , return to Seiont Manor Hotel.

Saturday, June 17

We move on today to Shropshire by way of Preston Hall.

Preston Hall has been the home of the Corbet family since 1066.  You will witness the pride that Leila Corbet takes in her family home with its ancient Corbet bed and its beautiful covers that have been hand sewn – even stitched by the present Queen of England for the ancient family bed. This is very special for anyone who appreciates fine needlework.  Leila has created a unique garden for her Hall.

We will visit the Corbet family chapel.  This has been a store of family history for many centuries and generations

This afternoon you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the old city of Shrewsbury.  I will be there to guide you.

Dine at our hotel

Sunday, June 18

We set out this morning for Erdigg Hall, a fascinating  country House  that reflect the Upstairs Downstairs  lifestyles of masters and servants in the British Country House.  This family even had a tradition of writing amusing poems telling about each of their servants.  The walled gardens have been restored to their 18^th Century formal design and the head gardener is proud to show them to us.

Chirk castle has secrets to show us both inside and out.  David Swan, the head gardener has many a curious tale to share as we walk the beautiful herbaceous borders!

Dine at our hotel.

Sunday, June 19

This morning we visit an inspirational, private garden, Preen Manor. The owner of this garden is a charming lady. She is justly proud of the twenty years of work that she has put into creating a masterpiece.

This afternoon  we will visit Attingham Hall an elegant old house with a fascinating Kitchen garden.

Dinner at the Mytton and Mermaid Hotel. This charming hotel is one of my favourite hotels in England.  I hope that you feel its magic as I do.

A pretty drive today takes us to Chester via the lovely gardens of Wollerton Hall.  The roses  and borders will be at their peak.  We drive on past Ellesmere Lake to Chester. 

Chester is a city of great charm and character.  A guided walk around the ancient Roman walls is a great way to learn about the city or you may prefer to use the time to find a last few souvenirs.

This is our final night.  Option to attend Evensong at Chester Cathedral.

We will stay this night at the Blossoms  hotel.

Tuesday, June 21

After an early light breakfast, we will depart at 7.00 am for Manchester Airport.

 Prices include all roundtrip coach class DFW/MAN return DFW/MAN with current air taxes/fuel.  Taxes/fuel only final at ticketing.

Land travel, lodging, traditional full English breakfasts, 7 dinners, Membership Royal Oak Society and entrance fees to named gardens.

Per Person, Double Occupancy $3999.00
Single Supplement $599

Price quote is based on 12-14 travelers in the group and is subject to exchange rate prevailing at time of final payment.

Tips to drivers, guides etc not included. 

Insurance not included.

Deposit of $500.00 payable by November 30^th 2010

Reservation Form

Terms and Conditions

Inclusions:
-----------
-Roundtrip air coach class DFW/Manchester/DFW together with current air taxes and fuel surcharges (subject to change at final payment).
-Membership of the Royal Oak National Trust and its quarterly magazine.
-7 nights accommodation in 4 star superior hotels with full English breakfast daily.
-Own coach and driver throughout.

-Entrances to key sites as per itinerary, ie:
-guided visit to the 800 year old Castle in Conway
-guided visit to Canaervon Castle
-entrance to the gardens and house of Erdigg Hall
-entrance to the gardens of Chirk Castle
-guided visit to Plas Newydd and gracious home of Marquis of Anglesey
-entrance to Tudor House, home of Richard Cuthbertson
-entrance and visit to Preston Hall, home of Corbet family
-entrance to private gardens of Preen Manor


-7 Dinners - 5 nights at the hotel and two included special dinners at Ye Olde Bulls Head in town of Beaumaris and one at the Mytton and Mermaid at Attingham.
-Expertise of tour director and master gardener Andria Rucker, so well known in this area of the world by many of the famous gardeners and families of Britain - you will have her personal expertise and find that doors are opened to her. You will see all the famous gardens that are mentioned in the itinerary which includes the major fruit blossoms and flowers in this high season spring period.
You will also have a chance to interact and speak to all head gardeners who will be happy to give you their expertise bearing in mind this is spring season where the flowers will be in abundance.

-This is specialized group of 12 and no more than 14.

-A detailed booklet giving history and information of all places that will
be visited will be provided before departure.

-Since we are travelling on American Airlines and anyone who is an AAdvantage member and who wishes to use their points to upgrade please let us know at least 120 days prior to departure so we can endeavour to obtain the right class of service for you to use your points.

-Personal meet and greet at DFW airport to help you check-in on date of departure.

-All land arrangements have been costed at current rates of exchange which could be subject to adjustment at time of final payment depending on rate of exchange.

-Price per person double occupancy $3999.00
Single supplement $599.00

-A deposit of  $500.00  is required by November 30th with full payment 60 days prior to departure.

Optional insurance strongly recommended will be offered before final payment.