Sharing the best in Gardening WORLDWIDE TOURS 2015-2016
SAVE DISCOVER PLACES OF UP TO £150 BEAUTY, TRANQUILITY & INSPIRATION per person
see page 6 for details
Proudly operated by
2015 - 2016 Italy • Spain • France • Portugal
THE WORLD’S
GREAT GARDENS Africa • Japan • New Zealand • USA
A warm welcome to our 2015 RHS Garden Holidays Worldwide brochure, featuring a handpicked selection of horticulture-themed holidays around the world.
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At the Royal Horticultural Society, it is our love of plants and our belief that gardeners make the world a better place that underpins all we do. It is therefore a real pleasure to be able to create a programme of escorted tours that offer the chance to visit some of the most beautiful gardens and natural landscapes around the world. We have worked with Collette to develop this brochure with holidays that all have a strong horticultural focus but, also include the opportunity to enjoy the cultural highlights of the destinations we feature. The tours are all led by expert Collette Tour Managers, with additional support from local guides and Curators, Head Gardeners or experienced horticulturists whilst in the gardens themselves. On certain departures there will be RHS Specialist Hosts who will add an additional level of horticultural knowledge to your tour. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to swap notes and ideas with your travelling companions – all of whom are likely to be garden enthusiasts, whether they come from the UK or elsewhere around the world.
From the elegance of classic European gardens such as the Palace of Versailles and Villa Lante in Italy to the more contemporary, urban design of The Highline Garden in New York as well as the rich cultural symbolism associated with the Japanese gardens, there are many private and public gardens just waiting to be enjoyed on our tours. There are also varied landscapes to discover from the volcanic Azorean island of Saint Michael to the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand. Whatever is next on your wish list, we hope you will find some inspiration within these pages. All bookings include gift membership of the RHS which you may use to renew your existing membership or pass onto a friend or family member to enjoy. Moreover, as the world’s leading gardening charity every booking helps support us in our projects around the country including our ever popular Campaign for School Gardening, where we are introducing thousands of school children to horticulture, or in our community projects such Britain in Bloom where we are working to
To book Contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336
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transform local communities through gardens and green spaces, and our all-important scientific research. Thank you in advance for your support. For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk. We look forward to welcoming you on an RHS Garden Holiday soon. With warm wishes for a great holiday,
Complimentary RHS Membership
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For all bookings, you will receive a complimentary one-year gift membership to the Royal Horticultural Society. Upon completion of your trip, you will receive a Royal Horticultural Society gift pack by mail. Membership in the RHS has many benefits. As well as supporting our work as the UK’s leading gardening charity, you will receive:
The Garden Magazine – free every month, and packed with ideas on how to make the most of your membership. Sue Biggs, RHS Director General
Free entry to our own RHS Gardens as well as to 232 other gardens around the world all year, and a further 60 at selected periods.
Priority booking and discounted tickets to RHS Shows, including the celebrated RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Access to free advice from our team of horticultural experts, either face-to-face or via phone, mail or email.
To BOOK CONTACT WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684or562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To bookMALVERN visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336
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EXPERIENCE THE EASE OF
ESCORTED TOURING From finding you the perfect accommodations to blending cultural experiences with splendid horticultural inclusions, Royal Horticultural Society Garden Holidays does it all for you.
The freedom of escorted touring meets an unrivalled horticulture experience 4
Join us as we bring together garden enthusiasts from North America, the UK and Australia to explore the natural beauty of the world’s great gardens. Experience these treasures with local expert horticulturists and journey through the history and scenic wonders of your destination with a professional tour manager by your side. Wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and do it all without having to worry about the details.
Expertly Planned. Professionally Guided.
Access to the “must-see” horticultural sites. Enriching cultural experiences bring the destination to life. Carefully researched hotels provide a home away from home. A professional tour manager accompanies you throughout your trip.
Knowledgeable garden experts provide horticultural insight. Private, climate-controlled transportation enhances your tour. Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling leaves the heavy lifting to us.
Door-to-door private transfer We include a private return door-to-door transfer service from your home to the departure airport. We will confirm your door-to-door transfer at the time of booking, and this is offered subject to confirming distance to your chosen airport - please see page 32 for full terms and conditions.
To book visit WORLD rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or email
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Meet a couple of the horticultural experts who will enhance the garden visits during your travel experience. Gerald Luckhurst, Landscape Architect After working in Boston and London, Luckhurst set up practice in Portugal. He boasts a wide range of projects, including private gardens, historic parks, and environmental impact assessment. As a horticulturist he has an intimate knowledge of the plant world and environmental conditions. After more than twenty-five years, he is recognised as an expert in Mediterranean and subtropical climates.
Colin Crosbie, Curator, RHS Garden Wisley
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Colin, who trained at the West of Scotland Agricultural College, Auchincruive, has held many prestigious positions, including Head Gardener at Royal Lodge, the private residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Later in his career, after serving as the Coordinator for the Wisley School of Practical Horticulture, his expertise earned him his dream job as Curator of RHS Garden Wisley.
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL on 01684 562406 orormalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336
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A WORD FROM
COLLETTE
The escorted tours you’ll find in this book bring together Collette’s wealth of travel experience, and over 95 years experience, with the unrivalled expertise of the RHS. Garden enthusiasts and their fellow travellers will gain privileged insider access to the world’s finest gardens. At the same time, they’ll have a chance to explore new cultures and marvel at must-see sites around the globe. It is my sincere hope that these remarkable journeys will spread the joys of both travel and gardening.
Sincerely, Dan Sullivan Jr., President & CEO , Collette
SAVE UP TO £150 per person
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Book Early and Save Book your tour by the 30th November 2014 and you could save up to £150 per person on our Gardens of New Zealand tour or £100 per person on our other nonEuropean tours. Please call for more details.
Gardens of American History
Floral Wonders of South Africa
11 days from £3,099*
16 days from £3,649*
Savour a historical journey, featuring some of America’s most magnificent and diverse horticultural wonders.
Adventure awaits as you set out to experience treasured gardens on this tour featuring breathtaking sights, natural wonders, and cultural highlights.
pages 8-9
Gardens of New Zealand
The Beauty of Japan
22 days from £5,179*
14 days from £4,899*
This once-in-a-lifetime garden experience offers the perfect blend of New Zealand’s horticultural beauty and stunning scenery.
Travel halfway around the world to Japan, a nation internationally acclaimed for its gardens and appreciation of horticulture.
pages 14-17
pages 18-21
pages 10-13 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 email 804 malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com or callor0800 8336
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Gardens of the Loire 7 days from £1,849 Experience the tranquil gardens and charming country settings of France. Come to know the beauty of this refined culture.
pages 22-23
Andalucia:
Land of Palaces & Gardens 7 days from £1,589 Join us on this tour to experience the perfection of Andalucia’s formal gardens alongside the rugged beauty of Spain’s natural landscape.
pages 24-25
Portugal’s Gardens 9 days from £2,049 Explore the exotic gardens of both mainland Portugal and the Azores. Marvel at the region’s delightful climate, hospitality, and delicious food and wine.
pages 26-27
Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes
Eternal Gardens of Rome
9 days from £2,379
6 days from £1,599
Immerse yourself in enchanting gardens and timeless beauty as you tour incredible northern Italy on this horticultural adventure.
Set out on a journey featuring Rome’s finest gardens. Enjoy privileged access to some of the ancient city’s most celebrated sites.
pages 28-29
pages 30-31
To bookWORLD visit rhsgardenholidays.com callmalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 ororemail
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GARDENS OF AMERICAN HISTORY Savour a historical journey, featuring some of America’s most magnificent and diverse horticultural wonders.
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New York City New York Botanical Gardens High Line Garden Chanticleer Gardens Philadelphia Brandywine Valley Longwood Gardens Ladew Topiary Gardens Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Monticello Hillwood Estate & Gardens
Washington, D.C. United States Botanic Garden
11 Days from £3,099‡
Day 1: Home - New York City, USA Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport for your flight. Explore America’s heritage, history and scenic gardens on this in-depth tour of the eastern United States.
Day 2: New York City Ladew Topiary Gardens
Start your day at the New York Botanical Gardens and enjoy exclusive early access. Board a private tram for a tour through the expansive grounds. Stops include a visit to the Nolen Greenhouse, not open to the public, and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for a guided “ecotour” of this Victorian-style glasshouse. Then, take in some of the floral landmarks of Manhattan with a garden enthusiast before you journey to the High Line Garden. At this unique oasis, learn about its fascinating history, design and horticultural elements. The High Line is a non-profit conservancy built on a historic raised freight rail line which was earmarked for demolition, saved
and turned into a spectacular public space. This evening, gather for dinner with your fellow passengers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 3: New York City Wayne - Philadelphia Journey to Wayne to spend some time at Chanticleer Gardens, also known as the Pleasure Garden. Explore the house and grounds at your own pace. Take in the colours and fragrances of the seasonal plants at the Teacup Garden, the hardy perennials of the Pond Garden, or enjoy the nice shady areas of the Asian Woods or Bell’s Woodland. Later, travel to “the Birthplace of a New Nation,” Philadelphia. Embark on a city tour highlighting the gardens this city has to offer. Be amazed by the abundance of sculptures and murals. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Philadelphia Brandywine Valley Discover the beautiful Brandywine Valley and the impressive Longwood Gardens,
To book visitTRAVEL rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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Day 6: Philadelphia Monkton - Charlottesville
area’s stunning private gardens. Today breakfast will be included.
Your travels today begin with a stop in Monkton to explore the Ladew Topiary Gardens, named one of the Top Ten Topiary Gardens in the World by Architectural Digest and tipped as the best Topiary Garden in America by The Garden Club of America. Your expert tour, led by Ladew’s Head of Gardens, will walk you through the Manor House, as well as through the extraordinary gardens, with its 15 thematic ‘garden rooms’. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Charlottesville Washington, D.C.
Day 7: Richmond Charlottesville
High Line Garden
an internationally-renowned horticulture centre covering 1,050 colourful acres. Enjoy a privateguided tour of their greenhouse and gain an insider’s perspective of their research and production facility. Return to Philadelphia and spend your afternoon at leisure to relax or explore as you choose. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Philadelphia Step back in time at the 18th Century Bartram Gardens and enjoy an interactive talk to learn about upcoming preservation projects. Next, enjoy the sprawling Victorian-era gardens at Morris Arboretum that span the centuries. Here many specimens have been collected from travels abroad, and a fine collection of contemporary sculptures blend in with the original gardens. During your time here, discover the specific areas of the garden, including the Rose Garden, Swan Pond, English Park, Asian gardens, meadows and woodlands. Today breakfast will be included.
Begin your day with a stop at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Upon arrival enjoy a behind-thescenes tour of the garden. One of the Top 10 North American gardens, it features more than a dozen themed gardens, along with a classical domed Conservatory which is the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic. Following your tour, enjoy a Victorian Tea. Continue to Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and author of the declaration of independence, had a lifelong interest in gardening and as a result turned Monticello into a botanic showpiece. Discover his life’s work on a guided tour of his home and explore the gardens with a Master Gardener. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the
Travel to the former plantation of Oatlands. Experience a private tour of the historic mansion and wellmanicured gardens with an expert guide. En route to Washington, pause to explore Hillwood Estate and Gardens. A local expert will guide you through Marjorie Post’s Georgian-style mansion on a private tour. Senior staff will lead you through beautifully designed “outdoor rooms” - grand extensions of the house’s terraces and porches. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Washington, D.C. Explore the sights of Washington, D.C. on a guided garden-focused tour with a local garden enthusiast. Later, enjoy a visit to the U.S. Botanic Gardens that focuses on the fragility of our ecosystem and the importance of plant life to our well-being. Have time at leisure to explore on your own. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Washington, D.C. Your tour comes to a close in Washington, D.C. this morning. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 11: Arrive Home Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home.
What’s Included 14 Meals (9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Your Hotels New York, 2 nights Grand Hyatt New York Philadelphia, 3 nights Omni Hotel at Independence Park Charlottesville, 2 nights Omni Charlottesville Hotel Washington, D.C., 2 nights Omni Shoreham Hotel Overnight Flight On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Dates & Prices Departures 2015 15 May 19 Jun 17 Jul 21 Aug 11 Sep Departures 2016 22 Apr
Twin £3199 £3199 £3399 £3399 £3229 Twin £3249
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Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow on direct flights with United Airlines. Regional flight departures available from Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen Jersey and Belfast. Please call for details. Single supplement from £840-£880. ‡Lead in price includes Early Booking Offer.
Tailor Your Holiday Add pre nights in New York from £130 per person per night and/or post nights in Washington, D.C. from only £70. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements. Important Information All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. An ESTA visa is required for all UK passport holders travelling to or via the USA, at your own expense.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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FLORAL WONDERS OF SOUTH AFRICA Adventure awaits as you set out to experience treasured gardens on this tour featuring breathtaking sights, natural wonders, and multicultural charm.
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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Pilanesberg Game Reserve Safari Game Drive Knysna Garden Route Featherbed Nature Reserve Stellenbosch Wine Pairing Dinner Cape Town Table Mountain
16 Days from £3,649‡
Day 1 Depart from Home Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport. The botanical treasures of South Africa await.
Day 2: Sandton, South Africa
Elephant
Your journey begins in Sandton. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centre of Johannesburg.
Day 3: Sandton Roodepoort - Johannesburg Sandton This morning, travel to Roodepoort for a tour of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. See firsthand the natural vegetation known as the “Rocky Highveld Grassland.” This beautiful area supports over 600 naturally occurring plant species. This afternoon, visit the Garden of St. Christopher in Johannesburg where you’ll enjoy a garden tour and discussion with the garden architect. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome
dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Sandton - Pilanesberg Game Reserve A short drive brings you to Pilanesberg Game Reserve, a complex shaped by ancient volcanic activity that created one of the largest alkaline rings in the world. Later in the afternoon, meet your game ranger and set out in search of the “Big 5” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. This evening, get a taste of the region during a traditional BOMA dinner under the stars; your game ranger will join you for dinner to answer your questions on the park and its fascinating inhabitants. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Pilanesberg Game Reserve Begin your day with an early morning game drive; then return to the lodge for breakfast and some leisure time. Depart late this afternoon for your early evening game drive. This is the perfect opportunity to see crepuscular
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or emailormalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336
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What’s Included 23 Meals (13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 7 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Dates & Prices Departures 2015 6 Feb 6 Mar 19 Oct Departures 2016 15 Feb 7 Mar
Twin £3899 £3749 £4249 Twin £4199 £4199
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow with direct flights on South African Airways Regional flight departures available from Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Jersey and Belfast at a supplement. Please call for details. Single supplements from £770-£930. ‡Lead in price includes Early Booking Offer.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Important Information All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. For departures before 30 April 2015, the itinerary may vary from the one shown in this brochure. Please call us for details.
animals that reside in the park. Dinner this evening is poolside where you can sit and gaze at the night sky. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
amid the floral gardens. Soak in the local culture as you dine at a waterfront restaurant this evening. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Pilanesberg Johannesberg - George Knysna
Day 8: Knysna
Enjoy one last morning game drive and the opportunity to check off the “Big 5”. Journey back to Johannesburg for your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, to enjoy a 3-night stay. Today breakfast will be included.
Spend a leisurely morning exploring the waterfront area before you enjoy lunch on the docks. Next, visit the spectacular Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a cruise out to the famous
Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Then, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna of the Cape Floral Kingdom during a leisurely-paced nature walk that highlights the local plant life. The remainder of the day is yours to independently explore Knysna’s charming waterfront. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
A visa is required for the optional Victoria Falls Extension. Please call for details. Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that are required to participate on this tour. Protection against Malaria is recommended when visiting Kruger N.P.
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Table Mountain Cableway is subject to change due to weather conditions.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Day 7: Knysna - Garden Route Journey through the Tsitsikamma Forest, a gem along the Garden Route. Known for its gorges and steep cliffs, this indigenous forest shelters hundreds of species of birdlife. Enjoy a stop at Bosky Dell Farm & Rose Garden. Relax as you view over 5,000 standard, shrub and miniature plantings. Tour the rose pavilion. Later, indulge in an English cream tea and unwind
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
King Protea
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or emailormalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336
TOUR CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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FLORAL WONDERS OF SOUTH AFRICA
CONTINUED
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Day 9: Knysna - Wilderness Hermanus
Day 10: Hermanus Stellenbosch
This morning, travel to Wilderness, a seaside town on the Garden Route. Discover the flora of the region during a visit to the National Park Service. Before leaving the Garden Route, visit the Aloe ferox region. Enjoy an aloe tapping demonstration and a stroll in the indigenous gardens. Arrive this afternoon in the coastal village of Hermanus. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Begin your day with a trip to Betty’s Bay for a private tour of the peaceful Harold Porter Botanical Garden. Journey north to the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden for the opportunity to explore its index collection where you will find 2,000 species of succulents and geophytes. Arrive at your hotel located in the heart of the Winelands region. Today breakfast will be included.
Stellenbosch
Day 11: Stellenbosch This morning, enjoy some leisure time at Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens, South Africa’s oldest university botanical garden. Later, enjoy a private garden tour at one of the area’s most historic vineyards, Vergelegen. Explore the 18 formal gardens which reflect the vineyard’s 300 year history. Tonight, enjoy a wine pairing dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Stellenbosch Cape Town Travel to Cape Town for a panoramic tour. Take a thrilling ride on a cable car, landing atop the aptly named Table Mountain. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head are inspiring. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques
and minarets. As you return, stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 13: Cape Town Enjoy a private expert-led garden tour of the acclaimed Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. This incredible setting, at the foot of Table Mountain, is home to over 5,000 species of native plants. This afternoon pick your seminar of choice – learn about the flavours of Fynbos during a culinary adventure or you may learn about the stories and adventures behind plant names. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 14: Cape Town This morning, visit the stunning Stellenberg Gardens. The garden and Cape Dutch house have been home to the Ovenstone family for nearly 60 years. During
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EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY... VICTORIA FALLS Optional 4 Day Post Tour Extension 5 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner Prices from: £1,345 per person
Your Hotels Overnight Flight Sandton, 2 nights Southern Sun Katherine Street Pilanesberg Game Reserve, 2 nights Ivory Tree Lodge Knysna, 3 nights Log Inn Hermanus, 1 night Arabella Hotel and Spa Stellenbosch, 2 nights Spier Hotel Cape Town, 3 nights The Cullinan Hotel Overnight Flight On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Tailor Your Holiday Stay longer in Sandton from £58 or Cape Town from £68 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements.
Day 1: Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe
Table Mountain
your visit, take in the “Garden of Reflection” and the “Medieval Garden.” This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you participate in an interactive Djembre drums lesson. Learn the local beat and then experience a soothing hand-washing ceremony before a traditional African dining experience! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 2: Victoria Falls Early this morning you will enjoy an elephant back safari and a chance to meet African elephants up close. After breakfast you have an opportunity to interact with the residents of a local village. Following lunch with a local family, take a walking tour of Victoria Falls, truly one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Shop at a local curio market before returning to your hotel. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Lioness
Day 3: Victoria Falls Your day is free to explore independently. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 15: Cape Town
Day 4: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg
Your tour ends today in Cape Town. Today breakfast will be included.
Later this afternoon, board your international flight home. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 16: Arrive Home
Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home.
Arrive back in the UK where we will greet you at the airport and transport you back home.
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Fly this morning* to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel, known as the “grand old lady of the falls.” Upon arrival you’ll enjoy a tour of this historic hotel. Tonight, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi River, taking in the majestic African sunset.
Day 5: Arrive Home
Please Note: Park fees are not included in the land price of your extension. Fees are subject to change and are payable at time of final payment. A minimum of 6 passengers is required for this extension to operate. Triple and child accommodations are not available on this extension. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. This extension is hosted by a local representative who will provide all included services. A valid visa is required for Zimbabwe at an approximate cost of £80 GBP. A multiple entry visa is required for Zimbabwe if you wish to purchase the optional Chobe day trip. A multiple entry Visa cost is approx. £105 GBP for UK citizens. The visa may be purchased upon arrival in cash only or online at www. zimbabwe.visahq.co.uk, Rates are approximate and can be changed at any time based on governing authority. You must also have two standard passport photographs. Rates are approximate and can be changed at any time based on governing authority.
Knysna
To book WORLD visit rhsgardenholidays.com call malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 ororemail
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GARDENS OF NEW ZEALAND This once-in-a-lifetime garden experience offers the perfect blend of New Zealand’s horticultural beauty and stunning scenery.
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Auckland Ayrlies Garden Hamilton Napier Art Deco Garden Tour Gwavas Garden & Homestead Wellington Farmhouse Lunch Mt. Cook National Park Queenstown
Private Gardens Tour Milford Sound Te Anau Royal Albatross Centre Dunedin Larnach Castle Ashburton Christchurch Kate Sheppard House & Gardens
22 Days from £5,179
Day 1-Day 2: Depart from Home
of Mt. Eden, an extinct volcano. Today breakfast will be included.
Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport for your flight to New Zealand. Day two is spent in flight.
Day 5: Auckland - Hamilton
Day 3: Auckland, New Zealand Your journey begins in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” consistently rated one of the world’s best places to live. Tonight, get acquainted with your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 4: Auckland Travel this morning to the famed Ayrlies Gardens. This private garden, planted by Bev McConnell (winner of the prestigious RHS Veitch Medal) and her family, is known for its artistic and complex design. Partake in morning tea before being treated to a special garden tour with a horticulturalist. This afternoon, step into paradise when you spend time in Eden Gardens, on the slopes
Leaving Auckland behind, head to Woodlands Homestead, located on the banks of the Waikato River. Woodlands’ grounds were first planted in 1872 and house some of New Zealand’s oldest and largest trees. End your day in Hamilton, situated on the Waikato River. Hamilton, known for its lush gardens, magnificent parks and abundant restaurants, offers up a charming view of New Zealand life. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Hamilton After a brief city tour of Hamilton, visit the Hamilton Gardens for an expert-led tour of the striking grounds with international influences. Meet with Peter Sergel, the director of the gardens, to learn about their fascinating history. Mr. Sergel also provides a behind-the-scenes look at future developments. Continue your day with a tasting of fine New Zealand wines with a local expert in the
To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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What’s Included 29 Meals (18 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 9 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Dates & Prices Departures 2015 18 Jan 1 Feb RHS HOST 15 Mar 30 Oct Departures 2016 5 Feb 4 Mar
Twin £5849 £6109 £5549 £5329 Twin £5839 £5539
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow via Los Angeles with Air New Zealand. Regional Flight Departures available from Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen Jersey & Belfast at a supplement. Single supplements from £1200. ‡Lead in price includes Early Booking Offer.
Lupines on South Island, New Zealand
gardens. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Hamilton - Napier Journey into the Hawke’s Bay region and arrive in the coastal city of Napier. Enjoy an Art Deco tour taking in the eclectic style of the city, featuring a walk along the historic Marine Parade Gardens. Relive bygone days with a tour of the original Art Decodesigned gardens in Marewa, Napier’s 1930s Art Deco suburb. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Napier - Wellington This morning, journey south to Gwavas Garden & Homestead. Join in morning tea before your tour of the stunning homestead and its historic woodland gardens, whose collection was inspired by Tregrehan Garden in Cornwall, England. Next, travel through the rolling countryside of the North Island. The rural panoramas and the rugged Rimutaka Ranges slowly give way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Wellington Come to know Wellington during a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city. View the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. This afternoon it’s your choice; visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture; or, enjoy an expert-guided tour of the Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton’s Bush Reserve, the only public botanic garden in
Hamilton Gardens
New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 10: Wellington - Picton Christchurch Board a ferry and sail across Cook Strait. Lose yourself in the breathtaking scenery as you experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Arrive in Picton on the South Island. Continue to the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city is recreating itself. Today breakfast will be included.
Important Information For departures before 30 April 2015, the itinerary may vary from the one shown in this brochure. Please call us for details of the itinerary for departure dates before 30 April 2015. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. *Gardens visited on Day 19 will be selected based on availability of owners/guides on any given departure. Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change. Due to early arrival times into some cities, rooms may not always be available for immediate check-in. An ESTA visa is required for all UK passport holders travelling to or via the USA, at your own expense.
15
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Kate Sheppard House & Gardens
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To book visitTRAVEL rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336
TOUR CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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GARDENS OF NEW ZEALAND
CONTINUED
of the spots where The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 15: Queenstown Milford Sound - Te Anau En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise on the tranquil Milford Sound you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery takes your breath away. Following your cruise enjoy an overnight stay on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. Indulge in a special “Taste of Fiordland” dinner showcasing the bountiful local produce. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 16: Te Anau - Dunedin
16 Fitzroy Gardens
Day 11: Christchurch Mt. Cook
Day 12: Mt. Cook Queenstown
This morning you will have some leisure time to spend as you choose. You may wish to explore the International Antarctic Centre to learn about the 7th continent. Later, depart for the Mt. Cook region. En route, visit a Canterbury farmyard for a fantastic opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. Explore the garden and get to know the owners during a traditional barbecue lunch. Next, traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Admire the jagged contours and nearly vertical slopes of Mt. Cook amid this impressive mountain landscape. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means “cloud piercer.” This is where famed New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary honed his skills before conquering Everest. You may choose to join a guided native plant walk, enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting) or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps before travelling onward to Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Skyline Restaurant where you will enjoy spectacular views overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and mysterious Lake Wakatipu. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 13: Queenstown Today enjoy an exclusive garden experience. Tour a number of stunning private country gardens, meet the owners and learn the secrets behind their design and planting techniques. Explore the beautiful turn-of-the-century Gold Rush settlement of Arrowtown. Later, return to Queenstown and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 14: Queenstown Queenstown offers up several options to enhance your dream trip. You may prefer to relax or soak up the local atmosphere. Or perhaps join the optional “Journey through Middle Earth” tour which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside showcasing many
Travel to Dunedin, located on the southeast coast of New Zealand. One of the earliest European settlements on the islands, Dunedin holds proudly to its Scottish heritage and traditions. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding location in the world for these magnificent birds. Their epic wingspan can reach nearly 10 feet. Later, pay a visit to Hereweka Garden Retreat for a guided tour with one of the owners. Share their passion as you venture through this peaceful garden before a late arrival at your hotel for dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 17: Dunedin This morning, enter famed Larnach Castle. Enjoy a presentation of the stories and history behind the gardens. Learn about Margaret Barker, owner and sole curator of the gardens since 1967. Later, embark on a guided tour with one of the resident garden experts. If she is available, you will be joined by Margaret for your tour. This afternoon, visit Dunedin Botanic Gardens for a guided horticultural tour. A member of the curatorial staff leads you into the plant collections that are being
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highlighted at the time of your special visit. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 18: Dunedin Ashburton Travel through the Waitaki region back to Canterbury. En route, stop at Oamaru and Timaru to stroll in two of the oldest traditional public gardens in New Zealand and view Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant in the bustling country town of Ashburton. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY... FIJI Optional 4 Day Post Tour Extension 4 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner Prices from: £541 per person
Day 19: Ashburton Christchurch Enjoy a full day exploring the private gardens and homesteads of the Canterbury region. Every step of the way you will be surrounded by nature’s masterpieces. Visit locations such as Trotts Garden, Longbeach, Akaunui, Broadfield, Wendrum and Frensham. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 21: Christchurch
Overnight Flight Auckland, 2 nights Rendezvous Hotel Hamilton, 2 nights Novotel Tainui Hotel Napier, 1 night Scenic Te Pania Wellington, 2 nights Amora Hotel Christchurch, 1 night Rendezvous Hotel Mount Cook, 1 night The Hermitage Hotel Queenstown, 3 nights Rydges Hotel Te Anau, 1 night Distinction Hotel & Villas Dunedin, 2 nights Southern Cross Hotel Ashburton, 1 night Ashburton Hotel Christchurch, 2 nights Rendezvous Hotel Overnight Flight On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Tailor Your Holiday
Day 20: Christchurch Today we delve into Christchurch, the “Garden City.” Enjoy a guided walking tour through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, home to flora from around the world. Later, discover the house and meticulous gardens of Kate Sheppard, the celebrated leader of the women’s suffrage movement in New Zealand. Enjoy a personal welcome and guided tour from the owner. Tonight, visit the region’s earliest home, Riccarton House, and enjoy a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Your Hotels
Day 21: Christchurch - Nadi, Fiji Today you will arrive in the beautiful tropical paradise of Fiji. Fijians are warm and friendly, with a welcoming, vibrant South Pacific culture. The expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters draw visitors from around the world.
Add pre nights in Auckland from £63 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements.
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Day 22: Fiji Your day is free to explore everything that your resort has to offer. Relax by the beach and pool, or choose one of the many fun, adventurous activities available to you from the hotel activities desk. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 23: Fiji Enjoy another day of rest and relaxation. The friendly concierge and activities staff will help you get the most out of your time. Today breakfast will be included.
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful journey through New Zealand. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 24: Fiji - Depart for UK
Day 22: Arrive Home
Day 25: Arrive UK
Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home.
Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home.
Before your tour ends today in Fiji, an optional island tour is offered. Late checkout is included so that you can enjoy all the resort facilities until your flight departs this evening*. Today breakfast will be included.
Please Note: This extension is hosted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. Due to flight schedules, on some departures the optional Fiji extension is 2 nights and is slightly lower priced. *As a special service to our guests, to ensure a more relaxing stay, check out time at your Fiji hotel has been extended to 6:00 PM on day of departure. If you wish to extend your check-out past 6:00 PM, please contact the front desk. A surcharge may apply. A minimum of 2 passengers is required for this extension to operate. Air inclusive rate is valid for passengers who have purchased our air package for the full tour. Rate will vary for passengers who have purchased their own air.
Milford Sound
Hamilton Gardens
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THE BEAUTY OF JAPAN Travel to Japan, a nation internationally acclaimed for its gardens and appreciation of horticulture.
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Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen Nat. Garden Hakone Kanazawa Kenroku-en Garden Kyoto Ryoan-ji Rock Garden Tea Ceremony Okayama Koraku-en Garden Osaka
14 Days from £4,899‡
Day 1: Depart from Home
Tea Ceremony
Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport for your flight. Board your flight to Japan, a nation internationally acclaimed for its gardens and appreciation of the art of horticulture. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture as you visit temples, shrines, gardens and markets for an authentic experience of this stunning country.
era. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza. In the secondary circle of defence you will find the Nirnomaru Japanese Garden, enjoy a walk through the garden with your local guide. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, the bustling capital of “the Land of the Rising Sun.” This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.
This morning you will visit Ueno Park, most noted for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring months. Then, gain a different perspective on the city of Tokyo during a cruise on the Sumidagawa River. This afternoon enjoy a visit to Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back to the 7th Century. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Today you will be surrounded by nature. Begin with a tour of the exquisite Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The garden is a blend of three distinct styles: French Formal Garden, English Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden. Shinjuku is one of the most important gardens from the Meiji
Step back in time on a tour of lovely Sankei-en, a traditional Japanese garden located in Yokohama. Sankei-en is a typical Japanese-style garden designed and landscaped by Sankei Hara, a wealthy businessman in the silk trade. He reconstructed buildings of historic importance from places
Day 2: Tokyo, Japan
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What’s Included 21 Meals (11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Dates & Prices Departures 2015 12 Apr 6 Jun 7 Nov Departures 2016 2 Apr
Twin £5199 £4999 £4999 Twin £5099
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow with Emirates via Dubai. Regional flight departures available from Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Jersey and Belfast at a supplement. Please call for details. Single Supplement £900-£960. ‡Lead in price includes Early Booking Offer.
Important Information Temple of the Golden Pavillion
such as Kyoto and Kamakura in this garden which was opened to the public in 1906. Explore this garden at length with your local guide. The afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Tokyo - Hakone Kanazawa Today, journey to Hakone where you will visit the Hakone Shissei Kaen. This unique botanical garden is a wetland garden, founded in 1976 as a place to preserve and exhibit over 1,700 varieties of marsh and Alpine plants native to Japan. Next, enjoy a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum. This spectacular sculpture garden changes with the seasons, but is home to over 120 permanent sculptures. This afternoon, board the Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” and arrive this evening in Kanazawa, one of the most well-preserved towns from the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Kanazawa This morning, visit the Ninja Temple which dates back to the Edo period. Whilst not actually associated with ninja, the temple earned its nickname because of its many deceptive defenses. Learn about the days of the samurai when you visit Nomura Family House, a traditional residence in
Mount Fuji
the Nagamachi Samurai district. This afternoon, explore Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords’ garden in the country, with a local expert. Today breakfast will be included.
For departures before 30 April 2015, the itinerary may vary from the one shown in this brochure. Please call us for details of the itinerary for departure dates before 30 April 2015. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilise your time on tour. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays. Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour.
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Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Koraku-en Garden
bookTRAVEL visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERNTo WORLD ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk TOUR CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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THE BEAUTY OF JAPAN CONTINUED
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Day 8: Kanazawa - Kyoto Today’s journey begins at Natadera Temple. Originally built in 717 AD, this striking temple incorporates several gardens, caves and cliff sides into its landscape. Visit Higashi, the Geisha district, before boarding the bullet train
to Kyoto, a city that blends traditional and modern Japan. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Kyoto In Kyoto, visit the Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden
Pavilion, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Gardens around Kinkakuji are excellent examples of Muromachi period garden design that highlights the relationship between structures and landscapes. Next, visit Ryoan-ji, one of the finest examples of a Japanese rock garden. This afternoon, journey through the Arashiyama district with your local guide before stopping at Saihoji Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often referred to as “Koke-dera,” or Moss Temple, due to its impressive moss gardens. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 10: Kyoto
Cherry Blossom
This morning, at Nijo Castle, see elaborate wood carvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden, designed by the famed landscape architect and tea
master Kobori Enshu. Then, discover Kiyomizu Temple where you meet with a local tea master and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. The temple was built without using a single nail and is named for a waterfall that is within the complex. The afternoon is yours to independently explore the beautiful city of Kyoto. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 11: Kyoto - Okayama Osaka This morning you travel to Okayama by bullet train. Spend time exploring the colourful and expansive Koraku-en, another of the Three Great Gardens of Japan dating back some 300 years. Then, pay a visit to Kurashiki, an exquisitely preserved merchant town. Next, visit a farm to learn about local agriculture before travelling by train
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Your Hotels Overnight Flight Tokyo, 3 nights Hotel New Otani Kanazawa, 2 nights Hotel Nikko Kanazawa Kyoto, 3 nights ANA Hotel Osaka, 2 nights Hotel Granvia Overnight Flight On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Tailor Your Holiday Stay longer in Tokyo from £125 and/or Osaka from £104 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements.
21 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Temple of the Silver Pavillion
Shinjuku Gyoen
Koraku-en Garden
Sakura
to Osaka. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 12: Osaka Today you will visit Osaka Expo Park and Osaka Castle. Spend time viewing the incredible skyline from the Floating Gardens of Osaka this afternoon. Gather together with your fellow travellers this evening for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 13: Osaka Depart this fascinating land and reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its unique horticulture, rich history and culture. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 14: Arrive Home Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home.
©Okayama-ken Kanko Renmei/©JNTO
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GARDENS OF THE LOIRE Experience the tranquil gardens and charming country settings of France. Come to know the beauty of this refined culture.
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Paris Versailles Chateau de Courances Chateau de Chaumontsur-Loire International Garden Festival Winery Tour Plessis Sasnieres Tours Chateau de Villandry Giverny
7 Days from £1,849
Day 1: Home - Paris, France
Giverny
Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport for your flight. Your tour opens in beautiful Paris, the “City of Lights.” This evening, depart for the Left Bank and the original medieval quarter of the city. Meet your fellow travellers and enjoy dinner at a charming Parisian restaurant, complete with local music. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Paris A panoramic tour of Paris reveals horticultural brilliance and breathtaking architecture. Visit the Parc Monceau and the Quai de Branly with Patrick Blanc’s vertical gardens. Spend the afternoon at King Louis XIV’s magnificent Gardens of Versailles, the largest palace in Europe. The gardens here are amongst some of the world’s most famous and took over 40 years to complete. A highlight of your visit will be the enchanting “Grandes Eaux” fountain show, a majestic display
reminiscent of the glory days of Louis XIV. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Paris - Courances Pithiviers - Tours Journey south to the Loire Valley. Once the setting for the French court, this region has countless chateaux and beautiful parks. Drive deep into the ancient royal forest of Fontainebleau and discover the Chateau de Courances during a private guided tour that features the chateau and gardens. The Ganay family has owned the chateau since 1872 and they continue to carefully maintain and develop the extensive gardens. Later, stop in Pithiviers for a guided visit at the Andre Eve Rose Gardens and Nursery. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local bistro. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Chaumont - Tours This morning visit the Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and be part of the 22nd annual International Garden Festival. Learn about
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What’s Included 9 Meals (6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Your Hotels Paris, 2 nights Les Jardins du Marais Tours, 3 nights Hotel L’Univers Paris, 1 night Les Jardins du Marais On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Dates & Prices
Chateau de Villandry
the history of the chateau and gardens with a local guide before having time to explore the garden festival and chateau on your own. Complete your day sampling the wine of the region during a tour of a well-known vineyard in the Loire Valley, which has its own chateau, gardens and chapel, all overlooking the Brenne Valley. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Plessis Sasnieres Villandry - Tours Today you are guests of Rosamée Henrion and her son in their gardens at Plessis Sasnieres. Discover this romantic countryside oasis on a guided tour. Learn how in 1960, as new owners, they began to cultivate the gardens that were abandoned in 1914. They have since created this extensive garden in a unique style and are delighted to share their creation with you. Continue to the Chateau de Villandry, the last of the great Renaissance chateaux built in the Loire. The current caretakers, the Carvallo family, have spent over 100
years restoring the gardens to their original glory. Discover the splendour of the gardens and chateau during a private guided tour. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 6: Tours - Giverny - Paris Leaving the wonders of the Loire behind, you travel to the historic farm at Bois Richeux, which has a history dating back 2,000 years. Enjoy the medieval gardens and absorb the rich sense of history here. This afternoon you travel to Giverny on the River Seine.
These tranquil gardens combine flora and water elements, and also inspired Monet’s greatest works when he lived in Giverny for more than 40 years. Celebrate the end of a fabulous trip with a delightful dinner in beautiful Paris. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Paris - Home Your journey comes to a close today. Arrive in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home. Today breakfast will be included.
Departures 2015 16 May 13 Jun 11 Jul 22 Aug 5 Sep
Twin £2149 £2149 £2039 £1849 £2099
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow on direct flights with British Airways Regional flight departures available from Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen Jersey and Belfast. Please call for details. Single Supplement from £440-£750. ‡Lead in price includes Early Booking Offer.
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Tailor Your Holiday Stay longer in Paris from only £140 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements. Important Information All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. Days of features are interchangeable.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Versailles Gardens
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ANDALUCIA: LAND OF PALACES & GARDENS Join us on this tour to experience the perfection of Andalucia’s formal gardens alongside the rugged beauty of Spain’s natural landscape.
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Granada The Alhambra Cordoba Seville Maria Luisa Park Gardens of the Alcázar Flamenco Show Jerez de la Frontera Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Tio Pepe Bodega Ronda
7 Days from £1,589
Day 1: Home - Malaga, Spain - Granada
Garden of the Poets, Alcazar
Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from home to your departure airport for your flight. Upon arrival in Malaga, travel to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Granada - Carmen de los Mártires - Alhambra Generalife Gardens Above the city of Granada, tour Carmen de los Mártires, a magnificent palace with romantic gardens and nazarie orchards. Proceed to the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. Alhambra translates literally as “red castle” and the 14th Century buildings are comprised of a beautiful pink stone. After visiting the palace, join a garden architect for a tour of the Generalife Gardens, the most well-known gardens
in Spain. The elegant grounds feature waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens. Tended by 35 professional gardeners, these Moorish-influenced gardens encompass many rose bushes, aromatic plants and shrubs, each a delight to the senses. The larger sections are divided into smaller gardens by huge green hedges which have cutouts so that one can see adjacent gardens. Your afternoon is at leisure to wander through the medieval streets of the city’s historic Albaicín area. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Granada - Cordoba Gardens of the Alcázar Seville This morning, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba for a walking tour of the Mezquita (Mosque), an architectural marvel and one of the true wonders of the world. Built by the Moors in the 8th Century, this UNESCO site was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th Century. The mosque is now a mixture of Moorish and
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Alhambra Garden
Christian influences. Outside you will find the Patio de los Naranjos, a huge patio covered in orange trees. Next, discover the Gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, considered some of the best in Spain, where you will have a guided tour of the beautiful shrubs and flowers. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s unrivaled “cultural capital.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Seville - Maria Luisa Park - The Alcázar Palace & Gardens Join a local botanist exploring the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in Europe. In addition to the ponds, fountains and gardens, the park is also home to many orange trees, palm trees, elms and Mediterranean pine trees. See Plaza de España, one of the most impressive public spaces in Spain with beautiful Art Deco and Mudejar architectural styles. Next, stroll through the Gardens of Murillo, planted in honour of this famous Sevilliano
painter. Enjoy a delightful horsedrawn carriage ride to see Seville’s majestic cathedral, a UNESCO site, and Giralda Bell Tower. A local flamenco dancer joins you for a typical tapas lunch. Here you learn about the history, culture and artistry of flamenco. Later, visit Seville’s Orange Tree Courtyard and tour the magnificent Royal Palaces of the Alcázar, a mix of Christian and Moorish styles. On a refreshing walk through the beautiful Alcázar gardens with a botanist, you will discover one garden after another, including Jardin de la Danza, Jardin de Troya, Jardin de la Galera and Jardin de las Flores. Each beautiful in their own way, they contain many fountains, eucalyptus, palm, lemon and orange trees. Another incredible area contains the 19th Century English-style New Gardens and a 500-year-old magnolia tree brought by Columbus from the New World. This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show featuring Seville’s top performers. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 5: Seville - Jerez de la Frontera - Seville Travel to Jerez de la Frontera, probably best known for its wonderful sherry and also home to the “dancing horses” of the internationally-renowned Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens, characterised by their great variety of exotic plants. Tour the striking 19th Century Duque de Abrantes Palace designed by Charles Garnier (architect of the Paris Opera House and Monte Carlo Casino). In the picadero (covered ring), watch the purebred Spanish horse, a beautiful, docile, noble animal with over 3,000 years of
Ronda
history, perform* an equestrian ballet accompanied by Spanish music and 18th Century-style costumes. Mid-afternoon, learn how sherry is made during a tour and tasting at the centuries-old Tio Pepe Bodega. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 6: Seville - Ronda Seville After breakfast, depart for Ronda, one of the loveliest and historically rich towns in Andalucia. Famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views of the Serranía de Ronda Mountains, the town is built around the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. See the Mondragon Palace Gardens, known for its Moorish courtyards and delightful water garden, sitting on the very edge of the town cliffs. Next, visit the Casa Juan Bosco Gardens and the 19th Century Alameda del Tajo gardens, set on the edge of the spectacular gorge offering fantastic views over the plains. Many species can be seen here, including cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Norway spruce (Picea abies), laurel (Laurus nobilis), toa (Casuarina equisetifolia), sycamore (Platanus hispanica), sweet locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), cedar (Cedrus deodara), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and redbud (Cercis siliquastrum), among others. Enjoy some free time to explore historic Ronda before returning to Seville. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Seville - Malaga Home After breakfast you will transfer to Malaga airport in time for your return flight. Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home. Today breakfast will be included.
What’s Included 10 Meals (6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Your Hotels Granada, 2 nights Melia Granada Hotel Seville, 3 nights Melia Sevilla or Melia Lebreros On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Dates & Prices Departures 2015 15 May 12 Jun Departures 2016 18 Mar 15 Apr 22 Apr
Twin £1649 £1649 Twin £1589 £1649 £1649
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Gatwick on direct flights with British Airways. Regional Flight Departures available from Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen Jersey and Belfast. Please call for details. Single supplements from £190.
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Tailor Your Holiday There are many ways to tailor your holiday to Andalucia. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements. Important Information All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. *On non-show days at Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, you will be able to watch the training sessions instead.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Seville
To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or emailormalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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PORTUGAL’S GARDENS Explore the exotic gardens of both mainland Portugal and the Azores. Marvel at the region’s delightful climate, hospitality, and delicious food and wine.
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Lisbon Estufa Fria Greenhouse Jeronimo’s Monastery Tower of Belem Queluz Palace & Gardens Sintra Quinta da Regaleira Gardens Monserrate Palace & Gardens St. Michael, Azores Sete Cidades
Furnas Terra Nostra Botanical Garden Tea Plantation Lagoa do Fogo Ponta Delgada Antonio Borges Botanical Garden Jose do Canto Botanical Garden Santana Palace Gardens 9 Garden Visits
9 Days from £2,049
Day 1: Home - Lisbon, Portugal Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport for your flight. Welcome to Lisbon, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Transfer to your hotel, home for the next three nights. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Lisbon - Estufa Fria Greenhouse - Queluz Palace and Gardens - Lisbon A brief panoramic tour of Lisbon features the Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO). Next, visit Estufa Fria Greenhouse, one of the most important parks that exist in the city. As a living museum it has become one of the most serene green spaces in Lisbon; here you can spend leisure time between lakes, waterfalls, brooks, statues and hundreds of different plant specimens from all over the world. Lunch is included
at Cozinha Velha Restaurant, known as one of Portugal’s finest restaurants. Afterwards, visit Queluz Palace & Gardens, often called the “Versailles of Portugal.” An expert horticulturist provides a private tour of these formal yet intimate gardens, highlighting the work of French architect Jean-Baptiste Robillon, the Italian marble statues, and the lead statues of John Cheere. The extensive grounds contain a profusion of statues, ponds, a beautiful grotto and the azulejo-tiled canal where the royal family would go boating. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 3: Lisbon - Sintra Quinta da Regaleira & Monserrate Palace & Gardens - Lisbon Travel to Sintra with its mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas. The Romans and the Moors were taken by its lush landscape and later it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal
bookTRAVEL visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN To WORLD ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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composed of two lakes inside a volcanic crater. From the edge of the crater one lake appears blue (reflecting the sky) and the other appears green (reflecting the ground). Marvel at the magnificent view of the coastal village of Mosteiros. Travel to Furnas for a delightful four night stay at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, located at the entrance to Terra Nostra Park. Unlimited free access to the park is included during your stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Furnas - Terra Nostra Botanical Garden - Porto Formoso Tea Plantation
Queluz Palace
family. Poet and traveller Lord Byron called it a “glorious Eden.” Today, Sintra is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Join landscape architect Gerald Luckhurst on a private tour of the gardens at Quinta de Regaleira, one of Sintra’s most elaborate private estates. The gardens are wonderfully laid out with terraces, lakes, grottoes and fountains, and an extraordinary ‘Initiation Well’ reached by a secret spiral stairway. Enjoy a delightful light lunch before visiting the “Palace of the Millions.” Later, visit the Park of Monserrate, one of the most significant examples of romantic gardens in Portugal. Stroll the winding paths amidst ruins, ponds and cascades. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Begin your day with a fascinating talk about the creation and layout of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden followed by a leisurely guided walk to discover the vast collection of plants from around the globe. Terra Nostra Botanical Garden is home to the world’s largest collection of camellias. This stunning spot features tropical plants and trees, charming grottoes and a canal that winds through the grounds. In Furnas Valley, sample the local cuisine with a “cozido das furnas” lunch in which meat and vegetables are stewed in the heat of the volcanic earth. Next, explore Caldeiras das Furnas, a geothermal wonderland with 22 steaming hot springs, geysers and hot mud pools. Complete your day with a visit to the Porto Formoso Tea Plantation to learn about the history and horticulture of tea on the island. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 6: Furnas - Lagoa do Fogo - Ribeira Grande Nordeste - Povoaçao Today, look upon the fascinating landscape of Lagoa do Fogo (Fire
Day 4: Lisbon - Ponta Delgada - St. Michael, Azores - Sete Cidades - Furnas Fly to the Azorean island of St. Michael, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that form the archipelago. Visit the twin lakes of Sete Cidades (Seven Cities),
Lake). Surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, this mystical lake rests inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Visit Ribeira Grande, known for its historic 16th and 17th Century buildings. See the city hall, Church of Our Lady, the town gardens, and the eight-arch bridge - symbol of the town. Then, stop at a family owned distillery to taste some of the natural local liqueurs. All the liqueurs are made with 100% natural raw materials and produced following a household recipe. Continue to the highest part of St. Michael, scenic Nordeste, where you will explore the natural beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park with its waterfalls, watermills and unique vegetation. Your day ends in Povoaçao, home of the island’s first settlement and oldest church. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Furnas - Ponta Delgada - Three Botanical Gardens Travel to Ponta Delgada to explore its three largest botanical gardens. Established by an avid 19th Century amateur botanist, the romantic Antonio Borges Botanical Garden is the largest and most verdant municipal garden on the island. Jose do Canto Garden was the dream of a 19th Century gentleman farmer and a lover of trees. Later, visit the Santana Garden, founded by Jose Jacome, and part of the Santana Palace (now the Regional Presidency’s headquarters). Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: St. Michael, Azores Lisbon Today you fly back to Lisbon. Set against a backdrop of traditional tile-covered façades and narrow medieval streets, you may wish to indulge in exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife and interesting museums. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
What’s Included 15 Meals (8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Your Hotels Lisbon, 3 nights Altis Grand Hotel, Furnas, St. Michael, Azores, 3 nights Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Lisbon, 1 night Altis Grand Hotel On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Dates & Prices Departures 2015 18 Apr 15, 22 May 12, 19 Jun 10 Jul Departures 2016 11 Mar 15, 22 Apr
Twin £2049 £2099 £2099 £2099 Twin £2099 £2099
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow on direct flights with British Airways. Regional flight departures available from Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen Jersey and Belfast. Please call for details. Single supplements from £320.
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Tailor Your Holiday Stay longer in Lisbon from £65 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements. Important Information For departures before 30 April 2015, the itinerary may vary from the one shown in this brochure. Please call us for details of the itinerary for departure dates before 30 April 2015. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Day 9: Lisbon - Home
Terra Nostra Botanical Garden
Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home. Today breakfast will be included.
Sete Cidades
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or emailormalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk To book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336
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GARDENS & VILLAS OF THE ITALIAN LAKES 28
Lose yourself in the enchanting gardens and timeless beauty of Northern Italy.
9 Days from £2,379
Day 1: Home - Padua, Italy
Padua Botanic Garden Valsanzibio Gardens Giardino Giusti Lake Como Villa del Balbianello Bellagio Villa Cicogna Mozzoni Varese Lago Maggiore Villa Taranto Isola Madre Isola Bella
Giusti Garden
Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from home to your departure airport for your flight. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of the spectacular gardens and villas of Italy’s lakes region.Your tour opens in Padua today. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wine. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Padua Start your day with a visit to the world’s first botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage site Padua Botanic Garden - dating back to 1545. Then, travel to Valsanzibio Gardens, one of the best preserved Baroque gardens in existence. Meet its owner who will guide you through the meticulous gardens, followed by an interactive gardening workshop to learn their techniques and uncover the secrets of what it takes to keep their historic gardens vibrant. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your
hotel in Padua. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 3: Padua - Verona Lake Como Step back to the Renaissance with a visit to Giardino Giusti. These perfectly manicured gardens are as breathtaking now as they were when they opened in the 1500s. The current owners will walk you through their masterpiece and share stories of its history. Continue on to the elegant shores of Lake Como, your home for the next three nights. Its charm stems from the beautiful villas, lush gardens and spectacular views. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Lake Como Spend time this morning at the stunning garden of Villa del Balbianello. Resting on the shores of Lake Como, the terraced garden boasts breathtaking views and is dominated by stunning architectural features. The garden is a masterpiece of design in which every element relates to its elegant history
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERNTo WORLD ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk bookTRAVEL visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336
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Day 6: Lake Como - Varese Lago Maggiore Travel to Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, a wonderful example of Italian Lombard Renaissance architecture. Immerse yourself in the spectacular elegance of the villa and gardens on a tour hosted by a member of the Cicogna Mozzoni family. At the conclusion of your tour, enjoy refreshments in this delightful setting. Later, travel to Varese, the garden city of Italy, to visit the beautiful Villa Della Porta Bozzolo for a guided tour. The villa, which was constructed in the 16th Century, boasts a spectacular Italian garden exuding Baroque charm. Explore the grounds and the “Secret Garden.” Continue to Lago Maggiore, with its spectacular views and areas of historical and architectural interest. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Lago Maggiore Isola Madre
and location. Learn about the restoration and preservation efforts before returning to your hotel this afternoon for a special drinks reception in the garden. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5: Lake Como - Bellagio - Lake Como Explore one of the most spectacular gardens in Italy, the Villa Carlotta. Built at the end of the 17th Century, this lakefront property was once part of Europe’s Grand Tour. Afterwards, travel by ferry to the romantic village of Bellagio, the perfect setting to soak up the lake’s famous panoramic views. The village is characterised by century-old buildings, stone lanes and picturesque cobbled stairways filled with shops and boutiques selling a variety of Italian products. Stroll around the neoclassic Villa Melzi d’Eril’s garden with its exotic species, camellias and rhododendrons. Discover the splendour of Bellagio at your own pace this afternoon before returning to Lake Como. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Journey via cableway to the Alpinum Garden, a botanical garden specialising in the collection and cultivation of Alpine plants. Later, enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular gardens of Villa Taranto. Neil McEacharn, a Scottish captain, purchased the villa and dedicated his life to creating a great botanic collection. During your visit, explore the terraced garden, bog garden,
winter garden and herbarium. Following your tour, enjoy free time to take in the gardens at your own pace. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Lago Maggiore Borromean Islands - Lago Maggiore Travel by boat to the stunning Borromean Islands. First stop is the enchanting Isola Madre where you will tour the gardens and palace with a local expert. Isola Madre is the largest of the islands with stunning gardens featuring azaleas, pergolas of ancient wisteria, and camellia blossoms. This afternoon, cruise to another of the Borromean Islands, Isola Bella. Here, join an expert guide and discover the beauty of the island’s palace and gardens. Gather this evening to celebrate with a delightful farewell dinner. After dinner, you will return to the mainland by boat. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Lago Maggiore Milan Malpensa - Home Your tour comes to a close in Milan Malpensa this morning. Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home. Today breakfast will be included.
What’s Included 13 Meals (8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Your Hotels Padua, 2 nights Hotel Plaza Lake Como, 3 nights Grand Hotel Imperiale Lago Maggiore, 3 nights Zacchera Hotels** On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Dates & Prices Departures 2015 24 May 21 Jun 19 Jul Departures 2016 17 Apr
Twin £2379 £2379 £2379 Twin £2379
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow on direct flights with British Airways Regional flight departures available from Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen Jersey and Belfast at a supplement. Single Supplement from £500.
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Tailor Your Holiday Stay longer in Venice from £188 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements. Important Information For departures before 30 April 2015, the itinerary may vary from the one shown in this brochure. Please call us for details of the itinerary for departure dates before 30 April 2015. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. **Zacchera Hotels is a hotel chain in Lago Maggiore. The exact hotel to be used will be available 15 days prior to tour departure date. Included breakfasts are buffet breakfasts. Please note that most shops and businesses in Italy are closed on Sundays and on national/religious holidays.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Lago Maggiore Garden
Lake Como
To WORLD book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or emailor malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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ETERNAL GARDENS OF ROME Set out on a journey featuring Rome’s finest gardens. Enjoy privileged access to some of the ancient city’s most celebrated sites.
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Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Gardens Vatican Gardens Castel Gandolfo Gardens Ninfa Gardens Villa d’Este Hadrian’s Villa Villa Lante Roseto Vacunae Rosae
6 days from £1,599
Day 1: Home - Rome, Italy
Ninfa Gardens
Our door to door UK airport transfer service takes you from your home to your UK departure airport for your flight. Welcome to Rome, “The Eternal City.” Come to know the romance and beauty of Rome as you explore the history and brilliant design of its splendid gardens. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers during dinner at a local restaurant. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2: Rome - Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Gardens Vatican Gardens Start your garden adventure with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme’s garden. Stroll through the lush gardens that hold a wealth of history. This afternoon, continue your exploration with a Vatican expert led tour of the extraordinary Vatican Gardens. This urban oasis takes you on a walk through over 2,000 years of history. Established in 1279, these gardens blend ancient statues, medieval fortifications, and monuments with a wide
array of flora. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3: Rome - Castel Gandolfo - Ninfa - Rome Journey to Castel Gandolfo for a guided visit of the magnificent gardens surrounding the papal summer residence. Discover why these impressive gardens were the perfect peaceful retreat from the city for centuries. Continue to the city of Ninfa. In the Middle Ages, this ancient town was a bustling location along the legendary Appian Way. Now it is a tranquil garden framed by the city’s classical ruins. Feel like you have stepped into a fairytale as you walk past roses that wind over ancient walls, towers and crumbling archways. Explore the gardens, opened exclusively for our group, with a local expert and learn about nature’s masterpieces that inhabit these grounds. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Rome - Tivoli - Rome Venture to the neighbouring Sabine Hills and the hilltop town of Tivoli to tour the famed Villa d’Este
ToWORLD book visit rhsgardenholidays.com call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or email or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk
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What’s Included 8 Meals (5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners) Door to Door UK Airport Transfers (See page 4 for details) International Return Flights Many excursions as detailed in the itinerary One-year gift membership to the RHS per booking Your Hotels Rome, 5 nights Hotel Albani On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
Dates & Prices
Villa Lante
with its picturesque gardens and glorious fountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site’s symmetrical layout offers a refined take on the Renaissance style and has proven to be a model for many European gardens. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Villa Adriana, Hadrian’s Villa. Villa Adriana is the most complete estate to have survived the fall of the Roman Empire. Explore the gardens and spectacular surroundings. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
colour and pleasant aromas at Roseto Vacunae Rosae, home to approximately 7,000 rose bushes of 5,000 varieties. Return to Rome and gather this evening to enjoy a special farewell dinner to toast the end of a wonderful journey through the gardens of Rome. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Your tour comes to a close today. You will depart with beautiful memories of Rome’s enchanting gardens. Arrive back in the UK where our door to door transfer service will take you home. Today breakfast will be included.
Twin £1879 £1899 £1899 £1899 £1899 £1599 Twin £1899
Prices are in £’s per person and are based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room departing from London Heathrow on direct flights with British Airways. Regional flight departures available from Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Jersey & Belfast at a supplement. Single supplements from £220-£340.
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Tailor Your Holiday Stay longer in Rome from £90 per person per night. Flight upgrades are also available. Please call to discuss your requirements. Important Information For departures before 30 April 2015, the itinerary may vary from the one shown in this brochure. Please call us for details of the itinerary for departure dates before 30 April 2015. Days of features are interchangeable. All holidays are subject to availability and prices are correct at time of printing. Please note that most shops and businesses in Italy are closed on Sundays and on national/religious holidays. When reserving single accommodations, be advised that single rooms in Italy are often smaller in size. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict coaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes. If you require a walker or wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some of these areas and may wish to consider an alternate programme with us.
Day 5: Rome - Villa Lante Roseto Vacunae Rosae Rome Your journey brings you to Villa Lante, a sophisticated and flawlessly manicured garden influenced by the Mannerist phase of the Italian Renaissance. Villa Lante is celebrated for its near-perfect proportions and rich details. Tour the stunning gardens with an expert guide and learn what has inspired and influenced the garden’s design. Afterwards, be enchanted by the array of
Day 6: Rome - Home
Departures 2015 17 Apr 08 May 22 May 12 Jun 19 Jun 10 Jul Departures 2016 22 Apr
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
See page 32 for details.
Vatican Gardens
TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERNTo WORLD ON 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk book TRAVEL visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336
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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND, PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING PASSPORTS & VISAS
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All the visa information provided in this brochure is for guidance and where visas are required, you must check with the relevant embassy or consulate on how to apply. Obtaining the proper proof of citizenship for entry to destination countries is the responsibility of each client. A valid 10 year machine readable passport is required for all individuals travelling outside of the United Kingdom. Passports must be valid for at least eight months beyond the return date from the destination. Some countries require a visa in addition to a valid passport for entry into the country. It will be necessary for you to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for specific information and entry requirements.
LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORTS If you do lose your passport abroad, please report the loss immediately to the police and British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Details of the local FCO representation at your destination can be obtained by telephoning 0845 850 2829 prior to departure, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk/ embassies.
DOOR TO DOOR TRANSFER SERVICE RHS Garden Holidays includes a door to door transfer service on all individual bookings confirmed directly with RHS Garden Holidays or via a travel agent. The service is provided complimentary for distances of up to 75 miles from the point of collection to the departure airport. RHS Garden Holidays will offer the door to door transfer service with a supplementary cost for the extra mileage for those customers exceeding the 75 mile limit. All mileage is calculated using Google Maps. The service is offered per booking in the mainland UK and Northern Ireland only. Door to door transfers do not apply to tour only bookings or group bookings.
INCLUSIVE TOURING WITH RHS GARDEN HOLIDAYS Inclusive Touring with RHS Garden Holidays means that we provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that all of the essential elements of your holiday are carefully looked after by us. We include the following with every escorted tour package booked with us. • transportation via motorcoach • quality accommodation in carefully selected locations • most meals as outlined in your itinerary • sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary • admission charges as outlined in your itinerary • porterage • applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and waiting staff. (Customary gratuities for cruise ship personnel, overnight passenger train personnel, local sightseeing guides, hotel housekeepers, drivers and RHS Garden Holidays Tour Managers have not been included.) Important Note: Your travel dates may be during religious, state or local holidays. These holidays, with their associated closures, may disrupt museum/ attraction visits and personal shopping time. We
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make every effort to minimize disruptions during the tour, however, we cannot be held responsible for attractions being closed. Please note that all travellers purchasing flights from RHS Garden Holidays must ensure that the name as submitted to RHS Garden Holidays matches the name on their passport. Please notify RHS Garden Holidays, your travel agent or your group leader immediately in the event of any discrepancy. Airline tickets purchased from RHS Garden Holidays will be dispatched along with your travel documents.
‘TOUR ONLY’ WITH RHS GARDEN HOLIDAYS If you purchase a ‘tour only’ holiday, please pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your itinerary. Should you have any questions, please contact your booking agent or the RHS Garden Holidays reservations department so we can ensure that travel during your tour goes smoothly. If you purchase a ‘tour only’ holiday, please provide RHS Garden Holidays with your flight schedules for the entire tour 8 weeks prior to departure so that we can provide optimal service. Choosing to book a tour only with us excludes RHS Garden Holidays from any liability where your privately organised travel arrangements may result in inconvenient or difficult flight connection times/transfer times. We do not include transfers from the arrival and departure airport at the holiday destination with tour only bookings.
HEALTH & SAFETY OVERSEAS If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage (never in checked luggage).You may want to carry an extra prescription in case medication is lost. We also operate a ‘No Smoking’ policy on all of our coaches in the interests of our customers comfort and well being. During the tour, your motorcoach will make frequent stops for the convenience of both our smoking and nonsmoking patrons. The Foreign & Commonwealth office produces up-to-date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. For further information please visit: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call 0845 850 2829. Alternatively you can contact ABTA’s Information Line on 0901 201 5050 (calls are charged at 50 pence per minute and their office is open Monday to Friday between 9am - 5:30pm).We also recommend viewing the health advice from the Department of Health and discussing with your own local GP any specific needs you may have whilst travelling. The Department of Health is a source of information regarding health facilities, vaccinations, and up to date health information for travel including advice on Deep Vein Thrombosis. Please visit their website at www.dh.gov.uk for further details.
HOTEL CHECK IN & CHECK OUT Most hotels make rooms available for check in at approximately 3pm on the day of arrival. RHS
Garden Holidays has taken your time of arrival into consideration when arranging flights to accompany our tours. Customers travelling as tour only will have to make their own arrangements if arriving at the hotel before 3pm. On checking in, the hotel will ask each customer to register and will require an imprint of your credit card in order to cover personal items and incidentals. If you do not have a credit card for this purpose, a large cash deposit may be requested. Check out of hotels is usually between 10am and midday on the day of departure. If you have a late evening flight, we will inform you of this and ask if you wish to make provision for your departure by booking a day room on your last day (time permitting).
TRAVELLERS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE RHS Garden Holidays will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither RHS Garden Holidays’ personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. In order that we may better serve you, please ask your booking agent for a Special Needs form if applicable. We ask that this form be filled out and submitted to us at least eight weeks prior to your departure date so that we can make appropriate arrangements and inform your RHS Garden Holidays Tour Manager. Please Note: It is a condition of your contract with us that you inform us before booking of any special needs or assistance that may be required from RHS Garden Holidays during your tour. You will be responsible for indemnifying us in relation to any costs we incur as a result of any failure on your part to do so. The facilities on tour to assist individuals with disabilities vary from country to country, therefore we prefer to check what arrangements can be put in place well in advance and be in a position to notify you of any limitations.
COACH LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE Due to limited vehicle capacity, one carry-on 36 inches/95 cms in length, height, and width; not to exceed 11 lbs/5 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches/160 cms in length, height and width; not to exceed 50 lbs/23 kgs) are allowed. Please note that these guidelines must be considered with the specific allowance permitted by the airline with whom you are booked to travel. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will levy a £2.50 per hotel, per bag fee. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name and telephone number. We recommend that you do NOT put your home address on the outside of your luggage. It is advisable to give your full details on the inside of the bag. Please attach the BLUE luggage tag to your luggage. This tag will be in your document package. A durable plastic,
rectangular tag is also provided compliments of RHS Garden Holidays. Please use this in addition to the BLUE luggage tag provided on your checked luggage or you may wish to use the plastic luggage tag on your carry on. Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. On safari tours, soft duffel bag luggage is required rather than a suitcase as storage space on safari vans is limited.
TOUR PACING Our Tour Pacing (1 - 5) is featured on each tour itinerary page, with the definition of each activity level listed here. We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, so you are able to fully enjoy every aspect of your holiday with us.
Level 1: A very leisurely paced tour which involves minimal physical activity, such as climbing some steps or boarding a coach, as well as walking from the hotel reception area to hotel rooms and dining areas.
Level 2: This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestone streets.
Level 3:
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends longer and shorter days, and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up steps or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
Level 4:
To truly experience the tour and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with periods of standing.
Level 5:
This tour is very active, requiring participants to be physically fit to fully enjoy all of the experiences. This itinerary has more strenuous activities.
Tour Activity Level
1
2
3
4
5
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Booking Conditions These Booking Conditions, together with our privacy and data protection policy, and any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Adventures Unlimited Inc. of Unit 6, Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 2FX, United Kingdom (‘we’ or ‘us’). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. All the holidays in this brochure/website are operated by Adventures Unlimited Inc. trading under one of our trade names. We trade under the names Collette and RHS Garden Holidays. We use the RHS Garden Holidays brand name under licence from the Royal Horticultural Society. References to ‘you’ and ‘your’ include the final named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is transferred. By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:1. He/she has read these terms and conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them; 2. He/she consents to our use of information in accordance with our Privacy & Data Protection Policy; 3. He/she is over 18 years of age and resident in the United Kingdom and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services.
1. MAKING A BOOKING AND PAYING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY When you make a booking with us you must pay the applicable deposit or full payment detailed in Table 1a on page 128.If the arrangements you wish to book are available we will issue a Confirmation Invoice and send this to you or your travel agent. We reserve the right to return your deposit and decline to issue a confirmation at our absolute discretion. A binding contract will come into existence between you and us as soon as we have issued you with a Confirmation Invoice confirming the details of your booking. If your confirmed arrangements include a flight we (or if you booked via an authorised agent of ours, that agent) will also issue you with an ATOL Certificate. Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on your Confirmation Invoice or ATOL Certificate (or any other document) are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes cannot be made later and it may harm your rights if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any document within ten days of our sending it out (five days for tickets). The balance of the cost of your arrangements is due in accordance with Table 1a in clause 2 below. If we do not receive all payments in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges set out in Table 2a and 2b in clause 6 below will become payable. For flight inclusive bookings covered by our ATOL, any money paid to an authorised agent of ours is held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times, but subject to the agent’s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail financially. If we do fail financially, any money held at that time by the agent or subsequently accepted from the consumer by the agent, is and continues to be held by that agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. In the case of international payments you must ensure that the full GBP Sterling amount is received by us after all bank charges have been levied.
2. DEPOSITS & BALANCES Further to clause 1, in order to make a booking with us, you must pay a deposit. The deposit payable and the time that the balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any surcharge where applicable) will become due will vary depending on the holiday you book:-
excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/ or additional services or travel arrangements. You will be charged for the amount over and above that, plus an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements (excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the options set out in Clause 8 below. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. There will be no change made to the price of your holiday within 30 days of your departure nor will refunds be paid during this period.
4. CUTTING YOUR HOLIDAY SHORT If you are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any services you have not used. If you cut short your holiday and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, we will not offer you any refund for that part of your holiday not completed, or be liable for any associated costs you may incur. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for curtailment and we suggest that any claim is made directly with them.
5. CHANGES BY YOU If after your holiday has been confirmed you wish to alter your booking, we will try to make the necessary arrangements provided we receive written confirmation of the change from the person who signed the booking form, or your travel agent, before the date on which the final balance of the cost of your holiday is due. If you are prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer your booking to another suitable person provided that written notice is given no later than 28 days before you are due to depart (see clause 6 for further details). Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. Changes and transfers will be subject to an administrative fee as well as any applicable rate changes or extra costs incurred by ourselves and any costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable. Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
6. IF YOU CANCEL If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices. Cancellation charges to compensate us for estimated losses and expenses are calculated from the date we receive your written notification of cancellation and will be payable up to the maximum shown in Tables 2a and 2b below.
Balance due not less than
The cancellation charge detailed below is calculated on the basis of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges which are not refundable in the event of the person(s) to whom they apply cancelling:-
All holidays (excluding £175 per person cruise holidays and holidays to Australia & New Zealand)
60 days before departure
Table 2a: All holidays excluding ocean/river cruises and holidays to Antarctica
Holidays to Australia & New Zealand
£300 per person
60 days before departure
Ocean and river cruise holidays
£175 per person
120 days before departure
Holidays to Antarctica
£175 per person
180 days before departure
Table 1a. Holiday
Deposit Payable
3. THE PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY The price of your travel arrangements has been calculated using the exchange rate of $1.62 to £1 in relation to the following currencies: US$ and £GBP. We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays. The price of your confirmed holiday is subject at all times to variations in (i) transportation costs, including the cost of fuel; or (ii) dues, taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; or (iii) the exchange rates used to calculate your arrangements. Such variations could include but are not limited to airline cost changes which are part of our contracts with airlines (and their agents), cruise ship operators and any other transport providers. We will absorb and you will not be charged for any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which
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Period Before Departure
Cancellation Charge
More than 60 days 60 - 29 days 28 - 15 days 14 - 8 days 7 - 4 days 3 days - date of departure or later
Deposit only 50% of holiday cost 60% of holiday cost 75% of holiday cost 90% of holiday cost 100% of holiday cost
Table 2b: All ocean/river cruises and holidays to Antarctica Period Before Departure Cancellation Charge Before balance due date Balance due date - 90 days 89 - 45 days 44 - 21 days 20 - 8 days 7 - 4 days 3 days - date of departure
Deposit only 50% of holiday cost 60% of holiday cost 75% of holiday cost 80% of holiday cost 90% of holiday cost 100% of holiday cost
Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above. You may be able to reclaim these charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
If some, but not all party members cancel, additional charges may be payable by the remaining members, e.g. under occupancy charges or single supplements. No allowance or refund can be made for your meals, rooms, excursions etc., included in the price of your tour but not taken, nor can any refund be made for lost, mislaid, or destroyed travel tickets or vouchers. If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you and satisfying all the conditions applicable to the arrangements) providing we are notified not less than 28 days before departure and you pay an amendment fee of £50 per person transferring, meet all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out will apply in order to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.
7. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS BY US Occasionally, we may have to make changes to and cancel your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you or your travel agent of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However, we will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 60 days before your departure date, except for reasons of force majeure (as defined in Clause 13) or failure by you to pay your final balance. Most changes will be minor and we will advise you or your travel agent of them at the earliest opportunity. Your rights vary depending on whether we make a ‘minor’ or ‘major’ change. Examples of “minor changes” include the following when made before departure: Any change in the identity of the carrier(s), flight timings, and/or aircraft type; alteration of your outward/return flight by less than 12 hours; changes to aircraft type; change of accommodation to another of the same standard. Examples of “major changes” include the following when made before departure; a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of your holiday; a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification for the whole or a major part of your holiday; a change of outward departure time or overall length of your holiday of twelve or more hours; the closure of the only or all advertised swimming pool(s) at your accommodation for an extended period; in the case of tours, a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destination substantially or altogether; and an increase in the price of your holiday by more than 10% (excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements) in accordance with clause 3.
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If we have to make a major change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of i) (for major changes) accepting the changed arrangements ii) having a refund of all monies paid or iii) accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If you fail to do so we will assume that you have chosen to accept the change or alternative booking arrangements. If we make a major change or cancel, less than 60 days before departure, we will also pay compensation as detailed below:
8. COMPENSATION FOR MAJOR CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS Period before departure a significant cancellation is notified to you [or your travel agent]
Compensation change or per person (excluding infants)
60 days or more 59-45 days 44-30 days under 30 days
NIL £20 £30 £50
The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so. We will not pay you compensation where we make a major change or cancel more than 60 days before departure or in the event that we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care. All holidays operate subject to a minimum number of bookings. We will not, however, cancel for lack of numbers less than 60 days before departure. The above sets out the maximum extent of our liability for changes and cancellations and we regret we cannot meet any expenses or losses you may incur as a result of change or cancellation. Please note: where accommodation with a higher price than the original accommodation is offered by us and accepted by you, the difference in price will be deducted from any compensation payable. In no case will we pay compensation if accommodation is offered by us and accepted by you with a higher price than that originally booked in the same location where no additional payment is made by you. We will not pay you compensation and the above options will not be available if we make a minor change or cancel as a result of your failure to make full payment on time or where the change(s) or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you.
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Booking Conditions Very rarely, we may be forced by “force majeure” (see clause 13) to change or terminate your arrangements after departure. If this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any (unless we obtain any from our suppliers), pay you compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result. If we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services that you have booked with us after you have departed, we will make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge and, if appropriate in all the circumstances, will pay you reasonable compensation.
9. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
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Passport and visa requirements vary depending on your destination. The information which we provide is for guidance only, and we cannot accept any liability. We recommend that you contact the relevant consulate to check any restrictions that may apply. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. Please contact your doctor for advice on health requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a proper passport and visa and that no personal circumstances such as a criminal offence or travel to another country will affect your individual visa requirements, and that you have the required vaccinations to gain entry to any country which you are visiting. Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 8 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit www.passport.gov.uk Special conditions apply for travel to the USA, and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check www.usembassy.org.uk For European holidays you should obtain a completed and issued form EHIC prior to departure. Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office visit www.fco.gov.uk Non British passport holders, including other EU nationals, should obtain up to date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your destination or country(ies) through which you are travelling. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. Further, we are not liable to you for any illness or discomfort you suffer through failure to have required vaccinations or to follow medical advice. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.
10. SINGLE TRAVELLER OCCUPANCY We levy a single traveller supplement for those travelling on their own because our contract with hotels is based on a price per room, while our holidays are sold per person including flights and other elements. Therefore, the per person price for a single traveller includes the entire room cost. It is not our intention to penalise anyone who is under occupying the accommodation we provide and we certainly do not make additional or excessive profit from these sales: the price we charge merely reflects the real cost to us. If a hotel is able to offer accommodation designed for single occupancy only, we will normally charge a reduced supplement, considerably smaller than the one we apply when a single traveller occupies a double room. Allocation of rooms is at the discretion of each individual hotel and not something that we can influence.
11. DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS We will make every effort to make your holiday as enjoyable and trouble free as possible. Most problems can be sorted out straight away if we know about them. If you have a complaint, you must advise our representatives straight away and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be confirmed in writing as soon as possible. You may also contact us directly using the emergency telephone number enclosed with your travel documents. That number will put you in touch with one of our employees who will take all reasonable steps to help you. If you feel that a complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily, you must write within 28 days of your return from holiday to: Customer Services Department, RHS Garden Holidays, Unit 6, Cowley Mill Road, Brook Business Centre, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX, quoting your booking reference number. We will need to investigate your complaint. An acknowledgement shall be sent no later than 14 days from the date of receipt of correspondence. A detailed reply, or a reply containing a detailed explanation for any delay, shall be sent no later than 28 days from the date of receipt of correspondence. The final date for dealing in full with such correspondence shall be 56 days from the date of receipt of that correspondence. Failure to follow the procedure set out in this clause may reduce or even extinguish any right which you may have to compensation. Disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration, if the customer so wishes, under a special Scheme arranged by ABTA Ltd, and administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta. com). The Scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The Scheme can
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however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within nine months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. For injury and illness claims, you may like to use the ABTA/Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Mediation Procedure. This is a voluntary scheme and requires your tour operator to agree for mediation to go ahead. The aim is to help you resolve your dispute in a quick and cost effective way. Details on request or from www.abta.com.
12. BEHAVIOUR You must not behave in a way which may cause distress or annoyance to others. If, in the opinion of ourselves, any airline personnel, accommodations manager or other person in authority, you are behaving in such a way as to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others or damage to property, your holiday arrangements may be terminated by either ourselves or the supplier concerned. In this situation, our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other service immediately. We will not be responsible for making any refunds, paying any compensation or meeting any costs or expenses you incur as a result. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel manager or other supplier prior to departure from the hotel. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you. We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behaviour of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.
13. FORCE MAJEURE Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by any event which we or the supplier(s) of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. These events can include, but are not limited to war, threat of war, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences or the threat of such activity, riot, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster and adverse weather, sea, ice and river conditions and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned’s control. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. We will follow the advice given by the Foreign Office.
14. OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY (1) We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide or arrange for you as an “organiser” under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 as set out below. Subject to these booking conditions, if we or our suppliers negligently perform or arrange the services which we are obliged to provide for you under our contract with you, as set out on your confirmation invoice, we will pay you reasonable compensation. The level of such compensation will be calculated taking into consideration all relevant factors such as but not limited to: following the complaints procedure as described in these conditions and the extent to which ours or our employees’ or suppliers’ negligence affected the overall enjoyment of your holiday. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us. (2) We will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description if it results from: (a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; (b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or (c) unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond ours or our supplier(s) control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or (d) an event which either ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers and subcontractors could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled. (3) We limit the amount of compensation we may have to pay you if we are found liable under this clause: (a) loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money. The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is £25 per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind. (b) Claims not falling under (a) above and which don’t involve injury, illness or death. The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is twice the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking.
(c) Claims in respect of international travel by air, sea and rail, or any stay in a hotel. i) The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Warsaw/Montreal Convention (international travel by air); The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our office. Please contact us. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company’s own ‘Conditions of Carriage’ will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those ‘Conditions of Carriage’. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those ‘Conditions of Carriage’ shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract. ii) In any circumstances in which a carrier is liable to you by virtue of the Denied Boarding Regulation 2004, any liability we may have to you under our contract with you, arising out of the same facts, is limited to the remedies provided under the Regulation as if (for this purpose only) we were a carrier. iii) When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (4) It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to ourselves and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these conditions. (5) Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. (6) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or (b) any business losses. (7) We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised in our brochure. For example any excursion you book whilst away, or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.
15. PROMPT ASSISTANCE IN RESORT If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances.
16. CONDITIONS OF SUPPLIERS Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from ourselves or the supplier concerned.
17. DELAYS AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION If you or any member of your party miss your flight or other transport arrangement, it is cancelled or you are subject to a delay of over 3 hours for any reason, you must contact us and the airline or other transport supplier concerned immediately. The Package Travel Regulations 1992 provide that in the event that you experience difficulties on the occurrence of circumstances described in clauses 14 (3) (a) (b) (c) of these booking conditions, we will provide you with prompt assistance. Where you experience a delay which is not owing to any failure by us, our employees or subcontractors, this prompt assistance is likely to extend to providing help in locating refreshments, accommodation and communications but not paying for them. Any airline or other transport supplier may however pay for or provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them. Subject to the other terms of these conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 13 of these booking conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on any flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time). The carrier(s), flight timings and types of aircraft shown in this brochure or on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. We shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of it. The latest flight timings will be shown on your tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You should check your tickets very carefully
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Booking Conditions immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. If flight times change after tickets have been despatched we will contact you as soon as we can to let you know. Please note the existence of a “Community list” (available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm) detailing air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. Under EU Law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. If the airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Civil Aviation Authority at www.caa.co.uk/passengers. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday price from us. If, for any reason, you do not claim against the airline and make a claim for compensation from us, you must, at the time of payment of any compensation to you, make a complete assignment to us of the rights you have against the airline in relation to the claim that gives rise to that compensation payment. A delay or cancellation to your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. This brochure is our responsibility, as your tour operator. It is not issued on behalf of, and does not commit the airlines mentioned herein or any airline whose services are used in the course of your travel arrangements. Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight.
18. SPECIAL REQUESTS Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking e.g. diet, room location, a particular facility at a hotel etc. You should then confirm your requests in writing. Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. We will inform the relevant supplier of such request. The fact that a special request has been noted on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed in writing. We do not accept bookings that are conditional upon any special request being met.
19. DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your stay, please provide us with full details before we confirmed your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirmed your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details.
20. CONSUMER PROTECTION The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure and for your repatriation in the event of our insolvency. We provide this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 4832. In respect of all arrangements including flights you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. The price of our flight inclusive arrangements includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL Scheme. ATOL protection extends primarily to Customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. We, or the suppliers identifified on your ATOL Certificate will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL Scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if
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that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. We are also a member of ABTA (ABTA Number W050X). If your holiday does not include flights ABTA will financially protect your holiday in the same way. If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or package from this brochure, your monies will not be financially protected. Please ask us for further details.
21. ADVANCE PASSENGER INFORMATION A number of Governments are introducing new requirements for air carriers to provide personal information about all travellers on their aircraft to the Authorities before the aircraft leaves the UK. The data will be collected either at the airport when you check in or in some circumstances when, or after you make your booking. Accordingly, you are advised to allow extra time to check in for your flight. Where we collect this data, we will treat it in accordance with our privacy policy.
22. FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE You are responsible for making yourself aware of Foreign Office advice and State Department warnings in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. (See clause 13).
23. LAW AND JURISDICTION These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with under the ABTA Arbitration Scheme or by the Courts of England and Wales only. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live in those places and if you wish to do so.
24. ACCURACY OF PRICES AND INFORMATION We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices both on our website and in our brochures are accurate, however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before your booking is confirmed.
25. INSURANCE It is a condition of your contract with us that you have adequate insurance in place. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including medical expenses, repatriation, helicopter rescue and air ambulance in the event of accident or illness. The insurance cover should extend for the planned duration of the holiday and at least an additional day. Details of a policy suitable to cover the arrangements you book are available by contacting us as detailed below. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available. The insurance policy and the receipt of premiums paid there under should be provided to us prior to departure. If you join the holiday without adequate insurance you may not be allowed to continue on the holiday, with no right to refund. If circumstances give rise to a claim the client will forthwith pursue his remedies under such policy(ies). We will also ask you for details of the name, address and telephone numbers of their next of kin or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency. We act as an Introducer Appointed Representative for the purposes of your travel insurance, appointed by Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority whose status can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234. Contact Details: Address for correspondence: Amelia House, Crescent Road, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN11 1RL Telephone: 01903 235042 Fax: 01903 211106 Email: enquiries@globaltravelinsurance.co.uk Website: www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk We will send you an application form on request if you call us at 0800 804 8701 enabling you to arrange this insurance. If preferred, you can click here http://www.globaltravelinsurance.co.uk/IAR1533/ quote where you can obtain a quotation and arrange the insurance online. Beyond providing this information, we are not allowed to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.
DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY POLICY In providing our service to you, we must collect personal information from you and make subsequent use of it as detailed below. We will only collect personal information from you by specifically asking for it when you make a booking with us over the telephone or via our internet booking facilities or when you write, fax, telephone or email us to make an enquiry. We may collect all or some of the following information relating to you or other members of your holiday party:• names and contact details • credit/ debit card or other payment details • special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen holiday arrangements • dietary restrictions (which may disclose your religious beliefs) • travel preferences Some of the information we collect (such as about health or religion) may be considered “sensitive personal data” under the Data Protection Act 1998. We collect it to cater to your needs or act in your interest, and we are only prepared to accept sensitive personal data from you on the condition that we have your positive consent. We will seek this consent when necessary. For the purpose of providing you with our services, we may disclose the information to the providers of the services making up your holiday arrangements (who could be located outside the UK/ EEA). In order for you to travel overseas, it may be mandatory (as requested government authorities at the point(s) of departure and/ or destination) to disclose your information for immigration, security and anti-terrorism purposes, or any other purposes which they determine appropriate. Even if not mandatory, we may exercise our discretion to assist where appropriate. We may need to disclose our customer list including any personal information relating to you to a third party who acquires or attempts to acquire all or substantially all of the asset/ stock in our company or our website. We may from time to time contact you with information about special offers, brochures, new products, forthcoming events or competitions. You will be given the opportunity on every communication we send you to indicate that you do not wish to receive our promotional material. We have taken all reasonable steps to have appropriate security measures in place to protect your information. Outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as wide as the legal requirements in this country. If you do not agree to our use of the information as set out above, you should inform us as soon as possible by writing to us at: Marketing Department, RHS Garden Holidays, Unit 6 Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX or e-mail us at marketinguk@gocollette.com. You may ask us in writing for a copy of the information we hold about you (for which we may charge a fee) and to correct any inaccuracies in your information. We aim to respond to you within 21 days from the date of request. As our privacy statement may change due to developments in the law we encourage you to re-read this from time to time so you are aware of any changes in how we gather and use your personal information. Any changes to this Policy will be either posted on our website, brochure and/or made available on request. Prices shown are correct at time of print & are subject to availability. Please note the terms and conditions in this brochure are correct at time of print. For our latest terms and conditions please visit our website at www.rhsgardenholidays.com
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TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY CONTACT OUR PREFERRED AGENT: Malvern World Travel 44 Somers Park Avenue Malvern Worcestershire WR14 1SD malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk Tel 01684 562406 www.malvernworldtravel.co.uk
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To bookMALVERN visit rhsgardenholidays.com or call 0800 804 8336 TO BOOK CONTACT WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk