Fitness Level: Wheelchair

Garden Tour of Italy, France & England with Millie Ross

ITINERARY

Day 1 Monday May 4, 2015 Departure
Our holiday begins with an evening Singapore Airlines flight to Rome.

Day 2 Tuesday May 5, 2015 Sorrento
On arrival in Rome, we are met by our private coach and travel to Sorrento, where we will stay for four nights. On the way, we will stop at the unique Giardino e Rovine di Ninfa. Fragrant flowers and trees adorn the ruins of a medieval town, reclaimed as a garden in 1921. Streams and waterfalls punctuate these romantic gardens, which contain an astonishing collection of plants. As we arrive near Sorrento, we have wonderful views of the sea, with citrus groves dotting the surrounding countryside. Those who would like to dine together can meet the tour manager to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 3 Wednesday May 6, 2015 Sorrento
After breakfast, we visit Villa Rufolo, one of the oldest surviving palaces in Italy. It dates from the 13th century and overlooks the sea from a series of garden terraces. There are formal beds of colourful annuals, plus palms, cycads and yuccas. On the middle level an oleander walk frames a breath taking view of the coast. The charming town of Ravello clings to the steep slopes of the Dragon Hill, inspiring its description by Andre Gide as “nearer to sky than it is to the shore”. We have time for lunch among Ravello’s enticing alleys, stairways and roofed passages before continuing to Villa Cimbrone, set on a cliff-top promontory. Full of statues and small temples, the garden features a long, wisteria-clad pergola, rose garden and bedding out gardens. The ‘Walk of the Infinite’ ends in a belvedere, situated where the views and its height above the sea leaves you breathless. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner in Sorrento to get to know Millie Ross and other tour members.

Day 4 Thursday May 7, 2015 Sorrento
Today we travel to the island of Ischia to visit the famous garden, La Mortella. Here we explore a garden massed with rare trees, palms, shrubs, ferns and bulbs to excite the plantsman and botanist. There are many interesting features, including an Islamicstyle rill of water leading to a pool. This is part of an extension to the garden by famous designer Russell Page. Lady Walton, who died a few years ago, has a beautiful memorial set in the garden. Russell Page constructed a series of rock pools, their banks a home for bog plants, ferns and bamboo, which contrast with the parched Mediterranean hillside. There is even a tropical glasshouse with hummingbirds. This garden delights all the senses. On our return, the rest of the afternoon is free for individual exploration.

Day 5 Friday May 8, 2015 Sorrento
A highlight of the tour; today we will visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the Roman city destroyed by an eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in AD79. The impressive ruins help us to understand what life was like at the height of the Roman Empire, 2000 years ago. We will have a guided tour of this ancient city with a local expert. The Casa dei Vettii is the most lavishly decorated dwelling in the town. Faithfully restored, it is the finest example of a Pompeiian house and garden. On our return to Sorrento the afternoon will be free for individual exploration. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 6 Saturday May 9, 2015 Rome
Today we travel to Rome, where we will spend the next three nights. On arrival we will be transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for individual exploration.

Day 7 Sunday May 10, 2015 Rome
This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the eternal city of Rome. Highlights include the Coliseum, the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, before we walk through the old town to see the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, one of the few perfectly preserved ancient Roman buildings. This afternoon will be free to explore Rome’s many galleries, museums and shops.

Day 8 Monday May 11, 2015 Rome
This morning Millie will lead us around the high Renaissance garden of Villa d’Este, renowned for its spectacular use of water, and included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The garden was created by architect Pirro Ligorio for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, using water supplied through a tunnelled aqueduct from the River Aniene. Highlights include the miniature Rometta, built in 1568 to represent Rome and its seven hills, the Tiber River, the Walk of the Hundred Fountains and the Organ Fountain. We then visit Villa Adriana, from which Villa d’Este drew inspiration, as well as many statues and marble used for its construction. Hadrian’s Villa is one of the greatest monuments of antiquity, constructed as the emperor’s retreat from Rome in the 2nd century AD, and now also accorded UNESCO World Heritage listing. Enough of the buildings remain to fascinate both architects and gardeners, including a large pool and grotto. Today the site has wildflowers and tall cypresses growing th roughout the complex of over 30 buildings. We return to Rome for an evening at leisure.

Day 9 Tuesday May 12, 2015 Siena
Today we travel north to Siena, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Italy. It is renowned for its magnificent Piazza del Campo. On our journey we visit the gorgeous formal gardens of Villa Lante. Geometrically organised on four levels along a main axis, emphasised by fountains, it has perfect symmetry. This is a marvellous Renaissance garden in which murmuring water, flashing fountains, shade and sunlight alternate under vast plane trees. Those who would like to dine together, can meet the tour manager to go to a nearby restaurant.

Day 10 Wednesday May 13, 2015 Siena
This morning we will visit Villa Cetinale, built in the 15th century by the Chigi family, bankers and money lenders for popes and English kings. Additions to the original house and garden were carried out by Carlo Fontana, who was a pupil of Bernini. In the gardens are wonderful statues and the Romitorio, a hermitage where monks lived until near the end of the 19th century. To the north of the villa is the Holy Wood, which has wide green rides and footpaths and statues of hermits, saints and chapels with frescoes representing the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin. Lord Lambton bought Vila Cetinale from the Chigi family in 1977 and since then the gardens have been immaculately restored and enriched. Lord Lampton died six years ago. In the afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Siena with a local guide who will introduce us to the major sights of the city, including the Piazza del Campo with its splendid civic tower and the enormous, partially completed Duomo. The biennial Palio horse rac e festival is held here. Siena is also home to the oldest bank in the world and a spectacular town hall.

Day 11 Thursday May 14, 2015 Siena
Today we drive through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to Florence, where we soak up the atmosphere of this lovely city, capital of Tuscany. Home of Michelangelo and the Medici family, the city was the cradle of the Renaissance. On arrival we have a walking tour of Florence. During our walking tour we see the Piazza del Duomo, one of the largest cathedrals in the Christian world. Together with Brunelleschi’s wonderful dome, we see the Campanile and the Baptistry. We also wander through the Piazza della Signoria, which contains the Loggia della Signoria, the Palazza Vecchio and nearby, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River. We continue our travels to explore Villa Gamberaia, set in classic olive-grove country. Restored to its 16th-century splendour, the garden is small but idyllic. The main terrace is laid out with parterres de broderie and the water gardens are reminiscent of Persian reflecting pools. We return to Siena for an evening at leisure.

Day 12 Friday May 15, 2015 Nice
Today we travel from Siena to Nice, on the French Riviera. We visit the gorgeous gardens of Villa Massei featured in many Home and Garden magazines. The garden, bought by Paul Gervais and Gil Cohen in 1981 has been lovingly restored to its present splendor. Among the gardens’ many rooms, there is an ancient grotto, orange grove, Mediterranean garden, wildflower meadow, semi-formal orchard and rose garden. We check into our hotel in Nice late-afternoon.

Day 13 Saturday May 16, 2015 Nice
This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the main sights of the French Riviera. We will explore the narrow picturesque streets of Nice and drive along the Corniche Road. We have spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs on our way to Monte Carlo, famous for its casino and royal family. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Le Jardin Exotique d’Eze, perched on a high outcrop with the most magnificent views overlooking the sea. This garden with its wonderful and varied collection of succulents offers a unique experience, and the little town of Eze is fascinating. Those who would like to dine together, can meet the tour manager to go to a nearby restaurant.

Day 14 Sunday May 17, 2015 Nice
This morning, Millie will lead the group on our visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The garden was laid out at the beginning of the 20th century by Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, a member of the wealthy Rothschild family. The garden has been developed as a series of compartments representing different architectural and planting styles. The garden is the ultimate in manicured French exotic style. Seven gardens laid out around the pink, Venetian-style villa, represent a voyage around the world – French, Spanish, Florentine, Japanese and so on, and are furnished with the ‘spoils’ of her travels. The sea views are wonderful and the interiors of the villa are simply beautiful. We will have time for lunch in Menton, before visiting Clos du Peyronnet. This estate is the last garden of Menton that has remained the property of the same family since 1915. Laid out in the Arts and Crafts style, it takes advantage of the warm climate to nurture exotic plants such as South African bulbs and unusual fruit trees. The landscaping of Clos du Peyronnet is quite exceptional. It combines colours and movements through a play of water staircases, formed by successive ponds, the last step of which is the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 15 Monday May 18, 2015 Nice
We will visit La Serre de la Madone this morning. This famous garden was designed by Lawrence Johnston during the interwar years, after he had developed well known Hidcote in England. A visit to a perfumery will give us an insight into the use of the acres of flowers grown in the Riviera. The afternoon and evening will be free for individual exploration of Nice and the many charming restaurants.

Day 16 Tuesday May 19, 2015 London
We fly to London, where we will spend the next three nights. To begin our exploration of this fascinating and historic city, we meet our London Blue Badge guide for a comprehensive tour of the main sights. We will see Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, The Strand, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to shop or sightsee amidst the bustle of the city. Our tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner, or you may like to take in a show in London’s theatre district.

Day 17 Wednesday May 20, 2015 London
This morning we visit Hampton Court Palace and Garden. The Palace is an interesting place to visit to study the activities of British monarchs from Henry VIII onwards. The garden is most famous for its Great Vine, planted in 1768, which still produces hundreds of Black Hamburg grapes each year. The Pond Gardens offer a magnificent display of bedding plants. The newly-restored Privy Garden of William III is a spectacular example of the Baroque, with parterres, cut work, clipped yews and spring and summer displays of 17th-century plants. In the afternoon, we visit Mr and Mrs Raworth’s garden in west London. This is a true collectors’ garden, with some rare and unusual plants. Among its many features are impressive hedges of privet, yew.

Day 18 Thursday May 21, 2015 London
The highlight of our time in London is our escorted visit with Millie Ross to the famous Chelsea Flower Show. It is the summer event in the English horticultural calendar and boasts about twenty amazing landscaped gardens built by prominent landscapers and more than five hundred displays featuring the best flowers, plants and trees and many new introductions. For gardeners, it is the experience of a lifetime and a highlight of our garden tour. We will have a farewell dinner this evening to say goodbye to our new friends.

Day 19 Friday May 22, 2015
Departure The morning is free for individual activities. In the afternoon, we visit the Royal Horticultural Garden, Wisley. The RHS was given Wisley Estate in trust by Sir Thomas Hanbury in 1903. Trials of flowers, vegetables and fruit were expanded at Wisley and they continue to be some of the principal features of the garden. Several Chelsea Flower Show prize-winning gardens are displayed in the grounds. Our visit will be an interesting look at the history of gardening in Britain. We continue to Heathrow airport for our return flight to Australia.

Day 20 Saturday May 23, 2015 In flight

Day 21 Sunday May 24, 2015
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.

 

PRE-TOUR TO SINGAPORE’S GORGEOUS GARDENS

Day 1 Sunday May 3, 2015 Singapore
We depart Australia on our flight to Singapore today. Upon arrival we have a sightseeing tour of the city to see the modern developments that have ensured that this city maintains its position as one of the “lions” of the east. We will drive along Orchard Road, the heart of Singapore’s shopping and entertainment district, through the colonial area and the Civic District to view the Supreme Court, the old Cricket Club, the Anglican Church of St Andrews and the Botanic Gardens and the Orchid Garden. We will walk through Chinatown and see the traditional temple carvers, herbalists and calligraphers enabling you to get a feel for life as it was in the early 20th century. We are then transferred to our hotel. This evening the group will dine together at one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.

Day 2 Monday May 4, 2015 Singapore
This morning we will visit the Singapore Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1859 as a seventy four hectare garden. Lawrence Niven was hired as superintendent and landscape designer. Part of the Botanical Gardens has an original tropical rainforest of six hectares. Look out for the native Tembusu tree reputed to be one hundred and fifty years old. Its white flowers should be blooming during our visit. We will visit the stunning National Orchid garden with a collection of more than one thousand species and two thousand hybrid orchids. The afternoon will be free to explore Singapore.Those who would like to dine together can meet the Tour Manager to go to a nearby restaurant. Millie will arrive from her gardening commitments late this evening.

Day 3 Tuesday May 5, 2015 Singapore
This morning we have free time to explore Singapore. Millie will lead us on an exploration of the Gardens by the Bay, situated on one hundred and one hectares of reclaimed land. These wonderful gardens include two cooled conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest which showcases plants from around the world at different latitudes and altitudes. We will see an amazing super tree grove consisting of enormous structures built like palm trees, ranging in height from twenty five meters to fifty metres. Vertical gardens are planted on the structures providing shading. There are walkways between several of the trees. The garden aims at minimal environment impact. Rainwater is collected and circulated. Late this evening we will travel to the airport where we will join the Singapore Airlines flight for Rome and other tour members on the main tour to travel to Rome.

Italian Food & Garden Tour with Julie Ray & Phil Dudman

ITINERARY

Day 1 Friday May 22, 2015 Departure
Today we board our over-night flight to Rome.

Day 2 Saturday May 23, 2015 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
This afternoon we arrive at Rome airport. Upon arrival we are met by our coach for the trip to the Tuscan village of Bagno Vignoni, where we will spend the next three nights. This small Orcia River Valley village has long been a favourite among travellers seeking solitude in a beautiful location. We will stay at a small family owned 15th-century hotel, built by Rossellino as a summerhouse for Pope Pius II, who enjoyed the advantage of the nearby hot mineral springs. Tour members will enjoy delicious Tuscan dinners each night during our stay at Bagno Vignoni.

Day 3 Sunday May 24, 2015 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
This morning we travel south to visit Parco dei Mostri. This garden is unique. Made up of astonishing gigantic sculptures, many of them hewn from the rock on the wooded hillside – you will be amazed. Are they autobiographical, literary, historical or philosophical? The scholars don’t know. This afternoon we visit the magnificent gardens of Villa Lante, near Viterbo. This is a perfect Renaissance garden in which murmuring water, flashing fountains, shade and sunlight alternate under vast plane trees. The garden, organised on four levels along a main axis, emphasized by fountains, has perfect symmetry.

Day 4 Monday May 25, 2015 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
This morning we visit Villa Cetinale, built in the 15th century by the Chigi family, bankers and money lenders for popes and English kings. Additions to the original house and garden were carried out by Carlo Fontana, who was a pupil of Bernini. In the gardens are wonderful statues and the Romitorio, a hermitage where monks lived until near the end of the 19th century. Lord Lambton bought Vila Cetinale from the Chigi family in 1977 and since then the gardens have been immaculately restored and enriched. This afternoon we will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the wonderful medieval city of Siena, best known for the famous Palio horse race held in the magnificent Piazza del Campo. Siena is also home to the oldest bank in the world, a spectacular town hall and majestic cathedral. A local guide will introduce us to the major sights of the city, including the Piazza del Campo with its splendid civic tower and the enormous, partially completed Duomo.

Day 5 Tuesday May 26, 2015 Florence
We drive through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to Florence this morning. In the afternoon we have a walking tour of Florence. During our walking tour we see the Piazza del Duomo, one of the largest cathedrals in the Christian world. Together with Brunelleschi’s wonderful dome, we see the Campanile and the Baptistry. We also wander through the Piazza della Signoria, which contains the Loggia della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio and nearby, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River.

Day 6 Wednesday May 27, 2015 Florence
This morning is free for individual activity. This afternoon we travel to Villa Gamberaia, set in classic olive-grove country. Restored to its 16th-century splendour, the garden is small, but idyllic. The main terrace is laid out with parterres de broderie and the water gardens are reminiscent of Persian reflecting pools.

Day 7 Thursday May 28, 2015 Florence
We travel by coach north to Pistoia, an area with many wholesale plant nurseries, which specialise in large trees and topiaries. Many of the very advanced specimen trees that feature at the Chelsea Flower show are sourced from these nurseries. Our guided tour of the Vanucci Piante nursery, which exports plants to 48 countries around the world, is a fascinating insight into the business side of horticulture and some of the specimens will amaze you. We continue north west to the Camaiore area. This is an area of flower and green plant growing. We will see fields of flowers before returning to Florence for an evening at leisure.

Day 8 Friday May 29, 2015 Bologna
Today we travel to Bologna, the food capital of Italy. On arrival we will visit the Bologna earth market. More than thirty farmers from the surrounding area sell their seasonal products. The market is organized by the Slow Food Network to sell fruit, vegetables, bread, biscuits, milk, yogurt, eggs, salami and other produce. After time for lunch we will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the gorgeous historic centre of Bologna. We will see three attractive city squares: Piazza Maggiore, on the south side we see the huge Basilica di San Petronio, begun in 1390. Piazza del Nettuno has a wonderful 16th century fountain in the centre and Piazza di Porta Ravegnana completes the trio. The squares form a harmonious ensemble. We see the town hall which is composed of buildings from the 13th century to the 15th century. We travel to our hotel and the tour manager will meet tour members who would like to dine together to sample local specialties’.

Day 9 Saturday May 30, 2015 Bologna
We will travel to Modena home of balsamic vinegar today. We first visit Mercator Albinelli opened in 1931. Built in the Art Deco style it is itself a work of art. We will see a vast array of produce. We will enjoy a tour of a small family run balsamic vinegar producer. We see how the vinegar is aged in a series of wooden barrels for a minimum of twelve years. The tour concludes with a tasting of the different varieties of balsamic vinegar including one that sells for Euro 110. We will have lunch at Osteria Francescana, voted third in “The world’s top 50 restaurants “ where famous Italian chef Massimo Bottura is able to balance traditional and modern Italian cuisine. We return to Bologna late afternoon.

Day 10 Sunday May 31, 2015 Bologna
Today we will have a tour of the historical shops of the medieval area of Bologna. We visit Paolo Atti & Figli to see their tortellini and their larger cousins, tortilla. Our exploration includes a visit to Ceccarelli to look at their delicious cheeses and prosciutto. We continue to Mercato del’ Erbe, an historic green market. Housed in a traditional covered market, the array of food and vegetables is astounding: the freshest herbs and every variety of tomato are there. Along the perimeter of the market are meat and cheese shops. We will enjoy an included lunch at Trattoria Del Rosso, which serves traditional dishes of Bologna. We will be able to try tortellini or tagliatelle and Bolognese sauce made from pork and veal. These dishes were invented in Bologna. This afternoon is free for individual exploration.

Day 11 Monday June 1, 2015 Como
In the morning, we travel to the Italian Lakes district, staying for the next four nights at Como on the edge of beautiful Lake Como.

Day 12 Tuesday June 2, 2015 Como
Continuing our tour of the Italian Lakes, our coach takes us to Lake Maggiore. We travel by boat to Isola Bella, the most spectacular of the Borromean Islands. The magnificent villa is surrounded by one of the most dramatic 17th-century gardens in Italy, with 10 terraces rising like a ship’s prow in the reflecting waters of the lake. Masses of roses and perfumed plants set among superb statues and fountains make this a garden to remember. We also visit the nearby island Isola Madre. This very different garden has lush sub-tropical planting of ornamental trees and shrubs including a fine swamp cypress and palms.

Day 13 Wednesday June 3, 2015 Como
This morning will be free to relax, shop in Como or take a ferry ride on Lake Como to view the spectacular scenery and fabulous lakeside villas. In the afternoon Julie and Phil will guide us on a visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi. The semi-classical villa stands on the shores of the lake, among gardens studded with an eclectic mix of sculptures, from Egyptian to Roman. We will have time to explore the town of Bellagio, nominated as one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

Day 14 Thursday June 4, 2015 Como
A trip along the west shore of Lake Como brings us to the picturesque village of Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta. This elegant 18th-century villa has its own landing place on Lake Como with beautiful views over the lake. It was given as a wedding present to Carlotta, Duchess of Saxe-Meningen, who, with her husband, created the landscaped gardens and began the botanical collection. Around the house, an 18th-century formal layout has lemon arbours on the terraces, tall camellia hedges and flowerbeds. We continue on to one of the jewels of the lake, Villa del Balbianello, located on its own small island. Steep steps covered with flowers lead from the landing to the gorgeous gardens and villa, chosen as the romantic setting for the movie “A Month on the Lake”. Ancient pollarded plane trees are a feature of this enchanting garden. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate our tour.

Day 15 Friday June 5, 2015 Departure This morning is free for individual exploration. This afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Australia.

Day 16 Saturday June 6, 2015 In flight

Day 17 Sunday June 7, 2015 Arrival Australia
Tour members arrive back in Australia. The tour concludes.

 

ADD A PRE-TOUR TO LONDON FOR THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW WITH HELEN YOUNG

Day 1 Tuesday May 19, 2015 Departure
We depart Australia on our flight to London Heathrow.

Day 2 Wednesday May 20, 2015 London
On arrival we travel in our first class coach to central London. After time to freshen up we meet our London Blue Badge guide for a tour of the main sights of exciting London such as Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, The Strand, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The afternoon and evening will be free for you to enjoy London’s many attractions as you choose.

Day 3 Thursday May 21, 2015 London
The highlight of our time in London will be our visit to the famous Chelsea Flower Show. Chelsea is the main event in the English horticultural calendar and boasts amazing displays of the world’s best flowers and plants, dozens of show gardens created by leading designers, and everything to do with the garden. Helen will ensure that you get the most from this wonderful show. We return to our hotel early afternoon, with an optional drop-off at Harrods for those who would like to visit this iconic store. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know members’ of the tour and Helen Young.

Day 4 Friday May 22, 2015 London
Today we visit Capel Manor Gardens, with 30 acres and more than 60 gardens and landscapes to explore, surrounding a Georgian manor house. It contains some previous gold-medal winning show gardens from Chelsea, including The Australian Garden from 2011, as well as a 17th-century walled garden, Italianate maze, vegetable plots and plant collections of scented pelargoniums and salvias. Capel Manor College is an esteemed horticultural college. We continue our day with a visit to Mr and Mrs Raworth’s garden in west London. This is a true collectors’ garden, with some rare and unusual plants. Among its many features are impressive hedges of privet, yew. We continue to our welllocated hotel by private coach. The remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Day 5 Saturday May 23, 2015 Bagno Vignonie
We fly to Rome this morning to meet the group arriving for the Italian Food and Garden tour with Julie Ray and Phil Dudman early afternoon.

Italian Food & Garden Tour with Julie Ray & Phil Dudman

ITINERARY

Day 1 Friday May 22, 2015 Departure
Today we board our over-night flight to Rome.

Day 2 Saturday May 23, 2015 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
This afternoon we arrive at Rome airport. Upon arrival we are met by our coach for the trip to the Tuscan village of Bagno Vignoni, where we will spend the next three nights. This small Orcia River Valley village has long been a favourite among travellers seeking solitude in a beautiful location. We will stay at a small family owned 15th-century hotel, built by Rossellino as a summerhouse for Pope Pius II, who enjoyed the advantage of the nearby hot mineral springs. Tour members will enjoy delicious Tuscan dinners each night during our stay at Bagno Vignoni.

Day 3 Sunday May 24, 2015 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
This morning we travel south to visit Parco dei Mostri. This garden is unique. Made up of astonishing gigantic sculptures, many of them hewn from the rock on the wooded hillside – you will be amazed. Are they autobiographical, literary, historical or philosophical? The scholars don’t know. This afternoon we visit the magnificent gardens of Villa Lante, near Viterbo. This is a perfect Renaissance garden in which murmuring water, flashing fountains, shade and sunlight alternate under vast plane trees. The garden, organised on four levels along a main axis, emphasized by fountains, has perfect symmetry.

Day 4 Monday May 25, 2015 Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
This morning we visit Villa Cetinale, built in the 15th century by the Chigi family, bankers and money lenders for popes and English kings. Additions to the original house and garden were carried out by Carlo Fontana, who was a pupil of Bernini. In the gardens are wonderful statues and the Romitorio, a hermitage where monks lived until near the end of the 19th century. Lord Lambton bought Vila Cetinale from the Chigi family in 1977 and since then the gardens have been immaculately restored and enriched. This afternoon we will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the wonderful medieval city of Siena, best known for the famous Palio horse race held in the magnificent Piazza del Campo. Siena is also home to the oldest bank in the world, a spectacular town hall and majestic cathedral. A local guide will introduce us to the major sights of the city, including the Piazza del Campo with its splendid civic tower and the enormous, partially completed Duomo.

Day 5 Tuesday May 26, 2015 Florence
We drive through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to Florence this morning. In the afternoon we have a walking tour of Florence. During our walking tour we see the Piazza del Duomo, one of the largest cathedrals in the Christian world. Together with Brunelleschi’s wonderful dome, we see the Campanile and the Baptistry. We also wander through the Piazza della Signoria, which contains the Loggia della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio and nearby, the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River.

Day 6 Wednesday May 27, 2015 Florence
This morning is free for individual activity. This afternoon we travel to Villa Gamberaia, set in classic olive-grove country. Restored to its 16th-century splendour, the garden is small, but idyllic. The main terrace is laid out with parterres de broderie and the water gardens are reminiscent of Persian reflecting pools.

Day 7 Thursday May 28, 2015 Florence
We travel by coach north to Pistoia, an area with many wholesale plant nurseries, which specialise in large trees and topiaries. Many of the very advanced specimen trees that feature at the Chelsea Flower show are sourced from these nurseries. Our guided tour of the Vanucci Piante nursery, which exports plants to 48 countries around the world, is a fascinating insight into the business side of horticulture and some of the specimens will amaze you. We continue north west to the Camaiore area. This is an area of flower and green plant growing. We will see fields of flowers before returning to Florence for an evening at leisure.

Day 8 Friday May 29, 2015 Bologna
Today we travel to Bologna, the food capital of Italy. On arrival we will visit the Bologna earth market. More than thirty farmers from the surrounding area sell their seasonal products. The market is organized by the Slow Food Network to sell fruit, vegetables, bread, biscuits, milk, yogurt, eggs, salami and other produce. After time for lunch we will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the gorgeous historic centre of Bologna. We will see three attractive city squares: Piazza Maggiore, on the south side we see the huge Basilica di San Petronio, begun in 1390. Piazza del Nettuno has a wonderful 16th century fountain in the centre and Piazza di Porta Ravegnana completes the trio. The squares form a harmonious ensemble. We see the town hall which is composed of buildings from the 13th century to the 15th century. We travel to our hotel and the tour manager will meet tour members who would like to dine together to sample local specialties’.

Day 9 Saturday May 30, 2015 Bologna
We will travel to Modena home of balsamic vinegar today. We first visit Mercator Albinelli opened in 1931. Built in the Art Deco style it is itself a work of art. We will see a vast array of produce. We will enjoy a tour of a small family run balsamic vinegar producer. We see how the vinegar is aged in a series of wooden barrels for a minimum of twelve years. The tour concludes with a tasting of the different varieties of balsamic vinegar including one that sells for Euro 110. We will have lunch at Osteria Francescana, voted third in “The world’s top 50 restaurants “ where famous Italian chef Massimo Bottura is able to balance traditional and modern Italian cuisine. We return to Bologna late afternoon.

Day 10 Sunday May 31, 2015 Bologna
Today we will have a tour of the historical shops of the medieval area of Bologna. We visit Paolo Atti & Figli to see their tortellini and their larger cousins, tortilla. Our exploration includes a visit to Ceccarelli to look at their delicious cheeses and prosciutto. We continue to Mercato del’ Erbe, an historic green market. Housed in a traditional covered market, the array of food and vegetables is astounding: the freshest herbs and every variety of tomato are there. Along the perimeter of the market are meat and cheese shops. We will enjoy an included lunch at Trattoria Del Rosso, which serves traditional dishes of Bologna. We will be able to try tortellini or tagliatelle and Bolognese sauce made from pork and veal. These dishes were invented in Bologna. This afternoon is free for individual exploration.

Day 11 Monday June 1, 2015 Como
In the morning, we travel to the Italian Lakes district, staying for the next four nights at Como on the edge of beautiful Lake Como.

Day 12 Tuesday June 2, 2015 Como
Continuing our tour of the Italian Lakes, our coach takes us to Lake Maggiore. We travel by boat to Isola Bella, the most spectacular of the Borromean Islands. The magnificent villa is surrounded by one of the most dramatic 17th-century gardens in Italy, with 10 terraces rising like a ship’s prow in the reflecting waters of the lake. Masses of roses and perfumed plants set among superb statues and fountains make this a garden to remember. We also visit the nearby island Isola Madre. This very different garden has lush sub-tropical planting of ornamental trees and shrubs including a fine swamp cypress and palms.

Day 13 Wednesday June 3, 2015 Como
This morning will be free to relax, shop in Como or take a ferry ride on Lake Como to view the spectacular scenery and fabulous lakeside villas. In the afternoon Julie and Phil will guide us on a visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi. The semi-classical villa stands on the shores of the lake, among gardens studded with an eclectic mix of sculptures, from Egyptian to Roman. We will have time to explore the town of Bellagio, nominated as one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

Day 14 Thursday June 4, 2015 Como
A trip along the west shore of Lake Como brings us to the picturesque village of Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta. This elegant 18th-century villa has its own landing place on Lake Como with beautiful views over the lake. It was given as a wedding present to Carlotta, Duchess of Saxe-Meningen, who, with her husband, created the landscaped gardens and began the botanical collection. Around the house, an 18th-century formal layout has lemon arbours on the terraces, tall camellia hedges and flowerbeds. We continue on to one of the jewels of the lake, Villa del Balbianello, located on its own small island. Steep steps covered with flowers lead from the landing to the gorgeous gardens and villa, chosen as the romantic setting for the movie “A Month on the Lake”. Ancient pollarded plane trees are a feature of this enchanting garden. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate our tour.

Day 15 Friday June 5, 2015 Departure This morning is free for individual exploration. This afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Australia.

Day 16 Saturday June 6, 2015 In flight

Day 17 Sunday June 7, 2015 Arrival Australia
Tour members arrive back in Australia. The tour concludes.

 

ADD A PRE-TOUR TO LONDON FOR THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW WITH HELEN YOUNG

Day 1 Tuesday May 19, 2015 Departure
We depart Australia on our flight to London Heathrow.

Day 2 Wednesday May 20, 2015 London
On arrival we travel in our first class coach to central London. After time to freshen up we meet our London Blue Badge guide for a tour of the main sights of exciting London such as Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, The Strand, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The afternoon and evening will be free for you to enjoy London’s many attractions as you choose.

Day 3 Thursday May 21, 2015 London
The highlight of our time in London will be our visit to the famous Chelsea Flower Show. Chelsea is the main event in the English horticultural calendar and boasts amazing displays of the world’s best flowers and plants, dozens of show gardens created by leading designers, and everything to do with the garden. Helen will ensure that you get the most from this wonderful show. We return to our hotel early afternoon, with an optional drop-off at Harrods for those who would like to visit this iconic store. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know members’ of the tour and Helen Young.

Day 4 Friday May 22, 2015 London
Today we visit Capel Manor Gardens, with 30 acres and more than 60 gardens and landscapes to explore, surrounding a Georgian manor house. It contains some previous gold-medal winning show gardens from Chelsea, including The Australian Garden from 2011, as well as a 17th-century walled garden, Italianate maze, vegetable plots and plant collections of scented pelargoniums and salvias. Capel Manor College is an esteemed horticultural college. We continue our day with a visit to Mr and Mrs Raworth’s garden in west London. This is a true collectors’ garden, with some rare and unusual plants. Among its many features are impressive hedges of privet, yew. We continue to our welllocated hotel by private coach. The remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Day 5 Saturday May 23, 2015 Bagno Vignonie
We fly to Rome this morning to meet the group arriving for the Italian Food and Garden tour with Julie Ray and Phil Dudman early afternoon.

Garden Cruise of Britain & Ireland with Jane Edmanson

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Thursday July 2, 2015 Depart Australia
Today we depart Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth on our overnight flight to London.

Day 2 Friday July 3, 2015 London, England
This morning we arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport. After clearing customs, we will be met by our private coach and transferred to our well-located hotel before travelling on a sightseeing tour with a local Blue Badge guide. Some of the great sights included in our tour are Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Palace of Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group, in the lobby to suggest restaurants for dinner.

Day 3 Saturday July 4, 2015 London, England
The highlight of our time in London will be an escorted visit to the famous Hampton Court Flower Show. One of the main events in the English horticultural calendar, it boasts fine displays of flowers, plants, trees and interesting garden layouts. Jane will ensure that you explore all areas of this wonderful show. The rest of the day will be free for independent activity. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of our tour and to formally introduce Jane Edmanson.

Day 4 Sunday July 5, 2015 Canterbury
We travel to Kent today. Known for its apple orchards and hop oast houses, the county is very lush. We visit the house and gardens at Great Dixter. One of the best-known gardens in Britain surrounds a thatched 15th-century manor house. The sunken garden was designed and constructed by Christopher Lloyd, a noted plantsman; gardener and writer who lived and gardened here all his life, composing a series of gardens, including fine topiary and a magnificent mixed long border. This garden is a true gem. We continue to bustling Canterbury where we check in to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon will be free for individual activity.

Day 5 Monday July 6, 2015 Canterbury
Today we visit two of the finest gardens in England. We first visit Scotney Castle Garden. The formal garden overlooks a quarry garden, while the grounds of the old castle enclose a rose garden. The lakeside planting adds an air of informality. Evergreens and deciduous trees provide structure while many shrubs and flowering plants ensure something is in bloom at every season. This afternoon we visit the renowned garden at Sissinghurst Castle, created by Vita Sackville West and her husband Harold Nicholson. This romantic garden is one of the outstanding gardens of the world. Jane will make sure that you get the most out of this inspiring garden. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.

Day 6 Tuesday July 7, 2015 Canterbury
This morning is free to explore Canterbury. It was an important town in Roman times. With the building of the cathedral and the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in 1170 AD it became more famous. This afternoon we visit Old Place Farm. Jane will lead us around the superb four-acre garden, surrounding a Tudor Farmhouse. Ann Eker, with the help of designer Anthony Pasley, has created a series of stylish spaces. A burgeoning herbaceous border leads to a sheltered herb parterre and a charming cutting garden, where a decorative pottager is screened by vines and roses.

Day 7 Wednesday July 8, 2015 Board
Royal Princess In the morning, we are transferred to Southampton to board the Royal Princess, for our voyage around the British Isles. Southampton served as Britain’s historic ocean liner gateway for the British Empire and the intense North Atlantic passenger trade to the U.S. and Canada. Today it is the U.K.’s leading cruise port.

Day 8 Thursday July 9, 2015 Le Havre
We dock in Le Havre this morning. We visit Claude Monet’s famous house and beautiful garden at Giverny. This garden, with its ponds and water lilies and its Japanese bridge, appears in many of the artist’s paintings. Another section of the garden has a more formal layout, featuring espaliered apples and pears and abundant plantings of roses, irises, poppies and more. It has been magnificently restored and gives a vivid impression of Monet’s inspiration. On our return journey we visit Honfleur, which overlooks the Seine estuary. It is a very picturesque port with streets and quayside full of character. The old harbour shelters a fishing fleet as well as yachts and pleasure craft. They have been painted by many Impressionist painters.

Day 9 Friday July 10, 2015 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. Late morning, come and test your knowledge with a fun game of Garden Trivial Pursuit. The group will be divided into teams and there will be prizes awarded to the winners.

Day 10 Saturday July 11, 2015 Edinburgh
Today we visit Edinburgh, the Royal and ancient capital of Scotland, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On our sight-seeing tour, we see the ancient Royal Mile with its cobbled streets that form the backbone of the Medieval Old Town and lead from the Palace of Holyroodhouse (HM The Queen’s official residence in Scotland) all the way to Edinburgh Castle. This impressive fortress is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the historic Stone of Destiny. The views from the castle ramparts are just simply stunning. In the afternoon we visit Greywalls. The house was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens as a golfing holiday home in 1901. The whole property is surrounded by local honey-coloured stone walls. The six-acre formal gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll and the main gardens lying to the south have recently been re-designed by Laura McKenzie using many of Jekyll’s favourite plants. There is a single herbaceous border, a lavender border and a charming parterre of box.

Day 11 Sunday July 12, 2015 Invergordon
This morning we dock at Invergordon. We travel along beautiful Cromarty Firth to visit Novar. The walled garden and park, created by Sir Hector Munroe to complement his Georgian mansion, are a model of 18th-century garden making. The walled garden has charming arched entrances and an oval fountain is embellished with a contemporary bronze fountain. In the 20th century, a water garden was established with a delightful series of well planted ponds.

Day 12 Monday July 13, 2015 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. Perhaps enjoy a little pampering or a massage in the Day Spa. Late morning, join us for an interesting talk by Jane about her life in the media.

Day 13 Tuesday July 14, 2015 Glasgow
Today we arrive at Glasgow, a city full of style, energy, and its own gritty history. From its humble beginnings, Glasgow reaped the wealth of the industrial revolution, as we will see on our tour when we pass Glasgow Cathedral and travel through the Merchant City. From Glasgow Cross we move into the medieval part of town and Glasgow Green. Here we see the People’s Palace and the Victoria Fountain, the world’s largest terracotta fountain. We travel to the Peninsula of Stranraer, which is the most westerly point of Scotland and has a remarkably mild climate for its northern latitude, because of the Gulf Stream. We visit Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Gardens, which are set on a peninsula between two lochs. These gardens, originally laid out in 1730, are well-known for the variety of tender trees and species of rhododendrons. This afternoon we visit Logan Botanic Gardens. The exceptionally mild climate allows the creation of a formal garden in the Mediterranean style. Logan has a fasc inating collection of rare and unusual sub-tropical plants.

Day 14 Wednesday July 15, 2015 Belfast
We dock in Belfast this morning. Belfast is one of the great industrial and commercial cities of the Victorian era. We see Donegall Square the hub of Belfast. Bordering the Square are Yorkshire House and the Linden Hall Library two grand buildings. We see City Hall, the Grand Opera House and St Anne’s Cathedral and learn about the Troubles that blighted the cities growth for thirty years. This afternoon we travel to visit Mount Stewart House and Garden. The magnificent formal gardens extensive parklands and the palatial mansion, were home to one of the most eminent and influential families in the Unionist cause. Sir Edward Lutyens and his garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, were employed to design a garden that linked the garden to the house. The Italian garden grows a superb array of herbaceous borders. There is a Spanish Garden and a Sunk Garden which displays yellow, blue and orange flowering plants, Jekylls favourite colours.

Day 15 Thursday July 16, 2015 Liverpool
This morning we dock in Liverpool. We travel to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. The twin strengths of this garden are bold, coherent design and a great variety of plants. Built in the mid-eighteenth century the stunning walled garden has now been redesigned to feature a rose walk running down the centre and two broad borders planted with a variety of shrub roses. It also contains an orchard, a vegetable and herb garden.

Day 16 Friday July 17, 2015 Dublin
Today we arrive in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland and well-known as being a place of friendliness and ‘craic’, and a city well over 1000 years old. Ireland’s famous capital is located on the River Liffey and looks seawards to its port and the waters of Dublin Bay. We see elegant Georgian squares and streets including Merrion Square, laid out in 1762. We see Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. It developed according to the traditions of Oxford and Cambridge. Many buildings were added to the university in the 18th and 19th century. We visit Grafton Street, Dublin’s finest pedestrian shopping street. We see Leinster House, converted to house the Republican parliament in 1922 and St Stephen’s Green, formally common land, enclosed in 1663. They are now beautifully landscaped gardens. In the afternoon we visit Helen Dillon’s acclaimed garden. Within a walled rectangular garden, typical of Dublin’s Georgian town houses, she has created one of the b est town gardens in Ireland. Set around a newly created canal, the mixed borders of shrubs and herbaceous perennials change every season, revealing unusual plants and exciting colour combinations.

Day 17 Saturday July 18, 2015 Cork
This morning we arrive at the port city of Cork, the third largest city in Ireland after Dublin and Belfast. On our tour today we visit The Queenstown Story Visitor Centre, which explores Ireland’s emigration phenomenon. We continue our journey to visit the three-acre Glenview garden. It features a white sunken garden, a Mediterranean and Japanese garden as well as a beautiful wildflower meadow. The afternoon will be free for individual exploration.

Day 18 Sunday July 19, 2015 St Peter Port, Guernsey
This morning we arrive at St Peter Port, Guernsey’s main town, built into a steep valley leading down to the harbour, with spectacular views across to Alderney and the other islands. The granite buildings now occupied by shops were once the homes of the town’s wealthy and the High Street still has its original cobbles. The town was put on the map in 1855 when Victor Hugo, exiled from France, made his home at Hauteville House and where he wrote Les Miserables. We visit the Victorian-era Candie Gardens, where we see spectacular antique greenhouses. The view from the gardens over St Peter Port is stunning. Tonight will be our last night on board the Ruby Princess, as she crosses the English Channel. We will enjoy an included cocktail party to toast our great journey on the Royal Princess.

Day 19 Monday July 20, 2015 London
Early this morning we arrive back into Southampton. After breakfast and clearing customs, we are transferred to London. We visit Capel Manor Gardens, with 30 acres and more than 60 gardens and landscapes to explore, surrounding a Georgian manor house. It contains some previous gold-medal-winning show gardens from Chelsea, including The Australian Garden from 2011, as well as a 17th-century walled garden, Italianate maze, vegetable plots and plant collections of scented pelargoniums and salvias. Capel Manor College is an esteemed horticultural college. We continue to our well-located hotel by private coach. The remainder of the afternoon will be free. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group, in the lobby to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Tonight you might like to catch one of the many splendid London shows.

Day 20 Tuesday July 21, 2015 Departure
This morning is free for individual exploration. We continue our day with a visit Mr and Mrs Whittington’s garden, Southwood Lodge, in north London. An imaginatively designed garden created in 1963 from a much larger one. By the house, dense planting and container displays surround a paved area enclosed on two sides by tall hedges. Through an arch in the beech hedge, steps lead down to a grassy walk edged by mixed borders. After our visit we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Australia.

Day 21 Wednesday July 22, 2015 In flight

Day 22 Thursday July 23, 2015 Australia
We arrive in Australia this evening and tour arrangements conclude.

Garden Cruise of Britain & Ireland with Jane Edmanson

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Thursday July 2, 2015 Depart Australia
Today we depart Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth on our overnight flight to London.

Day 2 Friday July 3, 2015 London, England
This morning we arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport. After clearing customs, we will be met by our private coach and transferred to our well-located hotel before travelling on a sightseeing tour with a local Blue Badge guide. Some of the great sights included in our tour are Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Palace of Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group, in the lobby to suggest restaurants for dinner.

Day 3 Saturday July 4, 2015 London, England
The highlight of our time in London will be an escorted visit to the famous Hampton Court Flower Show. One of the main events in the English horticultural calendar, it boasts fine displays of flowers, plants, trees and interesting garden layouts. Jane will ensure that you explore all areas of this wonderful show. The rest of the day will be free for independent activity. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of our tour and to formally introduce Jane Edmanson.

Day 4 Sunday July 5, 2015 Canterbury
We travel to Kent today. Known for its apple orchards and hop oast houses, the county is very lush. We visit the house and gardens at Great Dixter. One of the best-known gardens in Britain surrounds a thatched 15th-century manor house. The sunken garden was designed and constructed by Christopher Lloyd, a noted plantsman; gardener and writer who lived and gardened here all his life, composing a series of gardens, including fine topiary and a magnificent mixed long border. This garden is a true gem. We continue to bustling Canterbury where we check in to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon will be free for individual activity.

Day 5 Monday July 6, 2015 Canterbury
Today we visit two of the finest gardens in England. We first visit Scotney Castle Garden. The formal garden overlooks a quarry garden, while the grounds of the old castle enclose a rose garden. The lakeside planting adds an air of informality. Evergreens and deciduous trees provide structure while many shrubs and flowering plants ensure something is in bloom at every season. This afternoon we visit the renowned garden at Sissinghurst Castle, created by Vita Sackville West and her husband Harold Nicholson. This romantic garden is one of the outstanding gardens of the world. Jane will make sure that you get the most out of this inspiring garden. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.

Day 6 Tuesday July 7, 2015 Canterbury
This morning is free to explore Canterbury. It was an important town in Roman times. With the building of the cathedral and the martyrdom of Thomas Becket in 1170 AD it became more famous. This afternoon we visit Old Place Farm. Jane will lead us around the superb four-acre garden, surrounding a Tudor Farmhouse. Ann Eker, with the help of designer Anthony Pasley, has created a series of stylish spaces. A burgeoning herbaceous border leads to a sheltered herb parterre and a charming cutting garden, where a decorative pottager is screened by vines and roses.

Day 7 Wednesday July 8, 2015 Board
Royal Princess In the morning, we are transferred to Southampton to board the Royal Princess, for our voyage around the British Isles. Southampton served as Britain’s historic ocean liner gateway for the British Empire and the intense North Atlantic passenger trade to the U.S. and Canada. Today it is the U.K.’s leading cruise port.

Day 8 Thursday July 9, 2015 Le Havre
We dock in Le Havre this morning. We visit Claude Monet’s famous house and beautiful garden at Giverny. This garden, with its ponds and water lilies and its Japanese bridge, appears in many of the artist’s paintings. Another section of the garden has a more formal layout, featuring espaliered apples and pears and abundant plantings of roses, irises, poppies and more. It has been magnificently restored and gives a vivid impression of Monet’s inspiration. On our return journey we visit Honfleur, which overlooks the Seine estuary. It is a very picturesque port with streets and quayside full of character. The old harbour shelters a fishing fleet as well as yachts and pleasure craft. They have been painted by many Impressionist painters.

Day 9 Friday July 10, 2015 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. Late morning, come and test your knowledge with a fun game of Garden Trivial Pursuit. The group will be divided into teams and there will be prizes awarded to the winners.

Day 10 Saturday July 11, 2015 Edinburgh
Today we visit Edinburgh, the Royal and ancient capital of Scotland, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On our sight-seeing tour, we see the ancient Royal Mile with its cobbled streets that form the backbone of the Medieval Old Town and lead from the Palace of Holyroodhouse (HM The Queen’s official residence in Scotland) all the way to Edinburgh Castle. This impressive fortress is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the historic Stone of Destiny. The views from the castle ramparts are just simply stunning. In the afternoon we visit Greywalls. The house was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens as a golfing holiday home in 1901. The whole property is surrounded by local honey-coloured stone walls. The six-acre formal gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll and the main gardens lying to the south have recently been re-designed by Laura McKenzie using many of Jekyll’s favourite plants. There is a single herbaceous border, a lavender border and a charming parterre of box.

Day 11 Sunday July 12, 2015 Invergordon
This morning we dock at Invergordon. We travel along beautiful Cromarty Firth to visit Novar. The walled garden and park, created by Sir Hector Munroe to complement his Georgian mansion, are a model of 18th-century garden making. The walled garden has charming arched entrances and an oval fountain is embellished with a contemporary bronze fountain. In the 20th century, a water garden was established with a delightful series of well planted ponds.

Day 12 Monday July 13, 2015 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. Perhaps enjoy a little pampering or a massage in the Day Spa. Late morning, join us for an interesting talk by Jane about her life in the media.

Day 13 Tuesday July 14, 2015 Glasgow
Today we arrive at Glasgow, a city full of style, energy, and its own gritty history. From its humble beginnings, Glasgow reaped the wealth of the industrial revolution, as we will see on our tour when we pass Glasgow Cathedral and travel through the Merchant City. From Glasgow Cross we move into the medieval part of town and Glasgow Green. Here we see the People’s Palace and the Victoria Fountain, the world’s largest terracotta fountain. We travel to the Peninsula of Stranraer, which is the most westerly point of Scotland and has a remarkably mild climate for its northern latitude, because of the Gulf Stream. We visit Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Gardens, which are set on a peninsula between two lochs. These gardens, originally laid out in 1730, are well-known for the variety of tender trees and species of rhododendrons. This afternoon we visit Logan Botanic Gardens. The exceptionally mild climate allows the creation of a formal garden in the Mediterranean style. Logan has a fasc inating collection of rare and unusual sub-tropical plants.

Day 14 Wednesday July 15, 2015 Belfast
We dock in Belfast this morning. Belfast is one of the great industrial and commercial cities of the Victorian era. We see Donegall Square the hub of Belfast. Bordering the Square are Yorkshire House and the Linden Hall Library two grand buildings. We see City Hall, the Grand Opera House and St Anne’s Cathedral and learn about the Troubles that blighted the cities growth for thirty years. This afternoon we travel to visit Mount Stewart House and Garden. The magnificent formal gardens extensive parklands and the palatial mansion, were home to one of the most eminent and influential families in the Unionist cause. Sir Edward Lutyens and his garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, were employed to design a garden that linked the garden to the house. The Italian garden grows a superb array of herbaceous borders. There is a Spanish Garden and a Sunk Garden which displays yellow, blue and orange flowering plants, Jekylls favourite colours.

Day 15 Thursday July 16, 2015 Liverpool
This morning we dock in Liverpool. We travel to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. The twin strengths of this garden are bold, coherent design and a great variety of plants. Built in the mid-eighteenth century the stunning walled garden has now been redesigned to feature a rose walk running down the centre and two broad borders planted with a variety of shrub roses. It also contains an orchard, a vegetable and herb garden.

Day 16 Friday July 17, 2015 Dublin
Today we arrive in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland and well-known as being a place of friendliness and ‘craic’, and a city well over 1000 years old. Ireland’s famous capital is located on the River Liffey and looks seawards to its port and the waters of Dublin Bay. We see elegant Georgian squares and streets including Merrion Square, laid out in 1762. We see Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. It developed according to the traditions of Oxford and Cambridge. Many buildings were added to the university in the 18th and 19th century. We visit Grafton Street, Dublin’s finest pedestrian shopping street. We see Leinster House, converted to house the Republican parliament in 1922 and St Stephen’s Green, formally common land, enclosed in 1663. They are now beautifully landscaped gardens. In the afternoon we visit Helen Dillon’s acclaimed garden. Within a walled rectangular garden, typical of Dublin’s Georgian town houses, she has created one of the b est town gardens in Ireland. Set around a newly created canal, the mixed borders of shrubs and herbaceous perennials change every season, revealing unusual plants and exciting colour combinations.

Day 17 Saturday July 18, 2015 Cork
This morning we arrive at the port city of Cork, the third largest city in Ireland after Dublin and Belfast. On our tour today we visit The Queenstown Story Visitor Centre, which explores Ireland’s emigration phenomenon. We continue our journey to visit the three-acre Glenview garden. It features a white sunken garden, a Mediterranean and Japanese garden as well as a beautiful wildflower meadow. The afternoon will be free for individual exploration.

Day 18 Sunday July 19, 2015 St Peter Port, Guernsey
This morning we arrive at St Peter Port, Guernsey’s main town, built into a steep valley leading down to the harbour, with spectacular views across to Alderney and the other islands. The granite buildings now occupied by shops were once the homes of the town’s wealthy and the High Street still has its original cobbles. The town was put on the map in 1855 when Victor Hugo, exiled from France, made his home at Hauteville House and where he wrote Les Miserables. We visit the Victorian-era Candie Gardens, where we see spectacular antique greenhouses. The view from the gardens over St Peter Port is stunning. Tonight will be our last night on board the Ruby Princess, as she crosses the English Channel. We will enjoy an included cocktail party to toast our great journey on the Royal Princess.

Day 19 Monday July 20, 2015 London
Early this morning we arrive back into Southampton. After breakfast and clearing customs, we are transferred to London. We visit Capel Manor Gardens, with 30 acres and more than 60 gardens and landscapes to explore, surrounding a Georgian manor house. It contains some previous gold-medal-winning show gardens from Chelsea, including The Australian Garden from 2011, as well as a 17th-century walled garden, Italianate maze, vegetable plots and plant collections of scented pelargoniums and salvias. Capel Manor College is an esteemed horticultural college. We continue to our well-located hotel by private coach. The remainder of the afternoon will be free. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group, in the lobby to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Tonight you might like to catch one of the many splendid London shows.

Day 20 Tuesday July 21, 2015 Departure
This morning is free for individual exploration. We continue our day with a visit Mr and Mrs Whittington’s garden, Southwood Lodge, in north London. An imaginatively designed garden created in 1963 from a much larger one. By the house, dense planting and container displays surround a paved area enclosed on two sides by tall hedges. Through an arch in the beech hedge, steps lead down to a grassy walk edged by mixed borders. After our visit we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Australia.

Day 21 Wednesday July 22, 2015 In flight

Day 22 Thursday July 23, 2015 Australia
We arrive in Australia this evening and tour arrangements conclude.

Gardening Scotland

Gardening Scotland

 

Gardening Scotland is the biggest plant fayre in the country, offering gardeners the chance to take home top quality plants that are hard to source anywhere else. You can find them in the New Hopetoun Gardens Floral Hall and outside in the Plant Village.

In the Show Garden Avenue top designers show off the latest trends in garden style while  amateur gardening clubs and schools throughout Scotland create mini Pallet Gardens that show what’s possible in a very small space.

The Living Garden area is packed with environmental organisations with information on how to live in harmony with bugs, birds, butterflies and bees and all the gardening advice you could ever need is on hand from our gardening experts. Meanwhile in the Big Back Garden the emphasis is on outdoor fun for all the family.

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, 10am-5pm each day.

Collectors’ Plant Fair NSW

12th Collectors’ Plant Fair

 

Hawkesbury Race Club, Racecourse Road, Clarendon NSW, 8 and 9 April 2017

FOR SALE Unique, desirable plants, many edible, for Coastal and Inland gardens from dozens of Specialist Growers.

 

Speakers for 2017 to be confirmed

 

2017 RETAILERS

Plant Growers:

Addictive Nursery, NSW. (No. 5)

Growers of the stunning rare blue Hippeastrum (Worselya procera), bromeliads, tillandsia, heliconia, clivia, elks, palms and unusual gingers.

Alameda Homestead Nursery, VIC. (No. 6)

Judy and David are Australia’s largest growers of hybrid clematis, producing approximately 80,000 plants. New release clematis varieties will be on sale. Alameda Homestead Nursery also produces Wisteria, Mandevilla, Stephanotis, Phaseolus and Lavender.

Aloe Aloe, QLD (No. 10)

Flowering Aloes in beautiful colours, all 34 of these big flowering hybrid aloe cultivars will be available. Aloe are perfect in climates with winter rain and summer heat, making them great winter colour for the east coast of Australia.

Andy’s Rare Plants, NSW (No. 52)

From cool climate to sub-tropical South African and South America bulbs, orchids, trees, shrubs and climbers.

Antique Perennials, VIC (No. 31)

Matt specialises in rare perennials, alpines, and bulbs. This includes some remarkable Primulas, Epimediums and Geraniums plus a range of Prairie and Woodland species. A wonderful opportunity to find something great from a wholesale nursery not normally open to the public and a great chance to pick their brains!

Ausplants Nursery, NSW (No. 48)

Grafted grevillea, eremophila, emu bush, grafted gums, bush foods and other natives.

Australian Geranium Society, NSW (No. 14)

Species geraniums and pelargoniums by the living treasure Robyn Bible. Stay a while and pick her brains on this wonderful group of flowering plants.

Bamboo Creations, VIC (No. 57)

Bamboo specialist growing clumping bamboos at many different heights perfectly suited to the home garden. A large choice of bamboo to block out your ugly neighbours.

Bay Tree Nursery, NSW (No. 23)

Bill from Baytree grows cool climate hard-to-get perennials, trees and shrubs.

Bilby Blooms, NSW (No. 4)

Rare and unusual native Australian plants, including black grevillea.

Blooming’ Greenery, NSW (No. 22)

A large range of tropical shade tolerant plants such as clerodendron, fuchsia, hibiscus, justicia, strobilanthes, ruellia, sinningia, begonias and rare varieties.

Candybell Nursery, VIC (No 13)

Martin Ferrugia is a begonia, peony rose and South African Bulb expert. He is bringing a display of magnificent, large flowering tuberous begonias in full glorious flower. He also has peonies, Brunsvigia, Haemanthus, Boophane, Cane type and Rex Begonia, Lapageria and Streptocarpus,

Clover Hill Rare Plants, NSW (No. 9)

David Kennedy’s Clover Hill is a showcase of rare cool climate gems. With no room left, the avid plant collector and nurseryman has started a new garden over the mountains in Hartley. David grows fine cool climate perennials, woodlands, orchids, galanthus, trilliums, phlomis and salvias​. Oh and don’t miss his to-die-for, first time release Epimediums.

Club Creek Bulb Farm, VIC (No 56)

Growers of sensational liliums and dahlias. Adrian specialises in growing Liliums of all shapes and sizes. He will have on display a large range of garden Lilium bulbs includes some unique varieties, some he has bred himself and rare species.

Coachwood Nursery, NSW (No. 79)

The lovely Peter and Ruth Donnelly run the productive powerhouse Coachwood Nursery and grow a range of plants bang-on-trend! They’re easy, tough, rare, succulent, hanging and unusual treasures such as epiphyllums, Mistletoe cactus or Rhipsalis, stapelia, sedum, kalanchoe, euphorbia and tradescantia. All available from cuttings at unbelievable prices.

Country Farm Perennials, VIC (No. 15)

Growers of unusual and rare perennials, including exciting old favourites that have been impossible to find. Merryl and David have a tremendous amount of plant knowledge and are happy to offer advice for your home garden. Their plants cope with hot, dry, deep shade, sand, bog, blazing sun, biting frosts or nibbling rabbits! Big on colour and flower.

Darvall Nursery, NSW (No. 41)

Native bush food species, tea and coffee plants, waratah. Fabulous African violets too.

Delightfully Fresh Organics, NSW (No. 35)

Darren grows a huge range of organic herbs, rhubarb, garlic, fruit and vegetables. Great place to stock up on garlic cloves ready for autumn planting!

Drewitts Bulbs, VIC (No. 28)

Colin and Tim have a stunning collection of 60 varieties of tulips, daffodils and allium to name a few. Crocus, daffodils, tulips, fritallaria, erythronium, dahlia and other autumn bulbs. We love their Pleonie orchid, ixia and range of liliums.

Exeter Designer Plants, NSW (No. 46)

Cool climate favourites: clematis, daphne, dogwood, hamamelis, birch, cedars, spruce, firs, coryopsis, viburnum and witchhazels.

Feather Flower Brush, NSW (No. 40)

Daphne and botanically inspired stationery.

Florilegium Books, NSW (No. 39)

The garden bookstore.

Fong Ping Orchids, QLD (No. 20)

Phalaenopsis, cattleya, oncidium, plus special double adeniums and hippeastrum.

Forbidden Fruits (No. 2)

…are back again after missing last year’s show! Their nursery, established in 1981, grows a wide range of fruit trees, dwarf fruit trees, native bushfood, and edibles.

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens, NSW (No. 45)

Treasures from the Gardens such as Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower); Alcantarea imperialis (metallic bronze form) from original pup stock brought back from Roberto Burle-Marx’s garden in Rio de Janiero; Alloxylon pinnatum (Tree Waratah); Begonia listada – compact shrublike evergreen begonia that thrives in heavy shade; Megaskepasma erthyrochlamys (Brazilian Red Cloak), large autumn/winter flowering shrub with vibrant crimson bracts in bold spikes held above huge, glossy, veined leaves; Plectranthus scutellariorides (Coleus) some great and unusual mixed colours.

Fruit Salad Tree Company (No. 65)

Kerry West has been multi-grafting specialty fruit to a high standard for decades. We welcome them to their first Plant Fair.

Gardening with Angus Stewart (No. 67)

A rainbow of kangaroo paws and native plant knowledge

Garry Reid Obscure Bulbs, VIC (No. 12)

Bulbs including albuca, arisaema, arum and galanthus.

Geranium Cottage, NSW (No. 73)

Geranium and pelargonium specialist, zonal, scented, species and the latest German arrivals.

Glenmore House, NSW (No. 58)

Meet Mickey Robertson and chat to her about idyllic and inspiring days in the country, kitchen gardening days, her botanically inspired special events and cooking days. You’ll never want to leave! Mickey will have her recently published book ‘The House and Garden at Glenmore’ and her usual Essential Kit.

Green E Roses, NSW (No. 47)

Modern and old world roses – heritage, bush, climbing, standard and weeping roses including David Austin’s, rugose and Mutablilis.

Green Gallery (No. 50A)

So much colour from one nursery! We welcome Justin to his first Collectors’!

Harland’s Nursery, NSW (No. 30)

Easy to grow and unusual cacti, succulents and bulbs.

Henry Doubleday, NSW (No. 61)

Unusual medicinal and edible herbs, heirloom vegetables, fruiting trees, salvia, comfrey and unusual cottage plants.

Hills District Orchids, NSW (No. 29)

Easily grown orchids, hoya, clivea, haworthia and pitcher plants.

Johnson Orchids, SA (No. 17)

Cattleya, oncidiums and phalaenopsis orchids.

Kawana Nursery, NSW (No. 19)

Orchids, fuchsia and hanging baskets with desirables such as Mexican Mistletoe (Rhipsalis), Tassel ferns, columnea, Medinilla, hoya, Lepismum, Donkey tails and night flowering cactus (Epiphyllums).

Kinspirit Iris and Daylily Farm, NSW (No. 11)

Tall bearded iris, Louisiana iris, daylilies and succulents.

Macquarie Native Orchids, NSW (No. 29)

Native epiphytic orchid species and hybrids.

Maple Springs Nursery, NSW (No. 53)

Japanese maple specialist, bonsai.

Melanquin Gardens, NSW (No. 55)

Shade-loving plants, fabulous foliages and stunning bromeliads.

Mistydowns, VIC (No. 51)

Heritage and modern roses, tree and herbaceous peonies and unusual perennials. Perennial and rose specialist. He stocks a beautiful array of plants and is keen to offer practical gardening advice. He also has an extensive range of fabulous Peony Roses

Mountain Herbs, NSW (no. 74)

Perennial kitchen and medicinal herbs, tea plants and edibles, grown in cool climate Katoomba

Ozbreed, NSW (No. 76)

Tough, hardy plants that are proven performers. Rarely available to the public, Look out for their Elite Herbs range with robust flavours that never fade.

Perennialle Nursery, NSW (No. 3)

Perenialle Plants is a mail-order nursery for tough plants. Living and gardening in Canowindra, Chris Cuddy grows frost and dry tolerant perennials. Most of the plants in his catalogue are from southern Africa, the Mediterranean and New Zealand. But he also looks for suitable tough plants from the Middle East, the Americas, and here at home.

Post Office Farm Nursery, VIC (No. 34)

Peter breeds superior forms of Helleborus x hybridus as well as growing a comprehensive range of the less commonly available Helleborus species and hybrids, including doubles. Post Office Farm Nursery grows from the best imported seed from the UK, Germany and the US. Hellebores are easy to grow, they flower in winter when colour is most valuable, and boast a wonderful variety of flower colours and forms, as well as providing evergreen foliage in the garden.

Planters Patch (No. 75)

We are thrilled to welcome Planters Patch for their first Collectors Plant Fair and are excited to see the treasures they bring. As local growers of interesting perennials and proven winners, they grow a range of Agapanthus hybrids, Echineacea, Sedum and Dahlia. An eye catching selection of ultimately collectible Japanese Painted Ferns (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pewter Lace’, ‘Ursula Red’ and Wildwood Twist’).

Q Nursery, NSW (No. 55A)

Interesting heirloom shrubs, old time favourites and perennials like unusual lilac, pomegranate and Weigelia.

Rainbow Ridge, NSW (No. 21)

Stunning iris of all kinds. Bearded, Californian, Louisiana iris plus daylilies.

Ray Nesci Bonsai, NSW (No. 36)

Bonsai and accessories.

Secret Garden and Nursery, NSW (No. 50)

Edibles, hundreds of sun tolerant salvias and bee hotels. The Secret Garden & Nursery is a not-for-profit community garden and nursery set on five beautiful acres at the Western Sydney University campus in Richmond, NSW. Members of the community are welcome to use the gardens, enjoy the farmyard animals and purchase plants from the nursery

Seedscape Seeds (Stall no. 34A)

Subspecies, NSW (No. 49)

Boutique Nursery specialising in historic specimens from the Devonian period, look for unusual protea, banksia and hakea

Sun Valley Plants, VIC (No. 27)

Kay and Rod Pitt sell grafted Australian plants including gums, grevillea, banksia, emu bush and woolly bush in 3″ tubes. These include Adenanthos (woolly bush), Correa, Dampiera, Eremophila, Grevillea’s and a selection of ground covers. Sunvalley Plants Nursery also have a range of grafted Grevillea’s and tall standards and the new Acacia Dazzler on a tall graft.

Sustainable Natives, NSW (No. 77)

Best range of bush tucker plants such as finger limes, mint, lemons, bush tomato and black apple.

Sydney Frangipani, NSW (No. 68)

Frangipani fanatic Stuart Reiss has propagated plenty of interesting Plumeria hybrids in beautiful colours and super rare multi-grafted rainbow trees.

Sydney Wildflower Nursery, NSW (No. 88)

Dave Rose’s nursery in Heathcote is a wonderland of native wildflowers and bush foods.

Tas Daffodils, TAS (No. 26)

Daffodils, tulips, crocus, freesia, snowdrops and flakes, galanthus and fritallaria.

Tinonee Orchid Nursery, NSW (No. 24)

Flowering orchids, new release orchids and orchid accessories.

Underplants, NSW (Stall No. 72)

Collectible tillandsias and bromeliads.

Vaughan’s Native Plants, VIC (No. 70)

Grafted flowering Australian plants for the native garden enthusiast and stunning cottage garden natives.

Verdigris Fern Nursery, NSW (No. 54)

Exotic and rare ferns for all positions.

Wallis Creek Watergarden, NSW (No.16)

Need to select some new water plants for your pond or water garden? Stunning textured ponds, dancing light patterns, bird and fish life and a unique selection of lotus hybrids, hardy & tropical waterlilies, other water plants like the porcupine quill rush and green tree frogs. What a water wonderland. Water, bog and shade-loving plants, lotus, waterlilies, water chestnuts and gingers.

Weslor Flowers Plant Nursery, QLD (No. 25)

150 climbers and more than 40 hoya, rare shrubs and trees.

White House Nursery, VIC (No. 18)

Peter and Jess grow a fantastic range of unusual bulbs, plants and trees. Bulbs, shrubs, fruiting, scented, berries, perennials, specialising in autumn flowering nerines.

Yamina Rare Plants, VIC (No. 78)

This renowned nursery was founded by Arnold Teese and has been family operated for 60 years. Peter Tease has a huge range of collectible exotic trees and shrubs including conifers, magnolias, maples and arums. We are looking forward to welcoming Yamina Collectors for the first time.

Yamina Collectors Nursery, VIC (No. 33)

Cool temperate collectibles, trees and shrubs.

Yellow House Perennials, NSW (No. 7)

Mim Burkett is the plant collector and propagator for Yellow House Heritage Perennials the mail order perennial specialist nursery that grew out of her Nowra garden. Provide old fashioned pinks, penstemons, geums, achillea, cranebills, buddleja, salvia, anthemis and a large array of unusual seed purchased in Italy and UK.

 

Products:

Broadcroft Design, QLD (No. 62)

New to Collectors’ this year comes the creative partnership of Duncan and Natalia, the team at Broadcroft. Their sculptural Corten planter range is one of our fastest growing lines as it has the ability to be developed into sculptural pieces for landscapes, public art or corporate. 100% Australian made in their dynamic studio workshop on the Sunshine Coast.

Cornersmith Picklery, NSW (No. 81)

Pickles, jams, passata, preserves and delicious things from paddock to plate.

Cut Above Tools, NSW. (No. 32)

Quality garden tools.

Diggers Club, VIC. (No. 71)

Garden Club and organic seed company with the biggest range of heirloom seeds and plants, garden advice and Australian wide delivery.

Australian Institute of Horticulture. (No.64)

Industry body for Horticulturists

Heaven in Earth, NSW. (No. 37)

Quality garden items, tools and beautifully crafted pieces in glass, wood, slate and terracotta.

Botanica World Discoveries, VIC. (No. 38)

Boutique discoveries for discerning travellers.

Collectors Plant Fair Information Booth (No. 1)

Ask us where to find the plants you desire.

Garden Clinic, NSW. (No. 66)

The plant doctors are here to help! Graham and Sandra set up the Club 36 years ago to provide help for gardeners when they needed it. Now through their radio show, magazine, website, social media, helpline they help more gardeners that ever before.

Garden Clubs of Australia. (No. 43)

Join your local club today. Umbrella of 680 clubs around Australia.

Keeper & Hive (No. 44)

Future beekeepers and bee enthusiasts will get a buzz out of Keeper & Hive. First time fair exhibitors, they have a wide range of equipment, local bee products including honey, balms and waxes.

Metalscape, NSW. (No. 59)

Metal art and garden signage for the discerning gardener.

Swagman Sprayer, NSW. (No. 42)

Catch up with the Swagman! Battery operated robust garden sprayers for every garden. Makes spraying effortless, efficient and accurate – no more pumping.

Trade the Mark, NSW (No. 80)

Brainchild of multi-disciplinary creative Christine Mclean who is committed to the hand craftsmanship, working with textiles and ceramics. Each piece is handmade and intricately painted in her Sydney studio. We love finding the perfect piece to display of potted living treasures. We welcome Christine for her first Collectors Plant Fair exhibiting.

Tropical Garden Society of Sydney, NSW. (No. 69)

A friendly and knowledgeable tropical plant loving group to encourage your love of tropical plants and gardens.

Ross Garden Tours, NSW (No. 66)

Graham and Sandra Ross have been designing unique garden tours for plant-lovers for 36 years, they hand pick their tour guides that include garden experts such as Michael McCoy, Linda Ross, Robin Powell, Libby Cameron and Angus Stewart. Small groups and well thought out itineraries to beautiful places. Travel with friends.

Wired for Living, VIC (No. 60)

Barry and Lee run this inspiring Bendigo made bespoke handmade garden sculpture business. New forms such as Fig are created by spun barbed wire

Speaker Program for 2017 to be confirmed
Make a day of it at Collectors’: shop, chat, and be inspired by our speakers. You’ll need to pre-book via ‘Tickets’ and bring the receipt with you on the day. Be quick, seats are limited.

 

Speaker Sessions $35 per person per Session – book for a Speaker Session when you buy your prepaid entry ticket online – click the BOOK NOW button