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Join Angus Stewart
on the Travelrite International
2011 Garden Tour to
England, Spain
and France
Saturday 21 May to Friday 10 June 2011
visiting Stratford-upon-Avon,
London for the Chelsea Flower Show,
Barcelona, Spain, Avignon and Nice, France.

Angus Stewart
2011 Garden Tour to
Graduating in 1980, Angus is a qualified horticulturist (1st class honours in Agricultural Science from the
University of Sydney). He worked in the nursery and cut flower industries from 1981 and as a horticultural
consultant and lecturer at Ryde College of TAFE from 1987 to 2001.
In 1991 Angus began a five year stint on ABC 702 as a regular on the legendary John Doyle (also known as
Rampaging Roy Slaven) afternoon program as the “Doctor of the Dirt, Surgeon of the Soil, Professor of the
Paddock”. Angus has since worked on ABC 702 with a range of presenters and is a regular on the Weekend
Program on Saturday mornings with Simon Marnie. He is the NSW presenter for Gardening Australia and
in the past appeared regularly on Channel 7’s Sydney Weekender program and as gardening presenter on
the Lifestyle Channel’s and NBN 3’s Today Extra program.
Angus has authored three books for the ABC – Gardening on the Wild Side, Let’s Propagate and Australian
Plants for Year Round Colour. Angus is a regular contributor to Gardening Australia magazine and in
the past wrote regular columns for Australian Table, Belle, Gardens and Outdoor Living and Australian
Gardener. He has also written for Better Homes and Gardens, Organic Gardener, and Australian
Women’s Weekly Home Library. In addition to these media experiences, Angus also runs his own
horticultural business New World Plants. Apart from horticultural consulting he is an avid plant breeder
and has, for 20 years bred with various flowers and is the breeder of the popular Bush Gems kangaroo paws.
England, Spain and France
Day 1 Saturday May 21, 2011
In flight
Our holiday begins with our flight from Australia to London.
Day 2 Sunday May 22, 2011
Stratford-upon-Avon
On arrival at Heathrow airport, we will be met by our first-class coach to travel northwest
to Oxford, which is noted for being the location of England’s oldest university. It
is an attractive town with many spires that form part of the college buildings. We visit
Gothic House, a third of an acre of walled town garden, designed by one of the country’s
leading garden photographers, Andrew Lawson and his sculptress wife, Briony Lawson.
Artistic flair abounds, from the intriguingly furnished conservatory to dead trees painted
electric blue. This garden has amassed a fascinating collection of unusual plants for over
one hundred years. We continue to Stratford-upon-Avon. The tour manager will suggest
restaurants for dinner.
Day 3 Monday May 23, 2011
Stratford-upon-Avon
Today we will visit two of the finest gardens in England. We first visit Hidcote, one of
the most notable gardens in the world. It was created by self-taught gardener, Lawrence
Johnson in the early part of the 20th century with a fabulous sense of design and great
planting skills, using mainly 19th-century varieties. After lunch at leisure at Hidcote, we
travel the short distance to Kiftsgate Court. This garden is full of colour and scent. The
magnificent old species of roses are the glory of the garden. We return to Stratford-upon-
Avon, where we will enjoy an included dinner, so that group members can get to know
each other. D
Day 4 Tuesday May 24, 2011
Stratford-upon-Avon
We travel south to the beautiful Cotswolds today. We first visit Bourton House, an inspiring
garden offering an alternative to a traditional country house garden. The geometric potager
is a particular delight. Well kept lawns, quiet gardens, a knot garden and Cotswolds’ stone
walls are set off by herbaceous borders. In the afternoon we visit The Manor, near Stowe
-on-the-Wold, where there is a major new garden designed by award winning designer
Jenny Blom. Luxuriant planting provides this garden with a richly romantic atmosphere.
A simple box parterre contrasts with the lavish planting of the long borders.
Day 5 Wednesday May 25, 2011
London
We travel to London this morning. On arrival we will have a city tour escorted by a local
guide. Some of the great sights include Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square,
the Palace of Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. This evening,
the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby to suggest
restaurants for dinner.
Day 6 Thursday May 26, 2011
London
The highlight of our time in London will be an escorted visit to the famous Chelsea Flower
Show. Chelsea is the main event in the English horticultural calendar and boasts fine
displays of flowers, plants, trees and interesting garden layouts. Angus will ensure that you
explore all areas of this wonderful show. We will return to our hotel early afternoon. On
the way, we will drop off at Harrods those who would like to have time to shop. The rest of
the day will be free for independent activity.
Day 7 Friday May 27, 2011
London
This morning we visit Hampton Court Palace and Garden. The Palace is an interesting
place to visit and 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. This afternoon will be at leisure.
Day 8 Saturday May 28, 2011
Barcelona
This morning we fly to Barcelona, capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain.
It has a population close to two million and is the most cosmopolitan of all Spanish cities.
It is a Mediterranean metropolis, a major port, a centre for modern art and a city that lives
life to the full. On arrival we have a city tour with a local guide. We will see the historic
cathedral and the beautiful streets of the Gothic Quarter. We visit the modernist Eixample
district and see examples of Gaudi’s stunning architecture, including the famous Sagrada
Familia. We will visit Parc Guell, which is a combination of architectural and landscape

features with mature and natural looking plantings. The park was commissioned
by Count Eusebi Guell in the 1890s. By 1914, Antoni Gaudi had completed the famous
features that are most enjoyed by the park’s visitors today. Among them is the grand ironbalustrade
entrance, with its mosaic tile work on the walls and the imposing staircase
dragon. Angus will make sure that you get the most out of this unique garden. The tour
manager will recommend a good restaurant this evening to enable you to soak up a little
of the atmosphere of this historic city.
Day 9 Sunday May 29, 2011
Barcelona
Today we visit Parc de la Ciutadella. Located on the site of the former military citadel,
it was founded in 1888 as the setting for the International Exhibition. The imposing
Arc de Triomphe is the entrance. The park is predominantly informal with lawns, tall
specimen trees and palms creating shade. We travel on to visit Barcelona’s Botanical
Garden established in 1999. It has all the exhilarating modern design you would expect of
Catalonia, plus a fascinating collection of plants laid out for visitors. They come from all
regions of the world with a Mediterranean climate. Angus will explain the many points of
interest for Australian gardeners.
Day 10 Monday May 30, 2011
Barcelona
This morning we travel north to the Costa Brava to visit the Jardi Botanic Mar I Murtra,
which was created by Karl Faust to preserve the indigenous character of the coastal
Mediterranean flora. He created several different gardens to house the plants he collected
from all over the world. Mar I Murtra is now divided into tropical, temperate and
Mediterranean garden areas. In the afternoon, we will travel to visit Santa Clothilde, a
large property built on the site of an old vineyard. The wonderful garden was begun in the
1920s by the late Marquis of Roviralta. It is an Italianate garden in the Renaissance style,
where the symmetry of paths, planting and interesting focal points define the garden.
Day 11 Tuesday May 31, 2011
Barcelona
This morning we will have free for independent activity. This afternoon we will travel
north-west of the city to visit Parc del Laberint, a superb example of a restored 18thcentury
neo-classical garden. The most exciting part of the garden is the maze, consisting
of 750 metres of Italian cypresses clipped into linear shapes.
Day 12 Wednesday June 1, 2011
Avignon
Today we travel around the Mediterranean, into France and continue to Avignon, a
provincial city stretching along the banks of the River Rhone. Ramparts surround the city,
dominated by the Rocher des Doms, the majestic cathedral and the Palais des Popes. We
stay in Avignon for four nights. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with
the group in the lobby.
Day 13 Thursday June 2, 2011
Avignon
This morning we have a sightseeing tour of Avignon, with a local guide. We will see
the Palais des Popes, which was the papal seat from 1309 until 1377 and the Place de
l’Horloge, an attractive square shaded by plane trees. We see the theatre and town hall
located in this square. This afternoon will be free to explore Avignon. The tour manager
will suggest restaurants for the evening meal.
Day 14 Friday June 3, 2011
Avignon
Today we travel to the Bambouseraie, a unique bamboo forest. The garden was started
by Eugene Mazel in the middle of the 19th century. He spent so much on the watering
systems for the garden that he died a ruined man. There is a surprisingly wide variety
of bamboo, those with glaucous green, emerald, yellow and black stems are among the
interesting species. We have free time in Anduze, an attractive village with a covered
market place and numerous fountains, for lunch. We travel to visit L’Alchimiste, which
has successfully blended the contemporary with classical design. The garden has been
divided into three distinct spaces using ancient plants and modern materials. The plants
have wonderful stories associated with them, many originating from Provencal customs
and have a pagan bent.
Day 15 Saturday June 4, 2011
Avignon
This morning we visit Jardin de la Noria for a guided tour. Jardin de la Noria is a private
garden designed by noted French designers Arnaud Maurieres and Eric Ossart. The owners,
Mr and Mrs Deparis, commissioned them to transform a hectare of level orchard in the
grounds of their farmhouse, called Mas de Licon. The remains of an old noria, or water
wheel determined the hub of the new garden influenced by the spirit of Islamic paradise
gardens. The garden has an oasis-like quality with lush plantings, scented flowers, pools
and rills. This is a garden that encourages visitors to wander slowly and sit to enjoy the
sculptures and surrender to the delights of the sound of the water, the perfume and colour
of the garden. We will have free time for lunch in the attractive medieval city of Uzes.
There will be time to browse around the wonderful Saturday market, where you will find
interesting food and craft items. We continue to visit Pont du Gard, an engineering marvel
of the Roman period. The aqueduct is part of a system, which brought spring water from
a catchment area near Uzes to Nimes: it was built in the first century AD and in spite of its
two thousand years, it is in good condition.
Day 16 Sunday June 5, 2011
Nice
Our coach will travel to Chateau Val Joanis for lunch and a wine tasting. This 19thcentury-style
garden was created by Mrs Cecile Chancel from 1978, together with landscape
architect Tobbie Loup de Viane. Terraces were designed to resemble a French garden of the
18th century, combining both ornamental plants and a selection of vegetables and fruits.
It features rose trees, a wonderful herb garden and gorgeous rose arbours. We continue
our journey to Nice. The tour manager will meet tour members in the lobby to suggest
restaurants for dinner.
Day 17 Monday June 6, 2011
Nice
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of the main sights of the
French Riviera. We will explore Nice’s narrow picturesque streets and drive along the
Corniche road. We have spectacular views of the ocean and cliffs on our way to Monte
Carlo, which is famous for its casino and royal family. We will visit the Japanese garden in
Monaco created by Yasuo Beppu and opened in 1994. It is convincingly made according to
the canons of Japanese aesthetics and superbly maintained. The central feature is a long
irregular shaped lake. This afternoon Angus 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
Day 18 Tuesday June 7, 2011
Nice
We will travel to 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. In the afternoon we cross the Italian border to visit La Mortola, the flagship
of Riviera gardens founded in 1864. Rows of terraces have been established to display
the plants collected from all over the world by Thomas and Daniel Hanbury. A visit to a
perfumery will give us an insight into the use of the acres of flowers grown in the Riviera.
The evening will be free to explore the many charming restaurants in Nice.
Day 19 Wednesday June 8, 2011
Nice
This morning we will have free time for individual exploration. In the afternoon we visit
Chateau de Gourdon and its garden. The gardens, designed on three levels by Le Notre, are
perched above a high precipice. There we will see a box parterre, a medieval Apothecary’s
garden and an Italian garden. We continue to visit St Paul de Vence, a charming hilltop
fortified village filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafés. We will enjoy an
included farewell dinner this evening. D
Day 20 Thursday June 9, 2011
In flight
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Australia.
Day 21 Friday June 10, 2011
Australia
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.

England, Spain and France
with Angus Stewart
Tour price for the Garden Tour
May 21 to June10, 2011
The price per person twin share for Chelsea Flower Show & European tour $ 9,975 per person
Air taxes, fuel and government charges at 23 July 2010 $ 851 per person
Total $ 10,826
Single Supplement $ 2,295
Single rooms in Europe may be very small so a double for single use is a supplement
• Angus Stewart will accompany the group for the entire tour.
Included in the price:
• Return economy-class air travel to, in and return from Europe. Passengers will be able to extend
their stay in Europe at no extra airfare cost
• Travel in first-class chartered coach
• Accommodation in first-class and moderate first-class, centrally located hotels with private
facilities throughout the tour. Hotel taxes and service charges are included
• Buffet or continental breakfast throughout the tour, lunch at Chateau Val Joanis and two dinners.
• Entrances to gardens, museums and attractions as detailed in the itinerary
• Tour leadership by Angus Stewart
• Tour management by Travelrite International Pty. Ltd. With the tour manager meeting the group
on arrival in London
• A Travelrite travel bag
Not included in the price are:
• Travel insurance
• Meals unless specified in itinerary
• Sightseeing and general expenses unless specified in the itinerary
• Additional travel arrangements not in the detailed itinerary.
These will be quoted for separately
General Information and Booking Conditions
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a
level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
Tour costs: The tours costs are based on airfare, general transport,
accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at July 23, 2010.
Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors
change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw
with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations
to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and payment: A deposit of $800 per passenger is required
at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before
departure. An additional 1% administration fee will be added to
payments by Mastercard and Visa and 2.5 % for payment by Amex
and Diners.
Air taxes: From Sydney/Melbourne as listed in the itinerary. Please
contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as July
23, 2010 if they change due to government and airline charges and
currency. Travelrite reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
Cancellation conditions for the gardening tour are as follows:
Cancellations within 60 days of departure will result in the loss of all
monies paid. Cancellation outside 60 days from departure will result
in a cancellation fee of $600.00 per person.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended to cover the
costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum tour numbers: The tour has been based on a minimum
of 20 passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite
reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies
paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified
cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if
necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds: The tour is based on arrangements, which do not allow
for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals,
airfare or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport.
Visas for countries visited are not required for Australian passport
holders. If you hold another passport please check with Travelrite
International.
Baggage: All passengers qualify for 20 kilos of free baggage
allowance on the flight.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (License number
30858) is the tour organiser. Neither Nationwide News Pty Limited
nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any of its newspapers have any
involvement in the tour and has no liability of any kind to any person
in relation to the tour. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making
of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other
service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury,
damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due
to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant
company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by
act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage
or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery
break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism
or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for
any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any
government authority.
The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued,
shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the
purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved
to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may
be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and
the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed
in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia.
How to book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and
addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $800 for the
tour.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
298 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained
by contacting Travelrite International
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 9836 2522 or
Fax: (03) 9836 8068
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd
(A.C.N. 005 817 078) is a well established travel company which
has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more
than 30 years. It is fully licensed (Licence No. 30858) and has two
accredited IATA offices Heathmont, and Balwyn. As such, it directly
represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and
international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International
has been operating special interest tours for twenty five years, and
now runs 50 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full
member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents - AFTA.