Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Flower Show
SPRINGTIME IN THE ALPS TOUR
LIMITED
SEATS
18 DAYS DEPARTING 5 MAY 2015
Paris to London
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NOW
Dolomites, Italy
DAY 1: 5 MAY 2015
Arrive Paris
St James & Albany Hotel
Welcome to Paris, one of the world’s most
exciting cities! Airport transfers depart from
Charles De Gaulle Airport for the tour hotel, at
8.00, 10.00am and 15.00. The rest of the day
is at leisure to relax or begin to explore Paris on
your own. This evening join your Tour Director
for a Welcome Drink and tour debriefing.
DAY 2: 6 MAY 2015
Paris & Monets Garden
St James & Albany Hotel
After breakfast this morning we travel to
Giverny to visit the charming house and
gardens, the former home of the greatest
impressionist painter, Claude Monet, and
inspiration for his famous lily paintings. This
afternoon is at leisure in this romantic city.
There is plenty of time to stroll by the Seine,
visit the impressionist paintings of the Musee
d’Orsay, or enjoy a pleasant hour or two
watching the passers-by from a Parisian café.
This evening we enjoy our dinner in true French
style, with dinner up the Eiffel Tower. (BB,HD)
DAY 3: 7 MAY 2015
Paris – Dijon
Grand Hotel La Cloche
This morning we travel to the majestic
Versailles. The Château de Versailles, which
has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List
for 30 years, is one of the most beautiful
achievements of 18th-century French art. We
also visit the extensive gardens which in Louis
XIV view were just as important as the Chateau
itself. We then continue into Burgundy where
we visit a local winery and taste the local nectar
before settling in to our hotel in Dijon. (BB,D)
DAY 4: 8 MAY 2015
Dijon – Swiss Alps
Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Travel across the border into Switzerland
to Montreux for a lunch stop before we
visit Chillon Castle, set on a rocky inlet,
immortalised by Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”.
As we ascend into the Swiss Alps, marvel at
the Wetterhorn peaks as you travel along
Grindelwald Valley, where you can look up
from almost anywhere and be rewarded with
dramatic glacial views. We stay in the village
of Grindelwald for the next two nights. (BB)
DAY 5: 9 MAY 2015
Swiss Alps – Jungfrau Excursion
Rothenburg, Germany
Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
A day to explore the beautiful Alps! See the
“Valley of Waterfalls”, and the Staubbach
Falls plunge 300 metres. Consider taking a
cog-wheel train ride to the summit of the
Jungfrau Mountain. (BB)
DAY 6: 10 MAY 2015
Swiss Alps – Italian Lakes
Grand Dino, Baverno
Another day through spectacular scenery as
we travel south through some of the most
splendid Alpine countryside and down into
Italy and to the Italian Lakes District to our
lakeside hotel. (BB,D)
DAY 7: 11 MAY 2015
Italian Lakes
Grand Dino, Baverno
Italian Lake District, a fairyland of vivid blue
waters at the foot of dramatic mountains,
a favourite haunt for artists and travellers.
A full day set aside to relax and enjoy the
fantastic sights this lake land area has to offer.
Take a cruise to Isola Bella, the largest and
most famous island, renowned for its incredible
palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. There
is a guided tour of this privately owned palace
with free time to admire the gardens. (BB)
DAY 8: 12 MAY 2015
Italian Lakes – The Dolomites
Ancora Hotel, Cortina
Drive to the town of Verona legendary home
of Romeo and Juliet. Admire the well preserved
Roman Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Continue
through the colourful peaks and the sheer
valleys of the Italian Alps, some of the most
spectacular scenery that Europe has to offer.
Our destination is the mountain resort town of
Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the heart of the
Dolomites in an alpine valley. (BB,D)
DAY 9: 13 MAY 2015
The Dolomites – Munich
Hilton Munich Park
After breakfast head into Austria and to
Innsbruck set in a valley surrounded by snow
DAY 12: 16 MAY 2015
Rothenburg – Maastricht
Crowne Plaza
We travel into the Netherlands to the pretty
town of Maastricht, where the European Union
was created in 1993, located on the Dutch –
Belgian border. Maastricht is among the oldest
continually settled cities in Holland. On your
guided tour, you’ll visit the stylish shops of
Stokstraat and the cobblestone streets of the
Jeker neighbourhood. You’ll also pass by the
red tower of St John’s Church and the ancient
Basilica of St Servatius. This evening is at leisure
to explore the Old Town for dinner with its
close proximity to our hotel. (BB)
Innsbruck, Austria
capped mountains. See the lovely Golden
Roof of the Emperor Maximilian and the
Royal Palace. Then head for the Bavarian
capital of Munich for the next two nights.
On arrival our orientation tour shows us the
Olympic Stadium, university, Victory Arch
and the Marienplatz. (BB,D)
DAY 13: 17 MAY 2015
Maastricht – Amsterdam
Hilton Amsterdam Central Station
After breakfast we depart Maastricht and head
to Keukenhof Gardens! Fall in love with the
spring and see an abundance of colours and
fragrances. More than seven million flowers
form a glorious decor for the most beautiful
photos. After plenty of time to meander
through the fields of flowers we head to
Amsterdam and check into our central hotel
for an evening at leisure. (BB)
DAY 10: 14 MAY 2015
Neuschwanstein Excursion
Hilton Munich Park
We are treated to more spectacular scenery
today. Our excursion takes us into the
heart of Bavaria to the fairytale castle of
Neuschwanstein, perched on a spectacular
Alpine mountainside. This was King Ludwig II’s
favourite castle. Visit the exuberantly decorated
apartments, including the Throne Room. Via
the Alpine Road we head back to Munich. (BB)
DAY 14: 18 MAY 2015
Amsterdam Sightseeing
Hilton Amsterdam Central Station
For those early risers join our trip to Aalsmeer
Flower Auction. The size is so tremendous that
it will overwhelm the eyes and the senses as
millions of brilliant flowers are sold worldwide.
Our orientation tour continues past Mint
tower, floating flower market and the Royal
Palace in Dams Square. This afternoon we
board our private canal boat and glide gently
along illuminated canals, past traditional
Dutch-gabled houses built right on the water’s
edge and under picturesque bridges. Tonight
savour a meal of typical Dutch specialities with
drinks in historic surroundings. (BB,HD)
DAY 11: 15 MAY 2015
Munich – Rothenburg
Tilman Riemenchneider
Our journey takes us along the “Romantic
Road”, meandering through river valleys and
rolling countryside. As the route unfolds it
evokes life in the great medieval cities. With
the baroque character of old episcopal courts
featured in Imperial towns, it reveals aspects of
the past that could only belong to Germany.
We tour Rothenburg, the most well preserved
town on the “Romantic Road” where we
plunge into the 16C, walking through the
narrow cobbled streets lined with high gabled
houses, to the market square dominated by
its Renaissance town hall. The afternoon is
at leisure to explore on your before enjoying
dinner in an Old Town local restaurant. (BB,HD)
l
Eng
The Montague
Garden Wisley was gifted to the Royal
Horticultural Society in 1903 and since then it
has evolved into a world class garden. Explore
the beautiful Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden, the
picturesque orchard and the huge cathedrallike glass house with its world class tropical
plant collection. Continue to London, the rest
of the day and evening at your leisure. (BB)
DAY 17: 21 MAY 2015
Chelsea Flower Show
The Montague
A transfer in the morning takes you to the
famous Chelsea Flower Show! The Chelsea
Flower Show will bring together the very best
show gardens, flowers and gardening from
around the world. You will be able to see
magnificent floral displays, model gardens,
English garden tools and a host of garden
structures and artifacts. There will be extensive
displays of show gardens, courtyard gardens,
city and roof gardens with areas to learn about
plants and growing flowers. This afternoon a
transfer back to your hotel is provided. This
evening we dine on a spectacular Thames
River Dinner Cruise, a perfect way to complete
our memorable holiday! (BB,HD)
DAY 18: 22 MAY 2015
Depart London
After breakfast bid your Tour Director farewell
and transfer to the airport to meet your
ongoing flight. (BB)
Meal Key: (BB) = Buffet Breakfast (D) = Hotel
Dinner (HD) = Highlight Dinner
AMSTERDAM
Holland
Ch
an
Dover
nel
LONDON
Sissinghurst
Tunbridge Spa
Cross to Calais for the channel crossing to
Dover, where we are met by our coach and
travel to Sissinghurst, one of the best known
and admired gardens in the world where
DAY 16: 20 MAY 2015
Royal Tunbridge Wells – London
Keukenhof Gardens
England
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS
DAY 15: 19 MAY 2015
Amsterdam – Royal Tunbridge Wells
the horticulture is unparalleled. Explore the
amazing series of linked garden spaces and
walk through to the new Kitchen Gardens.
Climb the tower for a fabulous view. Then to
our luxury spa hotel in the picturesque Kent
countryside. Its glorious past as a playground
of royalty in the 18th and 19th centuries
reflects in its treasure trove of stately homes,
formal gardens and castles, as well as local
craft and history. (B,D)
Germany
i s h Calais
Giverny
Versailles
MAASTRICHT
Belgium
Czech
Republic
ROTHENBURG
PARIS
Ro
ma
ntic
Road
MUNICH
ites
Innsbruck
lom
SWISS ALPS
Do
Montreux
Chillon Castle
Jungfrau
ITALIAN LAKES
lps
an A
Switzerland
Burgundy
Bavari
France
Neuschwanstein
DIJON
Austria
CORTINA
Verona
Italy
Keukenhof Gardens
18 Day Tour Prices:
Tour Price: $7460
per person twin share
Single Supplement: $2420 per person
Versailles, France
Tour Inclusions
Included Premium Highlights
Tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show 2015
Locally guided tour of Maastricht & Paris
Orientation tours in Munich, Verona, Montreux & Rothenburg
Visit the villages that dot the “Romantic Road”
Scenic drives through the Bavarian, Austrian, Italian & Swiss Alps
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Cruise to Isola Bella & visit Borromeo Palace & Gardens
“Valley of the Waterfalls” Jungfrau excursion
Visit Chillon Castle
Wine tasting in Burgundy
Visit Monet’s Garden
Visit Versailles Chateaux & Gardens
Visit Aalsmeer Flower Auction in Amsterdam
Visit Sissinghurst Gardens
Visit Wisley Garden
Excursion to Keukenhof Gardens
Included First Class Services
17 nights in First Class Hotel Accommodation as indicated
Escorted by professional Tour Director
Luxury air conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room
and on-board restroom
Included airport transfer service
Included Meals
London – Thames River Cruise Dinner (jacket & tie required) (HD)
Amsterdam – Authentic Dutch Cuisine Dinner &
Canal Cruise (HD)
Paris – Highlight Dinner up the sparkling Eiffel Tower (HD)
17 full breakfasts (BB), 6 three-course Evening Meals with
choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
PASSENGER CONDITIONS:
Tips & Taxes & Porterage: Insight hotels include
all service charges, taxes and porterage. All tips are
included for services on tour provided by diningroom waiters, chambermaids and porters at hotels.
What’s Not Included: Airfares, airport taxes and
charges imposed by third parties, passports and
applicable visa fees, laundry, phone calls, items of a
personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing
not detailed on the itinerary, tips and gratuities to
the Tour Director, coaches drivers and local city
guides, excess baggage,optional excursions and
travel insurance. Please note that travel insurance is
highly recommended. Please see your Travel Agent
for further details.
• A deposit of NZD$200 per person is required
within 7 days of booking.
Final Payment: Required to your travel agent no
later than 70 days prior to departure.
Price: The advertised price is in New Zealand
dollars. No surcharges in regards to cost or currency
fluctuations will be made once deposit is received.
This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does
not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by
any government or its agencies. No discounts are
applicable with this tour.
Discounts: Frequent Traveller & 2nd tour Discount
apply only. No other discounts are available on this
tour. Refer our 2014/2015 brochure for conditions
of these.
Cancellation Fees: The following scale of charges
apply when cancellation is notified: No of days prior
to tour commencement. Cancellation fee a % of
total tour price
More than 70 days loss of deposit
Between 69 & 30 days 38.5%
Between 29 & 8 days 55%
Between 7 days to departure 100% of fare
Amendments: A fee of $50 may apply to any
change made to your booking once confirmed.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations
occur after the tour has commenced or in respect
of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other
services not utilised.
Itinerary Changes & Tour Cancellation:
Insight Vacations reserves the right to vary
itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well
as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in
accordance with operating requirements, or
circumstances beyond its control. The advertised
tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should
these not be met Insight Vacations reserves the
right to alter or cancel arrangements.
Hotels: The hotels listed in the itinerary are
confirmed, although subject to change for reasons
beyond our control.
Rooming Arrangements: Please note that single
accommodation is usually limited. Occupying a
single room either by choice or circumstance is
subject to the applicable supplement.
Tour Membership: Any person aged 8 years
or more is eligible, though if under 18 years of
age must be accompanied by an adult. The Tour
Director may, at his or her discretion, require any
person to withdraw from any tour if he or she
deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or
anuisance to other passengers, and we shall have
no further liability.
Porterage: for one suitcase on tour is included
in the tour price and at arrival or departure from
each tour hotel. Due to limited coach capacity this
single bag should have a weight not exceeding
30kg (66lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm
(30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Charges
will be levied in the event these limits are exceeded
and our promise to transport you as indicated may
be invalidated. Note: Airlines may restrict check-in
baggage to 20kgs per person.
Documentation: Approximately 2 weeks prior to
departure from New Zealand, documentation will
be received by your travel agent including a tour
itinerary, a full Hotel list, an Optional Experiences
list, baggage labels & ticket wallet.
Holidays & Changes: During local or national
holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums,
sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited.
In such instances, and whenever possible, slight
itinerary adjustments are made by Insight Vacations
to minimise inconvenience to our passengers.
If, however you feel your enjoyment might be
diminished by such minor limitations please
check with the respective national tourist office
before selecting a specific departure. Similarly,
holidays, closing days and other circumstances may
necessitate a change of the day of the week for
scheduled highlight dinners, sightseeing or other
activities. Due to the unreliability of domestic air
scheduling, religious festivals, and other unforseen
circumstances, the itineraries, hotels or order of
sightseeing may change at short notice.
• Pre or post tour accommodation is subject to
availability. If not available, an alternative may
be offered.
Booking Terms and Conditions: These
conditions incorporate the basis upon which
bookings are accepted by your Travel Agent and
Insight Vacations. By making a booking you are
agreeing to these terms & conditions. Insight is
not responsible for the costs of any other travel
arrangements affected due to our cancellations or
re-scheduling of any tour departure. For further
information about Insight Vacations please refer
to Insight’s brochure. These conditions must be
carefully studied prior to making the commitment
of paying the deposit as they must be referred to.
Additional terms and conditions may be applicable
to group bookings and will be advised.
Chelsea Flower Show images courtesy of
www.rhs.org.uk
IV858CH
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Please contact your local travel agent
Agents contact Insight Vacations on 0800 656 111