Bodnant, Conwy, Wales GARDENS AND OFIRELAND NORTHERN WALES Emerald Green Landscapes 15 June – 1 July 2015 (17 days) GARDEN DISCOVERIES 2015 with Juliewith Kinney Emerald Green Landscapes GARDENS OF IRELAND AND NORTHERN WALES

With all that rain and rich, fertile soil, it is no wonder that Ireland – North and South – and Northern Wales are renowned for their magnifi cent gardens. Join Margaret River’s Gourmet Gardener, Julie Kinney, for a kaleidoscope of emerald green landscapes, historic castles, grand country homes, great food and warm hospitality. From Belfast to the rugged coastal towns of , awash with fl ora and glittering seascapes, and from across the to Wales, discover some of the most distinguished private and public gardens in northern Europe. Grand gardens, walled gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, a garden TOUR LEADER for everyone! Be overwhelmed by the ever-changing backdrop of lush green hills Julie Kinney’s love aff air with and the vision of garden owners, both young and old. travel commenced with a stint at London’s Cordon Bleu School of Cookery before returning to her native Western Australia At a glance… to settle in the beautiful Margaret River region. • Stunning Northern Ireland and Wales’ beautiful rugged coastlines and the walled gardens of and Benvarden A passionate gardener, Julie became a selector and later • Meet, visit and workshop with internationally renowned horticulturalists Jimi Blake, a national committee member Helen Dillon, Angela Jupe and June Blake for Australia’s Open Garden • Iconic Irish gardens Powerscourt, and Mount Usher, and the breathtaking Scheme. She has since opened Bodnant in northern Wales. her own garden to the public and • Visit 14 private gardens and experience home cooked regional Irish and Welsh fare in is well known for her collection private homes amongst the armoury and antiques. and knowledge of rare plants • Portmeirion, a pastiche of a Riviera town in miniature, creation of Sir Clough William Ellis from both Australia and abroad. on the coast of Snowdonia and his nearby family home, Plas Brondanw Julie, as a guide, loves nothing more than showcasing excellence wherever she is and ensuring everyone has a great experience.

Ballygally NORTHERN IRELAND Culloden Belfast

IRELAND

Holyhead Dublin Llandudno to Manchester

Durrow WALES

Land Fast Ferry Map is a guide only Itinerary

Sun 14 Jun 2015 Depart Australia tour of the House, home to Lord and Lady Dunluce. The garden Suggested evening departure from Australia on Emirates / QANTAS displays one of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens and was originally Airlines fl ights to Belfast via London. created to supply the Castle with its fruit and vegetables, but is now is fi lled with exciting fl owers and specimen plants to interest the Mon 15 Jun Arrival Belfast – Ballygally keenest garden enthusiast. B L D Arrive in Belfast and transfer to Ballygally Castle .Tour arrangements begin this evening with a welcome briefi ng and dinner with Julie Thu 18 Jun Ballygally – Culloden Kinney and fellow travellers. D Morning travel to Kilcoan Garden situated within the peninsula of Islandmagee. Enjoy a guided tour, including the cottage garden, Tue 16 Jun Ballygally orchard, vegetable and herb garden and the recently established Today travel to the north-western coast, with its rugged coastal ‘cut fl ower’ fi eld. Learn a few Irish secrets to fl ower arranging, with headland and spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. Visit a demonstration over morning tea. Downhill Demesne, with its stunning landscape and striking 18th Enjoy an orientation tour of the sights of Belfast, including the century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruins. beautiful Edwardian City Hall, Queens University and Stormont Explore Hezlett House, one of Northern Ireland’s oldest buildings Castle followed by a visit to the ‘Titanic Belfast’, a comprehensive, which is a thatched cottage (built in 1691), and learn about the fascinating state-of-the-art exhibition detailing the construction, reality of life in the rural 17th century. Stroll down to Mussenden launch and maiden voyage of the city’s famous and ill-fated liner. Temple perched on 120 ft cliff edge, built as a summer library, its After lunch (own expense) continue to Holywood, situated on architecture inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. the shore of Belfast Lough. Lunch at the historic estate, Benvarden, built in the 1630s. The two Afternoon at leisure followed by dinner at a local restaurant in acre walled garden has been cultivated uninterrupted since 1788, Belfast. B D and owned by the Montgomery family since 1798. The grounds stretch to the banks of the river, which is spanned by a splendid Fri 19 Jun Culloden 90 ft iron bridge. Begin the morning with a visit to Guincho Garden, a 12 acre informal Return via the Antrim coast road with spectacular scenery, garden laid out in the 1930s, but planted by Mrs Frazer Mackie regarded as one of the great tourist routes of the world. B L D from 1948 to 1979, with a large collection of rare shrubs and trees. Paths burrow through glades of rhododendrons and camellias Wed 17 Jun Ballygally along a hosta walk, or an exotic walk planted with South African Morning travel south along the coast to Ballyrobert Garden, a 17th plants, including eight diff erent varieties of agapanthus and fl owering century landscape complete with the original modest cottage, barn Beschorneria yuccoides. and farm layout extending to sixteen acres. See the outstanding Prior to lunch travel to beautiful Rowallane Garden, a romantic and uniquely created Cottage Garden, containing one of garden full of colour, fl owers and unique plants from around the the province’s most extensive collections of herbaceous plants, laid world. The garden is an assortment of formal and informal spaces out in intimate settings and sweeping borders. Enjoy a garden tour with the liveliest gardening in the inner sanctum of the walled garden. and talk, followed by lunch in the tearooms. Spend time wandering through the path of rhododendrons leading In the afternoon, continue to Glenarm Castle. For 400 years, it has to a naturalistic rock garden, or simply take a seat in the walled been the family home of the Earls of Antrim. Enjoy a private guided garden and leave the outside world behind.

Kilcoan garden St. Fiachra Garden Late in the afternoon visit Ballywalter Park Mansion and grounds, Depart for Burtown House, an early Georgian villa surrounded by home of Lord and Lady Dunleath. The Estate is set over 1200 acres, lush fl ower, vegetable and woodland gardens and beautiful parkland. with 30 acres of pleasure grounds, including a walled garden and Upon arrival enjoy a lunch, with fresh seasonal organic produce an extensive rhododendron collection. Enjoy a guided tour of the from the kitchen garden. Continue with a guided tour of the house house which has been in the family for 170 years, and was built in and the ‘Artist’s Garden’, which is still owned and tended by three Italianate Palazzo style by the eminent architect, Sir Charles Lanyon. generations of a very talented family – the mother, Wendy Walsh, B L D a renowned botanical artist, daughter Lesley, a painter, and son James, a professional photographer of historic properties. B L Sat 20 Jun Culloden Tue 23 Jun Durrow Today visit Mount Stewart House and Gardens, truly one of the great gardens of the world. Enjoy a specialist garden tour of one of the Begin this morning with a visit to and Gardens, Irish seat of the Duke of Devonshire. The seven acre gardens are divided UK National Trust’s most unique and unusual gardens. Created by into very diff erent halves. The Upper Garden is a complete example Edith, (Lady Londonderry in the 1920s), the gardens are grand, and of a 17th century walled garden. The outer walls and terraces are known for their rich display of rare plants seldom seen growing remain, and the plantings provide vegetables, fruit and herbs to in the British Isles. Following the garden tour, spend time exploring match the tastes of those living within the Castle. The Lower the 18th century neo-classical house which will have just undergone Garden is informal, with shrubs, trees and lawns. a £7 million restoration. Take time to stroll through the house and rooms, some of which have never before been open to the public. Late afternoon, drop by the Kilkenny Design Centre situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, off ering an unrivalled selection of Irish Later, explore the private garden of David McMurran, known for handcrafted gifts of uniqueness and style. B D its splendid hedging used to divide, enclose and frame. B D Wed 24 Jun Durrow Sun 21 Jun Culloden – Durrow A full day of private garden visits. Begin with landscaper Arthur This morning travel south, crossing the border into the Republic Shackleton’s (descendant of the explorer) own garden Fruitlawn, of Ireland towards Durrow. Visit the Irish National Stud situated in described as “enchanting” for its “billowing borders and quiet corners” County Kildare, home to magnifi cent horses and one of Ireland’s by The Irish Garden Magazine. fi nest natural treasures, the breathtakingly beautiful Japanese Join Angela Jupe as she welcomes you to lunch at her Georgian Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the fi nest of their farmhouse ‘Bellefi eld’. After lunch, enjoy a presentation on the kind in Europe. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the stud followed history of Irish Gardens, followed by a tour of the garden and an by time to leisurely explore the Japanese Garden and St. Fiachra opportunity to view her botanical art collection and explore the Garden, a tribute to the Irish landscape in its rawest state. B L D heritage buildings. Mon 22 Jun Durrow Late in the afternoon, visit Angela Jupe’s former garden at Fancroft A leisurely start today with a garden tour of Castle Durrow Mill. Created in 1990, they cover 1.5 hectares and feature streams, grounds by the head gardener. wells and natural springs. Enjoy a brief introduction to the site and history of the Mill before exploring the gardens and the newly restored working mill, at your leisure. B L D

Lismore Castle and Gardens Dillon Garden Thu 25 Jun Durrow – Dublin Enjoy a talk and tour of Helen Dillon’s house and private garden. Travel to Dublin and enjoy a morning orientation tour of the largest Helen, a world-renowned plantswoman, writer, lecturer and city in Ireland. broadcaster, has created a garden that is considered to be one of the gems of the horticultural world. The view of the gardens from The remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant and the windows of the elegant Georgian drawing room, is one of the friendly city. B most photographed scenes in contemporary gardening. B

Fri 26 Jun Dublin Sun 28 Jun Dublin – Llandudno This morning, travel south-west towards the Mountains Early start today, bid farewell to Dublin and travel to Holyhead, to visit two Blake Gardens. Begin with June Blake’s Garden and Wales via fast ferry (2 hours), crossing the Irish Sea. Nursery, an extensive garden that sits in the old cut granite farmyard of Tinode House. Begin your exploration of Wales with a visit to Plas Newydd. The garden is one of intimacy and grandeur for all seasons, situated on Follow with a visit to Huntingbrook Garden, owned by June’s the banks of the Menai Straits. Explore the Neo-Gothic house and brother Jimi Blake, one of Ireland’s most renowned plantsmen. Rex Whistler’s largest ever painting, an exquisite romantic mural Huntingbrook is a dynamic and innovative garden set on 20 acres, in the Dining Room. Enjoy the stunning views of the mountains of with contemporary borders, creating a fusion of tropical, prairie and Snowdonia as you wander through the 40 acre garden. woodland planting in a natural setting. It is home to Ireland’s largest collection of ornamental grasses with over 200 species and cultivars. Continue to Llandudno, one of Britain’s fi nest Victorian seaside resorts, After Jimi’s homecooked, lunch enjoy a walk through the woodlands with its long crescent promenade and wide shopping streets. B D and the ancient glacial valley to the remains of a 7th century ring fort. Mon 29 Jun Llandudno Later join one of Jimi’s friends nearby for yet another personal tour Following breakfast, depart for Portmeirion, the famous Italianate of a private garden. B L village that stands on a rugged cliff top overlooking Cardigan Bay. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis acquired the site for Portmeirion in 1925 Sat 27 Jun Dublin and, over the course of 50 years, developed the village in a unique Today begin with a visit to Powerscourt Gardens, one of Ireland’s and wonderfully eccentric style, while staying in harmony with the most famous gardens with a breath-taking panorama. The gardens natural surroundings. fi rst began to take shape over two-and-a half centuries ago and today stretch over 47 acres. Explore the charming walled garden, the After lunch visit Plas Brondanw, at Croesor, Gwynedd. Plas Brondanw sweeping terraces, and ornamental lakes which are linked by carefully Estate was handed over to Sir Clough by his father in his mid-twenties. designed walks – a magnifi cent estate overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain. This Italianate garden is considered by many to be Clough’s most marvellous creation. Enjoy a guided tour of the mature gardens, Continue to Mount Usher for a guided tour of a wild and informal wander the extensive avenues and delight in views that will take garden, which dates back to 1850. The garden (nine hectares) is your breath away. B laid out along the banks of the River Vartry, and was inspired by William Robinson who favoured a more naturalistic style instead Tue 30 Jun Llandudno of the formal Victorian bedding schemes. It is a striking garden This morning, delight in our fi nal garden, Bodnant, world-famous for of meandering paths, glades and suspension bridges, from which its botanical collection. The garden is set over 80 acres with grand numerous waterfalls can be viewed. ponds, impressive terraces and inspiring plants grown from seed and cuttings, collected over a century ago. Continue to the Conwy Valley and the Furnace Farm, home of the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre. Enjoy a traditional Welsh lunch in one of Wales’ most picturesque tearooms, converted 18th century farm buildings.

Afternoon free prior to a farewell dinner. B L D Wed 1 Jul Depart Llandudno Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. A morning coach transfer to Manchester Airport and Manchester city is included. If returning to Australia today, Emirates/QANTAS fl ights depart early afternoon to Australia. Evening arrival in Australia on Thursday 02 July. B

Powerscourt Garden Your hotels ««««+

Ballygally Castle Hotel – Ballygally Castle Durrow – Durrow Perched on the tip of the Causeway Coastal Route, is the 54-room Located on the old N8 Dublin to Cork Road, in the midlands Ballygally Castle Hotel, a 17th century castle which overlooks the of Ireland, is Castle Durrow hotel adjoining the quaint village of golden sands of Ballygally Bay off ering uninterrupted views towards Durrow, . One hour from Dublin, the hotel off ers Scotland. Dining options include The Garden restaurant, set within 46 rooms and includes a restaurant and full bar. Leisure facilities the original 17th Century walls, serving menus made with local include a beauty and hair salon. Internet access is available. produce, or traditional roasts and contemporary fare in the River Room. Internet access is available.

Culloden Estate & Spa – Holywood Imperial Hotel – Llandudno Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, is the Culloden Situated in the heart of the Llandudno Seafront Promenade is the Estate and Spa. Off ering 105 bedrooms, the hotel overlooks Imperial Hotel, off ering views across the bay and the impressive its estate gardens and beyond, towards Belfast Lough and the Great Orme and Little Orme headlands. The hotel is a two minute County Antrim Coastline. Dining options include the Crozier walk from the sea, and off ers 98 rooms. Leisure facilities feature a Lounge for afternoon tea and beverages, or the hotel’s ‘Mitre’ swimming pool, spa, steam room, sauna and fi tness centre. Dining restaurant. Leisure facilities feature a spa off ering massages, options include ‘Chantrey’s’ restaurant, serving an a la carte menu, and a Health Club. Wireless internet access is available. or ‘The Terrace’ off ering light fare. Wireless internet access is available.

NB: Dublin hotel to be advised. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. Tour prices Terms & Conditions

Per person, twin share AUD 8,950 How to Book subject to change in the event of Complete, sign and return the Booking signifi cant currency fl uctuations or the Single supplement* AUD 1,550 Form available from Renaissance Tours introduction of new taxes, up until fi nal with your deposit and page one of payment is received. Deposit per person AUD 500 your passport. In the event of a price increase, whether Deposit / Final Payments because of a currency fl uctuation, Final payment due 15 Apr 2015 Your deposit is due at the time of increase in taxes or a correction in booking and is used to pay hotel, airline, advertised prices, we will advise you *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking. performance tickets and/or other and you have the option of accepting deposits. It is non-refundable in the the amended prices, inclusions and Tour code event of your cancellation. booking conditions or withdrawing GD1501 from the tour and receiving a full refund Final payment is due 60 days before of all monies paid. departure. Failure to make the fi nal Fitness level Moderate payment by the due date may result in Once fi nal payment is received, all cancellation of your booking and loss prices will be guaranteed and no Please see Terms & Conditions for fi tness levels defi nitions. of deposit. surcharges will apply. Payments are accepted in cash and Travel Insurance Visas by cheque, bank transfer, American It is a condition of travel that you are Express, Diners Club, MasterCard covered by comprehensive travel Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not and Visa. A 3% service charge applies insurance for international tours. Your require visas for UK and Ireland. for payment by American Express and travel insurance can be arranged by Diners Club. Renaissance Tours. Tour price includes Cancellation & Refunds Fitness and Participation a) Cancellation by You – Cancellation Most of our tours require a MODERATE • Accommodation in four star superior hotels with daily charges will be applied as shown level of fi tness. below, calculated from the day written breakfast ( B ) However, in certain destinations (e.g. notifi cation is received by Renaissance Silk Road, Central Asia, Outback • Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, D =Dinner) including Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for Australia, tropical destinations) or in tours operated by Renaissance Tours as certain seasons (e.g. mid-winter, mid- welcome and farewell meals, wines with dinner. shown below, airlines, hotels and other summer) or because of the nature of third parties may impose up to 100% • Sightseeing, including entrance fees as per itinerary, travel (e.g. remote rail), certain tours cancellation charges. will require an ABOVE AVERAGE or in comfortable air-conditioned coaches 60 days or more Forfeit of deposit CHALLENGING level of fi tness. • Transfer in Belfast, if travelling on suggested fl ights 59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost If you (or we) have any doubts about 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost your level of fi tness, you may be • Transfer to Manchester Airport or Manchester city required to have a doctor’s appraisal. 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost This would require your doctor to • Gratuities for local guides and drivers Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost read the itinerary of your chosen tour, • Hotel porterage (one piece per person) The above cancellation charges include including the fi tness level, and provide applicable GST. you (and us) with a written confi rmation of your ability to participate. Tour price does not include In addition to the above, cancellation charges may apply for additional MODERATE arrangements booked by Renaissance For the overall benefi t of the group, all • International airfares Tours, such as air tickets, hotels and tour members must possess a moderate • Transfer on arrival, if not arriving on suggested fl ights travel insurance premium. If the reason level of mobility, including the ability to: for cancellation is covered by the • negotiate airports and railway stations • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, insurance policy, you may be able to without wheelchair assistance reclaim these charges. room service etc. • use combined shower/bath facilities b) Cancellation by Us – We reserve (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in • Travel insurance the right to cancel a tour for any reason shower facilities) (such as failure to reach minimum tour • Airport porterage participant numbers). Except for force • undertake walking tour of 1–2 hours majeure, we will not cancel a tour less duration, including using stairs, than 60 days before departure. No walking over cobblestones and other further compensation will be paid in uneven surfaces the event of cancellation by Renaissance • stand for long periods in museums and Tours. A full refund of monies paid other sites for tour costs will be the full extent of • embark / disembark coaches, trains our liability. and other methods of transportation Cancellation and/or amendment fees may without assistance apply for additional travel arrangements • handle your own luggage booked by Renaissance Tours. ABOVE AVERAGE Passports, Visas and Vaccinations In addition to the above, tour members All travellers must be in a possession of a must also be able to: valid passport – most countries require a 6-month validity from your date of • undertake walking tours of 2–3 hours entry or exit. For some countries (e.g. • climb staircases of 100 or more steps China, Vietnam, India, Russia), visas are included in the tour cost and will be CHALLENGING arranged by Renaissance Tours prior In addition to the above, tour members to travel. For other countries, it is your must also be able to: responsibility to ensure you have the • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. appropriate visa(s). below 0 or above 35 degrees) You are also responsible for obtaining all • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. necessary inoculations and preventative 4000 metres and above). medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. You can fi nd the full terms & conditions Tour Prices on the Renaissance Tours booking form. Prices quoted in our tour information They can also be found at are based on exchange rates, cost of www.renaissancetours.com.au/ Portmeirion services and applicable taxes at the booking-conditions or we would be time of publication. Prices may be happy to post you a copy on request. 1300 727 095 (AU) 095 727 1300 ABN 14 069 591 448 Lic. 2TA4526 14 591 069 ABN Lic. 448 2001 NSW Sydney 5068, Box GPO 2000 NSW Sydney 47 4, Level York Street, visit email fax call 621 403 (NZ) 0800 (+61 2) 9299 5805 (+61 2) 9299 5801 Downhill Demesne ©Northern Ireland Tourist Board www.renaissancetours.com.au [email protected] Your is agent travel GARDEN DISCOVERIES 2015 Brochure eff ective 23 October 2014 effOctober 23 Brochure ective