| Scotland: Castles & Gardens A Pacific Horticulture Society tour July 10-21, 2013 Tour Leader Alan Cross Tour Escort Pat Wipf 2 spaces now open. To reserve, please contact us July 10, Wednesday: Depart USA/Canada for Glasgow, Scotland July 11, Thursday: Glasgow-Langbank, Renfrewshire Independent arrivals in Glasgow. Transfer by taxi to Gleddoch House Hotel, just 8 miles from the airport. The estate was once the home of shipping baron Sir James Lithgow. The dining room offers stunning views of the Clyde Estuary and the Kilpatrick Hills. This evening meet the other guests at our welcome dinner, complete with Scottish piper and a glass or two of wine. Dinner July 12, Friday: Langbank-Oban After breakfast at the hotel, we're off to tour gardens in the Oban area, including Crarae Garden, a spectacular 50- acre woodland garden in a dramatic setting. Crarae has a wonderful collection of woody plants centered on the Crarae Burn, which is spanned by several bridges and tumbles through a rocky gorge in a series of cascades. A wide variety of shrubs and trees chosen for spring flowering and autumn color grow in the shelter of towering conifers. The lush, naturalistic planting and rushing water give the feel of a Himalayan valley. We'll also visit Arduaine Garden, a wonderfully moist and mossy coastal garden, influenced beneficially by the North Atlantic Drift and enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over the world. Twenty acres of outstanding woodland plants include a major rhododendron species collection, and the usual spring-flowering favorites such as camellia, pieris, azalea and magnolia. Later today we'll check into the charming Ballachulish Hotel for a 2-night stay. The property is located in the West Highlands on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven with breathtaking scenery at the foot of dramatic Glencoe. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel’s award-wining dining room. Breakfast, Dinner July 13, Saturday: Oban Area-Mull This morning we depart by ferry for the nearby island of Mull where we visit Tobermory, a picture-postcard fishing village surrounded by high woodland hills, brightly painted houses, and a bay filled with fishing boats. We will have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town. We will include a tour of either Torosay Castle and Garden or Duart Castle dating from the 13th century. We return to Ballachulish in time for dinner. Breakfast, Dinner July 14, Sunday: Wester Ross-Scottish Highlands After a leisurely breakfast, we'll check out and depart for a day of touring, including a special private opening of lovely Attadale Gardens. The gardens were created by Baron Schroder in the late 19th century, with hill paths meandering through 20 acres of conifers and rhododendrons. After the 1980 storms, the property was transformed by owner Nicky Macpherson who, along with the head gardener, will give us a private tour. Attadale is an artist’s garden designed to frame the magnificent views of Skye and the surrounding hills. Waterfalls, Monet bridges, meconopsis, bamboo and candelabra primula are reflected in dark pools. Sculpture can be found in unexpected places. We have been invited for coffee and cookies in the house where we can view the art collection. Later today, we'll arrive at Dundonnell Hotel for a 2- night stay including dinner each evening. The hotel offers the best of Gaelic hospitality with comfortable rooms and all modern amenities. Breakfast, Dinner July 15, Monday North-West Scotland This morning we will tour Dundonnell’s a lovely elevated garden overlooking a small lake. Afterward we depart for visits to local gardens and sights, including Inverewe Garden. One of the most beautiful places in Scotland, this 50- acre garden was created in 1862. It is an oasis of exotic plants bursting with vibrant color thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream that flows along the west Scottish coastline. Rhododendrons from the Himalayas, eucalyptus from Tasmania, olearia from New Zealand and other species from such far-flung places as Chile and South Africa all flourish here, in a display that changes with the seasons. We return with time to relax before dinner at the hotel. Breakfast, Dinner July 16, Tuesday Inverness-Banchory Today we depart for Inverness, capital of the Highlands, located at the head of famous Loch Ness. Next we'll visit Cawdor Castle & garden. Romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth, the castle dates from the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. The ancient medieval tower was built around a legendary holly-tree. Cawdor is fortunate to have three gardens. The Walled Garden is the oldest and dates from c.1600 and later became a kitchen garden. The Flower Garden was laid out some 100 years later and was originally designed for enjoyment in late summer and autumn. However this garden's season has been extended to give pleasure from early spring with bulbs, bedding plants, herbaceous borders, ornamental trees and shrubs all providing delight. The Wild Garden, planted in the 1906s, is the youngest and lies between the Castle and the stream of the Cawdor Burn. Following our visit, we'll pass through Forres & medieval Elgin on our way to Banchory and our home for the next two nights, the idyllic Tor- Na-Coille Hotel, secluded in acres of magnificent woodland and parkland on the edge of the pretty village of Banchory in Royal Deeside. Breakfast, Dinner July 17, Wednesday: Aberdeenshire After breakfast, depart for a day of visits to surrounding gardens, including Pitmedden Garden where over 40,000 plants burst with color in the summer months The centerpiece of this property is the Great Garden, originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton, 1st Baronet of Pitmedden. In the 1950s the elaborate floral designs were re- created under the guidance of the late Dr James Richardson; three of the formal parterres were taken from designs possibly used in the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh in 1647. The fourth parterre is a heraldic design based on Sir Alexander’s coat-of-arms. Next we'll visit Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate. Fairytale-like turrets, gargoyles of fantastic design and the ancient Horn of Leys given in 1323 by Robert the Bruce are just a few of the features of this breathtaking & romantic castle & garden. We return to the Tor-Na-Coille Hotel late this afternoon. Breakfast, Dinner July 18, Thursday: Kinross Today we say farewell to Banchory as we head over Cairn O' Mount to Edzell to visit the castle & garden and enjoy a picnic lunch. The stylized walled garden was created around 1604. Adorned with heraldic sculptures and carved panels, the architectural framework surrounding the garden is unique in Britain. The garden also includes walled flower and nesting boxes and a delightful summer house. At our next stop we'll be greeted by Marguerite Ogilvie, the owner of House of Pitmuies, considered the best cottage garden in Scotland. There are wonderful roses, a white border, vegetable garden and lovely woodland. Our hotel for the next 3 nights is the Green Hotel, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh. The 5000-acre estate has two parkland golf courses, five restaurants, and a spa and fitness club. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner July 19, Friday: Edinburgh After breakfast, we'll visit the Royal Botanic Garden, capturing the imagination of everyone who visits and world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70 acres of beautifully land-scaped grounds provide a tranquil haven just one mile from the city center. The garden is divided into different areas providing special habitats for groupings of plants. There is a rock garden (considered one of the finest in the world), woodland garden and stunning herbaceous borders. Later we'll have ample free time to explore the beautiful Georgian City of Edinburgh. Breakfast, Dinner Jul 20, Saturday: Following breakfast at the Green Hotel, we'll visit Falkland Palace & Garden. Experience a day in the life of the Stuart monarchs at their country residence for 200 years – and a favorite place of Mary, Queen of Scots. Set in the heart of Falkland conservation village, and surrounded by extensive gardens, this partly restored Renaissance palace features original and reconstructed rooms packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings. The beautiful, tranquil grounds are worth a visit alone. They’re home to the oldest royal tennis court in Britain, built for King James V, as well as gardens designed by Percy Cane. Later, guests will have the opportunity to explore the seaside village of St. Andrews on their own. The town has quaint shops, a botanic garden and of course the world-famous links golf courses. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner to share fond memories of our jaunt through historic and friendly Scotland. Breakfast, Dinner July 21, Sunday: Kinross-Edinburgh An early-morning transfer will be provided to Edinburgh airport. We will make an additional stop in the city of Edinburgh for those who wish to extend their stay in the city. Breakfast This Pacific Horticulture Society tour includes: Baggage handling of 1 suitcase and 1 small bag per person 10-night’s accommodation in rooms with private bath Transportation by private motorcoach with professional driver 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 10 dinners including special welcome and farewell evenings All entrance and admission fees for included visits Services of Tour Leader, Alan Cross Assistance of Pacific Horticulture Tour Escort, Pat Wipf Taxes and service charges for included features. Donation of $250 to Pacific Horticulture Society Not included: Airfare Items of a personal nature Porterage of excess baggage Airline baggage fees Activities, visits, meals Tour price $3425 per person based on double occupancy, $415 supplement required for single room. This tour is fully booked, to join the Waiting List, click here To view Terms and Conditions, click HERE To print Itinerary, Terms and Conditions, click HERE STerling Tours, Ltd 2907 Shelter Island Drive Suite #105-262 San Diego, CA 92106 Tel: 619 299-3010 800-976-9497 CST2023849-40 |
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