Avanti Luxury Coach Travel

DAY EXCURSIONS

2017

Enjoyable days out all through the year

Day trips to France and Belgium

Major Attractions and Events

London Theatres

Local Shows

Avanti Coach Travel, 26 Heath Way, Blofield, Norwich, NR13 4RS

Tel: 01603 717488

Email: avanticoaches@aol.com

www.avanticoachholidays.co.uk

BOOKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION

OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

HOW TO BOOK:

1. Telephone Avanti on Norwich (01603) 717488 during office hours when your booking will be taken and, if requested, seat numbers allocated. We reserve the right to change seat numbers should circumstances make it necessary.

2. All excursions with the admission cost included are marked by an asterisk *.

Bookings for these excursions remain provisional for up to fourteen days during which time full payment must be sent to Avanti Coach Travel, 26, Heath Way, Blofield, Norwich, NR13 4RS. A receipt will be sent to you by return. The booking will be cancelled after fourteen days if payment has not been received. Cheques

for all excursions must be made payable to: “Avanti Coach Travel”.

3. The capital letter shown in brackets beside each excursion date indicates the pick-up time. Please refer to the timetable at the back of the brochure to match the letter with your pick-up point to find your pick-up time.

4. If you cancel your excursion booking within the seven days prior to the date of travel, you will be required to pay the full fare costs. However, the fare cost can be transferred to a new future booking. All refunds made in respect of cancellations by customers will be subject to a £2.00 administration charge. There will be no refund made for

tickets which we have already paid for on your behalf in respect of admission to an attraction during an excursion, unless someone else is able to take your place.

5. The Company reserves the right to cancel an excursion at any time. In the event of cancellation by the Company, any monies that have been paid will be either refunded in full or transferred to a future booking.

6. You are recommended to obtain Travel Insurance for all excursions, especially those to France and Belgium. An annual policy offers best value.

7. Passports are required for all excursions to France and Belgium. Citizens of

non-EC countries must have any necessary visas to enter each country visited.

8. Our coaches have reclining seats with generous leg room, seat belts and on-board toilet/washroom.

9. Smoking and the drinking of alcohol is strictly prohibited on the coaches. It is a

legal requirement for passengers to wear seat belts during coach journeys.

10. Any subsequent changes or additions to the content of this brochure will be

shown on our website, www.avanticoachholidays.co.uk or in our advertisements which appear regularly in certain local publications such as the Eastern Evening News, the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Extra.

DAY TRIPS FOR 2017

Bold type indicates those excursions for which further information is provided in this brochure

Wed 22

nd Feb (B) Bury St Edmunds – Market Day £15.00

Wed 1st March (E) Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens £39.00 *

Thur 2nd

March (B) Woodbridge & Ipswich £17.00

Sun 5th

March (C) Spring Quilt Festival at Duxford Imperial War Museum. (IW Museum only £34.00 inc. adm.) £25.00 *

Thur 9th

March (B) Sudbury & Stowmarket £17.00

§ Thurs 16th

March (X) Fakenham Market Day & Bawdeswell Garden Centre £15.00

Fri 24th March (D) Romford – Market Day £23.00

Sun 26th March (B) Mothering Sunday Tour £20.00 *

Wed 29th

March (C) Springfields Shopping Village, Spalding £17.00

Sun 2nd

April (E) Museum of London & Fire! Fire! Exhibition £34.00 *

§ Wed 5th April (D) Newark Market Day £21.00

Sun 16th April (D) Easter Sunday Tour – Stoke Bruerne - Museum

and Canal Trip £28.00 *

Wed 19th

April (B) Bury St Edmunds Market Day £15.00

Sun 23rd

April (E) RAF Museum, Hendon £25.00 *

§ Wed 26th

April (C) Boston & Sutterton Church Flower Festival £19.00

Sun 30th April (E) Kew Gardens in the Spring £38.00 *

Wed 3rd

May (D) St Albans - Market Day £25.00

Sat 6th

May (D) Bletchley Park, near Milton Keynes £40.00 *

Fri 12th May (D) Stamford, Lincolnshire £22.00

Tues 16th

May (C) Cambridge £18.00

§ Thur 25th

May (X) Stody Lodge – Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Water Gardens & a Cream Tea £25.00 *

Wed 24th

May (A) Dad’s Army Museum & Bressingham Gardens £25.00 *

Wed 31st May (B) Bury St Edmunds – Market Day £15.00

Tues 6th

June (D) Brick Lane Music Hall 25th

Anniversary Show and Afternoon Tea £59.00 *

Thur 8th

June (C) Springfields Shopping Outlet, Spalding £17.00

Sun 11th June (E) View from the Shard, London £49.00 *

Mon 12th

June (D) St Ives & Twenty Pence Garden Centre, Wilburton £20.00

Sun 18th June (C) Beth Chatto Gardens & Clacton-on-Sea £27.00 *

Wed 21st June (B) Bury St Edmunds – Market Day £15.00 *

Sun 25th June (D) Woburn Abbey & Garden Show £47.00 *

§ Tues 27th June (C) Hunstanton & Afternoon Cream Tea at Bircham Mill £20.00 *

Thur 29th

June (B) Half A Sixpence - Noel Coward Theatre £65.00 *

Thur 29th

June (B) Phantom of the Opera - Her Majesty’s Theatre £56.00 *

Tues 4th

July (C) Sandringham House, Gardens & Museum £30.00 *

§ Thur 6th

July (C) Aldeburgh & Southwold £19.00

Tues 11th

July (E) Polesden Lacey – National Trust, Surrey £37.00 *

With National Trust Card £27.00 *

§ Thur 13th

July (X) East Ruston Vicarage Garden & Sheringham £23.00 *

Tues 18th

July (E) Eltham Palace & Greenwich £36.00 *

With English Heritage Card £26.00 *

Wed 19th

July (B) Bury St Edmunds Market Day £15.00

§ Wed 26th

July (B) Sandringham Flower Show £28.00 *

Thur 27th

July (X) Cromer Pier Show 1 £34.00 *

Wed 2nd

Aug (X) See the Seals! - Blakeney Point Boat Trip & visits to Sheringham & Holt £29.00 *

Sun 6th

Aug (C) RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show, Essex £30.00 *

§ Thur 10th

Aug (X) Fakenham Market Day & Wells-Next-the-Sea £17.00 £.00

Sun 13th Aug (B) Ickworth House and Gardens & Lavenham £29.00 *

With National Trust Card £18.00 *

Wed 16th

Aug (B) Bury St Edmunds – Market Day £15.00

Sat 19th Aug (E) Buckingham Palace State Rooms Adult £46.00 *

Sen. Cit £44.00 *

Sun 20th Aug (D) Skegness £22.00

Tues 22nd

Aug (C) Audley End House & Gardens £32.00 *

With English Heritage Card £19.00 *

Tues 22nd

Aug (C) Saffron Waldon – Market Day £19.00

Thur 31st Aug (C) Cambridge £18.00

Sun 3rd

Sept (D) Kenwood House & Capel Manor Gardens £30.00 *

Wed 6th Sept (B) Bury St Edmunds – Market Day £15.00

Fri 8th

Sept (D) Stamford £22.00

Sun 10th Sept (E) RHS Wisley Flower Show £39.00 *

Sun 24th Sept (D) Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show Adult £47.00 *

Child £35.00 *

Tues 26th

Sept (C) Springfields Shopping Outlet £17.00

Wed 27th

Sept (B) 42nd

Street - Theatre Royal Drury Lane £62.00 *

Wed 27th

Sept (B) Kinky Boots – Adelphi Theatre £58.00 *

Thur 28th

Sept (C) Ely & Newmarket £18.00

Sun 1st Oct (E) Royal Museums at Greenwich £25.00 *

Wed 4th Oct (B) Bury St Edmunds – Market Day £15.00

Sun 8th

Oct (E) Royal Windsor & Thames Cruise £33.00 *

§ Tues 10th Oct (D) Lincoln – Castle, Cathedral and/or High Street £22.00

Sat 14th Oct (E) Knitting & Stitching Show - Alexandra Palace £35.00 *

Thurs 19th

Oct (C) Sudbury Market Day & Lavenham £19.00

Sun 22nd

Oct (D) Madame Tussauds, London Adult £53.00 *

Child (under 16) £38.00 *

§ Wed 25th

Oct (C) Boston Market Day £19.00

Wed 1st Nov (B) Bury St Edmunds Market Day £15.00

Sat 4th

Nov (D) Romford Market & Shopping Malls £22.00

§ Wed 8th

Nov (D) Braintree Market Day OR Freeport Braintree £20.00

Sun 12th Nov (E) Imperial War Museum London £26.00 *

§ Wed 15th

Nov (D) Newark - Christmas Shopping & Market £21.00

Fri 17th Nov (B) Ely Cathedral Christmas Fair £22.00 *

§ Sun 19th

Nov (X) Sandringham Christmas Fair £20.00 *

§ Wed 22nd

Nov (C) Rockingham Castle Victorian Christmas £31.00 *

Sat 25th Nov (B) Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre £16.00

Tues 28th

Nov (C) Springfields or Baytree Garden Centre & Springfields £17.00

§ Sat 2nd

Dec (D) Melton Mowbray Victorian Christmas Fayre £25.00

Mon 4th

Dec (B) Brick Lane Christmas Show and 3-course lunch £69.00 *

Tues 5th

Dec (D) St Albans Christmas Market £25.00

Sun 17th Dec (X) Cromer Pier Christmas Spectacular £34.00 *

Letters in brackets indicate pick-up times as shown in timetable on inside back page.

* Trip prices marked with an asterisk to be paid within two weeks of booking.

§ Trips marked with this symbol will pick up in Hethersett, Wymondham & Attleborough when there is a minimum of 6 people booked from these areas.

LONDON EXCURSIONS - Spare seats on all our trips to London will be available for anyone wishing to arrange their own day in London, subject to an agreed drop off/pick-up point in London. The price is £25.00 for adults and £15.00 for children.

EXCURSION INFORMATION (X) Wednesday 1

st March

Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens

Inspired by the vibrant colours, culture and magnificent plant life of India, this year’s festival features giant floral displays created using exotic orchids. Look out for elephants and peacocks created from exotic foliage and tropical plants, a beautiful traditional Indian marriage swing, a giant floral pond display and a spectacular floral display including a giant Indian flag created from cut flowers. You can also enjoy film screenings in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. For lunch, why not try the Indian-inspired dishes in the Orangery restaurant.

£39.00 *

(C) Sunday 5th

March Spring Quilt Festival at Duxford Imperial War Museum

This event showcases products such as knitting, spinning, crochet, felting, weaving and other fibre related arts. There will be quilt displays, exhibitors selling patchwork and quilting supplies and demonstrators on hand to show you their techniques and to give you help and advice. Restaurant facilities are available.

£25.00 * (Imperial War Museum only £34.00 inc. adm.)

(E) Sunday 2

nd April

Museum of London & Fire! Fire! Exhibition

Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital's turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. However, your visit will also include entry to a special exhibition “Fire! Fire!” to mark the Great Fire of London which, 350 years ago destroyed large areas of the capital. You will walk through a recreated Pudding Lane, where the fire began and learn how the city overcame the disaster. The museum is just a short walk from St Paul’s Cathedral.

£34.00 *

(D) Wednesday 5

th April

Newark Market Day

Newark is a delightful and historic market town on the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border. The general market in Newark is held every Wednesday in one of the finest Georgian market squares in Britain and the Buttermarket in the centre of town houses an indoor shopping centre with a diverse range of shops. The new National Civil War Centre was opened in Newark in 2015 and is well worth a visit. It tells the complete history of the 17

th century clash between Crown and Parliament, the

deadliest war in British history. £21.00

(D) Sunday 16th

April Easter Sunday Tour – Stoke Bruerne - Museum & Canal Trip

Stoke Bruerne is a lovely village situated a few miles south of Northampton on the Grand Union Canal. This is a wonderful and busy canal centre with lots of canal boats travelling through the locks. The Canal Museum, which is housed in a historic corn mill, is a treasure trove of collections, displays, films and stories all about our waterways. With a wide range of exhibits and a free audio commentary to guide you around, the museum brings to life the rich heritage of Stoke Bruerne and the Grand Union Canal. The Boat Inn, on the opposite side of the canal serves excellent pub food and during the afternoon you will enjoy a trip on the canal in one of the famous local narrow boats.

£28.00 *

(E) Sunday 23

rd April

Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon

Situated on the historic site of Hendon’s London aerodrome, this is Britain’s only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation. You will see a world-class collection of more than 100 aircraft, integrated with special exhibitions, films, artwork, engines, missiles, photographs, uniforms and medals. The museum also focuses on the people who made it possible – from daredevil early aviators, through wartime heroes, to the thousands of Service men and women whose contribution shaped the world we live in today.

£25.00 * (C) Wednesday 26

th April

Boston Market Day & St Mary’s Church, Sutterton Flower Festival

Enjoy more than three hours in the historic Lincolnshire town of Boston, where the famous market takes up most of the town square, before we stop off at St. Mary’s Church in Sutterton where their annual Flower Festival is held. Refreshments are available in the church and you can browse the various stalls which include books, plants, flowers and bric-a-brac.

£19.00

(E) Sunday 30th

April Kew Gardens in the Spring

Kew Gardens is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the world’s most diverse collection of plants. The beautiful glasshouses include the iconic Palm House with its tropical rainforest, the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House with its giant lily pads. The Alpine House and the Bonsai House also have some amazing and interesting plants. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossom and magnolias and the tulips and bluebells will also be in full bloom. A visit to Kew Palace is highly recommended and for a small charge you can get access to all areas of the site using the land train service.

£38.00 *

(D) Wednesday 3

rd May

St Albans – Market Day

St Albans is an outstanding English Cathedral City with a colourful history that can be seen in Roman remains and also in the beautiful medieval architecture. The city has superb shopping with many small independent shops amongst the High Street stores as well as an excellent range of cafes and restaurants. St Albans traditional market has been held since the 9

th century and runs the full length of St

Peter’s Street in the City Centre. A visit to St Albans Cathedral, which dominates the city’s skyline, is worth a visit and is best known for the shrine of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian Saint. The famous medieval Clock Tower on the High Street dates back to the early 1400’s and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

£25.00 (D) Saturday 6

th May

Bletchley Park, near Milton Keynes

Once Britain’s best kept secret, Bletchley Park is today a heritage site with listed buildings that have been restored and transformed back to their 1940’s appearance. You can explore some of the iconic World War Two Codebreaking Huts and Blocks to get an understanding of the astonishing achievements of the codebreakers whose work shortened the war by two years. Remarkably 9,000 men and women worked at Bletchley during the war and in Huts 3 and 6 the German Enigma messages were decrypted. The Bombe, the forerunner of today’s computers, was worked by the WRNS operators whilst in Hut 12 there is an exhibition of some of Alan Turing’s wartime notes that were found after the war. A number of film and TV productions have been filmed at Bletchley Park including “The Imitation Game” and “The Bletchley Circle”.

£40.00 *

(A) Wednesday 24

th May

Dad’s Army Museum, Thetford & Bressingham Gardens & Exhibition

The TV series “Dad’s Army” was filmed in and around Thetford between 1968 and 1977. The Dad’s Army Museum, opened in 2007, has a splendid collection of unique photographs and memorabilia associated with the show that will help you learn more about one of the most enduring comedy programmes ever produced. The beautiful 1940s style Marigold Tea Rooms has home-made wartime recipe cakes and tea is served in Brown Betty teapots. You will also enjoy a short walking tour of Thetford Town Centre when you will see the “Mr Mannering” statue and Jones’s lorry. Your day will also include a visit to Bressingham Gardens, created by Alan Bloom. You will have ample time to explore the beautiful gardens and to see the Dad’s Army Exhibition.

£25.00 *

(X) Thursday 25

th May

Stody Lodge – Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Water Gardens & a Cream Tea

In May the extensive rhododendron and azalea gardens at Stody Lodge provide a spectacular display of colour. With a backdrop of magnificent mature trees you will see the beautifully kept gardens and other spring flowers such as bluebells and lily-of-the-valley. A short woodland walk will take you to the exceptional two acre Japanese Water Garden. With more than 2000 plants, this is probably the largest single planting of vividly coloured azalea mollis in England. We have included a delicious cream tea in our visit to Stody and you can enjoy this in the tearoom at any time during the visit. We make a short visit to Sheringham en route to Stody.

£25.00 * (D) Tuesday 6

th June

Brick Lane Music Hall 25th

Anniversary Showcase and Afternoon Tea

This promises to be a very special show which marks an amazing 25 years of great entertainment since Brick Lane Music Hall first opened its doors here in June 1992. You are guaranteed an afternoon of laughter and fun as well as traditional music hall song and dance. On the journey to London we make a short visit to Westfield in Stratford.

£59.00 * PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

(E) Sunday 11

th June

The View from the Shard

Standing at just over 1000 feet, The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building and The View, situated on floors 68, 69 and 72, is 800 feet above street level. The name “Shard” comes from its sculpted design which consists of glass facets that incline inwards but do not meet at the top. From The View you will see exhilarating 360° views stretching for up to 40 miles. You will depart from the ground floor in a “kaleidoscopic” lift, with video screens and mirrors to create the effect of soaring through the iconic ceilings and roofs of some of London’s famous buildings. There will be free time for lunch at Covent Garden before the visit to the Shard.

£49.00 * (C) Sunday 18

th June

Beth Chatto Gardens & Clacton-on-Sea

Created from a site that was originally derelict land, Beth Chatto set about making a garden using plants that had adapted by nature to be suitable for the various conditions found at the site. This resulted in three contrasting gardens evolving over the past 40 years, which together make a tranquil and beautiful landscaped garden containing four large ponds and a variety of plants providing year-round colour and interest. There is an excellent café/restaurant and shop at the gardens. Your day also includes an afternoon visit to Clacton-on-Sea.

£27.00 *

(D) Sunday 25

th June

Woburn Abbey & Garden Show

This excellent Garden Show is held in the 28 acres of beautiful gardens at Woburn Abbey. Whether you are a “veteran” horticulturalist or you are looking for inspiration, you will have a great day out. You can enjoy an introduction to gardening and get expert advice or you can take the opportunity to learn new skills or ideas. A wide range of plants and garden items will be available to purchase during the visit. The Abbey, which will be open during the day, is full of treasures collected by the Russell family over the last 400 years and has one of the finest art collections on public display. You will also discover superb 18

th century French and

English furniture, porcelain, The Grotto, the Chinese Room and the State Apartments. The family also accumulated a stunning gold and silver collection over the years and this is on display in the Abbey’s underground vaults.

£47.00 * (C) Tuesday 4

th July

Sandringham House, Gardens & Museum

A wonderful day out visiting the Queen’s Norfolk home and estate. The ground-floor rooms, which are open to the public, are furnished much as they were in Edwardian times. The house is surrounded by 60 acres of glorious informal gardens which are a delight throughout the year. The museum has a number of fascinating items including a 1900 Daimler which was the first car owned by a British monarch. You will also see the vintage fire engine used by the Estate’s own Fire Brigade. Several children’s cars and carriages are also on display. The coach houses and stables have been converted to house a varied collection that includes arts and crafts, ceramics and commemorative china. The Stables Tea Room is next to the Museum. The beautiful medieval church used by the Royal Family will be open. Here you will see the highly decorated interior with its magnificent silver altar and pulpit.

£30.00 *

(E) Tuesday 11

th July

Polesden Lacey – National Trust, Surrey

This delightful Edwardian country retreat, four miles north of Dorking, has glorious views across the Surrey countryside. Royalty and famous celebrities were entertained at Polesden Lacey and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother spent part of her honeymoon here. The house was designed to impress kings and queens and the extensive collection of art, ceramics and Faberge items will be on display. Highlights of the magnificent garden are the Walled Rose Garden, with 26 varieties of British rose, the double herbaceous border and the clematis. The “working” parts of the garden include an orchard, a cut-flower garden and the vegetable garden. A choice of walks are available on the estate.

£37.00 * With National Trust Card £27.00 *

(X) Thursday 13

th July

East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden & Sheringham

This is one of Norfolk’s most remarkable and enjoyable gardens. Created by Alan Gray and Graham Robeson over the last 15 years, it is today a feast of decorative exuberance and formal design. The walled and hedged compartments vary immensely from neat formality to explosions of colour. The garden is further enriched with fine sculptures, lavishly planted pots and delightful walls and gates. The garden has many rare and unusual plants and many of these are propagated and sold on-site. You can enjoy afternoon refreshments in the delightful Tea Room. There will be a morning visit to Sheringham with opportunity to have an early lunch before we travel to East Ruston.

£23.00 *

(E) Tuesday 18

th July

Eltham Palace & Greenwich

A visit to Eltham Palace takes you straight into the glamorous lifestyle of the 1930’s textile millionaires, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, where tennis and croquet, cocktails on the terraces and music in the Italian drawing room were the order of the day for visiting movie stars, aristocrats and politicians. The Courtauld’s built their stunning Art Deco house adjoining the medieval Great Hall, part of the original Eltham Palace and boyhood home of King Henry VIII. Visitors can explore the basement with its billiard room, photographic dark room and machinery that was way ahead of its time. You will also see the Courtauld’s luxury wartime bomb shelter – a far cry from the tube stations or Anderson shelters used by the general public. The Courtaulds’ lifestyle was one of luxury, travel and high fashion and their indulgent home had exotic pets which had free range. The beautiful 19 acres of landscaped moated gardens include both 20

th century and medieval elements.

On leaving Eltham Palace we visit Greenwich before heading home. £36.00 *

With English Heritage Card £26.00 * (B) Wednesday 26

th July

Sandringham Flower Show

Probably the biggest and best flower show in East Anglia. Visit the stunning show gardens and displays by leading nurseries and enjoy horticultural talks by gardening experts. The show also includes over 200 trade, horticultural and charity stands, a craft marquee, steam fairground, a military band and great arena events. Admission to the show includes entrance to Sandringham Gardens, Museum and Church.

£28.00 *

(X) Thursday 27

th July

Cromer Pier Show Seaside Special – Show 1

Sit back and enjoy a wonderful blend of song and dance, amazing speciality acts and of course lots of seaside fun and laughter. Plenty of time in Cromer to enjoy lunch before the show.

£34.00 *

(X) Wednesday 2

nd August

See the Seals! - Blakeney Point Boat Trip and visits to Sheringham & Holt

Blakeney Point is home to the largest colony of grey seals in the country. Enjoy a boat trip from Morston Quay to see the colony close up on both sides of Blakeney Point. The boat travels close to the shoreline to allow you to get a good view but you will remain in the boat throughout the trip. There will be a morning visit to Sheringham and we make a stop in Holt on the homeward journey.

£29.00 * (C) Sunday 6

th August

RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show, Essex

Set in the stunning surroundings of this RHS garden in Essex, Hyde Hall Flower Show is a must for all garden lovers. You can browse, buy and pick up advice from a large range of specialist nurseries and garden trade stands, many of which have won medals at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows. Apart from the show, you can also explore the rest of the wonderful gardens at Hyde Hall.

£30.00 * (B) Sunday 13

th August

Ickworth House and Gardens & Lavenham

This Georgian Italianate palace is a grand place for an entertaining day out. Ickworth’s impressive Rotunda is an architectural marvel which was built in the 18

th

century for the 4th

Earl of Bristol to house the priceless treasures collected on his tours around Europe. He also created here the earliest Italianate garden in England. You can visit the servants quarters in the basement to experience 1930s domestic service before seeing the impressive state rooms and the exquisite art and silver collections. Take a stroll around the gardens to discover the hidden Stumpery . A longer walk takes you to the walled garden, perhaps visiting Ickworth Church on the way. There will be a morning visit to Lavenham where you can enjoy morning refreshments and a stroll through the delightful medieval streets of this wonderfully preserved town. £29.00 *

With National Trust Card £18.00 * (E) Saturday 19

th August

Buckingham Palace and State Rooms

The State Rooms at the Palace were designed for monarchs to receive, reward and entertain their subjects and to receive visiting dignitaries on State and ceremonial occasions. The State Rooms reflect the taste of King George IV, with many of the furnishings and works of art coming from Carlton House, The King’s London home when he was Prince of Wales. However, the State Rooms are also furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection including priceless paintings, Canova sculpture and Sevres porcelain. Your visit to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will also include entry to “Royal Gifts”, a special exhibition following Her Majesty the Queen’s reign through a wide-ranging display of official gifts presented to the Queen during the past 65 years. These gifts make a spectacular display of craftsmanship from different countries around the world.

Adult £46.00 * Sen. Cit. £44.00 *

(C) Tuesday 22

nd August

Audley End House & Gardens

Audley End is the perfect place in England to discover how a thriving country house once worked. Built in the 1600s and lived in until 1948, this Jacobean mansion was the Victorian home of Lord and Lady Braybrooke and it still has the original furniture, paintings and artifacts. After seeing the Great Hall, grand reception rooms, library and state bedroom you can explore the Service Wing and discover what life was like below stairs in the kitchen, scullery, dairy, laundry and nursery. The house is in a classic Capability Brown-style landscape which features expanses of gently rolling grassland, beautiful stretches of water with stone bridges and attractive clumps of trees. You can also visit the working stable block with its horses and wander around the vast gardens including the Walled Organic Kitchen Garden where Victorian varieties of fruit and vegetables are grown.

£32.00 * With English Heritage Membership Card £19.00 *

(D) Sunday 3

rd September

Kenwood House, Hampstead & Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield

On the edge of Hamstead Heath and surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood House is one of London’s hidden gems. Among the vast array of stunning artwork there are masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Vermeer, Reynolds and Gainsborough – all collected by Edward Cecil Guinness who bequeathed his collection to the nation in 1927. Kenwood has one of the very best examples of Robert Adam’s interiors. The famous 18

th century architect extended

the house and designed the rooms which we see today. The star attraction is the magnificent Great Library which was part of a huge refurbishment project in 2013. There are lots of meandering paths around Kenwood that will take you on some lovely walks through the 112 acres of glorious gardens, parkland and ancient woodland. The Brew House Cafe serves full lunches and The Steward’s Room has a superb take-away menu. Your day will also include a visit to the beautiful 30 acre Capel Manor Gardens which surround the Georgian Manor House and Victorian Stables. You can see behind the scenes at Greater London’s only Specialist College of Horticulture where there are many richly planted themed gardens, seven of which were designed by former students. Refreshments can be enjoyed in the Terrace Restaurant and Hessayon Visitor Centre has a garden gift shop and plant sales area.

£30.00 *

(E) Sunday 10

th September

RHS Wisley Flower Show

The RHS Garden Wisley is one of only four gardens owned by the Royal Horticultural Society in England and this six day floral extravaganza features more than 60 nurseries and trade stands as well as the national Dahlia Society Show and floral displays by Surrey National Association of Flower Arrangement Society. Make a day of it by enjoying the late summer colour throughout this world-class garden.

£39.00 *

(D) Sunday 24

th September

Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show

This superb air show brings to life Duxford’s finest hour as an important Second World War fighter station defending Great Britain from aerial attack in 1940. You will be able to get close to historic aircraft and their pilots who will be following in the footsteps of “the few”. You will also see daring air displays, dog fights, pyrotechnics and aerobatics. For many, the highlight of the show will be the mass Spitfire flypast over Duxford.

Adult £47.00 * Child £35.00 *

(E) Sunday 1

st October

Royal Museums at Greenwich

The Royal Observatory is a great place to start exploring Greenwich World Heritage Site. Situated on the edge of Greenwich Park, from where there are amazing views, the Observatory is home to the Prime Meridian that was fixed here in 1884 and on top of the Observatory is the time-ball, which drops precisely at 1pm each day. This provided the first public time signal in the world in 1883 and Greenwich Mean Time is still used as a time reference worldwide. You can see the Prime Meridian and visit the Astronomy Centre free of charge. Also not to be missed are the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, both free to visit. There are ten free galleries to see at The National Maritime Museum and also a vast collection which includes artwork, maps and charts, memorabilia and thousands of other objects! The Old Royal Navy College, once a retirement home for sailors from the Royal Navy, is now used by the University of Greenwich and the Painted Hall is today one of the outstanding attractions of the college, which again is free to enter. If you have time you could also visit the Cutty Sark, the world famous and only remaining tea clipper that visited every major port in the world through the course of her working life. There is a charge to visit the Cutty Sark.

£25.00 *

(E) Sunday 8th

October Royal Windsor & Thames Cruise

Enjoy free time exploring Windsor where you may wish to take an open-top bus tour or visit Windsor Castle. In the afternoon we have included a cruise on the Thames which travels from Windsor to Boveney Lock and return, with stunning views of Windsor Castle. You will also see Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse and Brocas Meadows during the cruise.

£33.00 * (E) Saturday 14

th October

Knitting & Stitching Show – Alexandra Palace

This knitting and stitching show is the definitive event for anyone with a love of textile-based craft and is the perfect place to learn new skills and shop for all your sewing and knitting supplies. Enjoy magnificent textile art from more than 20 of the world’s best-known textile artists who will be showcasing their works which include 3D crochet, surface embroidery, patchwork and quilting.

£35.00 *

(D) Sunday 22

nd October

Madame Tussauds, London

Gone are the days when Madame Tussauds was a dusty old museum with wax figures behind red ropes. In its place now is a fully interactive experience where you will walk amongst famous people and take photos with the stars which include Dame Helen Mirren, Benedict Cumberbatch and Charles Dickens! Madame Tussauds is split into themed areas which include famous faces from film, sport, music, The Royal Family, culture, Marvel, Star Wars and world leaders. President Trump is the latest addition! Finish off your visit with a Spirit of London Ride where you will travel through the capital’s history in one of London’s famous black cabs.

Adult £53.00 * Child (under 16) £38.00 *

(D) Wednesday 8

th November

Braintree on Market Day OR Freeport Braintree

The delightful old town of Braintree in Essex holds its market in the town centre each Wednesday. It spreads from Manor Street through the Market Place then along the High Street into Bank Street. There are lots of stalls with a great variety of goods, food, fruit and vegetables. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freeport Braintree. Situated on the outskirts of the town, there are an amazing 85 stores with everything you could possibly want from a shopping trip.

£20.00 (E) Sunday 12

th November

Imperial War Museum London

This magnificent museum tells the stories of people’s experiences of modern war from the beginning of the First World War to the conflicts of today. In fact, the museum was established during the First World War and marks its centenary this year. In addition to the thousands of amazing exhibits there are 9 major exhibitions spread throughout the museum that include World War I, The Holocaust, Espionage, Wartime Heroes and A Family in Wartime. There is a restaurant and cafe at the museum.

£26.00 *

(B) Friday 17

th November

Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair

Ely’s magnificent Cathedral, dating back over 1300 years, is the venue for Ely’s Christmas Gift and Food Fair. The Cathedral provides a unique and atmospheric venue for the Fair and the quality and individuality of the goods and exhibitors promises to make this one of East Anglia’s best Christmas shopping experiences.

£22.00 *

(X) Sunday 19

th November

Sandringham Christmas Fair

This popular event returns to Sandringham Park, bringing the opportunity to shop for all your Christmas foods and gifts. The hugely popular Food Hall, where “try before you buy” is the norm, will have hundreds of tasty delights on offer, including cheeses and wines. Visit the Craft Pavilion and watch as the various craftspeople demonstrate their skills as wood turners, potters, sculptors, spinners and weavers, artists, jewellers and glass-blowers. Quality Country Gifts have exhibitors at all the top shows and in this area you will find all types of country wear as well as gifts, toys, clothes, bags, slippers, boots etc. There is also a variety of entertainment when you need a break from shopping!

£20.00 * (C) Wednesday 22

nd November

Rockingham Castle Victorian Christmas & Stamford

This re-creation of a grand Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle is a magical and popular event. The setting is Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated to help you step back in time to a thoroughly Victorian Christmas. The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas dinner. Guided tours in period costume take place throughout the day. A wealth of beautifully lit Christmas trees welcome you into the Castle Courtyard where the Castle Gift Shop is stacked full of Christmas ideas for friends & family and the Castle restaurant is open for afternoon tea. There will be a stop for an early lunch in Stamford on the way to Rockingham Castle.

£31.00 * (B) Saturday 26

th November

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

The historic centre of Bury St. Edmunds is transformed into a traditional Christmas Market with colourful stalls selling local produce and crafts. The Angel Hill area is the ideal location for this traditional Christmas Fayre which includes fairground rides and on-stage and street entertainment.

£16.00 (C) Tuesday 28

th November

Springfields only or Baytree & Springfields

This discount shopping village is the ideal place for Christmas shopping. With over 50 shops including M & S, Clark’s and Pavers there is plenty of choice and with a level site and every shop floor on ground level you can enjoy an effortless day’s shopping. You will also have the option of spending 1 ½ hours at Baytree Garden Centre, which will be beautifully decorated and stocked for Christmas.

£17.00 (D) Saturday 2

nd December

Melton Mowbray Victorian Christmas Fayre

This excellent Christmas Fayre is centred around the Market Place but you will also find lots of festive stalls and entertainment in several of the other streets around the town centre. The Christmas Tree Festival in St. Mary’s Church is quite spectacular with more than 200 decorated trees on display.

£25.00

(B) Monday 4

th December

Brick Lane Music Hall Christmas Show and 3-course Lunch

Brick Lane Music Hall in East London is a totally unique venue which offers traditional music hall shows with a great mix of music, song and laughter. This superb Christmas show offers first class entertainment with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. Prior to the show, you will enjoy a three course Christmas Lunch.

£69.00 * PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVIOD DISAPPOINTMENT (D) Tuesday 5

th December

St Albans Christmas Market

Enjoy a day with plenty of Christmas cheer in the festive atmosphere of St Albans. The Christmas Market is held around the beautiful Vintry Garden adjacent to the magnificent 11

th century St Albans Cathedral. Visitors can browse around the 60

traditional wooden chalets of this European-style Christmas Market in an area that sits in the centre of a triangle formed by St Albans “oldest treasures” – the oldest working Medieval Clock Tower, the oldest Public School in the country and the oldest pub in the country - Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. St Albans has superb shopping with many independent shops along the High Street as well as a great choice of cafes and restaurants.

£25.00 (X) Sunday 17

th December

Cromer Pier Christmas Spectacular

Sit back and enjoy a festive blend of song and dance, amazing speciality acts and of course plenty of seaside fun and laughter.

£34.00 *

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Blofield/Thorpe/Norwich Areas:

Wed 29th Nov - Matinee Show – Raised Side Seating £52.00 *

Sun 10th Dec - Matinee Show – Raised Side Seating £56.50 *

Fri 15th Dec - Evening Show – Raised Side Seating £54.00 *

Fri 22nd

Dec - Evening Show – Raised Central Seating £57.00 *

Attleborough/Wymondham/Hethersett Areas:

Wed 6th Dec - Matinee Show – Raised Side Seating £53.00 *

Thur 14th Dec - Evening Show – Raised Side Seating £52.00 *

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

London Shows

(B) Thursday 29th

June Half A Sixpence - Noel Coward Theatre (2:30 pm show)

This sensational new stage version of the classic British musical, Half a Sixpence has exploded onto the West End stage. This musical adaption of H G Wells’ novel “Kipps” tells the story of Arthur Kipps, an orphan and drapers assistant at the turn of the last century, who inherits a fortune that propels him into high society. Arthur’s childhood companion Ann is dismayed as Arthur is made-over in a new image by the classy Helen Walsingham. Both Ann and Helen love Arthur but who should he listen to? Arthur learns that to live the right life you must make the right choices. Songs include “Flash, Bang, Wallop” and “Half A Sixpence”.

£65.00 *

(B) Thursday 29

th June

Phantom of the Opera - Her Majesty’s Theatre (2:30 pm show)

Having just completed its 30th

record-breaking year, The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate packed audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End. This tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer, who, shamed by his physical appearance, lives below stage in the Paris Opera House. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score, along with jaw-dropping scenery and special effects, magically combine to bring this legendary musical to life at every performance.

£56.00 *

(B) Wednesday 27th

September

42nd

Street - Theatre Royal Drury Lane (2:30 pm show)

Broadway’s biggest show has been brought to the West End’s biggest stage. The show is the song and dance, American dream fable of Broadway. Young Peggy Sawyer steps off the bus from a small town to become just another face in the chorus line on Broadway’s newest show. However, when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just have the opportunity for the stardom she has always dreamed of … The show features many iconic songs including 42

nd Street, We’re in The Money,

Dames and I Only Have Eyes For You. £62.00 *

(B) Wednesday 27

th September

Kinky Boots – Adelphi Theatre (2:30 pm show)

Kinky Boots has now become the hottest show in town, winning every major Best Musical award including the 2016 Olivier Award. This hilarious but heart-warming musical takes you from the factory floor to the glamorous catwalks of Milan as Charlie Price struggles to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family shoe business. With the future in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, played by Olivier award-winner Matt Henry, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos!

£58.00 *

EARLY BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL SHOWS

Avanti Coach Holidays 2017

MAY MYSTERY TOUR

Tuesday 2nd

May to Friday 5th

May - £250.00 (4 days)

ABBAphonic AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Wednesday 10th

May to Thursday 11th

May - £125.00 (2 days)

THE BEST OF SHROPSHIRE

& THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY Sunday 28

th May to Thursday 1

st June - £295.00 (5 days)

KILLARNEY, THE DINGLE DOLPHIN,

& THE IRISH NATIONAL STUD & GARDENS Saturday 3

rd June to Friday 9

th June - £595.00 (7 days)

CAPTIVATING CARDIFF & THE ROYAL MINT Sunday 18

th June to Thursday 22

nd June - £325.00 (5 days)

BRUNEL’S BRISTOL, BATH & BRADFORD-ON-AVON

Sunday 25th

June to Wednesday 28th

June - £270.00 (4 days)

THE VERY BEST OF NORTH WALES & THE LLANGOLLEN STEAM RAILWAY

Sunday 2nd

July to Thursday 6th

July - £335.00 (5 days)

THE ROMANTIC RHINE & THE MAGICAL MOSELLE

Saturday 15th

July to Thursday 20th

July - £425.00 (6 days)

THE CREAM OF DEVON

Tuesday 1st

August to Saturday 5th

August - £339.00 (5 days)

THE HEART OF ENGLAND

& THE SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW

Thursday 10th

August to Monday 14th

August – £325.00 (5 days)

NORTHUMBERLAND GEMS & TYNESIDE TREASURES Thursday 24

th August to Tuesday 29

th August - £350.00 (6 days)

GLORIOUS SUSSEX

EASTBOURNE & THE SOUTH DOWNS Sunday 10

th September to Thursday 14

th September - £315.00 (5 days)

LIVERPOOL, PORT SUNLIGHT & THE MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL Monday 18

th September to Friday 22

nd September - £380.00 (5 days)

THE SCENIC ISLE OF MAN

Sunday 1st

October to Friday 6th

October - £445.00 (6 days)

A TASTE OF LANCASHIRE & THE LAKES IN AUTUMN

Monday 16th

October to Friday 20th

October - £320.00 (5 days)

THE COTSWOLDS IN AUTUMN

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM & BOWOOD HOUSE Thursday 26

th October to Monday 30

th October - £285.00 (5 days)

FESTIVE FUN AT WARNERS BEMBRIDGE COAST

Monday 20th

November to Friday 24th

November - £310.00 (5 days)

CHRISTMAS AT BEAMISH, CAROLS AT THE CATHEDRAL

& NEWCASTLE CHRISTMAS MARKET Thursday 30

th November to Sunday 3

rd December - £230.00 (4 days)

CHRISTMAS IN BOURNEMOUTH

Saturday 23rd

December to Wednesday 27th

December – £475.00 (5 days)

Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double room.

Single supplements will apply to certain holidays.

Holiday prices include excursions and admission costs to local attractions

as described in our holiday brochure.

Full holiday details are in our 2017 Holiday Brochure,

which is available on request, or which can be viewed on our website.

SHOPPING DAY-TRIPS TO FRANCE AND BELGIUM

2017

Thursday 23rd

February Adinkerke and Cité Europe £46.00

Monday 20th March Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

Thursday 20th April Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

** Tuesday 23rd

May Adinkerke and Cité Europe ** £48.00

Thursday 15th June Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

Monday 24th July Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

Thursday 17th August Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

** Thursday 14th September Adinkerke and Cité Europe ** £48.00

Thursday 12th October Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

Thursday 16th November Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

** Thursday 7th December Adinkerke and Cité Europe ** £48.00

2018

Thursday 25th January Adinkerke and Cité Europe £48.00

NB. Following the crossing to France the coach goes first to Cité Europe for approx 1 ½

hours, then to Adinkerke. From there the coach travels directly to the ferry at Calais except on the dates marked ** when the coach returns to Cité Europe for any passengers not visiting Adinkerke.

Channel crossings will be by P & O Ferry

Each passenger’s first name, surname and date of birth are now required before departure. Please provide this information when booking.

Each person travelling must have a valid passport.

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is recommended that each person travelling to France & Belgium has Travel Insurance and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC entitles you to reduced cost, and sometimes free, health treatment under the same terms as people that live in the country you are visiting. The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance as it may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs in the event of illness or injury. You should therefore have travel insurance cover in addition to the EHIC as state-provided treatment in some EC Countries may not cover all treatments that you would receive free of charge from the N.H.S. Your Travel Insurance should also cover the loss or theft of personal items including items purchased during the excursion. Please ensure that you obtain and keep all receipts for purchases made during your trip.

TIMETABLE

Pick-up Points

Route Category

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

Brundall, Cucumber Lane/Beverley Road

8:40 8:10 7:40 7:10 6:40

Blofield, opposite layby before traffic lights

8:45 8:15 7:45 7:15 6:45

Blofield Heath, Tamarind

8:50 8:20 7:50 7:20 6:50

Salhouse, near Station Road

9:00 8:30 8:00 7:30 7:00

Rackheath, Fish Shop, Vera Road

9:05 8:35 8:05 7:35 7:05

Plumstead Road East, Bus Stop nr. Frying Machine & shops

9:12 8:42 8:12 7:42 7:12

Plumstead Road Bus Stop, Heartsease P.H.

9:15 8:45 8:15 7:45 7:15

Bishop Bridge Road/Riverside Road, Bus Stop (opp. shops)

9:20 8:50 8:20 7:50 7:20

Prince of Wales Road bus stop

9:25 8:55 8:25 7:55 7:25

Castle Meadow, opp. British Heart Foundation

9:30 9:00 8:30 8:00 7:30

Hethersett – Bus stop opposite New Road Wymondham – Bus stop, Waitrose Wymondham – Bus stop near Morrisons Wymondham – Avenue Road Attleborough – Queen’s Square Attleborough – Snooker Club

9:45 9:52 9:55 10:00 10:10 10:15

9:15 9:22 9:25 9:30 9:40 9:45

8:45 8:52 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:15

8:15 8:22 8:25 8:30 8:40 8:45

7:45 7:52 7:55 8:00 8:10 8:15

(X) = To be confirmed when booking.

Keep a note of your trips booked for 2017

AVANTI TRIPS BOOKED 2017

Date Destination Date Destination

COACH SEATING PLAN

4 8 12 16 20 Toilet 28 32 36 40 44 48

3 7 11 15 19 27 31 35 39 43 47

2 6 10 14 18 22 24 26 30 34 38 42 46

1 5 9 13 17 21 23 25 29 33 37 41 45