Join Brian Sams

& Wattletree Garden Tours

(07) 46 968033

Email: briansams@live.com.au

www.wattletreehorticulture.com.au

Grand Garden Tour of Italy May 2016

Milan, Lake Maggiore, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Lake Bolsena, Amalfi Coast and Rome.

A tour designed to properly experience the culture, history and spectacular gardens of Italy.

Grand Tour of Italy highlights: Brian Sams is a Toowoomba based horticulturist involved in running gardening workshops, consultation, leading garden based tours and presenting weekly gardening news for WIN TV and gardening talkback on Radio 4GR. Brian has been leading garden tours overseas and within Australia since 2006. Why? He loves it!

Day 1 28th

April Brisbane to Dubai - Meals in flight Flight details to be confirmed. If stopping over in Dubai hotel transfer will be included. Arabian Courtyard Hotel or similar Day 2 29

th April Dubai to Milan BD

Fly from Dubai to Milan where we will meet our Italian guide. Travel to hotel and check in before dinner in the hotel. The Crowne Plaza Linate Hotel or similar—2 nights Day 3 30

th April Milan B

A local guide will guide us through Milan to see Santa Marie della Grazie Church home of Leonardo di Vinci’s famous Last Supper, Sforza Castle, Plazza della Scala opera house & the world famous Milan cathedral before some afternoon free time. Day 4 1

st May Milan to Lake Maggiore BD

After a late start this morning twe will start the itinerary with our short drive to the Italian Lakes district where we will have some free time in the various small villages along the way before arriving at our beautiful hotel. This evening we will cruise on the lake to visit Pescatori Island for a special dinner in a local restaurant. Simplon Hotel or similar—3 nights Day 5 2

nd May Lake Maggiore B

This morning we will cruise to one of the most magnificent gardens you could imagine on Isola Bella to see the Baroque Pal-ace and of course the terrace gardens. We will then board the boat to head to Isola Madre with a more park like garden and wonderful views. We will visit the residence of the Borromeo family before heading back to our hotel. This afternoon you have the option (own expense) of taking the Mottarone cable car to the pinnacle for the best views. . Day 6 3

rd May Lake Maggiore B

After breakfast travel to scenic Lake Como where a boat cruise allows for an unrivalled view of the renowned natural beauty of the area. Visits to Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi complete your day and give you a chance to admire these sumptuous Italian gardens filled with statues and fountains. Day 7 4th May Lake Maggiore to La Spezia BD Your journey to La Spezia today features a visit to Genoa botanical gardens, which features over 4000 specimens. In the af-ternoon check in to your hotel on the Ligurian coast. Dine tonight at a local restaurant The My One Hotel or similar—2 nights Day 8 5

th May La Spezia B

Today a full day of sightseeing includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre. Walk the famous “lovers lane” trail connecting the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola, soak up the atmosphere and scenery at the large open harbor in Vernazza, and enjoy the spectacular coastline of Monterose al Mare. Day 9 6

th May La Spezia to Pisa to Florence BD

A short drive this morning brings you to Pisa, a former Maritime city. Explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower and marble Cathedral at your leisure. After lunch a stop enroute to Florence allows you to visit the Vannucci Plant Nursery which features 430 hectares of plant specimens with open ground cultivation and contained plants both fea-tured. After checking in to your hotel join your companions for a special meal including traditional Italian pizza. The Cosmopolitan Hotel or similar—4 nights Day 10 7

th May Florence B

A local specialist takes you on a tour of the city today. Highlights of this magical city include Michelangelo’s Statue of David, the Duomo whose dome is synonymous with Florence, the many beautiful squares that create the character of the old town as well as Ponte Vecchio, the famed bridge housing a multitude of goldsmiths and jewelers. Before enjoying some free time this afternoon you visit the landscaped gardens of the Villa Bardini. Day 11 8

th May Florence B

Today is a fee day. Our tour leader will be able to suggest and organize additional excursions for you perhaps to the Uffizi gallery or other treasures of Florence. Tonight an interesting and delicious optional dinner in the Tuscan hills will be offered.

Private tour : fully inclusive: small friendly groups

Stunning Italian lakes First class hotels Pompeii Beautiful gardens

History of Rome Wine tasting at Vezzano Castle Cinque Terre Bolsena Lake

Amalfi Coast Leaning tower of Pisa Ischia Island Isle of Capri

Day 12 9th

May Florence B Today we journey into the Tuscan landscape to visit a stunning rose garden “Giardino delle Rose” and taste the local wine at Vezzano Castle. The beautiful Tuscan gardens of Villa Centinale and Villa Gamberaia await you in the afternoon. The layout of the gardens and the stunning setting in the Tuscan landscape make these gardens truly memorable. Day 13 10

th May Florence to Bolsena BD

Following your drive to Bolsena relax on a cruise around Lake Bolsena, a crystal clear lake that formed in the crater of an ex-tinct volcano. You will visit the medieval Monaldeschi Castle and the beautiful Church of Saint Cristina, burial location of the saint it owes its name to. Dinner tonight is at the hotel restaurant. The Hotel Lido Palace or similar—2 nights Day 14 11

th May Bolsena B

After experiencing the breathtaking Villa Farnese and surrounding gardens reminiscent of a medieval fortress, explore Lake Vico which legend holds was created by Hercules when he defied the local inhabitants. Return to Bolsena for a free afternoon. Day 15 12

th May Bolsena to Sorrento BD

Start your day being astonished by the Parco dei Mostri or ‘Park of Monsters’, a lush garden featuring over 24 larger than life creatures. A visit to Villa Lante to experience the exquisite Italian Renaissance garden precedes your afternoon drive to picturesque Sorrento. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Grand Hotel Flora or similar—4 nights Day 16 13

th May Sorrento B

Today explore the beautifully landscaped gardens of Villa Rufolo known as the ‘Garden of the Soul’ in Ravello. You will enjoy some free time in this city, before proceeding to the Villa Cimbrone whose gardens are considered to be amongst the most im-portant examples of the English landscape and botany culture in the South of Europe. Day 17 14

th May Sorrento – Isle of Capri day B

Take a ferry to the stunning Isle of Capri, & continue to Capri town by funicular railway. Visit the gardens of Villa San Michele, with panoramic views of the town as well as an enchanting beauty in their unique design. Following a chairlift ride to the highest point on the island – Mount Solaro, experience the incomparable aerial view of the island and the gulfs of Naples and Salerno. Day 18 15

th May Sorrento – Ischia island day B

The famous garden La Mortella on Ischia island welcomes you today. Winner of 2004’s most beautiful park in Italy this refuge of peace and isolation is world renowned. Before enjoying some free time to explore the island on your own, visit Castello Arago-nese, a formidable medieval castle dating back to 474BC. Day 19 16

th May Sorrento to Pompeii to Rome BD

A local guide will take us on a walking tour of Pompeii this morning. Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, leaving Pompeii covered by a layer of volcanic ash and wonderfully preserved. Fascinating. Later, enjoy views of The Abbey of Monte Cassino on the way to Rome. Dine tonight at your hotel. The Sheraton Roma or similar—3 nights Day 20 17th May Rome B An included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist begins at the Vatican Museums. Experience a Cultural insight in the Vati-can when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Admire Mi-chelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his famous Pieta. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Coliseum, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the famous Trevi Fountain for a day of famous sites. Day 21 18

th May Rome BD

Your final full day in Rome allows for a visit to the expansive gardens at both the Villa d’Este and the UNESCO listed Villa Adri-ana. Tonight we will celebrate our tour with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Day 22 19

th May Rome to Home or other destinations B

Your trip comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight. If you are joining us on the Italian and Dalmatian Coast cruise we will travel to Venice to start the voyage (see box for details)

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Optional Italian and Dalmatian Coast Cruise We invite you to join us on a 12 night Celebrity Cruise lines voyage from Venice to interest-ing ports including Koper, Ravenna, Zatar, Split, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Malta, Sicily, Naples and finishing in Rome. We have chosen this cruise to compliment the land tour and be-cause it visits places we have always wanted to visit! We will arrange to transfer to Venice for the cruise and then coordinate flights and trans-fers for this cruise option. For full details please contact us.

Wattletree Garden Tours

Brian Sams

Phone: (07) 46 968033

Mobile: 0415 707 312

briansams@live.com.au

Pricing details—tour Code Wat1627

Important dates

1. Deposit – Payable asap to secure a place as seats are limited, please complete

booking form.

2. Final payment 60 days before departure - 26/2/16

The tour prices include:

First Class hotel accommodation

International flight

Internal exclusive coach travel

All tipping for national guides, drivers and porterage

Entry to all sightseeing and gardens as detailed in itinerary

Quality meals listed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)

English speaking guide for the entire tour in Italy.

Accompanied all the way with Australian garden guide – Brian Sams

Taxes where appropriate (but subject to change based on prevailing rates)

Airport transfers (for whole group only—other arrangements to be made as required)

The tour price excludes: All items not stated as included

Travel insurance—recommended for all travelers. Please discuss if you need help to organize. General notes:

tour prices subject to change dependent on currency fluctuations, taxes and fuel surcharges applicable by carrier. Minimum numbers apply.

gardens and attractions may be subject to change due to operational considerations.

prices based on cash, direct debit or cheque payment. Use of credit cards will incur additional fees

optional stopover details and flight details other than those listed may be arranged—please talk to Brian Sams to discuss.

Please complete booking form at time of deposit with full names as per passport. Changes after booking may incur a re-booking fee

If the booking is cancelled up to 60 days prior to departure cancellation charge equal to deposit will be levied, between 59-22 days prior to departure 25%, of

land component, between 21—8 days prior to departure 30%, between 7 and 1 day prior to departure 50% off total payment per person and if booking can-

celled on the day of departure, no refund will be made. Airfare refunds will be according to the terms and conditions of the airline carrier. No refund applies

once journey has commenced. Any refunds will attract cancellation penalties inclusive of GST and take approximately 12 weeks.

For full terms and conditions please refer to Trafalgar Tours website www.trafalgar.com/aus

Land only price (fully inclusive see below for details) $7500

Airfare best airfare and stopover options to be procured—allow

(and hopefully you might get some change!)

$2495

Full tour price—dependent on final flight costs and stopover op-

tions

$9995

Deposit pp (deductible from tour prices above)

Travel insurance will need to be purchased at time of deposit

$200

Single supplement - if you wish to twin share please let us know

and we will put you in contact with others who are keen to share.

$1003

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Quality matters!

Good well located hotels

Experienced tour guide and tour company (Trafalgar tours)

The food will be safe, diverse and interesting to make sure we

enjoy the local cuisine in the various regions of Italy

We will have enough time to experience each region

We always seem to have a wonderful, friendly & fun group to

travel with!