"I had to let you know how much I enjoyed our eco-tour
to Newfoundland, what a beautiful part of our country, it was so
well organized and our guides were super. When I travel again I will
choose Battlefield Travel."
- Meta von Moeller
License # 2591391
297 Highway #8,
Stoney Creek, ON.
The Gardens & Castles of Wales & Ireland
Important!
Escorted by Rob Howard... 50% sold out
May 20th - June 3rd, 2010
Cost: $5,495.00 per person plus $465.00 tax
Plus insurance if required
Travel back in time on a journey of discovery.
Join us in 2010 when we explore the gardens, ancient strongholds, abbeys and country houses of Wales and Ireland. It is sure to provide a rich and rewarding experience. Towering fortifications like Caernarfon and Conwy Castles in Wales, and Bunratty and Blarney Castles in Ireland can not fail to create a lasting impression. We will visit glorious gardens like Bodnant Gardens, Shankill Castle & Gardens, and Powerscourt Gardens to name a few. We will see Irish architecture at its finest, travel the wonderful Welsh countryside, visit internationally renowned gardens that are home to rare botanical treasures, stay in some wonderful hotels, dine at a pub or two along the way, have a few surprises here and there – and even stop in at a woolen mill and a distillery!
[Click on images to enlarge]
Itinerary
Thursday May 20th, 2010
Board your overnight flight to London
Friday May 21st, 2010
On arrival we are met by an old friend Patricia Tapsall, who will be our escort. We travel West to Abergavenny, a picturesque town, steeped in history. We continue on to Swansea for our 2 night stay at the modern 4* Marriott Swansea Hotel overlooking Swansea Bay and the beach.
Overnight: Marriott Swansea Hotel
Meals include in-flight Breakfast & Lunch.
Saturday 22nd May, 2010
This morning we visit the National Botanic Garden of Wales, our afternoon is spent at Aberglasney House which features one of the finest gardens in Wales.
Overnight: Marriott Swansea Hotel
Meals include Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.
Sunday 23rd May, 2010
This morning we travel to Welshpool to visit Powis Castle & Garden (c1200) after we continue on to Chirk Castle and then to Llandudno. We begin our 3 night stay at The St. Georges Hotel, located in a prime position on the Llandudno Promenade .
Overnight: St. Georges Hotel
Meals include Breakfast & Dinner.
Monday 24th May, 2010
This morning we visit Portmeirion Seaside Village, a unique village set on its own private peninsula, followed by the afternoon at Conwy Castle situated in the classic walled town of Conwy.
Overnight: St. Georges Hotel
Meals include Breakfast.
Tuesday 25th May, 2010
Our first visit today is to Bodnant Garden, followed by an afternoon spent at mighty Caernarfon Castle, possibly the most famous of Wales's castles.
Overnight: St. Georges Hotel
Meals include Breakfast
Wednesday 26th May, 2010
Today we visit the Trefriw Woollen Mills, after we proceed to Holyhead to board the early afternoon ferry to Dublin (about 3 hours) to arrive in Dublin late afternoon. We transfer to the Camden Court Hotel – our home in Dublin for the next 3 nights.
Overnight: Camden Court Hotel
Meals include Breakfast & Dinner.
Thursday 27th May, 2010
This morning we enjoy a Dublin city sightseeing tour, followed by an afternoon at Killruddery House and Gardens.
Overnight: Camden Court Hotel
Meals include Breakfast.
Friday 28th May, 2010
Today is certainly a highlight day – first we visit Helen Dillon’s City Garden, next, we visit Powerscourt House and Garden. We will enjoy lunch at the Terrace Café followed by a free evening in Dublin.
Overnight: Camden Court Hotel
Meals include Breakfast & Lunch.
Saturday 29th May, 2010
We depart Dublin today and drive to the 18th century Shankill Castle and Garden, we continue on to Waterford to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory, and then to Cork for dinner and overnight at Jury’s Cork Hotel.
Overnight: Jury's Cork Hotel
Meals include Breakfast & Dinner.
Sunday 30th May, 2010
We have so much to see and do today! Our first stop is at The Old Midleton Distillery, and after we continue to Lisselan Estate Gardens. In the afternoon we visit Blarney Castle and the Blarney Estate Garden, and the most famous Blarney Stone. We continue to Killarney (90 kms from Cork) and the 4 star Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa for a two night stay.
Overnight: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Monday 31st May, 2010
Today we embark on undoubtedly Ireland's most popular scenic drive, "The Ring of Kerry", which passes a panorama of rugged coastline, tall mountains, and pristine lakes.
Overnight: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals include Breakfast.
Tuesday 1st June, 2010
Today we drive north to Bunratty Castle and Lough Gur Interpretive Centre. Our evening’s destination is Galway where we overnight at the Park House Hotel - an Irish-owned and managed hotel in the heart of Galway city centre.
Overnight: Park House Hotel
Meals include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Wednesday 2nd June, 2010
This morning we visit Brigit’s Garden, followed by a visit to Tullynally Castle & Gardens. Our overnight is at the Mullingar Park Hotel.
Overnight: Mullingar Park Hotel
Meals include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Thursday 3rd June, 2010
We board our flight in Dublin today to fly home! Meals include Breakfast
This Tour Includes:
- Flight from Toronto to London and return from Dublin
- Transportation throughout by luxury Trafalgar Tours Coach
- 13 nights first class accommodation including all taxes
- All Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners (including taxes & gratuities)
- Entrance to all gardens and castles as listed on the itinerary
- All sightseeing as per the itinerary
- hosted throughout by Robert Howard Garden editor for the Hamilton Spectator
- Back by popular demand Trafalgar Tours Escort Patricia Tapsall