Arrive into Taipei and meet your driver who will escort you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day at leisure until the tour begins tomorrow.

Your hotel in Taipei is the Cozzi Hotel. Comfort Room

Full of elegant and luxurious touches. Enormous premium King Size beds and linens, extra-thick privacy curtains – including triple laminated windows – will ensure you sleep soundly and peacefully.  Smart TV, walk in shower, TOTO Washlet, hairdryer, safe, complimentary wifi and other goodies.   The hotel also has a roof bar for food and drink.

**If you wish the Comfort Suite I can let you know the cost to upgrade.  For those sharing a twin bedded room this will offer you more space.

https://hotelcozzi.com/en/zhongxiao-taipei/

***Please Note that Check in is normally from 3 pm on. If you are arriving on a very early flight you might want to consider booking a pre tour night.

Rest, get settled and we will all meet tomorrow for the start of our tour.

After a buffet breakfast in The Lounge Featuring famous southern Taiwan dishes alongside Western and Asian staples…we meet our guide and are off for our first day!

The Taipei Botanical Garden was first built as a nursery (Taipei Nursery) in 1896 during the Japanese colonial period. It was later expanded and renamed Taipei Botanical Garden in 1921 and became the first botanical garden in Taiwan. The Garden occupies 8.2 hectares which contains the gardens of Gymnosperms, Ferns, Taxonomic Garden, Ethno-plants, Aquatic plants, Lotus pond, Taiwan Indigenous Plant Display Area and other theme exhibition sites with a collection of more than 2,000 plant species. It has become one of the most important institutes for research and educational resources for plants in Taiwan. Taipei Botanical Garden also happens to be an unearthed cultural relic of the old Taipei Lake. Around 4,500 years ago, the lake became habitable land, and human activities started to take place in the area. The abundant cultural remnants left behind makes the botanical garden an important archeological site in Taiwan. It is a quiet peaceful garden in the middle of Taipei, ideal for a stroll while looking at the many different plants. Many places to sit with lots of shade. Signs and information boards around the park are both in English and Chinese characters. A Japanese house and garden that had been recreated had many of the design features found in traditional Japanese houses and a lovely little raked stone garden at the back. In addition, there are two historic monuments in the garden – the Herbarium and Museum of Imperial Envoy Lodging (formerly known as the Guest House of Imperial Envoys). The Herbarium was built in 1924 and was the first herbarium in Taiwan. The worldwide plant specimens collection dated back from the last century along with abundant living plants makes the garden a precious place in Taiwan. The Guest House of Imperial Envoys was built in 1888 at the location of the Taipei Zhongshan Hall. It was relocated to the current site in 1933 and renamed Bu-Cheng-Shih-Sz Museum.

https://tpbg.tfri.gov.tw/en/Introduction.php

One of Taipei’s largest outdoor flower markets, stretching a full city block between Ren’Ai and Xinyi Roads, the Jianguo Holiday Flower market sells anything and everything related to flowers and gardening. The market is especially well known as a place where merchants and growers can directly exhibit their goods to consumers, offering a massive variety of goods at over 200 stalls. Located in a repurposed parking garage, the market is shielded from adverse weather while still keeping an open-air atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.

Lungshan Temple tops every list of best temples in Taipei, and for good reason. Dating to 1738, it is one of the oldest temples in the city and probably the most well-known in all of Taiwan.   It’s also a great place to familiarise yourself with Chinese folk belief, which is a polytheistic religion that honours a collection of different gods, deities, spirits and ghosts, each with their own ‘field of expertise’. This centuries-old structure is impressive not just because of its appearance but also due to the fact that it has survived bombings, earthquakes, typhoons and fires. During WWII, it was bombed to pieces by Allied forces and subsequently rebuilt and maintained by the local community. The decoration throughout is both intricate and beautiful, and it’s a wonderfully peaceful haven. . The doors, beams, and poles are beautifully decorated. There is a pair of bronze dragon poles in the front hall, four pairs of dragon poles in the middle hall. The sculptures are delicate. There are also exquisite wood sculptures. Among them, the well and Buddha setting in the main hall are highly appreciated. The temple has many Chinese poems, verses and lyrics on signs. These add a touch of literature in addition to the religious and sightseeing value.   (lungshan.org.tw)

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall was built to celebrate the long-serving first president of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek. Construction on the hall started in 1976, a year after President Chiang passed away. Designed by C.C. Yang, Master of Chinese Classical Architecture, this historic landmark was opened in 1980. Originally intended as a memorial, it has become so much more in the decades since. The octagon-shaped white building rises 76 meters and is covered with blue tiles and red accents, echoing the flag of the Republic of China. The eight sides represent the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with fortune and wealth. The two sets of 89 steps represent Chiang’s age of death and lead up to main hall housing a large bronze statue of Chiang protected by military personnel which change hourly. Besides the main hall, the large complex includes the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, National Concert Hall and the National Theater. https://www.cksmh.gov.tw/en/

Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of ‘world’s tallest building’ for a number of years. Until 2011 it held the title of the world’s tallest green building. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors (382 m) with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don’t miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes. There is even a small secret garden there…For those into Starbucks, the highest Starbucks in Taiwan is in this building on the 35th floor.

https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory

Our lunch today will be very special as it is at Din Tai Fung at Taipel 101, known for their specialty – Taiwanese soup dumplings.  One of the most iconic symbols of eating at Din Tai Fung anywhere you are in the world is the small army of dumpling makers who look like medical researchers in white, hand making these tiny bites of deliciousness.  I can hardly wait to eat them again! https://www.dintaifung.com.tw/eng/

The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower, also known as Agora Garden, is indeed a remarkable example of sustainable architecture located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, Taiwan. Designed by Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut, the tower is a residential high-rise that stands at 93.2 meters tall with 21 floors above ground and four basement levels. The design of the building is inspired by the structure of DNA, resembling a double helix that rotates 90 degrees from top to bottom. Each floor is slightly rotated by 4.5 degrees from the one below it, creating a unique twisting shape. This not only provides a distinctive aesthetic but also allows for cascading gardens and panoramic views of the Taipei skyline for the residents. The tower is covered with approximately 20,000 trees and shrubs, which contribute to reducing Taipei’s carbon footprint by absorbing around 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It has been awarded a LEED Gold energy label and a Diamond level by the Low Carbon Building Alliance for its environmental efforts. As Asian cities battle air pollution, eco-friendly solutions are on the rise……and just in case you didn’t know Vincent Callebaut is also one of the architects who has also submitted a new roof design for Notre Dame….he is definitely passionate and forward thinking.   Photo Stop only.

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/09/notre-dame-roof-vincent-callebaut-energy-food-farm/

https://www.tao-zhu.com.tw/index-en.html

Cutting through Datong District is one of Taipei’s historic and gorgeous neighborhoods. Dihua Street offers visitors a glimpse of mid-19^th century Taipei as well as the city’s thriving artistic side. Running between Nanjing West Road and Minquan West Road, the street is known as being the heart of Dadaocheng, the oldest still-surviving neighborhood in Taipei, and also for its traditional medicinal tea, sundries, fabric and tailor shops. But there is still more to explore along Dihua Street with its historic architecture, art galleries and contemporary craft shops. Pay special attention to the buildings and you can even spot some great examples of Qing dynasty and Japanese colonial architecture, which are pretty uncommon.  Traditional Fujian-style Qing Dynasty homes can be seen alongside Baroque revival and modernist styles favored by wealthy Japanese at the time of the Japanese colonial occupation. What truly makes Dihua street special is that many of these 100+ year-old businesses are still in operation, while cute modern cafés, craft shops and clothing boutiques make practical use of gorgeously restored ancient edifices. The area’s unique museums, intriguing temples, and traditional eats are the finishing touches on this quintessential Taipei experience.

https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002090&id=418

In Blooom – A quick stop to a shop that is run by women, all into the environment, teaching others to not use disposable items, to consciously reduce the amount of garbage produced by oneself and to cherish energy, save water and electricity.  The designs they create in fabrics and other products inspire environmental thinking. A super hip fabric art shop.  “The store was founded by three women, and of course there was tons of discussion about what we should do with the space. The three O’s are meant to represent three mouths talking.”

https://www.inblooom.com/ and https://www.inblooom.com/brand/https://taiwan-scene.com/2018/02/22/taiwan-culture-blooms-at-inblooom-taipeis-hippest-fabric-art-shop/

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Tea is both life and culture…

Learn about the development of Taiwanese tea at Pinglin Tea Museum located in the Thousand Island Lake area.. The picking of the “spring tea” starts around the end of March. The Pinglin Tea Museum, established in 1986, is located on the bank of Beishi Creek in Pinglin District, covering an area of​​nearly 3 hectares. It is a courtyard building in the Anxi style of southern Fujian. It combines the beauty of the graceful and deep Jiangnan gardens with contemporary architecture. The museum contains an exhibition hall, experience hall, tea art classroom and other spaces.

https://www.tea.ntpc.gov.tw/

The entire street of “Pinglin Old Street” is about 200m long, with “Bao Ping Temple” at the center, which is the key belief for the locals. There are papier-mache stores, tofu snack stands and and tea houses along the street, including the famous “Pinglin Pouchong Tea” in Taiwan. Stores on the old street are combined with Pinglin local tea culture, such that they used Pouchong Tea to make various creative snack foods, including tea rice cakes, steamed tea buns, tea nougats and tea oil vermicelli, etc. Moreover, Pinglin’s tofu is also famous, which is made with local mountain spring water, offering the sweet and delicious tofu dishes. When coming to Pinglin Old Street, one must come to taste the tea dishes and tofu. the most special part is that the old street is filled with strong tea aroma, attracting many barn swallows to stop for a smell, and swallow nests can be seen in almost all of the surrounding residences, even exceeding the local population, thereby becoming the genuine “Barn Swallow City”.

We will then visit Jiufen Old Village in Pingxi…where you will enjoy a glimpse of Taiwan in the olden days. Tourists are attracted by the retro buildings and unique landscape of sloping fields in this mountain city. It is full of memories to photograph and also full of delicious snacks that the locals love and shops to wander including some delightful old teahouses with iconic red lanterns. Also here is a special shop that sells filtered coffee and apparently it is very very good. Another thing to try are the taro balls, It is a very different area compared to modern Taipei. Founded during the Qing Dynasty, this small town was a relatively isolated village until the discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation in 1893, quickly developing the town due to the gold rush. Many buildings in the town remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence on both architecture and culture on the island. With an unmatched old town atmosphere and seaside flair, Jiufen is a must see spot when visiting northern Taiwan. No matter which way you choose to enjoy it, you’ll be sure to come away from Jiufen with some of the most memorable photos of your trip to Taiwan.

Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own

Want something to do this evening?  One of Taipei’s oldest temples dedicated to the goddess of the seas. Impressive in size and covered in opulent decoration – complete with an elaborate roof covered in immortals and dragons – be sure to explore all six levels to truly appreciate the Ciyou temple’s beauty! Perfectly paired with an evening trip to the Rahoe Street night markets, which begins right outside the front entrance. Come nightfall watch as 600 meters of delicious Taiwanese snacks, drinks, and full-blown restaurants materialize, and it seems almost everyone in Taipei – local or otherwise – come out to savor the smells and flavors!

The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling, the Shilin Official Residence is a designated historical site open to the public as a museum celebrating their accomplishments as well as their contributions to the growth of Taiwan in the modern era. Besides the main residence, other buildings within the compound include the guesthouse, Victory Chapel, Ciyun Pavilion, and numerous gardens. The garden is full of wisteria, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums and roses favored by the couple. Flowers bloom according to season and make for a stunning view throughout much of the year. Victory Chapel was completed in 1949, and was used as the place of worship (they were both devout Christians). Besides the President and first lady, General Chang Hsueh-liang, General Ho Ying-chin (and their wives), as well as United States Presidents Eisenhower and (then VP) Nixon attended services at this chapel. On display is Soong Mei-ling’s large clothing and accessory collection (she was very highly regarded politically, American-educated, and well known for her strengths in soft diplomacy, and also comparable in fashion sense to American first lady Jackie O), including various western-influenced pieces and also Chinese-influenced pieces such as qipao and access to her painting room (Madame Chiang’s Studio) where President Chiang often composed poetry to accompany her paintings.

Take a Stroll at Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence – Taipei Travel Geek

One of the oldest and few traditional houses preserved in Northern Taiwan. A brilliant example of early architecture, in particular famous for its delicate carvings. Now serving as a museum, take a stroll through its rooms and many courtyards, enjoy the view across the lake from the pagodas and allow yourself to be transported back in time. In the 19th Year of Qianlong Period in Qing Dynasty (in 1754), Lin Chin-Ming (also known as Lin, Yao-Kung), a native from Anxi County of Fujian Province, had led his families to sail across the strait to Taiwan…..https://english.linantai.taipei/

The garden landscape of Lin An Tai Ancient House Folk Cultural Relics Museum is composed of architecture, water features, artificial mountains, flowers and trees, which reflects the nature and life views of ancient Chinese in many aspects, shrinking nature, rocks, water and springs, and the wild scenery of Baodao Island. It is the best space for people to enjoy the garden, which can experience the joy of life of those who lived long ago.

Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum-Architecture-An Introduction to the Courtyard

Yangming Park is one of the first stops that visitors often make while exploring Yangmingshan. The park contains a Chinese-style garden with elegant buildings, pavilions kiosks, streams, fountains and ponds for visitors to relax and enjoy the cooler climate. Some unique flora within and around the park include cherry blossoms, azaleas, camellias, peach blossoms, thorn apples, and plum blossoms, changing with the seasons. From December through April, the landscape is adorned with native cherry, plum, camellia, peach, and azaleas, and this time period is known as the flower festival. The Flower Clock is a large garden artwork nearby the western entrance to the park. A symbol of Yangmingshan National Park, the Xinhai-Guangfu Building is cozily nestled in thick woods. This sumptuously decorated, two-story Chinoiserie structure was completed in 1971 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. Located at the geological center of Yangmingshan National Park, this building offers a spectacular view of the Taipei Basin in the distance. A pond in front of the building, observable from the second-floor veranda, is a children’s favorite as they are allowed to feed the varicolored carp in it. Adding quaint and solemnly elegant appeal to Gaungfu Building are exquisite carvings, paintings and numerous other typical Chinese architectural details that subtly make references to literature classics. When the flowers are in full bloom, the building becomes an island in a sea of cherry blossom petals. So just indulge yourself in this phenomenon by lingering around the circuitous corridors while appreciating the interplay between blossoms and the elusive mountain mist.

https://guidetotaipei.com/visit/yangmingshan-national-park-%E9%99%BD%E6%98%8E%E5%B1%B1-yang-ming-shan-mountain

https://guidetotaipei.com/visit/yangming-park-flower-clock-%E9%99%BD%E6%98%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92-%E8%8A%B1%E9%90%98

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

This extraordinary collection of historic art treasures, fascinating for its depth and breadth – perhaps the world’s most comprehensive synthesis of 8,000 years of Chinese history – has miraculously escaped destruction over hundreds of years. The National Palace Museum (NPM) houses a magnificent collection of precious Chinese artifacts and serves the role of protecting human and art histories. Were it not for Chiang Kai-Shek – who shipped these artefacts in crates to Taiwan – hundreds of thousands of porcelain vases, jade carvings and irreplaceable artworks would have been lost. The NPM’s artifact collection comprises items inherited from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing courts. When the construction of the Museum in Waishuanxi, Taipei, was completed in August 1965, President Chiang Kai-shek inscribed the name of the museum as “Chung-shan Po-wu-yuan” on a tablet above the door in honor of the nation’s founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The Museum was officially inaugurated on November 12 of that year. The construction of the Zhishan Garden, which lies to the left of the Museum, began in 1984. A fine example of traditional Chinese landscaping, the garden’s picturesque pavilions and terraces, small bridges, ponds and winding paths offer a relaxing atmosphere. The beams and pillars of the pavilions are carved with couplets in elegant calligraphy that uplift the spirit. The land on the right side of the Museum grounds was turned into the Zhide Garden with winding bridges over ponds and small pavilions. https://www.npm.gov.tw/

Taipei Collectible Botanical Garden’s exhibition areas include Taiwan native plant area with the most local features, tropical/subtropical plant area with tropical island style, orchids and fern display area with hundreds of flowers blossoming, succulent area with exotic shapes, temperate plant area with visual and olfactory enjoyments, and alpine plant area where the plants represents perseverance in Chinese culture. Furthermore, in the temperate plant area, there is an exhibition of begonia varieties provided by Professor Peng Jingyi of Academia Sinica. With almost 500 species of plants displayed, the exhibition offers one of the most dazzling experiences, showing an incredible diversity of plants.
https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/2010

Known as the largest rose showcase in Taiwan, the Taipei Rose Festival is currently being held in Xinsheng Park until the end of the month. There are over 800 varieties of roses in full bloom in the garden’s five display zones. One of the rarely seen species being showcased is Princess Midori, a species from Japan known for its striking green hue.  We expect the same timing for the tour.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5110134

Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own

LAST night at hotel, please make sure to check safe and wall outlets for your adaptors and anything charging overnight.

Taipei– Tainan  – HSR to the oldest city in Taiwan

Natural and man made wonders join forces in Anping Treehouse, which is located in an old trading hub. When the warehouse closed in the 1940’s, a huge Banyan tree literally swallowed it, making it look like a place you only see in fairy tales. You can explore the site on foot, and you will surely be astounded by how the tree managed to grow. There’s also a skywalk, which will give you a bird’s-eye view of the treehouse. It’s the perfect opportunity to take photos. Behind it is an ecological pond.  https://www.twtainan.net/en/attractions/detail/4486

When anyone in Taiwan mentions Tainan, the image of the famous fort at Anping always comes to mind. Anping Old Fort is one of the most historical forts in Taiwan – the fort was built by the Dutch from 1624 to 1634 and was originally named Fort Zeelandia, but was later renamed as Anping Old Fort in 1662. It may not be the defensive bastion that it once was, but this building is a symbol of Taiwan’s storied past, having been one of the most important stops on the local trade routes. Nowadays Anping Old Fort functions as a museum where travelers can learn a little more about Taiwan’s history. Around the fort is Anping Old Street, a historical street where handmade products and food are sold.

https://www.twtainan.net/en/attractions/detail/4493

Did you know?  Tainan is famous for the unusual but aptly named coffin bread. It’s been on the menu since around the 1940s and is more or less exactly how you imagine… Hollowed out husks of bread are filled with a variety of fillings ranging from soup to seafood and everything in between.

Chihkanlou was built in 1653 by the Dutch, and served as their administration center until 1662. Fort Provintia (meaning eternity) was the original name, but after the Dutch colonial period, it was changed to Chihkan to honor the aboriginal village that originally stood there. Outside, you will see statues depicting the surrender of the Dutch to Koxinga, a commander of the Ming Dynasty. Inside, there are relics dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The tower’s brilliant mix of Dutch and Chinese architectural styles is enough to make your visit memorable. In front of Chikanlou there are nine sets of stone turtles carrying plates. Legend has it….
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002119&id=471

Did you know? Danzai noodle’s greatest honor as the treasure of Tainan has been it’s inclusion at state banquets and international flight meals. Many different noodle shops serve Danzai noodles, but each has its own secret recipe, the broth, the rich yet refreshing minced pork, and even the cooking methods might be different. Du Hsiao Yueh, now a century old brand, has expanded way beyond its original stall. In addition to visiting the original location in Tainan, be sure to look for Du Hsiao Yueh’s Danzai noodle when wandering through Taipei’s historic Dihua Street!

After lunch we will do a little walk around to visit Japanese-era Hayashi Department Store (1932) – with the only remaining old style dial type floor indicator and Shinto Shrine (1933) on the roof, Tainan Park, Shennong Street – considered one of the most preserved historical streets in Tainan. Today, it holds many boutiques, cafes, art, and other food and beverage establishments.

Hotel : The Place Hotel , Tainan (4*) – Treat Room or similar for 1 night

Located off An Ping Chenghuan Temple, the property is set near Chihkan Tower, a fortress, a tower and a museum are just a short stroll away. Your Double or twin sharing room includes hairdryer, t.v, and other goodies.  There is a coffee shop and gift shop in lobby. Free wifi. Located in downtown Tainan, the east district, The Place Tainan shares the same complex with the T.S. Mall, a new must-go of Tainan

https://www.hotelroyal.com.tw/en-us/tainan

…please make sure to check safe and wall outlets for your adaptors and anything charging overnight

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Tainan – Kaohsiung – “street art capital of Taiwan”

The famous Fo Guang Shan Buddha Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is quite the complex and likely you have never seen anything like it before. This is a perfect site for travelers to learn and experience Buddhist culture while enjoying beautiful landscapes and architecture. Built in 1967, Fo Guang Shan is the biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan and was founded by Hsing Yun, a Chinese Buddhist monk. Fo Guang Shan covers an area of more than 30 hectares. Apart from the monastery, there is also the Buddha Memorial Center and eight pagodas. The most famous icon of the Buddha Memorial Center is the gigantic Buddha Statue with the height of around 108 meters (354.3 feet).   https://www.fgs.org.tw/en/Organizations/OneDayLife
https://www.fgsbmc.org.tw/en/index.aspx

Inside the MRT station on Formosa Boulevard in Kaohsiung is a breathtaking ceiling made of stained glass that makes the daily commute feel like a trip to Paris’s prized chapels. Designed by an Italian artist, its 4500 panels are divided into four colours which symbolise the co-existence of the world’s first elements: water, earth, fire and light. Called the ‘Dome of Light’ created by Narcissus Quagliata. It is 30 metres in diameter and covers an area of 2,180 square metres and is the largest illuminated art-glass dome in the world, taking four years to complete. The lead glass panes were created and assembled according to a full-scale blueprint created by Quagliata in Germany to produce a creative new departure from this millennia old art form. Quagliata is perhaps the artist most responsible for the use of fused glass as an art form in large installations. Born in Rome in 1942, Quagliata has been working with glass for over 40 years. His work has been shown in New York’s Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery among others.. We will make a photo stop here so you can photograph the beauty of this masterpiece….meet the creator here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0HWdZBTbQU

Established in 1951, Lotus Pond is well known for its many lotus plants and temples, including the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Confucian Temple. The dragon’s throat is the entrance and the tiger’s mouth is the exit. Entering a dragon’s throat and coming out a tiger’s mouth symbolizes turning bad luck to good fortune. Inside, paintings depict China’s 24 most obedient sons as well as scenes of heaven and hell to inspire people to do good deeds during their lifetime, and to provide threatening examples of retribution for wrongdoing.

Visiting The Dragon Tiger Pagodas (龍虎塔) – Shaozhi On The Net

We will stop at the Former British Consulate at Shiziwan Bay for sunset view…

Sitting 70 meters (229 feet) above the Kaohsiung Port and Sizihwan and facing two spectacular views is the historical building of the British Consulate at Takao. This building was built on the peak of Shaochuantou and towers above the view of Sizihwan and the Kaohsiung Port. The British Consulate was built after the Treaty of Peking which took place in 1860 and enforced the local government to open ports for foreign trade at several cities including Takao, the city now known as Kaohsiung. In 1867, this building was granted to Britain as their consulate. However, in 1909, the Japanese government took over all foreign consulates in Taiwan and converted this particular building into an ocean observatory in 1931. Since then, the building has experienced a few major destructions, including a bombing in World War II and a typhoon in 1977. It is now the most antique western building preserved in Taiwan. It was designed by a British engineer and built by Chinese craftsmen, and it is the most meaningful ancient building of Chinese modern history with graceful and elegant proportion.
Equally Gorgeous Sunset at the Former British Consulate, Kaohsiung (wordpress.com)

Hotel : Howard Plaza Hotel , Kaohsiung (4*) – Deluxe Room or similar for 1 night

Free wifi, hair dryer, tv.

Howard Hotel (howard-hotels.com.tw)

…please make sure to check safe and wall outlets for your adaptors and anything charging overnight

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Kaohsiung – TaipeiThis morning we head back to Taipei on their High Speed Rail. This is a fantastic way to travel as you will discover. It will take us just 90 minutes to make this journey at speeds of up to 300 kph and a very comfortable and very clean ride PLUS you get to enjoy Bento. …  I had it on another trip and it was so good….

Our last stop on the tour is to ChiaTe Bakery to pick up pineapple cakes to take home…this is the premier pineapple cake bakery and where the locals buy…the buttery pastry wraps around the tropical, sweet filing, making a melt-in-the mouth delight. They were traditionally eaten for ceremonies like weddings and engagement parties because ‘pineapple’ in Taiwanese Hokkien sounds similar to the phrase ‘to come forth, prosperous and thriving’ (i.e. we hope you’ll have lots of children). But when Taiwan’s huge pineapple production shifted to more domestic consumption, bakeries wanted to get in on the trend and started making pineapple cakes in their masses. The ChiaTe Bakery makes some of the best pineapple cakes around and it’s got an interesting history as well….The owner, Chen Tang-peng, (yes, another woman who was passionate enough to start her own business) grew up watching local boys bringing cakes and bread back to her village after work. Although she was part of a fishing family, she was enticed by the sweet-smelling fragrance of freshly-baked goods and started an apprenticeship as a baker. She moved to Taipei when she was 18 and opened ChiaTe Bakery when she was only 26. Word spread quickly about the delicious ChiaTe pineapple pastry and the small business became one of the most successful bakeries in Taipei. This reputation only improved when she won first place in a prestigious pineapple cake competition. The ratio of pastry to filling is simply perfect. The tropical pineapple adds a nice tanginess, a tart flavour that lasts long afterwards and leaves you wanting more. If you’re actually not a big fan of pineapple then you can try similar cakes in strawberry, melon or even prune flavour to get a hint of what everyone’s talking about. The nougat biscuits are great! ….p.s. if you want more, you can also pick these up at the airport…

Did you know? These tasty little snacks, also known as feng li sun, are extremely popular in Taiwan and famous all over the world. They are square with a shortbread exterior and a sweet pineapple jam-like filling. They are not only delicious but also symbolise good luck and prosperity.

Then our last visit together will be our Farewell Afternoon Tea at the Grand Hotel!

Taipei Grand Hotel (also designed by C.C. Yang), a 14-story palace-like building established by Madam Chiang, Soong Mei-ling. It is one of the worlds tallest Chinese classical buildings at 285 feet high and was built to accommodate foreign guests. Since 1952, the Grand Hotel has been standing midway up Yuanshan, a towering building with red columns, gilded tiles and a magnificent, grandiose, regal, classic presence, a must-visit great gem of Chinese culture.  This is where we will enjoy British Style AfternoonTea and say our goodbyes to each other… a wonderful way to end our time together!  It took 21 years to complete and has hosted many famous people over the years.

Did you know? Despite all the varieties available, all true teas are brewed from cured leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Tea originated in Southwestern China, becoming a popular recreational drink during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-904), then spread to other parts of Asia. Tea didn’t become big in England until the British began cultivating it in India in the 17th century. The two main varieties of tea are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese tea) and Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Indian tea).

Cozzi Hotel, Taipei.- Comfort Room

Breakfast and Afternoon Tea Included with dinner on own

Taipei

To do as you like…  Free as a bird and still so much left to see so after a good breakfast…get out there and enjoy your time, do some shopping and make some more wonderful memories….

Cozzi Hotel

Breakfast Included with Lunch and Dinner on own

Depending on your flights, it might be advisable to come in a pre tour night so you are rested and ready to get together for an evening meal as a group and meet our guide, Christina. 

Please indicate on your registration form if you wish a pre tour night at time of registration so we can confirm.

https://www.acrotel.gr/elea-beach/

Elea Beach Hotel is a 4-star hotel boasting an outdoor salt-water pool as well as freshwater pool surrounded by gardens. All rooms off Air/con, Coffee & Tea facilities, Free wifi, Fridge, Hairdryer, TV

Evening meal at hotel to meet each other and Christina Lambert, our tour guide in Corfu and Athens. Christina now lives and gardens on Corfu after many years of plant cultivation in Athens.

Welcome Dinner Included

Depart 09.30 by coach for a visit to the iconic Vlacherna Monastery, built on a small island off the coast accessible via a short walkway. https://www.mykerkyra.com/en/vlacherna-monastery/

Return to coach and drive to Achilleion Palace The former summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sissi Schlösschen, is currently closed for restoration work and only the garden is open to visitors. However we hope both will be open for our tour.

https://atcorfu.com/corfu-achillion-palace/

A very special treat for you today … Christina, our guide, has invited us to her place of work, the large Stockdale Estate at Gastouri,  where they are planning new gardens as well as renovations to existing ones. They have offered us lunch AND we will also meet Rachel Weaving, author of ‘Gardens of Corfu’. Rachel would love to share some of her vast knowledge on the history of Corfu gardens with you plus she will sign copies of her book if you choose to buy one. We had the pleasure of meeting Rachel on our last visit there and I know you will all love getting to know her. Please, if you want a copy of her book and want to reserve it so you have one, let me know and when together she will sign your copy so you can get a photo of that.

‘‘What makes a garden Corfiot? Certain ingredients based on local craft traditions appear in gardens both old and new, and form elements of a Corfiot style:

• Stonework for building, terracing, and ornament;

• Wrought ironwork, often using patterns based on old Venetian models; and

• Big terracotta urns like those that were once used for storing and exporting olive oil.

• Corfu gardeners also make quite distinctive plant choices: olive, citrus, and, in the last thirty years, native pencil cypress trees, are favorites, as are wisteria, jasmine, and orange trumpet vine. People also noticeably choose plants for their scent.

And a tradition that Corfu shares with the rest of Greece is the avlí—the courtyard garden close to the house—in which people grow both flowers and fruit.’ Rachel Weaving

After lunch transfer to Corfu town for a wonderful guided walk of around 2 hours…After our guided walk you have free time in Corfu and can either go back to hotel for dinner at hotel (return by bus or taxi) or stay in Corfu for dinner (return by taxi) at your leisure.

Breakfast & Lunch Included with dinner on own

Corfu has many beautiful gardens, large and small. We will visit some of the gardens in Rachel’s book. This will be a full day tour by coach at a leisurely pace and we will see parts of the island which we will not visit later while on Corfu. Expect to visit some of the smaller, more personal gardens. Lunch will be a picnic in a suitable location, possibly an olive oil tasting centre, depending on which gardens we visit      https://gardensofcorfu.com/      and   https://gardensofcorfu.com/about

Breakfast and Picnic Lunch Included with dinner on own

Depart 9 am for visit to the beautiful and extensive and very private Rothschild Estate, Kassiopi, with its many varied landscapes and rich history.  A spectacular garden on an estate which occupies the two peninsulas at Kanonas and Strongilo overlooking the coast of Albania, the Rothschild Estate is a place which has been nurtured by three generations of the same family and skillfully embraces the wild landscape. The natural rock formations contribute a dramatic element with a former quarry transformed into a great pool by the Spanish architect Xavier Barba. Here pendulous forms of fragrant clumped rosemary on the cliff face and a long tightly-clipped undulating hedge of rosemary define views of the sea and wild mountains beyond. From the moment I walked through the archway of this garden I knew it was going to be special and dare I say extraordinary…

Did you know?  The villa has often hosted both royals and celebrities, while it was a favourite summer retreat for Princess Diana.

Lunch at Kerasia Taverna right by the beach

Afternoon visit to two exceptional private gardens in north-eastern Corfu – Lamari and Sto Dasos and return inland to the hotel.

Breakfast & Lunch Included with dinner on own

Depart early by coach to catch ferry to Igoumenitsa, port for entry to mainland Greece.  Time to eat our breakfast box as we cross the strait to the mainland.

Our route takes us through the mighty Pindus mountains and we will have a stop for lunch at Ioannina lake.  We pass through Kalambaka, home of the perched monasteries at Meteora and will make a short stop at Volos marina for a refreshment and short walk by the yacht harbour. We then follow the Pagasitic coast of the Pelion peninsula to the traditional hilltop village of Lafkos.

Our hotel for the next few days will be at Lagou Raxi Country Hotel.  This is the hotel of my ground handler, Sue, and you will love it.  One of the most glorious views across the pool area where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee or evening drink.  The hotel is surrounded by gardens as well…draw a bit, read a bit – lots of books and magazines there –  and even take part in botanical painting if you wish…the village is a short walk away and really charming.

http://www.lagouraxi.com/

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

After breakfast we leave for an amazing drive by coach along the Aegean sea, with spectacular views across to the Sporadic islands and maybe even Mt. Athos. We visit another very special private garden – Serpentin Garden Tsagarada   http://www.serpentin-garden.com/contact.html)

We drive down to the sea for lunch at Karagatsi Taverna – Damouchari.  If you watched the movie Mama Mia do you remember where they did the dance scene on the dock? Well this is where we will have lunch …. the film location. (When I was there, the dock was gone but not my memories.) the food, the little village to stroll in, the ambiance of it all…joyful.

On return the private garden of botanist Gereon Bueschges and his wife Karin with wonderful views west across the Pagassitic Gulf.  House and garden nestled in an ancient olive grove.

Breakfast & Lunch Included with dinner on own … we are thinking of having dinner in the local square in Lafkos with Sue who runs Lagou Raxi as well as the Mediterranean Centre for Art, Gardens, Plants and Design. It was such a lovely experience before. https://www.volosinfo.gr/discover/lafkos-village/

Morning free or take the opportunity to try your hand at Botanical Illustration before a snack of your choice at hotel followed by local wine tasting at Milea winery https://milea-winery.business.site/#gallerym

We enjoyed this so much, just sitting and sipping while the sun set enveloped in a sea of grape vines.

Breakfast and Wine Tasting and on our way back from the winery, a very tasty treat!

In the morning we will visit by coach first a Greek pottery museum and after that to Heart and Fire Cretan Pots, a gardening centre where there is a large collection of typical Greek pots.  Landscape gardener Lily Bakratsa-Papantoniou, who has studied and worked in London, will talk about how to choose and place pots, as well as giving some valuable ideas for how to mix plants for the best ongoing results.

Picnic lunch in a large garden nearby where the owners have successfully combined olive trees left in situ alongside new dwarf fruiting trees to create a small orchard and a large vegetable garden.  (They also have geese, ducks and other animals!)

Breakfast, Picnic Lunch and Dinner Included

Early departure from Pelion for drive to Marathonas, north of Athens.  (Breakfast box on coach.)

Visit to Ioannis Gryllis Water Lilies.  This is nursery which is constantly evolving with much more to see than the water lilies.  Ioannis’s mother will prepare lunch for us (incredible home cooking and such a lovely warm family) while we stroll around the grounds and marvel at the range of grasses, Mediterranean plants and specialist varieties which are on display.  Ioannis is fascinated by unusual plants and will let you see some of his collection and show you some of his newer garden ideas resulting from his overseas travels…you will frankly be amazed at how much there is here.

‘Gryllis Water Lilies was founded in 2011 by Ioannis Gryllis, Agronomist, M.Sc. Landscape Architect at first specializing in the production of aquatic plants. The company’s headquarters and production facility is located in Marathon where you can find a wide variety of plants (over 400 species) suitable for ponds but also for garden planting. Nursery for ornamental aquatic & aquatic plants, ornamental grasses, shade plants, perennial herbs, exotic plants, and xylosophytes. ‘Our love for the plants that started as a hobby, combined with the university studies, contribute to our excellent training and experience, with the construction and supply of plants in Greece and abroad.’

https://www.grylliswaterlilies.gr/

Continue by coach to our Hotel in Athens.      TBC

Breakfast Box, Lunch and Dinner included

Sparoza Garden is the home of the Mediterranean Garden Society which has branches and members throughout the world in Mediterranean climate regions (for example California, South and West Australia, South Africa, European countries in the Mediterranean basin, Israel and Chile)

This garden has a fascinating history and you can read more about it and the MGS at

https://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/sparoza.html

Did you know? If it weren’t for an olive tree, Poseidon might have been the city’s patron. According to mythology Athena and Poseidon competed for the title of the guardian of the city. They each offered a gift to gain favour of its people and the gods, but Athena’s olive tree was deemed more valuable than the salt water spring given by Poseidon, so her name was given to the city-state. The Olive Tree symbolizes Peace and Prosperity.

Nearby is the fascinating Vorres Museum where a light  lunch at ‘To Cafe’ is available before a visit to the gardens 

I have to tell you that I was so taken with this place, loved every square inch of the folk art museum and those gardens… wow. The Vorres Museum is a cultural foundation that was established in 1983, with the purpose of promoting Greek art and culture, through a broad spectrum of activities, from the organization of exhibitions in Greece and abroad, to educational programs for children.

The Vorres Museum which sprawls over six acres, is divided into two main sections: the museum of contemporary Greek art and the folk art museum, both of which house collections that cover at least 2500 years of Greek history. The whole complex is laid out in a way that showcases the Greek spirit in a unique fashion. In the contemporary part, one of the most important and representative collections of its kind in the world is exhibited, comprising paintings, installations and sculptures by leading Greek artists, displaying a Greek interpretation of most of the international artistic currents of the second half of the 20th century. The folk art section, is an extraordinary complex of 19th century buildings, courtyards and gardens or rather a re-adaptation and readjustment of traditional Greek architectural features housing antiquities, icons, ceramics, popular artifacts and objects used in daily Greek life centuries ago, in a manner, revealing their inherent beauty and their practical use.

The gardens, wild and consisting almost entirely of Mediterranean flora are an indispensable part of the museum being described by many as the most beautiful gardens in Athens.

https://www.vorresmuseum.gr/content/93/the-gardens-/eng

We will then move on to the gardens of Liberto Dario in the same area.  Liberto grows flowers for seed which he originally collects in the wild.  His collection is huge and the compact gardens are fully stocked, particularly in May…He is an incredible and passionate plants person…you will really enjoy this visit!

https://www.facebook.com/liberto.dario

Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own

Today, after a later breakfast we have a unique visit planned…a public space that includes the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green areas in Athens. The SNFCC was created thanks to an exclusive grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which delivered it to the Greek State upon completion and it is supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance.

The Stavros Niarchos Park, a modern Landscape Architecture project, has been designed in accordance with the principles of sustainability, ecosystems and the alternations of a place that is in constant evolution. It is a welcoming and open space, with plantings and a character that reflects the Mediterranean landscape. Occupying 85% of the SNFCC’s total area, Stavros Niarchos Park stretches over an area of 21 hectares. It is home to a rich variety of flora, including olive trees, evergreen shrubs, carob trees, laurels, cypress trees, as well as an extensive selection of indigenous Greek aromatic plants. Plants were selected and arranged with an eye to providing a variety of seasonal blooming and creating exciting color schemes and textures. The Park includes 16 tree species and 161 shrub species, a variety of grasses and bulbs. Greece’s strong horticultural tradition is celebrated in the open, sunlit Mediterranean Garden. The plant palette alone makes the garden a destination: evergreen and other endemic plants such as boxwood, coronilla, cistus, and lentisc, salvia, oregano, thyme, lavender, rosemary, roses and euphorbias – all add to the sensual pleasure of a visit. Each month brings a new color, and each season introduces a different combination of flowers or foliage.

https://www.snfcc.org/en/snfcc/stavros-niarchos-park

https://www.snfcc.org/en

https://www.snfcc.org/en/snfcc/architecture

Lunch at Thalassino restaurant, very close to Gardens of the SNFCC . Taxis back to hotel (5 minutes)

Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own

Acropolis and Parthenon…As thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/404/

Afterwards we will visit the Acropolis museum to enjoy our Farewell lunch in the Acropolis Museum restaurant before our visit. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en

Then the rest of the day/evening at leisure after we spend a bit of time in the Plaka area…returning with the group to the hotel or staying on and making your own way back. We will set a time for this…

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Athens, in the shadow of the Acropolis, the Plaka is like a village within the city, an island for those who don’t have the time to visit the Greek Islands. The Plaka is the oldest section of Athens. Most of the streets have been closed to automobile traffic, though you should still keep a watchful eye for a speeding motorcycle or delivery truck. At one time it was the nightclub district, but most of these closed down when the government outlawed amplified music in the neighborhood in the seventies in an effort to get rid of undesirables. The strategy was very successful and it is now an area of restaurants, jewelry stores, tourist shops, and cafes. Though it is quite commercialized it is still a neighborhood and arguably the nicest neighborhood in central Athens.

https://www.athensguide.com/the-plaka/index.html

Did you know? When crossing the streets in Greece, use caution as drivers don’t generally pay attention to pedestrian crossings. It’s so crazy in fact that a driver is more likely to make a sharp turn around you than actually slow down or stop to let you cross.

Breakfast, Farewell Lunch included with dinner on your own.

Transfers to Athens International Airport from hotel on your own– confirm with hotel concierge

Arrive into Taipei and meet your driver who will escort you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day at leisure until the tour begins tomorrow.

Your hotel in Taipei is the Sonnien Hotel. Please Note that Check in is from 3 pm on. If you are arriving on a very early flight you might want to consider booking a pre tour night.

Sonnien is a one of a kind hotel where the beauty of Oriental aesthetic is combined with the modern simplicity style of the West. All eighty-nine guest rooms are decorated with warm colors and soft lighting. In addition, they have painstakingly chosen the reputable Slumberland bed range for its renowned quality and comfort. Your Standard Double or twin sharing room includes free wifi, hairdryer, fridge, 110v outlets, safe.    http://www.sonnien-hotel.com/en/

The Taipei Botanical Garden was first built as a nursery (Taipei Nursery) in 1896 during the Japanese colonial period. It was later expanded and renamed Taipei Botanical Garden in 1921 and became the first botanical garden in Taiwan. The garden was reassigned to be under the management of Taiwan Forestry Research Institute after WWII. The Garden occupies 8.2 hectares which contains the gardens of Gymnosperms, Ferns, Taxonomic Garden, Ethno-plants, Aquatic plants, Lotus pond, Taiwan Indigenous Plant Display Area and other theme exhibition sites with a collection of more than 2,000 plant species. It has become one of the most important institutes for research and educational resources for plants in Taiwan. Taipei Botanical Garden also happens to be an unearthed cultural relic of the old Taipei Lake. Around 4,500 years ago, the lake became habitable land, and human activities started to take place in the area. The abundant cultural remnants left behind makes the botanical garden an important archeological site in Taiwan. It is a quiet peaceful garden in the middle of Taipei, ideal for a stroll while looking at the many different plants. Many places to sit with lots of shade. Signs and information boards around the park are both in English and Chinese characters. A Japanese house and garden that had been recreated had many of the design features found in traditional Japanese houses and a lovely little raked stone garden at the back. https://tpbg.tfri.gov.tw/en/Introduction.php

We will then visit JiuFen Old Village in Pingxi…where you will enjoy a glimpse of Taiwan in the olden days. It is full of things to photograph and also full of delicious snacks that the locals love and shops to wander including some delightful old teahouses with iconic red lanterns. Also here is a special shop that sells filtered coffee and apparently it is very very good. Another thing to try are the taro balls, It is a very different area compared to modern Taipei. Founded during the Qing Dynasty, this small town was a relatively isolated village until the discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation in 1893, quickly developing the town due to the gold rush. Many buildings in the town remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence on both architecture and culture on the island. With an unmatched old town atmosphere and seaside flair, Jiufen is a must see spot when visiting northern Taiwan. No matter which way you choose to enjoy it, you’ll be sure to come away from Jiufen with some of the most memorable photos of your trip to Taiwan. https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002091&id=290

Shifen Old Street is a bustling hub for those eager to get a glimpse of an old railroad town which still retains the charm of yesteryear. Originally built to transport coal, the Shifen Old Street stop has now become one of the most popular on the Pingxi rail-line. It is easy to see why so many are drawn here – local food, souvenir shops and puffing trains add to the charm of this little gem, as well as make it a fantastic place for photography.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling, the Shilin Official Residence is a designated historical site open to the public as a museum celebrating their accomplishments as well as their contributions to the growth of Taiwan in the modern era. Besides the main residence, other buildings within the compound include the guesthouse, Victory Chapel, Ciyun Pavilion, and numerous gardens. The garden is full of wisteria, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums and roses favored by the couple. Flowers bloom according to season and make for a stunning view throughout much of the year. Victory Chapel was completed in 1949, and was used as the place of worship (they were both devout Christians). Besides the President and first lady, General Chang Hsueh-liang, General Ho Ying-chin (and their wives), as well as United States Presidents Eisenhower and (then VP) Nixon attended services at this chapel. On display is Soong Mei-ling’s large clothing and accessory collection (she was very highly regarded politically, American-educated, and well known for her strengths in soft diplomacy, and also comparable in fashion sense to American first lady Jackie O), including various western-influenced pieces and also Chinese-influenced pieces such as qipao and access to her painting room (Madame Chiang’s Studio) where President Chiang often composed poetry to accompany her paintings.

Yangming Park is one of the first stops that visitors often make while exploring Yangmingshan. The park contains a Chinese-style garden with elegant buildings, pavilions kiosks, streams, fountains and ponds for visitors to relax and enjoy the cooler climate. Some unique flora within and around the park include cherry blossoms, azaleas, camellias, peach blossoms, thorn apples, and plum blossoms, changing with the seasons. From December through April, the landscape is adorned with native cherry, plum, camellia, peach, and azaleas, and this time period is known as the flower festival. The Flower Clock is a large garden artwork nearby the western entrance to the park. A symbol of Yangmingshan National Park, the Xinhai-Guangfu Building is cozily nestled in thick woods. This sumptuously decorated, two-story Chinoiserie structure was completed in 1971 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. Located at the geological center of Yangmingshan National Park, this building offers a spectacular view of the Taipei Basin in the distance. A pond in front of the building, observable from the second-floor veranda, is a children’s favorite as they are allowed to feed the varicolored carp in it. Adding quaint and solemnly elegant appeal to Gaungfu Building are exquisite carvings, paintings and numerous other typical Chinese architectural details that subtly make references to literature classics. When the flowers are in full bloom, the building becomes an island in a sea of cherry blossom petals. So just indulge yourself in this phenomenon by lingering around the circuitous corridors while appreciating the interplay between blossoms and the elusive mountain mist.

https://guidetotaipei.com/visit/yangmingshan-national-park-%E9%99%BD%E6%98%8E%E5%B1%B1-yang-ming-shan-mountain

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

This extraordinary collection of historic art treasures, fascinating for its depth and breadth, has miraculously escaped destruction over hundreds of years. Some pieces date back to the tenth century. The National Palace Museum (NPM) houses a magnificent collection of precious Chinese artifacts and serves the role of protecting human and art histories. The NPM’s artifact collection comprises items inherited from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing courts. When the construction of the Museum in Waishuanxi, Taipei, was completed in August 1965, President Chiang Kai-shek inscribed the name of the museum as “Chung-shan Po-wu-yuan” on a tablet above the door in honor of the nation’s founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The Museum was officially inaugurated on November 12 of that year. The construction of the Zhishan Garden, which lies to the left of the Museum, began in 1984. A fine example of traditional Chinese landscaping, the garden’s picturesque pavilions and terraces, small bridges, ponds and winding paths offer a relaxing atmosphere. The beams and pillars of the pavilions are carved with couplets in elegant calligraphy that uplift the spirit. The land on the right side of the Museum grounds was turned into the Zhide Garden with winding bridges over ponds and small pavilions. https://www.npm.gov.tw/

One of Taipei’s largest outdoor flower markets, stretching a full city block between Ren’Ai and Xinyi Roads, the Jianguo Holiday Flower market sells anything and everything related to flowers and gardening. The market is especially well known as a place where merchants and growers can directly exhibit their goods to consumers, offering a massive variety of goods at over 200 stalls. Located in a repurposed parking garage, the market is shielded from adverse weather while still keeping an open-air atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. Make sure you have plenty of room in your camera or phone for photos!

In Blooom – A quick stop to a shop that is run by women, all into the environment, teaching others to not use disposable items, to consciously reduce the amount of garbage produced by oneself and to cherish energy, save water and electricity.  The designs they create in fabrics and other products inspire environmental thinking. https://www.inblooom.com/ and https://www.inblooom.com/brand/

Breakfast and Lunch included with dinner on own

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall was built to celebrate the long-serving first president of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek. Construction on the hall started in 1976, a year after President Chiang passed away. Designed by C.C. Yang, this historic landmark was opened in 1980 as a feature of a national park and assembling area. Originally intended as a memorial, it has become so much more in the decades since. The octagon-shaped white building rises 76 meters and is covered with blue tiles and red accents, echoing the flag of the Republic of China. The eight sides represent the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with fortune and wealth. The two sets of 89 steps represent Chiang’s age of death and lead up to main hall housing a large bronze statue of Chiang protected by military personnel which change hourly. Besides the main hall, the large complex includes the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, National Concert Hall and the National Theater.

Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of ‘world’s tallest building’ for a number of years. Until 2011 it held the title of the world’s tallest green building. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don’t miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes. For those into Starbucks, the highest Starbucks in the world is in this building on the 35^th floor.

As Asian cities battle air pollution, eco-friendly solutions are on the rise – and this twisted skyscraper in Taiwan is one of them! Paris-based architect Vincent Callebaut wants his buildings to be more than your average tower block. His vision is ambitious: create an energy-saving, carbon-absorbing civilization to fight global warming. “I want to give hope for a better tomorrow,” he says. One of his eco-friendly ideas is taking root right now in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city. When Agora Garden is completed, the residential complex will be covered in 23,000 trees and shrubs on the ground and on the balconies and more. While Callebaut likens the building to an urban forest, its appearance is actually modeled after a strand of DNA — a double helix twisting 90-degrees from base to top.  We will do a photo stop only…

http://arcrealestate.ir/news/item/51

…and just in case you didn’t know Vincent Callebaut is also one of the architects who has also submitted a new roof design for Notre Dame….he is definitely passionate  https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/09/notre-dame-roof-vincent-callebaut-energy-food-farm/

Cutting through Datong District is one of Taipei’s historic and gorgeous neighborhoods. Dihua Street offers visitors a glimpse of mid-19^th century Taipei as well as the city’s thriving artistic side. Running between Nanjing West Road and Minquan West Road, the street is known as being the heart of Dadaocheng, the oldest still-surviving neighborhood in Taipei, and also for its traditional medicinal tea, sundries, fabric and tailor shops. But there is still more to explore along Dihua Street with its historic architecture, art galleries and contemporary craft shops. Pay special attention to the buildings and you can even spot some great examples of Qing dynasty and Japanese colonial architecture, which are pretty uncommon. https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002090&id=418

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Our lunch today will be very special as it is at Din Tai Fung at Taipel 101, known for their specialty –

Taiwanese soup dumplings.  One of the most iconic symbols of eating at Din Tai Fung anywhere you are in the world is the small army of dumpling makers who look like medical researchers hand making these tiny bites of deliciousness.  I can hardly wait to eat them again!

Located in the Houli District of Taichung, Chungshe Tourism Flower Market covers a vast area of six hectares with landscapes that change throughout the four seasons. No matter what time of the year, a feast for the eyes will always be guaranteed.  In this breathtaking garden that has a zesty European flair, you will be amazed by myriads of flowers from tulips, sunflowers to lavender and cosmos flowers. To make sure your visit is an educational one, all the flowers here are identified with signs which provide visitors with information about their names and functions.

Once upon a time, two coffee-loving, herb-loving young women loved to draw and record their feelings in music as they travelled. Tired after working for years in the huge cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung, they decided to quit their jobs and start new lives as farmers. They bought a hill in the middle of nowhere, where even a cell phone signal was hard to come by. And there they toiled growing lavender, their dream of a hillside coffee shop surrounded by lavender always in the front of their minds. After years of hard work, the dream was realized. And thus, Lavender Cottage was born. While this is no Provence, Lavender Cottage is one of the coziest, cute and relaxing little places you can find in Taichung. Somehow, the purple decorations dotted around the pretty little garden make the grass seem even greener. When you’re done, the little market selling lavender products, such as soap and bath products, are a wonderful reminder of your  visit.  https://www.lavendercottage.com.tw/ and

https://travganic.com/lavender-cottage-at-taichung-taiwan/

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included   LAST Night at Sonnien Hotel

We have a busy day today as we head from Taipei to Tainan….

Natural and man made wonders join forces in Anping Treehouse, which is located in an old trading hub. When the warehouse closed in the 1940’s, a huge Banyan tree literally swallowed it, making it look like a place you only see in fairy tales. You can explore the site on foot, and you will surely be astounded by how the tree managed to grow. There’s also a skywalk, which will give you a bird’s-eye view of the treehouse. It’s the perfect opportunity to take photos. Behind it is an ecological pond.

When anyone in Taiwan mentions Tainan, the image of the famous fort at Anping always comes to mind. Anping Old Fort is one of the most historical forts in Taiwan – the fort was built by the Dutch from 1624 to 1634 and was originally named Fort Zeelandia, but was later renamed as Anping Old Fort in 1662. Nowadays Anping Old Fort functions as a museum where travelers can learn a little more about Taiwan’s history. Around the fort is Anping Old Street, a historical street where handmade products and food are sold.

Chihkan Tower on Minzu Road was built in 1653 by the Dutch, and served as their administration center until 1662. Fort Provintia (meaning eternity) was the original name, but after the Dutch colonial period, it was changed to Chihkan to honor the aboriginal village that originally stood there. Outside, you will see statues depicting the surrender of the Dutch to Koxinga, a commander of the Ming Dynasty. Inside, there are relics dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. You can also drop by the shrine dedicated to the god of examinations, Lord Kuixing. The tower’s brilliant mix of Dutch and Chinese architectural styles is enough to make your visit memorable. In front of Chikanlou（Chihkanlou）there are nine sets of stone turtles carrying plates. There were made in Qing Dynasty and were removed from elsewhere to be located here.

The Koxinga Shrine, surrounded by trees, is the only Fujianese style shrine in Taiwan. This is the shrine built in memory of the work and achievement of Cheng Cheng Kung, the pioneer of Taiwan and national hero.  For a shrine to a war hero, the Zheng Chengong Shrine is amazingly serene. It is flanked by a lovely garden and plum trees (one of which was reportedly planted by Zheng Chengong himself) grow in the back of the main hall. The shrine is itself a great museum with tons of information on the man and the founding of the city. Many of the plaques are even written in proper English, which goes to show the dedication put forth by the government. The shrine has been converted several times with changes in style appealing to Taiwan’s various occupiers. He is the one figure in Taiwanese history that was venerated by all of Taiwan’s rulers. Although he was their sworn enemy, when the Qing finally took Taiwan they still honored his achievements. The Japanese favored his Japanese heritage, and he was of course loved by the KMT whose retreat to Taiwan is a near re-enactment of his legacy.

Hotel : The Place Hotel, Tainan – one night here

Located off An Ping Chenghuan Temple, the property is set near Chihkan Tower, A fortress, a tower and a museum are just a short stroll away. Your Double or twin sharing room includes tea & Coffee making tray, hair dryer, mini fridge, bottled water, safe. There is a coffee shop and gift/newsstand in lobby. Also has a fitness center. Free wifi

https://www.hotelroyal.com.tw/en-us/tainan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Today after breakfast we leave Tainan to head to Kaohsiung… lots to see today!

The famous Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is an attraction that combines travel and a learning experience. This is a perfect site for travelers to learn and experience Buddhist culture while enjoying beautiful landscapes and architecture. Built in 1967, Fo Guang Shan is the biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan and was founded by Hsing Yun, a Chinese Buddhist monk. Fo Guang Shan covers an area of more than 30 hectares (74.13 acres), which includes shrines, university buildings, and also a cemetery. Apart from the monastery, there is also the Buddha Memorial Center. The most famous icon of the Buddha Memorial Center is the gigantic Buddha Statue with the height of around 108 meters (354.3 feet).

https://www.fgs.org.tw/en/Organizations/OneDayLife

Inside the MRT station on Formosa Boulevard in Kaohsiung is a breathtaking ceiling made of stained glass that makes the daily commute feel like a trip to Paris’ prized chapels. Designed by an Italian artist, its 4500 panels are divided into four colours which symbolise the co-existence of the world’s first elements: water, earth, fire and light. Called the ‘Dome of Light’ designed by Narcissus Quagliata. It is 30 metres in diameter and covers an area of 2,180 square metres and is the largest illuminated art-glass dome in the world. Quagliata is perhaps the artist most responsible for the use of fused glass as an art form in large installations. Born in Rome in 1942, Quagliata has been working with glass for over 40 years. His work has been shown in New York’s Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. We will make a stop here so you can photo the beauty of this masterpiece….meet the creator here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0HWdZBTbQU

Lotus Pond is an artificial lake and a popular destination also located at Zuoying District. Established in 1951, Lotus Pond is well known for its many lotus plants and temples, including the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Confucian Temple.

https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002121&id=R157

We will stop at the Former British Consulate at Shiziwan Bay for sunset view…

Sitting 70 meters (229 feet) above the Kaohsiung Port and Sizihwan is the historical building of the British Consulate at Takao. This building was built on the peak of Shaochuantou and towers above the view of Sizihwan and the Kaohsiung Port. The British Consulate was built after the Treaty of Peking which took place in 1860 and enforced the local government to open ports for foreign trade at several cities including Takao, the city now known as Kaohsiung. In 1867, this building was granted to Britain as their consulate. However, in 1909, the Japanese government took over all foreign consulates in Taiwan and converted this particular building into an ocean observatory in 1931. Since then, the building has experienced a few major destructions, including a bombing in World War 2 and a typhoon in 1977. It is now the most antique western building preserved in Taiwan. It was the western building designed by a British engineer and built by Chinese craftsmen, and it is the most meaningful ancient building of Chinese modern history with graceful and elegant proportion.

Then we end our day at the Liu He Night Market  …During the day, Liu He 2nd Road will look like any other road in Kaohsiung. However, the road is closed off after 6 PM and it transforms into the famous Liu He Night Market. The night market runs for 3 blocks straight and is filled with numerous food stalls…

Hotel : Howard Plaza Hotel, Kaohsiung – One night here

http://www.howard-hotels.com.tw/en/kaohsiung/home/

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

This morning we head back to Taipei on their High Speed Rail. This is a fantastic way to travel as you will discover. It will take us just 90 minutes to make this journey at speeds of up to 300 kph and a very comfortable and very clean ride.

Our last stop on the tour is to ChiaTe Bakery to pick up pineapple cakes to take home…this is the premier pineapple cake bakery and where the locals buy…the buttery pastry wraps around the tropical, sweet filing, making a melt-in-the mouth delight. They were traditionally eaten for ceremonies like weddings and engagement parties because ‘pineapple’ in Taiwanese Hokkien sounds similar to the phrase ‘to come forth, prosperous and thriving’ (i.e. we hope you’ll have lots of children). But when Taiwan’s huge pineapple production shifted to more domestic consumption, bakeries wanted to get in on the trend and started making pineapple cakes in their masses. The ChiaTe Bakery makes some of the best pineapple cakes around and it’s got an interesting history as well.

The owner, Chen Tang-peng, (yes, another woman who was passionate enough to start her own business) grew up watching local boys bringing cakes and bread back to her village after work. Although she was part of a fishing family, she was enticed by the sweet-smelling fragrance of freshly-baked goods and started an apprenticeship as a baker. She moved to Taipei when she was 18 and opened ChiaTe Bakery when she was only 26. Word spread quickly about the delicious ChiaTe pineapple pastry and the small business became one of the most successful bakeries in Taipei. This reputation only improved when she won first place in a prestigious pineapple cake competition. The ratio of pastry to filling is simply perfect. The tropical pineapple adds a nice tanginess, a tart flavour that lasts long afterwards and leaves you wanting more. If you’re actually not a big fan of pineapple then you can try similar cakes in strawberry, melon or even prune flavour to get a hint of what everyone’s talking about. The nougat biscuits are great! ….p.s. if you want more, you can also pick these up at the airport…

https://inspiredbymaps.com/chia-te-bakery-pineapple-cakes-taipei/

Taipei Grand Hotel (also designed by C.C. Yang), a 14-story palace-like building established by Madam Chiang, Soong Mei-ling. It is one of the worlds tallest Chinese classical buildings at 285 feet high and was built to accommodate foreign guests. Since 1952, the Grand Hotel has been standing midway up Yuanshan, a towering building with red columns, gilded tiles and a magnificent, grandiose, regal, classic presence, a must-visit great gem of Chinese culture.  This is where we will enjoy British Style AfternoonTea and say our goodbyes to each other…Served in the Garden Café, surrounded by international artwork and professional floral designs, it will be a wonderful way to end our time together!

Did you know? Despite all the varieties available, all true teas are brewed from cured leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Tea originated in Southwestern China, becoming a popular recreational drink during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-904), then spread to other parts of Asia. Tea didn’t become big in England until the British began cultivating it in India in the 17th century. The two main varieties of tea are Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese tea) and Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Indian tea).

We will then head back to the first hotel that we stayed at, the Sonnien, for our last night of the tour to pack and relax before our flights home tomorrow.

Hotel: Sonnien Hotel, Taipei

Breakfast and Afternoon Tea, with Dinner on own

After breakfast this morning meet your driver and make your way to the Taoyuan airport for your flight home at the appointed time…

Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and taken to your hotel for rest and relaxation until tomorrow morning. Make use of this time to get caught up on sleep. If you are feeling good then out the door and down the street a couple of blocks is a great mall to walk around in. There are places to eat here as well.

Southern Sun Rosebank Hotel – Standard RoomView
Premium cotton bedding, superior comfort beds, in-room climate-control, elegant bathrooms with big showers, free WiFi and flat-screen DStv ensure that you feel-at-home and well taken care of.

https://www.tsogosun.com/crowne-plaza-johannesburg-the-rosebank

We start off our tour with two of the most gorgeous private gardens… Houghton is private and for your eyes only… You will fall in love with it… and in the meantime, here is an article you can read from a past tour guest…

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/a-johannesburg-eden-on-four-levels/

Beechwood. You will love, love, love it. This garden is not open that often and once inside you will see why it is so special. This classic Johannesburg garden was laid out in 1945 by the legendary landscape architect, Joane Pym and features magnificent trees including a colossal Water Oak believed to be one of the largest trees in Johannesburg. Christopher and Susan Greig acquired the 3.5-acre garden some 12 years ago and have worked extensively on redesigning and landscaping this botanical sanctuary. The homestead was designed by Steffen Ahrends for the late Rudy Frankel of Tiger Oats in a romantic Flemish country style with a cedar shingle roof. The Greigs have created a rainforest, a water garden comprising six ponds and a bog, a colonnade, a formal rose garden, a lotus garden and a sunken vegetable garden that will truly take your breath away.

http://www.beechwoodgardens.co.za/index.html

www.thepaintboxgarden.com/a-garden-jewel-in-johannesburg/

Return to Hotel

Breakfast and Lunch included with dinner on own.

Breakfast then drive to Hazyview with craft and shopping in White River. Our hotel is located in a lovely spot, right next door to the restaurant where we will have dinner this evening and also next door to a lovely little shopping complex full of unique shops to visit. Past guests have loved the variety here and always seem to find something to cherish.

Dinner at Magnolia Restaurant, https://www.casterbridgehollow.co.za/magnolia-restaurant/ The open design of the building permits patrons to merge with nature, allowing the celebrated Lowveld weather and sweet smelling garden to heighten the senses for the meal to come.

Set Among the Sweet Mango Trees of the Original Casterbridge Farm. Experience the tranquillity and charm of the Lowveld at Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel in White River. ‘Out of Africa’ style meets contemporary African chic at this White River accommodation to create an oasis for you. All rooms have balconies overlooking the pool and leafy, manicured gardens. The rooms feature ceiling fans, heating, air-conditioners, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, a telephone and top quality coffee machines. A mini bar fridge, laptop safe, hairdryers and international plug sockets ensure convenience. https://www.casterbridgehollow.co.za/

Breakfast and Dinner with Lunch on own

On our way to the lodge we will make stops at God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. We will arrive at the Lodge, enjoy a late lunch then do our first game drive. You will spend two glorious nights here in fabulous Spa Suites! Each spacious suite at Kapama River Lodge features a terrace with uninterrupted views into the leafy-green Big 5 game reserve. It will be hard to leave your room but you have game drives to enjoy. You will never forget this experience. The big five are here – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard and a lot more … shhh … get your cameras ready…

Kapama River Lodge – SPA Suites – Spa Suites are very limited
Tucked away in the privacy of the russet bush willow trees surrounding the African spa, these suites feature magnificent floor-to-ceiling glass doors and frameless windows that offer expansive views of the reserve – even from your bathroom.

For those looking to find their zen, the spa suites come highly recommended. Each suite is equipped with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, coffee and tea-making facilities, a minibar, as well as a lock-up safe and international plugs.

www.kapama.com/kapama-river-lodge/

What to bring https://www.kapama.com/what-to-bring/

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/?s=kapama&submit=Search

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Morning and afternoon Game Drives with leisure time to enjoy the pool, the spa or the facilities. The northern Drakensberg mountain range provides a majestic backdrop to the largest private game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park region. Kapama River Lodge is situated within Kapama Game Reserve, and presents the perfect blend of luxurious safari accommodation.

The day starts with an early wake-up call between 5 am. Tea, coffee and rusks are enjoyed together before heading out at first light.

While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Halfway through the game drive, there’s a stop for hot drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge at around 9 am for a full breakfast. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife around the lodge – Nyala antelope and Vervet monkeys are frequent visitors, though seeing some of the Big Five is also not uncommon. I have often seen giraffe foraging for food too.

At around 3:30 pm, everyone gathers for a decadent high tea, before heading out with your ranger and tracker for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. En route, you’ll stop for a sundowner drink (soft drinks and water are free) and will have a chance to stretch your legs as you watch the sun set over the distant peaks of the Drakensberg mountains.

As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. Our skilled tracker will scan the landscape to let us know what he sees. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge. Arrival back at the lodge is usually around 7 pm, allowing time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Early morning Game Drive (dependent on flight time) then breakfast and departure to Hoedspruit Airport for flight to Cape Town where we are met and taken to dinner before being transferred to our hotel.

Protea Hotel Cape Town Cape Castle – Standard Room
Past guests have appreciated having a little kitchenette where they could make a cup of tea or store a bottle of wine along with snacks to enjoy in the evenings. You will have a microwave and fridge as well. Just down the street are stores where you can find food and drink to take back to your room. If you want to venture to the V & A Mall, it is a lovely 20 minute walk from the hotel. There you will find plenty of taxis if you don’t want to walk back. There is also free wifi here.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cptca-protea-hotel-cape-town-cape-castle/

Breakfast and Dinner Included with Lunch on own.

Stellenberg Gardens – for a very special private guided tour. Among the internationally acclaimed gardens, Sandy Ovenstone’s Stellenberg Gardens in Kenilworth is most definitely on the map. Moreover, it was showcased by international gardening author and presenter Monty Don in his 2008 BBC television series, ‘Around the World in 80 Gardens’. One of the oldest properties in Cape Town, it has been called home by several prominent families over the years. Fortunately, despite changes of ownership, the property managed to escape the ‘Victorianization’ many other homes in the region underwent and retains its classic 18th century Cape Dutch feel. While the inside of the house is off-limits to visitors, you will see how lovely it is from the outside and the property and gardens complete this perfection. It is divided into different gardens, each with their own unique characteristics: a white garden, a walled garden, a formal medieval garden, an herb garden, and so much more including some incredible hedges! http://stellenberggardens.co.za/

An article you might like to read from Janet, a past tour guest…

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/stellenberg-a-cape-dutch-classic/

Cellars Hohenort Gardens, dating back to 1693, in the beautiful Constantia Valley… you will be royally impressed with our guided visit… and to top it off we have arranged High Tea here…how posh! The gardens at The Cellars-Hohenort are acknowledged as one of the finest hotel gardens internationally and has been voted by Garden Design, a top American magazine, as one of the top 30 hotel gardens in the world. It was in these very gardens that Mr Fisher, a former owner of the Cellars, hybridized the rose “Chris Barnard”, named after the famous heart surgeon. You will love the rose garden and the ducks that waddle around. It was so sad to hear that in January of 2015 the owner Liz McGrath had passed away but rest assured she left this hotel in very good hands. This is a wonderfully special visit full of history, oozing charm and subtle elegance… and the food is awesome.

https://www.thecellars-hohenorthotel.com/about/amenities-services/gardens/

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/the-gardens-of-cellars-hohenort/

Breakfast and High Tea Included with dinner on own

We take a road trip today – to Hermanus. Hermanus (originally called Hermanuspietersfontein, but shortened as the name was far too long for the postal service), is a town with 80,400 inhabitants on the southern coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa. What a wonderful little village and what makes it spectacular are the Southern Right whales that you can see off the shores. Huge water spouts can be seen up and down the coastline and there is plenty of room to walk along and catch one or ten of them doing this. This village has some great shopping and some great architecture too! Various art/food/craft markets are held in and around Hermanus every weekend. In the center of town is the Lemm’s Corner Market where you can buy anything from clothes to art and food.

https://hermanus-tourism.co.za/

While in Hermanus you may walk along the oceanside to view the right whales off in the distance, walk around the market and have time to enjoy a quick lunch before we head to Old Nectar for our guided visit.

Old Nectar & Una van der Spuy

Did you know there is a rose called ‘Una van der Spuy’?

You can see it in Una van der Spuy’s gardens at Old Nectar. It was a surprise gift to Una, cultivated by the renowned, Ludwig Tachner, founder of Ludwigs Roses. Ludwig hybridised this new rose in 1998. It combines the old and the new; upright stems producing large delicate pink blooms and an old-fashioned scent.

The land around Old Nectar, then encompassing most of the Jonkershoek Valley, was granted to two freed slaves; Jan and Marquard van Ceylon (from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka) in 1692. It was given the name ‘Old Nectar’ by Kenneth and Una van der Spuy, who, in their later years, referred to themselves as ‘the Old Nectarines’. In 1941 Old Nectar became the family home of Ken and Una. They have been the longest owners in the life of this property. At that time it was one of only six farms in the Jonkershoek Valley outside Stellenbosch. Una became well known through the Old Nectar Nurseries and her gardens, but even more so through her writing – she wrote and published 15 books. Azaleas were Una’s favourite plants. However, a few days before her sudden death just four days short of her centenary, she declared that when she returns to Earth it will be in the form of a Magnolia tree. Today we sense Una’s presence in her gardens when we see her superb Magnolia trees in full bloom late in winter.

Una became well known through the Old Nectar Nurseries and her gardens, but even more so through her writing – she wrote and published 15 books.

In 2004, aged 92, Una damaged her spine in a fall during an early-morning walk. During her recuperation she started using her newly acquired digital camera and digital processing techniques, she amassed thousands of photographs of her gardens.

Deciding that these needed to be shared, she wrote the first of her final trilogy, ‘Old Nectar, a garden for all seasons’, published in November 2009, fifty six years after her first book ‘Gardening in Southern Africa, with Una having turned 95. This is a beautifully illustrated book and a delight to read. Then followed a revision of her garden planning book under the new title ‘How to Design Your Garden’, published in February 2011.

The last of Una’s writings; ‘My favourite plants for the garden’ needs to be on the bookshelf of every gardener, professional and amateur alike. It is the distillation of Una’s 70+ years of practical gardening wisdom. Una completed the last of the revisions less than a week before her sudden death on July 16 2012, four days before her hundredth birthday. It is wonderfully illustrated, much of the photography coming from Una’s camera. This book will serve the world of gardeners for at least as long as her first book has and it will be a gardening classic, both for reference as for the sheer joy of reading. It was published in October 2012.

The steep setting of Old Nectar, in a tranquil valley in the Jonkershoek Mountains on the edge of Stellenbosch, would have been a challenge to the most experienced gardener. But when Una van der Spuy and her husband Kenneth bought the rundown portion of a once larger wine farm in 1941, she didn’t know her cabbages from her carnations, and the garden contained not much more than some magnificent old oak trees….This is a true gem and we are very pleased to be able to share this garden with you….

https://www.oldnectar.com/stellenbosch-gardens/

https://www.oldnectar.com/stellenbosch-bed-and-breakfast/

https://www.countrylife.co.za/flowers/a-sip-of-old-nectar

Breakfast Included with lunch and dinner on own

Private tour of Vergelegen Gardens – Vergelegen has been a gardener’s paradise since the van der Stel era in the 1700’s and today 17 exquisitely themed gardens are on display for you to enjoy. Not only a farmer, the founder of Vergelegen, Willem Adriaan van der Stel, was also a botanist, a forester and a horticulturist. He wrote “The African Gardeners’ and Agriculturists Calendar’ of which much is still relevant to this day. The oldest oak tree in South Africa (300 years), the ancient White Mulberry tree (1700’s) and of course the five camphor trees that were planted in the 1700’s gracing the front of the Homestead all bear testimony to his great horticultural talent. These gardens are just unbelievable…and the trees…you just have to see them.  We will also enjoy a wine tasting here.

http://www.vergelegen.co.za/gardens.html

http://www.vergelegen.co.za/significant_trees.html

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/touring-historic-vergelegen/

Babylonstoren is one of the best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition. Not only the manor house from 1777 but pioneer structures all the way back to the founding of the farm in 1690. The Koornhuis (for storing wheat and hay) and the old cellar are exceptionally fine. An ornate fowl house, pigeon loft, leaning bell tower and historic gates embellish a traditional courtyard surrounded by a low, whitewashed wall. The Babylonstoren garden is at the heart of the farm. It was inspired by the Company Gardens of the Cape, where for centuries ships would replenish with sweet water, vegetables and fruit at the halfway station between Europe and Asia. It also hales back to the mythical garden of Babylon. This truly is a garden full of magic…8 acres filled with beds of veggies, orchards full of fruit and a heart for healthy food as you will find out with our guided tour. Every one of over 350 varieties of plants in the garden is edible and it is grown as biologically as they can and tended by 20 full time gardeners. The garden is divided into fifteen clusters spanning vegetable areas, berries, bees, indigenous plants, ducks and chickens and includes a prickly pear maze. Gravity feeds water into waterways from a stream into the garden as it was done for 300 years. You are indeed in for a treat!  We will enjoy our lunch here as well.

https://babylonstoren.com/visit-our-garden/about-our-garden

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/bedazzled-by-babylonstoren-2/

Breakfast, Lunch, Wine Tasting Included with dinner on own

Our first stop today is a high one … Table Mountain … what a view. ‘The proclamation of this new national park will be a South African ‘gift to the Earth’… Nelson Mandela. Table Mountain is part of a World Heritage Site and home to a unique yet endangered plant diversity known as fynbos.

(Please note that the visit to Table Mountain is weather dependent – we have plenty of days in Cape Town so will go on the best day according to our guide) http://www.tablemountain.net/

Then on to one of the stunning gardens you will ever see, that of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table mountain, was the first botanical garden ever to be included in a World Heritage Site. In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora – showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways. Our private guided tour will just give you a taste of what delights surround you and envelope you as you become one with the garden. Time for a bit of shopping too!

https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/

https://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/a-visit-to-kirstenbosch/

Afterwards we leave for an exquisite finale to our time in South Africa….Our Farewell Afternoon Tea at the Cape Grace. Tucked away in the marina behind the V&A Waterfront, this is one of Cape Town’s most delightful tea spots. Everything from classic cucumber finger sandwiches to smoked salmon and avo mousse bites to savoury and sweet scones, florentines, petit fours, macaroons and the most delightful chocolate mousse and granadilla concoction. In short: an amazing spread of tea delights and a lovely way to end our tour together.

Breakfast and Afternoon Tea Included with dinner on own

Breakfast

Make your own way to our hotel and relax…

Galaxy Hotel, close to the sea-front in Alimos/Glyfada.

Sea view room twin bedded or double.

Galaxy Hotel Athens is located in Kalamaki, Alimos, a southern suburb of Athens. It enjoys a sea front location with magnificent views over the Saronic Gulf. It combines the facilities of a city hotel while at the same time there, a beach located just in front of the hotel. Athens city centre is only 5 km away.

I share this about their breakfast because the breakfasts in Greece as AMAZING!

‘Our rich breakfast includes fresh baked bread, tahini and Greek honey, cold salads and grain legumes (lentils, chickpeas, wheat, etc.), Greek local cheeses such as feta, kefalotiri, ricotta, Greek sausages, Kalamata olives and extra virgin olive oil. We serve daily homemade pies and cakes, such as semolina halva, walnut pies, karydopites, homemade jams with fresh Greek fruits and organic eggs. At guests’ disposal there is Greek coffee, mountain tea, verbena, sage, beverages with saffron, plus selected Greek daily fresh fruits and vegetables.’

https://www.galaxy-hotel.gr

Did you know? If it weren’t for an olive tree, Poseidon might have been the city’s patron. According to mythology Athena and Poseidon competed for the title of the guardian of the city. They each offered a gift to gain favour of its people and the gods, but Athena’s olive tree was deemed more valuable than the salt water spring given by Poseidon, so her name was given to the city-state. The Olive Tree symbolizes Peace and Prosperity.

Visit to the two gardens of Leftheris Dariotis (a noted young Greek seed collector) with guide…

We will enjoy lunch on our own at the Olympic Waterfront… what was once a forgotten area of Athens is being brought back to life offering cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. At its eastern end, the park connects to the manicured grounds of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which has become a cherished Athenian landmark since it opened in 2016.

Guided tour of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center…

A public space that includes the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green areas in Athens. The SNFCC was created thanks to an exclusive grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which delivered it to the Greek State upon completion and it is supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance.

The Stavros Niarchos Park, a modern Landscape Architecture project, has been designed in accordance with the principles of sustainability, ecosystems and the alternations of a place that is in constant evolution. It is a welcoming and open space, with plantings and a character that reflects the Mediterranean landscape. Occupying 85% of the SNFCC’s total area, Stavros Niarchos Park stretches over an area of 21 hectares. It is home to a rich variety of flora, including olive trees, evergreen shrubs, carob trees, laurels, cypress trees, as well as an extensive selection of indigenous Greek aromatic plants. Plants were selected and arranged with an eye to providing a variety of seasonal blooming and creating exciting color schemes and textures. The Park includes 16 tree species and 161 shrub species, a variety of grasses and bulbs. Greece’s strong horticultural tradition is celebrated in the open, sunlit Mediterranean Garden. The plant palette alone makes the garden a destination: evergreen and other endemic plants such as boxwood, coronilla, cistus, and lentisc, salvia, oregano, thyme, lavender, rosemary, roses and euphorbias – all add to the sensual pleasure of a visit. Each month brings a new color, and each season introduces a different combination of flowers or foliage.

https://www.snfcc.org/en/snfcc/stavros-niarchos-park

https://www.snfcc.org/en https://www.snfcc.org/en/snfcc/architecture

Back to hotel.

Breakfast and Welcome Dinner included, Lunch on own.

Acropolis and Parthenon…As thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. Guided visit.

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/404/

Afterwards we will visit the Acropolis museum to enjoy a light lunch in the cafeteria before our visit. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/cafe

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/friday-night

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en

https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en/content/museum-history

Then the rest of the day/evening at leisure as we visit the Plaka area…returning with the group to the hotel or staying on and making your own way back. We will set a time for this…

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Athens, in the shadow of the Acropolis, the Plaka is like a village within the city, an island for those who don’t have the time to visit the Greek Islands. The Plaka is the oldest section of Athens. Most of the streets have been closed to automobile traffic, though you should still keep a watchful eye for a speeding motorcycle or delivery truck. At one time it was the nightclub district, but most of these closed down when the government outlawed amplified music in the neighborhood in the seventies in an effort to get rid of undesirables. The strategy was very successful and it is now an area of restaurants, jewelry stores, tourist shops, and cafes. Though it is quite commercialized it is still a neighborhood and arguably the nicest neighborhood in central Athens.

Did you know? When crossing the streets in Greece, use caution as drivers don’t generally pay attention to pedestrian crossings. It’s so crazy in fact that a driver is more likely to make a sharp turn around you than actually slow down or stop to let you cross.

Breakfast and Lunch included with Dinner on own.

Athens Central Market (Varvakeios) Guided visits.

Right on the busy Athinas street, the central market, also known as Varvakeios, is a hectic and vibrant market place. Split between meat and seafood and fish products on one side of the street, and fruits and vegetables on the other side, the Varvakeios offers a sensory experience. Shop for fresh olives and feta cheese, sun-kissed fruits and vegetables and even spices. The meat area may not be for all, as it is not surprising to see meat carcasses hanging up, while the fish section may require more than just a pair of flip flops due to the amount of water on the floor.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/must-visit-markets-in-athens-greece/

Then we are off to visit a flower shop where we will watch a demonstration of floral design in Greek style… Chorofilli is a flower shop with a special point of view on flower art, situated in the area of Glyfada. At “Chlorofilli”, you can always find fresh-cut flowers, lively creations, artifacts, compositions and home gardening suggestions, full of originality, innovation and inspiration.

https://chlorofilli.gr/en/about/

After this we head to Vorres Museum where we will enjoy lunch first before our visit. I have to tell you that I was so taken with this place, loved every square inch of the folk art museum and those gardens… wow. The Vorres Museum is a cultural foundation that was established in 1983, with the purpose of promoting Greek art and culture, through a broad spectrum of activities, from the organization of exhibitions in Greece and abroad, to educational programs for children.

The museum which sprawls over six acres, is divided into two main sections: the museum of contemporary Greek art and the folk art museum, both of which house collections that cover at least 2500 years of Greek history. The whole complex is laid out in a way that showcases the Greek spirit in a unique fashion. In the contemporary part, one of the most important and representative collections of its kind in the world is exhibited, comprising paintings, installations and sculptures by leading Greek artists, displaying a Greek interpretation of most of the international artistic currents of the second half of the 20th century. The folk art section, is an extraordinary complex of 19th century buildings, courtyards and gardens or rather a re-adaptation and readjustment of traditional Greek architectural features housing antiquities, icons, ceramics, popular artifacts and objects used in daily Greek life centuries ago, in a manner, revealing their inherent beauty and their practical use.

The gardens, wild and consisting almost entirely of Mediterranean flora are an indispensable part of the museum being described by many as the most beautiful gardens in Athens.

http://www.vorresmuseum.gr/en/about.html

Return to hotel.

Breakfast and Lunch Included with Dinner on own.

Leave Athens hotel and drive to Gryllis Water Lilies and Mediterranean Plants Nursery at Marathon.

Gryllis Water Lilies was founded in 2011 by Ioannis Gryllis, Agronomist, M.Sc. Landscape Architect at first specializing in the production of aquatic plants. The company’s headquarters and production facility is located in Marathon where you can find a wide variety of plants (over 400 species) suitable for ponds but also for garden planting. Nursery for ornamental aquatic & aquatic plants, ornamental grasses, shade plants, perennial herbs, exotic plants, and xylosophytes. ‘Our love for the plants that started as a hobby, combined with the university studies, contribute to our excellent training and experience, with the construction and supply of plants in Greece and abroad.’

https://www.grylliswaterlilies.gr/

We will enjoy lunch here before departing…

Visit to Delphi for a two hour guided visit.

http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/culture/world_heritage_sites/delphi

https://www.planetware.com/greece/delphi-gr-cen-delphi.htm

Depart Delphi and travel to Volos where a stop will be made on the waterfront to see the Argo replica (Jason and the Argonauts set out from Volos) and refreshment break.

http://www.greekexperience.gr/portfolio-item/the-argo-ship/

Arrive Lagou Raxi Country Hotel, Pelion (Garden view rooms) Dinner at hotel

www.lagouraxi.com

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Visits to two very special private gardens with guide…

A NOTE ON OUR VISIT TO THE PRIVATE GARDENS…at this time we cannot confirm who they are but rest assured you will be impressed with them…we have a lot of choice and as we find out who these very special gardens are we will update the itinerary with that information. They are PRIVATE gardens and many belong to members of the Mediterranean Garden Society. I have seen some of them and can vouch for the WOW !!

Breakfast and Lunch Included with Dinner on own.

This morning we relax around the hotel. The view from our hotel is quite breathtaking so take a book, sit back with a great cup of coffee and enjoy your time here to just be in the moment… The village is just a short walk and offers some hidden courtyard gardens peeking back at you. It is a very pretty place to wander around as well offering lots of photo opportunities with its stone houses and shops adorned with plants or take a bit of a walk around the hotel and see how many wildflowers you can find. There were so many when I was there…

We will enjoy a Botanical Painting experience today and I will advise later who our professional instructor will be. I am hoping that our instructor will also bring with her some of her work to delight you with. Will keep you advised on this… and if you do not wish to participate, just watch or relax.

We will in the early evening go to Milea Winery in Argalasti for a wine tasting and some mezedes (Greek for small plates of food) in a joyful and unhurried environment, then back to our hotel where the rest of the evening is free.

Breakfast Included with Lunch and Dinner on own.

Early departure for Meteora – visit monasteries and lunch (included) with guide.

https://www.visitmeteora.travel/

The word Meteora means literally ‘hovering in the air’ and of course brings to mind the word meteor. What created this rare geological phenomenon is one of the mysteries of nature and there are many theories though they remain theories and none have been proven. But as amazing a marvel of nature as these giant rocks are the buildings on the top of these are a marvel of man and seem just as miraculous and make Meteora one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece.

How could anyone describe this astonishing geological phenomenon, the breathtaking landscape, the inspiration and spirituality felt, the awe for man’s achievements in an effort to express his religious drive, when these are only some of the many things a traveler experiences when visiting this phenomenal land! These immense, solid rocks, split by earthquakes, weathered by water and wind over millions of years, are nature’s authentic masterpiece. Emerging about 25 million years ago as the elevated seabed material that was the outcome of strong tectonic movements, the Meteora rocks became a shelter of humankind. The 24 monasteries emerged on the countless summits of the rocks from the 14th until the 16th century, 6 of them remaining to be explored and admired by all. These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox creed in the Byzantine era, having produced some of the best pieces of religious art and craft and still possessing a collection of precious manuscripts, which today are on display in their museums. The Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia region has been officially declared a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone by the Greek Ministry of Environment, for the protection of rare species of birds and flowers.

‘Serene, spiritual, magical, mystical, extraordinary, breathtaking, immense, inspiring, impressive. These are only some of the words people very often use in an effort to describe the Meteora phenomenon. Visit Meteora, even if your interests are not deeply religious. It is the only way to enrich your feelings of spirituality that this area already exudes, no matter how long or brief your sojourn in our beautiful land.’

Dress code: Men – arms must be covered and only pants please, no shorts. Women – Skirts only below knees, no shorts, no pants and no sleeveless arms…bring shawl.

Did you know? The Agia Triada or Holy Trinity monastery was used in the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’

We have had a lovely and moving visit and now we head to Ioannina to make a stop for a bit of refreshment then on our way to where we will enjoy a good night rest before boarding our ferry to Corfu. Ioannina is located in the north-west part of Greece at the shore of the Lake Pamvotis and is a city teeming with students… and with students, lots of cafes and bars and many opportunities for photos and architecture that is very different from what you would expect from Athens.

Overnight in Angelika Pallas Hotel (Double or twin – mountain or sea view) Igoumenitsa near seafront) https://www.angelikapallas.gr/ For the evening meal there is a restaurant at the hotel in if participants don’t wish to go out: https://www.angelikapallas.gr/restaurant.html

Breakfast and Lunch Included with Dinner on own.

Our ferry departure point is minutes away from our hotel so after breakfast we will walk or taxi to the ferry for our departure and enjoy the beautiful scenery on our way to Corfu arriving in less than two hours. Once off the ferry we will be met and taken to the hotel to have lunch then on to our walking tour of Corfu with our guide. This will acquaint you so that you will be able to enjoy your day of leisure later on.

https://www.discovergreece.com/en/greek-islands/ionian/corfu

Rodostamo Hotel – Superior Limited Bay View Room – this is a beautiful hotel. I stayed here and I know you will love it. The grounds are lovely with huge olive trees in flower beds as your arrive. Rooms are quiet and relaxing and the pool area you will love! Even if you do not swim it is just so relaxing to sit there and enjoy a drink in the evening or and evening meal…the views are so serene. You will love your breakfast in the morning too…presentation and quality is amazing.

https://rodostamo.gr/

Breakfast and Lunch Included with Dinner on own

Morning visit Rothschild Estate.

A spectacular private garden on an estate which occupies the two peninsulas at Kanonas and Strongilo overlooking the coast of Albania, the Rothschild Estate is a place which has been nurtured by three generations of the same family and skillfully embraces the wild landscape. The natural rock formations contribute a dramatic element with a former quarry transformed into a great pool by the Spanish architect Xavier Barba. Here pendulous forms of fragrant clumped rosemary on the cliff face and a long tightly-clipped undulating hedge of rosemary define views of the sea and wild mountains beyond. From the moment I walked through the archway of this garden I knew it was going to be special and dare I say extraordinary… guided visit

We will enjoy lunch here….

Did you know?  The villa has often hosted both royals and celebrities, while it was a favourite summer retreat for Princess Diana.

http://okiedokie.com/_projects/greenarchitecture/greek_1.htm

Afternoon visit to gardens from Rachel Weaving’s book Gardens of Corfu with guide…. And if we are very lucky Rachel might be around to come visit us and bring some of her books. Later on we can confirm this and what the price is so if you would like one we can preorder so that we have one for you and you can get her to sign it for you.

‘‘What makes a garden Corfiot? Certain ingredients based on local craft traditions appear in gardens both old and new, and form elements of a Corfiot style:

• Stonework for building, terracing, and ornament;
• Wrought ironwork, often using patterns based on old Venetian models; and
• Big terracotta urns like those that were once used for storing and exporting olive oil.
• Corfu gardeners also make quite distinctive plant choices: olive, citrus, and, in the last thirty years, native pencil cypress trees, are favorites, as are wisteria, jasmine, and orange trumpet vine. People also noticeably choose plants for their scent.

And a tradition that Corfu shares with the rest of Greece is the avlí—the courtyard garden close to the house—in which people grow both flowers and fruit.’ Rachel Weaving

A NOTE ON OUR VISIT TO THE PRIVATE GARDENS… at this time we cannot confirm who they are but rest assured you will be impressed with them… we have a lot of choice and as we find out who these very special gardens are we will update the itinerary with that information. They are PRIVATE gardens and many belong to members of the Mediterranean Garden Society. I have seen some of them and can vouch for the WOW!!

https://gardensofcorfu.com   and   https://gardensofcorfu.com/about

Afterwards we will stop at a taverna to have dinner before heading back to our hotel….

Breakfast and Lunch Included with Dinner on own

Spend it by beginning with a very delicious and leisurely breakfast, then sit by the pool or head into town – the day is yours to enjoy.

Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included with Lunch on your own.

After breakfast departure to Corfu International Airport to begin your flight home…

Closer to departure we will have departure ideas to share with you…

Arrive into Granada and make your way to your hotel…and what a hotel! The historic Hotel Alhambra Palace.

We meet later on this evening to enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Hotel Alhambra – Classic Exterior View – 2 Nights

Experience a revival of a grand tradition of European hospitality at Hotel Alhambra Palace. Inspired by the beauty of the Alhambra, our hotel conjures up a sense of culture, aristocracy and elegance. Relax on one of their terraces with a refreshing drink or outstanding gastronomy. Hotel Alhambra Palace has been offering stylish Granada hotel accommodation since 1910. Five minute walk to Alhambra and 10 minute walk to historic center.

https://www.h-alhambrapalace.es/en/

One of the most beautiful gems of architecture is the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens started as far back as the 13^th Century by the Nasrites. The Alhambra became a Christian court in 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabel) conquered the city of Granada. The summer palace is called Generalife. The Generalife is the most charming corner of the Alhambra, thanks to its gardens, ponds and fast-flowing water. In fact, the name of the main courtyard is the Patio de la Acequia – Courtyard of the Water Channel – in reference to the water which coursed through the villa before supplying the Alhambra below. It stands at the foot of Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below and the fertile plain of Granada. The Alhambra (Arabic root meaning ‘red’ or ‘crimson’) and Generalife both became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. A short walk from our hotel takes us there where we will enjoy a guided visit for there is much to see and we want time to soak it all in.

Did you know? The word “Generalife” has been translated as “garden of paradise“, “orchard” or “garden of feasts“.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-history-of-the-generalife-gardens-in-1-minute/

Then we will head back to our hotel for a break before walking to the Carmen Rodriguez-Acosta. Wait until you hear the history – romance and more – of this quite startling, eclectic and very cool villa and its gardens.  Designed by painter Jose Maria Rodriguez-Acosta in the early 20^th Century, our guide will have you spell bound.  He traveled the world and loved so many styles… Built in 1914-1930, it is one of the most relevant architectural complexes of that period, a summary of the European style of the twenties and thirties, and declared a National Monument in 1982. Its creator used it as a studio where he developed an important body of work, midway between modernism and symbolism. The steep hill on which the carmen is perched gives rise to its magnificent gardens. They are full of monuments and stand out from the rest of the secluded gardens in Granada.  http://www.fundacionrodriguezacosta.com/

Then back to our hotel for the rest of the day and evening on your own.

Breakfast included, Lunch and Dinner on own

Pack up this evening, check safe and power adaptors you may have used

Cordoba’s hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus, and this was when work began on the Great Mosque, or “Mezquita” in 785, which – after several centuries of additions and enlargements – became one of the largest in all of Islam. When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today. The Mezquita de Cordoba is most notable for its giant arches and its forest of over 856 (of an original 1,293) columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. These were taken from the Roman temple which had previously occupied the site and other destroyed Roman buildings. The Mezquita also features richly gilded prayer niches. But the Mezquita’s most interesting feature is certainly the mihrab, a domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics built by Al Hakam II (961-76). It once housed the Koran and relics of Muhammad. In front of the Mihrab is the Maksoureh, a kind of anteroom for the caliph and his court; its mosaics and plasterwork make it a masterpiece of Islamic art.

https://mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/

As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba’s treasures include the Alcazar, or Royal House, built by the Christians in 1328. The Alcazar served as one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. From 1490 to 1821 the Inquisition operated from here. Today the castle’s gardens are among the most beautiful in Andalucía and also take time to enjoy the Roman mosaics…they are truly special. In a hall which housed the former chapel of the Inquisitions there are exhibited a magnificent collection of Roman mosaic art from the 2nd and 3rd century AD. The collection was discovered under Corredera Square in the city in 1959 and once belonged to a wealthy Roman Mansion. Outside the main castle walls the gardens occupy 55.000 square metres. It is certainly a very relaxing place to wander. There is a wide variety of plants, palm trees, cypresses, orange and lemon, trees to be seen which overlook stone fountains and large ponds. Originally the water was brought in by an aqueduct from the Sierra Morena and the great Albolafia waterwheel in the River Guadalquivir nearby helped with the supply. The large ponds were added in the 19th century.

https://alcazardelosreyescristianos.cordoba.es//?id=3

Then we enjoy Lunch with a wine tasting.

and a floral feast for the eyes, the Palacio de los Viana.

We enjoy guided visits of the Alcazar and Mezquita and a quiet joyful time to wander on our own through the many gardens of Viana. This 17th-century palace is one of Córdoba’s most splendid aristocratic homes. Also known as the Museo de los Patios, it contains 12 interior patios, each one different; the patios and gardens are planted with cypresses, orange trees, and myrtles and more. I was so delighted to see this that I bought a book on the patio gardens here…well worth it!  http://www.palaciodeviana.com/en/

Hotel NH Amistad – Superior Room – 1 Night

History surrounds you the second you step inside the NH Collection Amistad Córdoba hotel. Made up of two 18th century palaces, its traditional courtyards are filled with flowers and shaded by orange trees, archways and woodwork have been restored to their 18th-century glory, with a few carefully-chosen modern touches. Plus it’s right in the historic heart of Córdoba, 5 minutes’ walk from the city’s shops. Our quiet, contemporary-style rooms all come with views of our pretty courtyards, Maimonides Square or the historic wall which once separated the Jewish and Christian sections of Cordoba. Our stylish courtyard café offers up delicious local dishes while our 2 open-air patios are a wonderful place to unwind with a drink.

https://www.nh-collection.com/hotel/nh-collection-amistad-cordoba

Breakfast and Lunch with wine tasting included, Dinner on own

Pack up this evening, check safe and power adaptors you may have used.

The Portocarrero Palace, together with its Hispano-Mudejar-style botanical gardens surrounded by Almohad walls from the 11th-12th centuries, form a spectacular complex located in the heart of Andalusia, between Córdoba and Seville. It is an architectural jewel that was hidden and in ruins and that after years of careful restoration it shines again.

A beautiful architectural monument cataloged BIC (Well of Cultural Interest) that has a rich ancient history, a mix of civilizations that dates back to 105 AD in Roman times. The Portocarrero Palace offers us its Roman legend, both Roman and Arab archaeological remains and a building with areas from the 15th and 16th century mainly. Guided tour here…

http://www.palacioportocarrero.com/historia/

According to legend, Sevilla was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilization. It was called Hispalis under the Romans and Isbiliya with the Moors. Sevilla lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centers in Europe, it has the Minaret of La Giralda, the Cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom), and the Alcázar Palace. Part of its treasure also includes Casa de Pilatos.

From the Palacio we head to Sevilla and our first stop is Lunch in Carmona

After our lunch we visit the Palacio de las Duenas, a very special place in time…

For the first time the Palacio de las Dueñas— built between the XV and XVI centuries and residence of the renowned Duchess of Alba— opens its doors to the public, thus offering a unique opportunity to discover this Andalusian gem and the pride of Spain. One of the oldest and most illustrious noble houses in Spain, the House of Alba, boasts a rich heritage, which dates back many centuries and encompasses several magnificent estates located all over the country as well as a great cultural and artistic legacy. (Audio guide here)

https://www.azureazure.com/travel/palacio-de-las-duenas-official-residence-house-alba-pride-seville

http://www.lasduenas.es/

Then on to our hotel where the rest of the day/evening is at your leisure.

Hotel Becquer – Standard Room – Two Nights

Hotel Bécquer is located in the old town of Seville, in a unique and privileged location in the city. From here, you can enjoy pleasant walks on the city streets, discover its emblematic spots, mix with the people, taste the exquisite cuisine (especially in the traditional Triana district) and admire its characteristic architectural beauty. Seville Cathedral, the Giralda or the Santa Cruz district are all less than a 10-minute walk away.

https://www.hotelbecquer.com/en/

Breakfast and Lunch included, Dinner on own

After breakfast we start our day out with a visit to the Hospital Venerables Sacredotes. This building was founded by Justino de Neve in the 17th century as a hospital and retirement home for priests. It is in the Baroque style and comprises two sections. The first is the residence built by Leonardo de Figueroa and features original elements such as the tiled galleries arranged in a circle leading to the fountain, and the staircase beneath an elliptical vault decorated with Baroque plasterwork. The second part of the building is a church with a half-barrel vault with lunettes and rib arches. It now houses the Centro Velázquez, devoted to famous painter Diego Velázquez.…A beautiful 17^th century baroque mansion, Seville’s most typical patio – embellished with plants and intimate in design and of course decorated in tiles, a church filled with rich murals and frescoes (now used for music), and a painting done by Diego Velazquez called ‘Santa Rufino’  the Patron Saint of Seville, painted between 1632 -1634 and what more you do need?  If you know your artists this is indeed a very special and very rare visit.

https://hospitalvenerables.es/

Then to visit the Alcazar and Gardens. Our guide will take us through this incredibly impressive monument of Sevilla. The site was initially a Roman settlement, later used by the Visigoths. In 712 Seville was conquered by the Arabs, who transformed the building in a palace-fortress. When Fernando III of Castile regained the city in 1248, the Alcázar became the Royal Palace. His son, Alfonso X, initiated the first works and ordered the construction of the Gothic Palace. The numerous rooms, patios and halls vary in architectural styles from the Islamic to Neoclassical. The beautiful gardens and fountains are all different in look, feel and decoration. The garden-orchards not only supplied food for the palace residents but had the aesthetic function of bringing pleasure. Water was ever present in the form of irrigation channels, runnels, jets, ponds and pools. The gardens adjoining the Alcázar of Seville have undergone many changes. In the 16th century during the reign of Philip III the Italian designer Vermondo Resta introduced the Italian Mannerist style. Resta was responsible for the Galeria de Grutesco (Grotto Gallery) transforming the old Muslim wall into a loggia from which to admire the view of the palace garden. https://alcazar.nomadgarden.org/gardens/real-alcazar/

Then we will enjoy Lunch.

Followed by a panoramic tour by coach with stops to visit Parque Maria Luisa and the colourful Triana area. Plaza de España was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 (Expo 29), along with many of the pavilions you can see in and around the Parque Maria Luisa which is across from this. The Maria Luisa Gardens were built by JCN Forestier. This building will take your breath away. I was simply stunned as I stood and looked at it. Seville’s most impressive and majestic after the cathedral, for its sheer scale and grandeur. All that tilework – from guardrails to finials on the roofs and everything in between – you must see this in person to truly appreciate that each tile piece is unique. The building is a semi circular brick building, Renaissance/neo-Moorish in style, with a huge tower at either end.  All along the wall in front of the building are 48 alcoves with benches – one for each province of Spain, each with a relevant tableau and map, all designed on colourful azulejos (painted ceramic tiles). In front of the building, following the curve of its façade, is a 500-metre canal crossed by four bridges. Lots of boats on this lake with people happily paddling as they made their way around. It was simply amazing to stand on one of these bridges and take it all in.

https://www.visitasevilla.es/en/history/plaza-de-espana

Then back to our hotel for the rest of the day/evening at your leisure.

Did you know? The Giralda minaret is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture built in 1184 to 1197. It stands next to the Cathedral with its five naves; the largest Gothic building in Europe (and holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus). Make time to visit if you can as it is worth seeing and yes – do walk all the way up to the top of the minaret for an incredible memory. (I did) to discover that there are no steps, just a wide ramp because when the minaret was built the Imam used to ride a horse up to the top for the call to prayer! (or so the story goes)

Breakfast and Lunch included, Dinner on own

Pack up this evening, check safe and power adaptors you may have used. Keep passport in carry on.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters and the most beautiful examples of 20th century Modernism and avant-garde. It is no surprise that emblematic constructions by the Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Doménech i Montaner have been declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.

Arriving into Barcelona on the AVE Train, we board our coach and go to our hotel for a brief stop before walking over to Casa Milà. We will have a box lunch while on the train as we pass by olive groves and orange orchards. It is a lovely ride.

Casa Milà, popularly known as ‘La Pedrera’, is probably one of the most famous buildings of the Catalan Modernisme or Catalan Art Nouveau period and one of the architect Antoni Gaudí’s most ambitious works. It is a structure that is a work of art in itself. Gaudí planned Casa Milà (1906–1912) at the age of fifty-three, when he was at the height of his powers and had found a style of his own independent of any established ones. It turned out to be his last civil work and one of the most innovative in its functional, constructive and ornamental aspects. Indeed, thanks to his artistic and technical ideas, it has always been considered a breakthrough work, outside the concepts of the time, a rara avis in Modernisme itself and, especially, a work that anticipated the architecture of the 20th century.

https://www.lapedrera.com/en/home

I have chosen what I think are the most representative of his works on this tour but there is much more that you can discover on your leisure day in Barcelona. Here are some more ideas….

http://www.globotreks.com/destinations/10-gaudi-buildings-barcelona/

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/attractions/barcelona-architecture.html

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/attractions/barcelona-tourist-attractions.html

Also worth walking to is the Block of Discord, noted for having buildings by four of Barcelona’s most important Modernista architects.  Their styles were very different and here you see them all up close and they seem to clash with each other creating this discord.

https://www.barcelonas.com/manzana-de-la-discordia.html

Capri by Fraser – Studio Apartment – Four Nights

Nearby is the impressive National Theatre of Catalonia, the modern musical complex L’Auditori and the club Razzmatazz that hosts the hottest gigs and parties in Barcelona. Capri by Fraser also has the perfect view point to see the sky scraper Torre Agbar, a must see attraction when in town.  A fifteen minute walk will take you to the Barceloneta beach, where you can walk along the shore and just be in the moment.  The hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace where you can sit back and enjoy the view.  Your room is lovely and bright and comes with its own little mini kitchen.  Twin beds for those sharing a room and Queen bed for single or double.

https://barcelona.capribyfraser.com/en/accommodation/studio-deluxe-apartments.html

Breakfast and Box Lunch Included, Dinner on own

Sit back, enjoy the spectacular Mediterranean views from our coach as we make our way out of Barcelona to the Botanical Gardens of Marimurtra.

Located in Blanes, in Costa Brava, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens on the Mediterranean. At the top of steep cliffs running along the sea, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the coastline and get to know more than four thousand plant species, most of them exotic ones, as well as several specimens that are extraordinary because of their age or size. Marimurtra is the work of a man with a passion for nature. Carl Faust was a businessman residing in Catalonia who devoted his hopes, his efforts and all his fortune to make his dream come true, the Botanical Garden Marimurtra.

https://marimurtra.cat/en/

Tossa de Mar – Some leisure stroll time in this Seaside Resort before our Lunch.

Before becoming a tourist resort, Tossa de Mar was a small fishing village, and before this, was involved in various other industries such as cork, food preservation, charcoal burning, wine making and olive oil production. At one time, Tossa even had a fleet of boats which traded with other Mediterranean ports and America. Another important part of Tossa’s history was the filming of Pandora and the Flying Dutchman in the 1950s, with Ava Gardner and James Mason in starring roles. At one of the most spectacularly astounding viewpoints of the Vila Vella, there is a magnificent bronze statue of the renowned American actress, Ava Gardner. A tranquil stroll around the old town reveals a multitude of intricately interwoven alley ways, each leading to it’s own spectacular pine framed view of the bay of Tossa, lapped by the sparkling topaz blue Mediterranean, sunlight drizzling through the branches. If you need ideas of what to do while here, please check out https://www.infotossa.com/en

We finish off this exquisitely relaxed day with a guided visit to Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret de Mar

This wonderful garden was landscaped in a setting of great beauty on top of a cliff with breath taking views over the sea. It is a fine specimen of the spirit that animated the Noucentista movement in Calalonia – an early 20^th century movement for intellectual and aesthetic renewal that found a distinguished spokesman in the writer Eugeni d’Ors.  The Santa Clotilde gardens were designed in the manner of the dainty yet austere gardens of the Italian Renaissance by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri at the age of twenty-eight, when he was still brimming over with admiration for his master in the art of landscape gardening, JCN Forestier. In these gardens, Rubió ignored Forestier’s teachings with their Spanish-Arabic slant mixed up with images of the French garden, as he had seen when working with Forestier, and instead sought to recover the spirit of the Italian Renaissance as the essence of modernity. A new bourgeoisie was then emerging, looking back nostalgically on the prestige enjoyed by patrons of the arts during the Renaissance. The garden greets us with a blend of features from the Villa Medici, the Villa Borghese and perhaps the Boboli gardens as well – Florence was where one went for inspiration at the time. The spirit of romanticism underlies the garden, expressed in the marble bust glimpsed amid the vines, looking out to sea with its back to us – another delightful parody of that romantic sentiment of union with nature, closer to Leopardi than to his master C.D. Friedrich. These gardens, work on which began before the house, feature a collection of marble statues in the neo-classical style and the mermaids by the sculptress Maria Llimona. All the paths, avenues, squares and steps are set off by clipped hedges that form splendid green architectural shapes.

https://barcelonanavigator.com/santa-clotilde-gardens/

Then we make our way back to our hotel…renewed in spirit and basking in the memories. Evening at your leisure.

Breakfast and Lunch included with Dinner on own

Barcelona is very easy to walk around and enjoy and our hotel is very close to great shopping venues as well. Make your own memories today as you stroll, remember to look up as you walk too or you will miss some great architectural features. Cafes seem to be on every street corner and as I walked along the streets I had the distinct feeling I was here before for it is very European.

Breakfast included, Lunch and Dinner on own

Today, our last day, I want to share two very special places we will visit…both so special and so utterly unique.

Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia

I did not know what to expect on the inside…I only knew that even with the scaffolding from continual building I was mesmerized by every inch of it on the outside.  It was so totally bizarre. The outside is busy, colourful in spots with the tiles yet so very grey, having so much symbolism and inside….well, I loved it for being so different from the outside! As with all of Gaudi’s work, you either like it or not but I don’t think you can make that presumption without seeing it in person. It is so different from our usual thinking and it just plain takes time for it all to sink in. I loved the peace that I felt inside, especially when the sun shone through the most beautiful and unique stained glass windows you will set your eyes on. When this happens you cannot help but look up and feel you are being transported on one of the beams of colour. At the time of Gaudi’s death in 1926 less than a quarter of this project was complete. They say it should be complete by 2026, the centenary of his death.

Paul Goldberger, an American architectural critic and educator, called it “The most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages.” The building’s design itself has been polarizing. Assessments by Gaudí’s fellow architects were generally positive; Louis Sullivan greatly admired it, describing Sagrada Família as the “greatest piece of creative architecture in the last twenty-five years. It is spirit symbolized in stone”. George Orwell called it “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” James A. Michener called it “one of the strangest-looking serious buildings in the world” and British historian Gerald Brenan stated about the building “Not even in the European architecture of the period can one discover anything so vulgar or pretentious.” The building’s distinctive silhouette has nevertheless become symbolic of Barcelona itself, drawing an estimated 2.5 million visitors annually.

Did you know? Since he was convinced that nothing of value could be achieved without sacrifice, Gaudi dedicated himself to an austere life of prayer and detachment. On occasion Gaudi had expressed a desire to die in a hospital among the poor people. This came to pass when he was run down by a street car. The police didn’t recognize him and seeing him a poor man, they took him to the Holy Cross Hospital, where he died June 10th, 1926.

https://sagradafamilia.org/

And Finally…

The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the most representative monuments of Art Nouveau architecture. An emblematic building of the Catalan Modernism, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Built between 1905 and 1908 by the great architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural jewel of Barcelona. Our guided tours starts in the Rehearsal Hall of the Orfeó Catala, where the foundation stone of the building was laid in 1905 and where even today, as it has for more than 100 years, the choir of the Orfeó Català rehearses regularly. Sitting in this intimate space, you can find out the reason for its importance with an audiovisual tour. The tour continues along the grand staircase decorated with flowers, Catalan flags and a single rail: built in a clever combination of a range of materials including iron and glass to create a world of detail which never ceases to amaze. Next we’ll visit the Lluís Millet Hall, where you can glimpse the large balcony with columns symbolizing flowers of every kind, in a tribute to nature. Finally we’ll go into the Concert Hall where an explosion of colour, shapes and light will welcome you to this great masterpiece of decorative art which amazes and inspires visitors and artists day after day. You will also go up to the second floor, next to the great skylight a drop of water and honey, a source of both light and inspiration. And finally the organ of the Palau, overlooking the room, will accompany you on a little musical journey. What an ending to a magical tour!

https://www.palaumusica.cat/en/the-art-nouveau-building_23602

We will head back to our hotel until our Farewell Dinner later on this evening.

Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included with Lunch on your own

Or you may choose to stay on. If you want to use the same hotel do let me know so I can confirm post tour nights for you.

Independent arrivals into Porto (transfer from the airport not included in the tour price but can be arranged for you).  Airport is approx.. 11 kms from city.  http://www.porto-airport.com/transportation.html  check here for alternative transport into Porto from Airport.

Check in at your city centre hotel Carris Ribeira 4* CHECK in Time is 3 pm

https://www.carrishoteles.com/en/hotels/hotel-carris-porto-ribeira-porto/

Your Carris Room… Pleasant and comfortable, with everything you need so you can fully enjoy your stay. Room equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, infusions kit and an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer. Cosy. Comfortable. Modern decoration.  Free wifi

Welcome Dinner at “O Comercial” restaurant (inside the Stockmarket Palace within walking distance).

Night: Porto, Carris Ribeira

Porto History  https://www.introducingporto.com/history

Meet your guide at the hotel and explore the city of Porto in a guided tour with visits to São Francisco Church, Ribeira, the Cathedral and other landmarks of this UNESCO city.

São Francisco Church

The Franciscan Order established the Church of São Francisco in 1245. It was initially a small church and convent, which in later years was altered extensively. In 1832, a fire destroyed a part of the church and in its place the Stock Exchange was built. Even though the church’s origins are Romanesque, it was later transformed into one of the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture in Porto, as well as bearing some elements of the Baroque style. São Francisco has three naves coated in golden carvings. It is believed that over 300 kilos of gold dust were used to decorate the church’s interior. The ornamentation was for a time considered too extravagant for the poverty that surrounded it, so it was closed for a few years. One of the most beautiful altarpieces of the Church is located in the North aisle. The “Tree of Jesse” is a wooden sculpture by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes depicting the family tree of Jesus, considered one of a kind. There are also catacombs.

Located on the riverbank of the Douro, Ribeira is one of the most important areas when getting to know Porto. What’s more, it’s one of the most beautiful and liveliest districts in Porto’s historic centre. It is one of the most authentic and picturesque parts of the city in the heart of the old town. As its name suggests, the district is situated on the riverbank (Ribeira in Portuguese stems from the word river). Its colourful and wonderfully decorated façades are noteworthy and you’ll also find quaint terraced houses on the waterfront that reflect on the Douro River.

The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is an important religious edifice in the city and has been declared a National Monument. It is situated in the upper part of Porto. The Cathedral is in Batalha, very close to the walls that once protected the city. The building looks a bit like a fortress with crenels from the outside. The construction of the Cathedral began during the twelfth century, but it was rebuilt and renovated numerous times throughout the centuries. This explains why the Cathedral is a mix of architectural styles. The temple is predominantly Baroque in style, although its façade and the nave are Romanesque and its cloister and one of the chapels are Gothic in style. Inside, the large pillars make the nave seem narrow with a high ceiling. It has a restrained decoration with bare walls and only the high altar and some of its chapels are decorated in a Baroque style. The entrance to the cloister is located inside the Cathedral, through a door to the right of the temple. The cloister dates back to the fourteenth century and is decorated with tiles painted with some of the scenes from the Bible.

Lunch at leisure

Afternoon visit Serralves Park

In Serralves we come upon an unmistakable landmark of Portuguese architecture – a very fine example of early 20th-Century gardening art and the only garden laid out in this era in the manner of landscape architecture. The work of Jacques Gréber in 1932, it is characterised by a subtly Art Deco, modern classicism influenced by French gardens of the 16th and 17th centuries. In the south of the garden we find a water garden of multilayered, interconnected water features, while in the western portion an avenue of liquid ambers stretches out. With the birth of the Museum of Contemporary Art, in 1996, a new landscape was laid out in harmony with the new building and includes species native to the north of Portugal, including birch, holly, oak, yew, hawthorn and heather.

Port wine tasting at Sandeman wine cellars

Founded in 1790, Sandeman is not only famous for its quality wines but also to the mysterious man on its logo, known as ‘The Sandeman Man’, created in 1928 to represent the brand. It has a magical component, which is probably linked to the Sandeman Don, the company’s enigmatic and inspirational icon. This curious figure has a long black Portuguese cape and a Spanish hat that covers his face. The icon is stamped on all the companies products.

Back to hotel with rest of the evening at leisure

Night: Porto, Carris Ribeira

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on own

We meet our guide this morning and drive 1.5 hours to Santar Garden Village. Located at the heart of the Dão Wine region, Santar is a small village of 1000 inhabitants, known for its beautiful manor houses and centuries-old palaces. It offers a unique combination of religious and noble architecture, terroir, wonderful natural landscapes and winemaking traditions. Here granite marks its presence and transforms itself in a profusion of walls, fountains, tanks and noble, agricultural, rustic and religious buildings. Behind these walls, supported by walls, lie gardens on terraces and kilometers of hedges in carved boxwood – including the beloved “carreiras” of Beira – hide tanks. It is also home to a constellation of magnificent historical gardens around the main estates– Casa dos Condes de Santar e Magalhães, Casa das Fidalgas, Casa Ibérico Nogueira and Casa da Magnólia, among others – which have been restored and united under a single landscape plan designed by the celebrated Spanish landscape architect Fernando Caruncho.

A manor house associated with an agricultural and winery estate, the house of the Condes de Santar and Magalhães is a good example of Mannerist civil architecture where they also punctuate baroque and neoclassical characteristics.

Although much was altered by successive reforms – especially in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries – the House of Fidalgas had a medieval origin and started by being a manor tower.

Located in the heart of the village of Santar, Casa dos Linhares or Casa Iberico Nogueira is a good example of an urban house for Beira with an agricultural past. Built in granite, it has two floors and attic.

Property of the family Pinto Amaral Homem, the Magnolia House, named after its penultimate owner, Maria Adelaide Portugal, who thus intended to pay double homage to a centenary magnolia grandiflora that existed in her garden.

https://santargardenvillage.com/

Lunch at “Paço dos Cunhas de Santar” with Dão wines

The Beira Alta, the upper mountainous region, which is where Dão wine comes from is what we will be tasting with our lunch in this area at the Paco Dos Cunhas. For an important wine region like this it comes as a bit of a surprise that vineyards don’t dominate the landscape. Just 5% of the region is under vine, with pockets of vines planted in clearings in the pine and eucalyptus forests clothing the hilly terrain.

https://vinhadocontador.pt/o-paco-dos-cunhas/

En route to Porto stop at Viseu historic center all built in granite stone. In the Center of Portugal, surrounded by mountains and rivers Vouga and Dão, stands the city of Viseu, birthplace of Vasco Fernandes, and milestone of sacred art and religious architecture, as evidenced by the numerous churches that adorn the historical center.. It’s not possible to separate Viseu from the history of the country, but the arts also owe much to the birthplace of Vasco Fernandes whose works are a symbol of the scholarship and excellence of Portuguese Renaissance. This famous 16^th century painter is the figure who left the greatest artistic heritage in Viseu. Viseu Cathedral is actually a great starting point for a visit to the city. In the cathedral churchyard, one of the most interesting places in the old town, you will find, apart from the Cathedral and the museums, Misericórdia Church, the pelourinho and Passeio dos Cónegos. Here you will often find dark granite, typical in the region, surrounded by contrasting white and seemingly immaculate façades.

Back to Porto and rest of the day at leisure

Night: LAST NIGHT in Porto, Carris Ribeira

Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on your own

After breakfast we will leave Porto with our guide.  Less than an hour’s drive for our first visit.

Quinta da Aveleda is a wine estate that is an integral part of the vinho verde region. Here the vines encircle a landscape created by Ju Janson that includes a wooded garden of immense botanical variety crisscrossed by narrow avenues and winding paths. We wander between lakes and pavilions, with our attention drawn to the architectural follies that bear testament to the artistic daydreams that were very much part of the Romantic era. Every corner at Quinta da Aveleda tells a story and it’s a journey for the senses. Among the rare species of century-old trees like the Japanese Cedar, the Swamp Cypress Tree or the American Sequoia, the 100-and-so species of camellias paint the lush green scenery in red hues. The central lake, the Manueline window – an elaborately carved 15th century stone window from which Dom João IV was proclaimed King of Portugal and originally part of the house where Prince Henry the Navigator was born, now sits, surrounded by flowers, on one of three islands in a lake. You can admire it from the unusual summer house that overlooks the lake, its fountains and swans., the tea house on the lake and the Nossa Senhora da Vandoma fountain are part of an ancient legacy that has been preserved in every corner of this garden hidden in the middle of the Vinho Verde Wine Region. The vineyards hold the gardens at Quinta da Aveleda in a tight embrace. The passion and dedication to wine are reflected in the lush, beautiful and healthy vineyards that are precisely spaced and organised. A symphony of forms and textures that delights the viewer. At the core of the property, the main house is the very heart of Quinta da Aveleda. Still inhabited by the Guedes Family today, it’s an iconic symbol of the estate with its walls covered in vines and its architectural extravaganzas.

https://www.aveleda.com/en/wine-tourism/winery Visit of the gardens followed by a wine tasting.

Continue to Casa de Juste – a private manor house, including home made lunch and wines

Five hundred years of heritage and family history are embodied at Casa de Juste, a beautiful home and garden framed within the vineyards and hills of northern Portugal. ‘It is our privilege and pleasure to share with you the atmosphere and values that underly all that we do here. Join us to explore the sights and sounds, fragrance and feel of our extensive gardens. Learn about the centuries of history hidden behind the massive granite architecture, so typical of the region. Relax and savour the flavours of the area, taste fine wines and delicious, authentic local cuisine, freshly prepared here from the finest of ingredients.’ Visit and you will discover for yourselves what makes Casa de Juste so very special.  https://www.casadejuste.com/index.html

Visit of the gardens with the owners and enjoy homemade lunch with the wines of the house.

Continue to Guimarães, Unesco medieval city

Guimarães is a very pretty destination and is a great example of a traditional and peaceful northern Portuguese city. Found within the compact centre are narrow cobbled streets, fine examples of medieval architecture and delightful plazas filled with open air cafes. The number of important historic monuments were recognised by UNESCO who declared the city a World heritage site in 2001. The Portuguese consider Guimarães as the birth place of Portugal, as it was here that the first king of Portugal (Afonso Henriques) was born. Afonso was baptised in the ancient Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo, the small church that is situated in front of the castle. The battle which founded Portugal as an independent country was fought within the vicinity of Guimarães and was the battle of São Mamede, fought in 1146. After this victory Guimarães became the capital of the fledging country but within 20 years the capital was relocated to Coimbra due to logistic reasons.

Check in at Hotel da Oliveira 4* in the town center

The Hotel da Oliveira is a sophisticated hotel, surrounded by history, offering a personalized quality service, and where all guests will be welcomed in a refined atmosphere, with the typical intimacy and charm of a private house. The project, developed by Interior Designer Paulo Lobo, transformed an old Pousada de Portugal into a contemporary hotel in the heart of the historical center. The Hotel presents a concept developed around the topic “Feel Guimarães”, following the recent dynamics connected to Guimarães 2012, European Capital of Culture. The main goal is to promote the city, using the information given and felt by the guest at the Hotel. The city of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was the inspiration for the concept “one room, one story”. Thus, each of the 20 rooms will have a light box with an artistic creation about the main events, activities and personalities associated to the local History, Culture, Industry and Religion. The purpose is to organize itineraries inspired by the experience and the direct contact with the topic of each room, inviting the guest to find more about it and this way giving more meaning to the whole stay.

http://www.hoteldaoliveira.com/

Standard double room with twin beds or double bed, overlooking the courtyards and alleys of the historic area.  These comfortable accommodations offer a perfect urban retreat combining original pieces of furniture with contemporary, author-designed décor. The rooms are equipped with private bathroom, Air Conditioning, Hairdryer, Safe, Minibar, TV, Telephone, Free Internet (Wireless) and a tablet for the exclusive use of the guest.

Dinner at “HOOL”, the hotel ‘s restaurant

Night: Guimarães, Hotel da Oliveira

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Visit Braga with our guide (30 minutes driving) which is specially known for the baroque architecture and Bom Jesus spectacular staircase

Braga is a wonderful tourist destination that combines history and culture, with numerous outstanding tourist attractions. The city is often regarded as the religious centre of Portugal, and this is confirmed every hour when a cacophony of different church bells ring-out. Braga is home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal, and a day’s sightseeing can provide a glimpse into the importance and extensive history of the city. Within the maze of narrow streets, Gothic churches back onto modern shopping streets and grand baroque buildings surround peaceful plazas. Even though Braga is the third largest city of Portugal, it does not have a hectic pace or crowded atmosphere and is a joy to explore.

Along with being an enthralling city, Braga is also the setting for one of the finest monuments of Northern Portugal, the Bom Jesus do Monte. This beautiful church and much famed baroque staircase, which depicts the ascent to heaven. In the unexpected layout of the Sacramento do Bom Jesus, the design fuses naturally with the difficult topography of the hillside to create a staircase of gardens on different levels reinforcing the typically baroque effect of a multiplication of spaces and views.

After lunch on your own a visit to the private garden of Paço de São Cipriano. A short distance from Guimarães, stands the imposing Paço de São Cipriano, a building dating from the 15th century. It is a garden of the “French type”, where the “topiary’ expresses itself. The box takes on unusual dimensions with characteristic shapes, predominating also the camellias – a hedge of about eighty meters – and the azaleas. In the foreground the mirror lake of water with, in the background of the Tower. The gardens of the Paço de S. Cipriano are an exceptional example in the north of the country, due to the absence of large fountains, replaced instead by the mirror lake of water. A narrow alley connects the central terrace with the border of the house to a lake against the wall surrounding the garden. Sober Tuscan columns, of seventeenth-century design, identical to those on the porch of the entrance, fit this lake by referring to the whole for the 17^th century. The lake of Paço de S. Cipriano, has affinities with great lakes of Bacalhôa, Torres or Fronteira. In the garden, we can observe the beautiful art of topiary, traditional in the gardens of Northern Portugal, applied to boxwood, myrtle and camellias. Since 1446, this magnificent residence has belonged to one of Portugal’s oldest families, the Santiago Sottomayors. https://pacoscipriano.com/

Back to Guimarães

Remainder of the day at leisure

Night: LAST NIGHT Guimarães, Hotel da Oliveira

Breakfast Included with lunch and dinner on own

After breakfast leave with luggage to Douro Valley (aprox 2 hours driving)

Stop at one of the most breathtaking Vantage points of the region and continue to the spectacular Quinta do Crasto where some of the best wines of the region are produced. We will be met at the estate by our guide for our visit of the estate and vineyards followed by private lunch with presentation of the wines.

Located in a prime spot in the Douro Demarcated Region in Northern Portugal, Quinta do Crasto has been in the family of Leonor and Jorge Roquette for more than a century. Like all the other great Douro estates, Quinta do Crasto dates far back into ancient times. The name Crasto comes from the Latin castrum meaning “Roman fort”. The earliest records mentioning Quinta do Crasto and its wine production date back to 1615. It later received Feitoria status (the highest vineyard classification of the time), together with the other noteworthy estates of the Douro Valley. Between 1758 and 1761, the Marquis of Pombal ordered the installation of 335 granite markers – each standing two metres high and 30 x 20 centimetres – to delineate the first ever Demarcated Region in the world. One of these stone pillars, or “marcos pombalinos” in Portuguese, dates back to 1758 and can still be seen today at the Quinta do Crasto nearby the century-old farm house. In the 1940s, all of these markers were inventoried and declared property of national interest. Family owned, fourth generation. Quinta do Crasto today has a full range of products, from white and red Douro wines, to premium Port wines and Extra Virgin Olive oils.

https://quintadocrasto.pt/welcome-note/?lang=en

https://quintadocrasto.pt/swimming-pool/?lang=en

Continue to Pinhão and check in at Vintage House Hotel 5*

In the heart of Douro Valley’s Demarcated Wine Region, considered World Heritage by UNESCO, you will find The Vintage House Douro, right on the Douro River. On arriving at your room, your first instinct will be to walk to the balcony to take in the unique landscape before you, already thinking how wonderful it is and how hard it will be to leave.

https://www.vintagehousehotel.com/

All Standard rooms have balconies providing breathtaking views over the Douro River letting you enjoy the sunlight and the amazing sunset. They all feature twin beds that can be joined together to create a king size bed, en-suite bathroom with shower over bath, working desk with lamp, LCD TV, telephone, dryer, safe, satellite channels and minibar. Free wifi

Dinner at Vintage House restaurant “Rebelo”

Night: Pinhão, Vintage House

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Walk to the pier (just outside your hotel) and discover Douro Valley UNESCO landscape on a cruise in a traditional wooden boat. The landscape of the Douro is very much a part of its history and heritage, and our exploration continues with a boat trip – on a traditional rabelo – that lazily transports us through a vision of step slopes covered in vines and punctuated by cypresses, all part of a landscape of terraces shaped by man almost as if it were a series of gardens.

Back to Pinhão and drive to the spectacular Quinta da Gricha

Visit of the historic wine Estate and scenic vineyards with the Estate guide. Enjoy al fresco lunch with organic vegetables produced in the estate and Churchil’s renowned wines. Gricha is home to the distinguished Churchill’s Port and Douro wines, which have achieved numerous accolades during the last decades and today rank among the world’s most prestigious wines.

We will take you on a tour, visiting the vineyards and the historic lodge built in 1852, with its unique granite lagares, explaining the importance of the terroir and different grape varieties in our style of wines. A visit to the Gricha Fountain from which the property took its name is also part of our tour. The charm of Gricha continues at the table, for lunch, where the best regional dishes go together with Churchill’s wines. Weather permitting, the Patio das Laranjeiras is the perfect setting for lunch under the orange trees. Should the weather not allow you to sit outside, then the perfect alternative is to lunch inside the caseiros kitchen with its traditional beamed ceilings and original stone oven. Our cuisine is based on traditional dishes from the Douro region and the North of Portugal

https://churchills-port.com/

Visit one of the most spectacular Vantage points of the region and back to Pinhão

Rest of evening at Leisure

NIGHT: LAST NIGHT Pinhão, Vintage House

Breakfast and Lunch Included with dinner on own

En route to Porto visit Mateus spectacular baroque Manor house and Gardens – Casa visit with estate guide and garden visit on own

The Casa de Mateus was built in the first half of the 18^thcentury by António José Botelho Mourão, 3^rd Morgado de Mateus. This replaced the former family house which had stood on the site since the beginning of the 17^th century. In 1910, it was classified as a National Monument. The artefacts on permanent display at the Casa de Mateus constitute an important and unique collection of heritage and artistic value that communicates the history of the Family and the House. The Casa de Mateus is nowadays a living museum which retains the original arrangements and functions of many of its rooms. The Baroque architecture in the Italian taste, is attributed to Nicolau Nasoni in view of its similarity of style to other works by him. According to Robert Smith, a specialist in his work, the architect is likely to have spent the years 1739 – 1743 on the construction of the house, or at least on its central façade and decoration.

The fantasy gardens of the house descend in terraces of box trees complete with a complex arrangements of flowerbeds. A tunnel of cypress trees arrives as a surprise and we head along a magnificent path formed by vaulted, verdant foliage. At the end of our stroll we discover a truly beautiful arrangement of box trees, the shape of which fans out from a Hinoki cypress tree in a series of flutes, arches and arabesques.

http://www.casademateus.com/?lang=en

http://www.casademateus.com/sightseeing-wine-tourism/gardens/?lang=en

Stop at charming town of Amarante. The beautiful scenery that Amarante possesses resembles the colours and textures you would most likely find in a delicate oil painting. The manner in which the trees softly embrace you and the perfect way the sun hits the Tâmega River on a late afternoon, seems to be Amarante’s special way of welcoming its visitors.

Farewell Lunch at Casa da Calçada restaurant with wines from the hotel’s adjoining vineyards.

In Northern Portugal, a short drive inland from Porto, straddling the banks of a gentle river, lies the elegant village of Amarante, which has been described as one of the most beautiful places on earth. With verdant trees drooping into the river and elegant, ancient buildings, Amarante could be the setting for a fairy tale. In its centre, overlooking the Tamega River, the ancient bridge and the Saint Gonçalo Church and Convent, you’ll find a grand and imposing 19th century palace. Completely restored, this palace houses the luxury 5 star boutique hotel Casa da Calçada Relais & Chateaux. Casa da Calçada’s Largo do Paço Restaurant is justly renowned and has been awarded a Michelin star, the only in Northern Portugal. It regularly wins international and Portuguese awards for its modern, innovative cuisine that is steeped in local gastronomic traditions and ingredients. The casa considers supporting local suppliers a duty—without them, the traditional character of its dishes would be lost. When selecting new suppliers, the restaurant’s team takes the time to understand the supplier’s products and facilities; and, conversely, suppliers are invited to the kitchens to see their products in use. The restaurant operates a partnership with local supplier H2Duoro for organic vegetables and supports the region’s honey producers.

Continue to Porto and rest of the day is at leisure.

Night: Porto, Carris Ribeira

Breakfast and Farewell Lunch Included and dinner on own

Your breakfast is included and transfers to the airport on your own or as arranged.

…. Espero que tenham gostado do seu tempo especial em Portugal e desejem-lhe uma boa viagem para casa….

After arrival into London please make your way to your hotel. Check in 3 pm and if you arrive earlier they will hold your luggage. Once in your room, unpack that bag and put it away…you won’t need to see it again for 8 nights.

The Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is a contemporary hotel in prestigious Kensington, located just behind High Street Kensington Metro station. Renowned for its warm hospitality, the hotel offers well-appointed and comfortable guest rooms with an enviable central location in Kensington. The hotel is a short stroll away from Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens including the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens, and also very close to the Science Museum and Natural History Museum. High Street Kensington’s ‘first class’ shops are only a stone throw away from the hotel. At the metro station you will find all kinds of places to eat as well as Marks & Spencer and Boots drugs.

Your standard room includes with one bed for Double and Single or twin beds for those sharing. WiFi is complimentary and so are coffee and tea making facilities. There is also a mini fridge, safe, hairdryer and trouser press.

https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/london/copthorne-tara-hotel-london-kensington/#home

We will meet later on this evening in the hotel restaurant for our Welcome Dinner which will be three courses including a glass of wine.

After breakfast we will leave by coach for our visit to this delightfully plant packed garden. Our guide will highlight the most important aspects as this is a huge property…in a one hour tour, then you are free to wander the gardens on your own.  There is so much to see here including the new Welcome Building.  You can see it here… https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/garden-highlights/welcome-building  I cannot imagine what is waiting for us there!

Wisley was founded by Victorian businessman and RHS member George Ferguson Wilson, who purchased a 60-acre site in 1878. He established the “Oakwood Experimental Garden” on part of the site, where he attempted to “make difficult plants grow successfully”. Wilson died in 1902 and Oakwood was purchased by Sir Thomas Hanbury, the creator of the celebrated garden La Mortola on the Italian Riviera. He gave both sites to the RHS the following year. Wisley is now a large and diverse garden covering 240 acres. In addition to numerous formal and informal decorative gardens, several glasshouses and an extensive arboretum, it includes small scale “model gardens” which are intended to show visitors what they can achieve in their own gardens, and a trials field where new cultivars are assessed.

We should be there at the perfect time for the Rhododendrons and Azaleas and you will have time after the guide leaves us to enjoy the garden on your own and have lunch on your own at their fabulous café with views to the gardens. Be sure to check out the new exotic garden…I love it. The garden will showcase a diverse range of plants, from palms and bananas to vibrant flowers such as dahlias, cannas and gazanias. Providing an alluring contrast from the nearby Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and Cottage Garden, the oasis will feature more than 100 species originating from tropical areas as far as Brazil and South Africa in an array of bold shapes and textures.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/map interactive map

Return back to hotel with your evening at leisure.

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on your own.

We will arrive at the gates just prior to them opening and once in you will be able to pick up your show guide and start enjoying this most prestigious flower show. I will share some of my tips on enjoying this show on our way back from RHS Wisley so you can arrive prepared.

After you have finished seeing all you want to see – it is open until 8 pm for those diehards – then you can make your own way back to the hotel. This way you are free to enjoy the show for as long as you like.

I would suggest that either tonight or tomorrow night would be the nights to book shows or theatre as the tour days are not advised. We just do not know about traffic and I would hate for you to miss an event that you had planned to go to.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/

Chelsea flower show 2019: this year’s top garden trends

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/may/22/chelsea-flower-show-2019-top-garden-trends

Return back to hotel with your evening at leisure.

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on your own.

In my tour notes to you, sent out about a month before the tour begins, I include lots of ideas on what to do with your day of leisure.

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on your own.

Scotney Castle is an English country house with formal gardens south-east of Lamberhurst in the valley of the River Bewl in Kent, England. It belongs to the National Trust. The gardens are a celebrated example of the Picturesque style. The central feature is the ruins of a 14^th century medieval, moated manor house, Scotney Old Castle, which is on an island on a small lake. The lake is surrounded by sloping, wooded gardens with fine collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and kalmia for spring colour. When I was there last the old castle had the most glorious white wisteria cascading over the walls. It is picture perfect and the castle is open now so that you can go inside to see what it looks like, looking out. You can also see the secret chamber which used to harbour a Jesuit priest at the time that being a Catholic was illegal. He sought escape here from 1591 – 1598.  On the way down to the old castle take the time to smell and admire all the Rhododendrons and Azaleas. There is a café and shop here.

A short history http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/kent/castles/scotney.htm

Website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

Bateman’s Garden, East Sussex ‘For the Glory of the Garden, that it may not pass away!’ Rudyard Kipling.

‘A seventeenth century Grade 1 Listed house with a twentieth century garden made by Rudyard Kipling, who lived here 1902-36. One might expect the design to recall his love of India. But it is an ‘Old English’ Arts and Crafts garden of the type one dreams of when sipping gin and tonic by the Irrawaddy River, to fend off malaria. The garden has a tunnel made of pear trees, yew hedges, stone paths, a rose garden, pond, wild garden and herb garden.’ It was his sanctuary…in the spring sunshine the garden and estate at Bateman’s are bursting with life and colour. Take time to explore the beautiful countryside that was the inspiration for Kipling… After Kipling’s death in 1936 Bateman’s passed to his wife Carrie. Following her death in 1939 the house and 330 acres of land were given to the National Trust as a memorial to her husband. There are guides in the house who delight in telling stories – and so many of them! So many mementos of their life and time here, just an amazing place to visit. There is a café and shop here.

Spring in the garden… https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans/features/spring-in-the-garden-at-batemans

Website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans/features/the-glory-of-the-garden-at-batemans

Return back to hotel with your evening at leisure.

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on your own.

Great Dixter is a house in Northiam, East Sussex, England. It was built in 1910–12 by architect Edwin Lutyens, who combined an existing mid-15th century house on the site with a similar structure brought from Benenden, Kent, together with his own additions. It is a Grade I listed building. (In simple terms, if a building is Grade 1 listed it is deemed to be of exceptional interest and may also have been judged to be of significant national importance. Grade 1 listing is usually reserved for much older and historically-important buildings) The garden, widely known for its continuous tradition of sophisticated plantsmanship, is Grade I listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a center of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world. As you enter the grounds you are struck at the sight of the house, so perfect in every quirky way and the planting is perfectly suited to the timbered façade. As you walk through the various gardens you are in fact walking around the house as well.  Perfectly placed plants surrounding home, barns and oast houses. There is a café and shop here.

Interactive map of gardens https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/plan-your-visit/map/

Website https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/garden/garden-tour/

Every gardener I think has heard of Vita Sackville-West and now you are in for another exceptional garden as we visit the home of Vita and her husband Harold Nicolson. They lived at Sissinghurst until 1962, the year she passed away and then in 1967 Harold gave Sissinghurst to the National Trust. She was a prolific writer, poet and most of all gardener. Their history as a couple is really quite amazing and many books have been written on it. The tower is where she wrote novels, plays, poetry and gardening books and is still left as though she was just out for a moment checking something in the garden. They had the most extraordinary life and relationships and both wrote many books…it is worth digging deeper. There is a café and shop here.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/9346537/Vita-Sackville-West-her-gardening-legacy.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/11166590/the-many-sides-of-vita-sackville-west.html

https://www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/garden-designers/31-vita-sackville-west-1892-1962.html

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-16-bk-6473-story.html

Return back to hotel with your evening at leisure.

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on your own.

After a hearty breakfast, we are off to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Kew Gardens is a world heritage site and a place of global significance. Kew contains the most diverse collection of living plants of any botanic garden in the world. The collection contains plants from tropical, temperate, arid and alpine climates, and are grown out in the Gardens and in controlled conditions within glasshouses and nurseries. A must visit is the Palm House…and the Marianne North Gallery for the most remarkable collection of botanical paintings you will ever see…833 paintings from her travels around the world. There are cafes and shops here. To help get you around, we are including the Kew Explorer train ticket which is hop on hop off throughout the garden. I will give you plenty of time here because there is just so much to see here and places to rest and enjoy lunch…

Map of garden – takes a while to download

https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/map

Map of the Kew Explorer Train route

https://www.kew.org/sites/default/files/Kew%20Explorer%20Route-and-Stops-February-2018.jpg

https://www.kew.org/

Return back to hotel with your evening at leisure.

Breakfast included with lunch and dinner on your own.

Now you have seen some extraordinary gardens on this tour and it only seems fitting that the last garden we visit should be West Green House Gardens…it is also extraordinary!! In a beautiful corner of North Hampshire, visit a garden of contrast and inspiration, created by acclaimed garden designer Marylyn Abbott. It is a garden with a special and distinctive sense of place created over two decades by Marylyn Abbott a renowned Australian garden designer whose twin passions for English Gardens and International Opera have created a unique environment. West Green House Gardens combines neo-classical style with contemporary design. A grand water staircase provides a focal point to the Nymphaeum Fountain designed by architect Quinlan Terry. The magnificent Walled Garden, faithfully restored to its original lines, is entered through an arbor of wisteria. An alley of apple trees divides an elaborate potager with its berry-filled fruit cages, annual flowers and colourful vegetables from its signature perennial borders exuberantly planted in subtle hues of mauve, plum and blue. There is a lot more to discover here. There is a lovely gift shop here as well.

To finish off our tour we will also enjoy a wonderful Afternoon Tea in the original Orangery, built in the 1770’s. This is a delightful and enchanting setting, filled to the rafters with plants and garden accessories. The perfect spot to chat and say Farewell….I cannot say enough about this garden, it is truly the perfect ending to an incredible variety of gardens that we have been privileged to visit.. To sit here among the flowers and enjoy Afternoon Tea is just well…magical.

Map of the Garden http://westgreenhouse.co.uk/garden/

Website http://westgreenhouse.co.uk/

Return back to hotel with your evening at leisure.

Once you have arrived into Istanbul, make your way to your hotel, the Yasmak Sultan, where the rest of the day you are at leisure to relax and get ready for our tour tomorrow.

Yasmak Sultan Hotel Istanbul, Double/Twin or Single room…3 nights.

The Yasmak Sultan Hotel is a charming four star hotel in Istanbul that places you in the epicenter of the cultural heritage of this Eternal City. Rooms are newly renovated to offer guests the harmony, comfort and warm atmosphere they deserve. From the hotel you have easy access to all of the most important, most magical sights both of ancient Costantinople and modern Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar are at your doorstep. All that Istanbul’s Old City Center has to offer is within walking distance of the Yasmak Sultan Hotel. The Sultan Spa offers indulgent treatments, indoor swimming pool and exceptional dining experiences on the rooftop of Olive Restaurant which serves exceptional Turkish Cuisine while you take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. ‘Our goal is to provide you with the genuine feel of Turkish hospitality during your stay with us.’ https://www.hotelyasmaksultan.com

After breakfast drive the Asian Side of Istanbul to explore…

Nezahat Gokyigit Botanic Garden, an unexpected oasis among the towering high-rise blocks and motorways that surround it. To date, more than 50,000 trees and shrubs have been planted in this 50-hectare park, which aspires to establish the largest collection of oaks in the world. A section of the garden is devoted to scented plants and there is also a rock and scree garden. Ali Nihat Gökyiğit began planting flowers in memory of his late wife in 1995. It since has mushroomed into many islands of themed gardens including collections of native irises and crocuses the envy of Kew. Black Sea rainforest and salt-desert gardens and formal Ottoman parterres flourish against a backdrop of futuristic tower blocks and constant motion.

http://www.ngbb.org.tr/en/tarihce-en.html

Did you know? Mulberries come in an array of hues: black, white, pink, purple; some enticingly sweet, others astringent and healing. As Berrin Torolsan can testify, having grown up with them in her Istanbul garden, all are adored – by man, mallard and pine marten alike. Here she traces the history of this luscious fruit.

http://www.cornucopia.net/magazine/articles/heavenly-berries/

Sabanci Museum used to be the home of the Sabanci Family, one of the two richest families of Turkey with a landscaped garden overlooking the Bosphorus. You will see exquisite calligraphic art spanning a period from the 14th to 20th century, Sakıp Sabancı Museum’s Arts of the Book and Calligraphy Collection consists of Koran manuscripts and prayer books written by renowned calligraphers, albums compiling pages of Koranic verses, hadith, aphorisms and verses decorated with ornamental works and cut-papers; large panels composed to be hung on the wall just like paintings; official documents bearing the imperial cipher of the Ottoman sultans, some of which are illuminated, and calligrapher’s tools made of silver and organic substances, such as coral, ivory, bone and tortoise shell, religious and state documents, paintings of the Ottoman era as well as the perfectly manicured and sculpture filled garden.

https://www.sakipsabancimuzesi.org/en    https://www.sakipsabancimuzesi.org/en/page/museum-history

Dolmabahce Palace. This site was one of the natural coves in Bosporus. In mythology it is the place where Argonauts’ legendary ship “Argo” had anchored in order to find the Golden Pelt, and in history Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror had beached his ships again in this cove to cross over to the Golden Horn during the conquest of Istanbul. This cove was where the Ottoman Admirals anchored the naval fleet and the traditional maritime ceremonies took place. In the early 19th century, Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839) enjoyed living in a large wooden palace in the “filled garden”. Mahmut’s son Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861), perhaps influenced by his father’s preference and by pleasant youthful years at Dolmabahçe decided to live here permanently. He commissioned the imperial architects of the Balyan family to tear down the old wooden structure and build a huge, sumptuous new palace on the spot. It didn’t matter to the sultan that he really didn’t have the money to do this. He was the sultan, after all. When it was finished, the sultan abandoned Topkapı and moved his harem to Dolmabahçe. The palace has a façade nearly a quarter mile (400 meters) long, 285 rooms and 43 large salons. The floors are covered in half a hectare (over an acre) of silk and wool Hereke carpets. The Bohemian crystal chandelier in the Throne Room, the world’s largest, weighs 4-1/2 tons and has 750 lights. https://www.dolmabahcepalace.com/

Overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)

The Blue Mosque whose interior walls are covered with twenty thousand blue Iznik tiles, features many different tulip, rose, carnation, and lily designs and is truly magnificent. More than 200 stained glass windows. The design of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church developments. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighboring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period of Ottoman Empire. The architect has applied the ideas of his master Sinan, aiming for overwhelming size, majesty and splendour.

http://www.bluemosque.co/  http://www.bluemosque.co/architecture.html

Topkapi Palace. It is the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to this day. The palace is surrounded by 5 km of walls and occupied  an area of 700,000 sq. m at the tip of the historical peninsula. It consists of three courtyards, each serving a different purpose. Therefore it was the heart, the brain, the very center of the Ottoman Empire http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/topkapi-palace.html

Gulhane Park, was once the palace preserve of Topkapı Palace, open only to the sultan, his harem, and other VIPs. which is now the oldest and one of the most expansive public parks, having wide paths, flowers, water features, and a large number of gracious and established plane trees, some dating back to the 19th century. Near the tea house is the Column of the Goths, a lofty 18.5-meter (60.6-foot) monolith of Proconnesian marble topped by a Corinthian capital. It is the oldest Roman-era monument in Istanbul still in its original location, believed to have been erected here in the late 3rd or early 4th centuries to celebrate Rome’s victories over the Goths in the Balkans. This area at the tip of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, called Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point), in the very oldest part of the city, thought to be where Byzas founded his trading colony (667 BCE), and where Septimius Severus built Augusta Antonina in the 3rd century CE. http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/gulhane-park.html

Grand Bazar, built in 1453. The ultimate medieval “shopping center,” with 4000 shops, fun whether you buy or just browse. Not all of them, by the way, are for tourists; locals shop here as well, lending a welcome dose of authenticity. http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/grand-bazaar.html

Tips for shopping https://turkeytravelplanner.com/details/Shopping/HowToBargain.html

Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Underground Basilica Cistern, largest surviving Byzantium Cistern, Beneath Istanbul lie hundreds of gloomy Byzantine cisterns. They’re left from the days when Istanbul was Constantinople. The grandest of all is the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıç), so called because it lay beneath the Stoa Basilica, a grand Byzantine public square. It’s also called the Sunken Palace Cistern (Yerebatan Saray Sarnıçı) because that’s what it looks like. Built by Justinian after 532, the Basilica Cistern stored water for the Great Palace and nearby buildings. Lost to memory, it was rediscovered by Petrus Gyllius, who came to Constantinople in search of Byzantine monuments. Gyllius, who noticed that local people got their water by lowering buckets through holes in the floors of their houses, found an entrance and thus put it back on the map. Whatever you call it, it’s impressive because of its size, measuring 138 meters (453 feet) long and 64.6 meters (212 feet) wide, covering nearly 9800 square meters (2.4 acres); its capacity (80,000 cubic meters—over 21 million US gallons) and its 336 marble columns.

The Ottomans used it to supply Topkapı Palace.

Remember the scene in the old James Bond movie From Russia With Love when Bond is rowing in a small boat through a forest of marble columns? That scene was filmed in Yerebatan. https://www.yerebatan.com/ http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/basilica-cistern.html

Hippodrome Istanbul’s Byzantine Hippodrome was the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history as well.

Basilica of St. Sophia that has inspired architects and religious leaders for hundreds of years. Constructed in 326 by Constantine the Great, it has been a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum. ‘The Church of the Divine Wisdom in Sultanahmet, Istanbul is one of the most impressive and important buildings ever constructed. Its wide, flat dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century, and architects still marvel at the building’s many innovations… Called Hagia Sophia in Greek, Sancta Sophia in Latin, Ayasofya in Turkish, it was built on the site of Byzantium‘s acropolis. Being the world’s most impressive building, it’s no wonder that Mehmet the Conqueror proclaimed it a mosque soon after his conquest of the city from the Byzantines in 1453. It served as Istanbul‘s most revered mosque until 1935 when Atatürk, recognizing its world-historical significance, had it proclaimed a museum. Most of the 30 million gold tesserae (tiny mosaic tiles) which cover the church’s interior—especially the dome— have recently been restored to the brilliance they boasted 1500 years ago.

http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/hippodrome.html

Then transfer to the Istanbul Airport to have late afternoon flight to Denizli. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B, D)

Doga Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale – 1 night, Double/Twin or Single, Standard Room

Doga Thermal is much more than just a hotel. Doga Thermal a fully equipped natural bath, spa and wellness centre. When you enter through the front door you will be taken by surprise, the foyer is taken over by a circular indoor swimming pool and poolside beds, feel yourself transported to a tropical oasis. This hotel takes a unique architectural design, resembling a Greek amphitheater but lined with rows of elegant rooms in place of stone seats. Even from the top floor you will be able to look down to the foyer from the internal balcony. If you are looking for a little relaxation and recreation then this is certainly an ideal place to base yourself when visiting Pamukkale. http://www.dogathermalhotel.com/

Our journey continues to Izmir, making a stop for Pamukkale, a magnificent, unique natural formation. Over the last 14,000 years, calcium rich water from an underground thermal spring has flowed over the mountainside and slowly solidified, creating Shallow White Basins and Twisted Stalagmites. Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters. It neighbors Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C.

http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/hierapolis–cotton-castle.html

Overnight in Izmir. (B, L)

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Izmir-Alsancak, Double/Twin or Single Guestroom, 3 nights.

Guests staying at this hotel in Izmir enjoy easy access to the historic old town, tempting restaurants, shopping malls, markets and a variety of entertainment options. Energize with a workout in the complimentary fitness center, swim in the sparkling waters of the rooftop pool, or unwind with a Turkish bath or a massage in the tranquil spa. At sunset, gaze out over incredible sea views as you sip an aperitif or a cocktail in the stylish Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, before savoring regional Turkish and Mediterranean specialties in the elegant Smyrna Restaurant.

https://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/turkey/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-izmir-alsancak-IZMIADI/index.html

Our included destination today is Urla where we will visit a truly beautiful and hidden plantation that has some of the largest collections of plant species in Europe with over 58 varieties of palms, various types of conifers, cacti, aromatic plants, broad leaved trees, olive trees some of which dated back 1,000 years, and taste delicious local olive oil. In the afternoon enjoy tasting Urla wines; having history dated 4^th Millennium BC. in one of the boutique vineyards of Urla. Overnight in Izmir. (B, L)

Today’s excursion takes us to Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered. Once populated with 300,000 people, it has an enormous amphitheatre, which can still hold 24,000 spectators. As you walk down the marble covered streets, see gymnasiums, bath houses, public latrines, the library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.  In the afternoon explore House of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last few days. Overnight in Izmir. (B, L) http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/ephesus.html

Today we will fly to Cappadocia, a World Heritage site with its culture and nature rooted in Turkey. (B, D)

BW Premier Hotel Cappadocia, Double/Twin and Single Standard Room, 3 nights

Set in a lush garden, Best Western Premier Cappadocia in Ürgüp is near Cappadocia’s rock formations. This renovated hotel has terraces and on-site restaurants. 76 rooms that are different from one another, all with terrace or balcony. Enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. You can eat in the restaurant of this hotel, which has a bar, or take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Enjoy your favorite drink at the bar / lounge or at the poolside bar.

http://www.bwpremiercappadocia.com

http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/house-of-virgin-mary.html

After breakfast visit hidden monastic valley of Pasabagi, which has a large number of carved rock houses and enjoy a visit to a local municipality carpet cooperation, sort of a carpet farm where you will get the chance to explore the district from a cultural perspective. http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/pasabagi.html

Our tour continues with the fascinating Goreme Valley. The lunar like landscape of this region is eerie, yet beautiful. Over thousands of years, the rain has eroded this landscape to give rise to strange rock formations known as “Fairy Chimneys”. Many of these have homes and churches carved into them. Some of the grottos are magnificently decorated with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Lunch will be in Museum Restaurant in Ortahisar where you may explore the town after on you own.

http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/goreme-museum.html

Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

After breakfast explore a typical Turkish village, Avanos to see the techniques of ceramic art dating from 12th B.C. to 3rd B.C. periods and then we will explore. Enjoy home cooking class and lunch with local family. In the afternoon you are free on your own exploration of Cappadocia and resting for overseas flight tomorrow. Enjoy your farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants of Cappadocia.

http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/avanos.html

Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L, D)

After breakfast transfer to Kayseri Airport to have a flight to home connection with Istanbul. (B)