Tour Details - 8 Day Chelsea Flower Show & London 2012

Day 1 Monday. Arrive London
Passengers are transferred on arrival from Heathrow airport to the centrally located Crowne Plaza London-St James Hotel, just behind Buckingham Palace. If you are already in London, you will make your own way to Crowne Plaza London-St. James Hotel. This evening meet your fellow like-minded guests at a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 Tuesday. Highgrove Garden of HRH Prince Charles
Today we explore the wonderful English landscape as we travel into the countryside for a visit and guided tour of the garden of HRH Prince Charles at Highgrove. This experimental garden is where the Prince has expounded his strong beliefs in organic gardening and farming. It also holds a wonderful collection of heritage fruit trees, which would otherwise be lost. See the Stump Garden and an amazing collection of garden presents given to the Prince over the years. Experience a traditional English afternoon tea with produce from his Farm Shops. *Note: This visit is subject to confirmation (not available at time of going to print) or an alternative garden will be visited.

Day 3 Wednesday. Private Gardens of London
This morning we have the opportunity to experience three private gardens in the East Hampstead area of London. Meet the garden owners and compare the English plantings and techniques with the Australian experience. The afternoon is free for you to explore London.Tonight, enjoy a special evening dinner lecture with renowned English garden designer and Chelsea Flower Show judge Rosemary Alexander. Hear about the judging criteria for Chelsea Flower Show gardens from a judge’s perspective.

Day 4 Thursday. Chelsea Flower Show
Today experience the famous Chelsea Flower Show. For over 140 years the Chelsea Flower Show has delighted the world with its amazing show gardens and floral exhibits. See the latest garden designs, plant and floral releases and talk to the exhibitors.

Day 5 Friday. Private Gardens of West Sussex
Enjoy a visit today to some private country gardens in West Sussex, including the garden of the Principal of The English Gardening School, Rosemary Alexander.

Day 6 Saturday. Free Day
Enjoy a free day to shop or sightsee.

Day 7 Sunday. Sissinghurst and Kew Gardens
Today travel to Kent to the iconic 1930’s white garden of Vita Sackville West and Sir Harold Nicholson at Sissinghurst. Travel back to London for a visit to World Heritage-listed Kew Gardens.

Day 8 Monday. Depart London
Arrangements conclude after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.