Tuesday 27th May. - Day 1
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 0218 departs Melbourne at 15.50 and Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 0222 departs Sydney at 15.40 both arriving in Singapore within fifteen minutes of each other,
then linking with Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 0618 which drops down into Osaka’s new international airport at Kansai at 08.35 on...
Wednesday 28th May - Day 2
Our coach is awaiting our arrival and we travel around the outskirts of Osaka and northwest to Kyoto a distance of approx. eighty kilometers. Flanked on all sides by lush, forested hills, and with the shallow waters of the cherry tree-lined Kamagawa river flowing gently down its length, Kyoto lies in a delightful setting. Originally modeled on Xian the ancient capital of China, Kyoto’s rich history reaches back to a time well before it’s choice as the imperial capital in the eighth century. Since then generations of artisans, and benefactors have helped build a most impressive architectural and cultural heritage most examples of which are set within the unique surrounds of a Japanese Garden. .
After checking into our hotel, the centrally situated Kyoto Hotel Okura, we’ll again board our coach and travel to the north eastern outskirts of the city and the first of our Japanese Gardens constructed within the grounds of the Ginkaku–ji Silver Pavilion. Over the latter part of this morning and into the afternoon we’ll make our way on foot along the ‘Philosopher’s Walk’ which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal meandering along the base of the Eastern Mountains, viewing a range of Japanese Gardens which are a feature of the essence of Japan.
Dinner this evening at our hotel.
Thursday 29th May – Day 3.
Tamba is located in an agricultural area nestled against the lush green Chugoku mountains west of Kyoto. Today we will travel into this region where “surrounded by idyllic natural beauty a traditional life-style lives on”.If time permits I would like us, prior to our return to the city, to visit the Jojakko-ji Temple, a quiet contemplative site, tucked into the bamboo groves which cover the lower slopes of the western mountains. The temple buildings are traditional and simple in keeping with the surroundings and provide a good platform from which to view the surrounding garden Dinner this evening at a local restaurant in the eastern Gion region of the city, following on which we might like to stroll through this area which is one of Kyoto’s most charming and unspoiled districts.
Friday 30th May - Day 4.
A relaxed departure from our hotel this morning following on which we take the JR Limited Express for the two and a half hour journeyto Kanazawa. Arriving early afternoon we make our way to the Nagamachi District. Once inhabited by samurai, this attractive well preserved district, framed by two canals features handsome streetscapes on which we find a range of traditional residences and observe the ‘time honored’ art of Kaga Yuzen Silk Dyeing. Time permitting we will cross over the Saigawa River to the Nishi Chaya District an area where a range of other traditional crafts are practiced.Dinner this evening at a local restaurant, following on which we will further immerse ourselves in regional Japan’s past with a walk through the narrow, winding streets of the Higashi Chaya District. This interesting area alongside the Asano-awa River features rows of old geisha houses perpetuating a strong feudal-period atmosphere.
Saturday 31st May - Day 5.
A major reason for us coming to Kanazawa is to visit the Kenrokuen Garden. Created in 1676 it evolved and grew over the next 200 years into today’s ‘Garden of the Six Qualities’, extensiveness, factitiousness, water, wide vistas, antiquity and quiet stillness. Kenrokuen is best experienced early in the morning before the crowds descend, so I’m suggesting a fairly early departure this morning, say 8.00am at the latest. Depending on available time we may have opportunity to cross the road from Kenrokuen to Kanazawa Castle, a most impressive edifice. Late morning into early afternoon and we journey southeast into the Shokawa Valley region. Here in this remote, dramatically mountainous area between Kanazawa and Takayama is the district of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its villages of thatched ‘gassho-zukuri’ houses.We spend some time in the village of Ogimachi, complete with fifty nine such residences. Late afternoon and we continue on to Takayama, a charming provincial town whose history has been shaped by its isolation from urban civilisation. Our accommodation this evening and tomorrow night in a traditional Japanese ryokan, embodying both authenticity and simplicity. Dinner this evening at one of our ‘ryokans’.
Sunday 1st June - Day 6.
I am conscious the past five days have been somewhat regimented and today the programme provides for a choice to either spend a relaxing day here in Takayama or travel an hour and a half to Kamikochi in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park.
“With its old inns, shops and sake breweries, Takayama is a rarity, a town that has managed to retain its traditional charm. Vibrant morning markets, hillside shrines and a laid back populace add to the town’s allure.”
“Chubu-Sangaku National Park has long been a favourite of Alp lovers. The parks highlights include hiking the valleys and peaks of the park and soaking in one of the local hot springs. The park’s biggest draw card , Kamkochi has some of the most spectacular scenery in Japan and a variety of hiking trails from which to see it.”
Monday 2nd June - Day 7 .
Today we travel south east to Matsumoto on the south eastern fringe of the Alps. Here we visit the immaculately preserved Matsumoto castle. Lush forests blanket the lower mountains and rice farms dominate the valleys as we approach the coastal plain en route to Tokyo. Our route this afternoon is via the Fuji Go-ko region on the northern side of Mount Fuji from where on a clear day the looming mountain seems to fill the sky. Our accommodation in the nation’s capital is at the Hotel-New Otani situated within one of the most renowned gardens in Tokyo. The hotel grounds, surrounded by the outer moat of the historic Edo Castle, house a wide range of trees, flowers and foliage. Many antique stone lanterns, providing spectacular nighttime viewing, adorn the garden, and waterfalls coupled with carp ponds offer a taste of Japanese tradition and culture.
Tuesday 3rd June - Day 8. Time this morning to relax over a leisurely breakfast prior to checking out of our hotel. Our over-night flight from Tokyo to San Francisco departs at 18.00 giving us time to-day for a guided excursion of Tokyo. Here in the heart of the capital city are some of the most tranquil yet impressive traditional gardens and we will have time to visit at least one of these. For those so inclined, rather than take the guided excursion there is the opportunity to visit the Ginza, Tokyo’s renowned shopping district. We will aim to leave the city by 2.30pm for the hour plus run to Tokyo’s international airport at Narita.
End Module 1
Tuesday 3rd June (we pick up a day) - Day 9
...and our flight from Tokyo touches down in San Francisco at 11.15am. Our coach is awaiting our arrival and we travel from the airport to our hotel for the next three nights, The Mark Hopkins situated on Nob Hill. The ubiquitous Lonely Planet guide states “San Francisco is one gorgeous little city by the bay. A climb to the top of one of the city’s 40 odd hills yields a unique panorama of Victorian houses, immense bridges, skyscrapers and stairway gardens sweeping up and down all of those hills. Behind everything the quiet motherly bay”. This afternoon we take a coach tour of the city and surrounds including Vista Point, Golden Gate Park, North Beach, the Presidio and the Mission District. Dinner this evening at our hotel following on which for those so inclined we will enter into the spirit of San Francisco and ‘ride the cable cars’ for an hour or so. As clichéd but as charming as the gondolas of Venice, the city’s cable cars are a key component of San Francisco’s unique character. For those looking for something a little more sedate the opportunity to spend a pleasant hour or so at ‘The Top of the Mark’ sky lounge and take in the magnificent night views of the city below.
Wednesday 4th June - Day 10.
Today we travel south to the Monterey Peninsular and the Spanish colonial style town of the same name. Nowhere is evidence of California’s Hispanic heritage richer than in Monterey and the town has numerous lovingly restored ‘adobe’ constructed buildings from the Spanish and Mexican periods. In company of a local guide we will take a tour of Old Monterey which is home to an interesting assemblage of these 19th century residences. Pacific Grove is a tranquil little community which began life as a Methodist summer retreat in 1875. Today much of the architecture lining its neat manicured streets still reflects that era.
We continue south along the spectacular ’17-Mile Drive’ to the unique settlement which is Carmel-by-the-Sea.Carmel began as a planned seaside resort in the 1880’s and quickly established a reputation as a bohemian retreat. The artistic flavour survives in the more than 100 galleries which line the town’s immaculate streets. Late afternoon and we make our way back to San Francisco and dinner this evening at a nice little restaurant on the San Francisco Bay waterfront.
Thursday 5th June – Day 11.
“This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world” declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coastal redwoods of Muir Woods. This magnificent area managed by the National Park Service is the home of redwoods that are among the tallest and oldest trees in existence. We’ll take time to walk the ‘Nature Trail’ which leads to the heart of this marvellous natural edifice. Leaving Muir Woods, and dependant on time available, we will take a circular route further north along the Shoreline Highway returning to the city via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Early to mid afternoon and we board the 50-foot Scow Schooner Gaslight for a late afternoon cruise on San Francisco Bay. Dinner this evening at a waterfront restaurant in the unique seaside village which is Sausalito.
Friday 6th June – Day 12.
This morning sees us aboard an 8.35am domestic flight to Salt Lake in Utah. Although our time in the air is only an hour and forty minutes, we lose an hour travelling east, landing at 11.25. By the time we collect our luggage, board our coach and start moving out of the city it will be around 12.15. The distance between Salt Lake and our accommodation this evening is 445 kms. If we were to leave Salt Lake immediately on our arrival, I’m suggesting, (after having driven that road myself, we would arrive at Jackson at about 6.30pm. Assuming I am able to arrange for dinner this evening at about 8.00pm, we need to ask ourselves whether we would like pay a quick visit to the famous Tabernacle while we are in this city. It’s a question I’ll be putting to you at our pre-tour meetings. Long before we reach the entrance to Grand Teton National Park, our sights will be set on the towering spires of the Teton Range topped by 4,197 metre Grand Teton. The snow-capped, snaggle-toothed Tetons are America's quintessential mountain range rearing up, sheer in some instances, out of Jackson Hole a gigantic valley, itself 1,920 metres above seal level.
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June - Days 13 and 14.
Our daytime activity in this beautiful and stimulating environment will include…
- a ‘float trip’ down the Snake River, from where we obtain an altogether different perspective of the valley which is Jackson Hole, encompassed by the surrounding mountains,
- a cruise across Jenny Lake to the mouth of the Cascade Canyon. The beauty in the towering mountains from the waters edge is awe-inspiring
- A choice of any number of short hikes leading to spectacular vantage points.
- For those who prefer something a little less strenuous, our coach will travel on a number of scenic routes through the Parks
- (for those who put their hand up) white-water rafting on the Snake River
Our accommodation while at Grand Teton -Yellowstone is at Snake River Lodge and Spa.
Monday 9th June - Day 15.
This morning we leave Wyoming and travel into the state of Montana en route to the university town of Missoula. Because I plan we should spend most if not all of Day 14 within Yellowstone National Park, I’m now proposing we should travel to Missoula on a more direct route rather than retrace our steps through Yellowstone. This course still takes us through the historical copper mining area around Butte and the charming town of Anaconda. If we have maintained our schedule we will take a lunch break here before continuing into the heart of the American Rockies along the ‘Pintler Scenic Drive’. In the process we follow the shore line of Georgetown Lake, and come across a number of old mining towns now totally abandoned. We’ll have time to wander through the deserted streets of one or two of these typically ‘American West’ style towns. As evening falls we arrive at the university town of Missoula and our accommodation in the Doubletree Edgewater Hotel.
Tuesday 10th June - Day 16.
Nestled in Western Montana and the heart of the northern Rockies and known as the "Garden City" for its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula lies in a mountain forest setting where five valleys and two rivers converge. Within relatively easy reach of this picturesque town the National Bison Range is one of the oldest Wildlife Refuges in the US. The open grasslands are home to about 500 of these animals. Other large wildlife found on the Range include elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and black bear. The range is a great place to experience wildlife observation and photography. We will visit this unique feature prior to linking up with Scenic Montana Highway 83. Late morning sees us linking up with the ‘Montana Loop’ a scenic drive traversing ‘the Great Bear Wilderness’ encompassing some of the nations most remote yet spectacular country. The topography ranges from ridge tops, to gentle sloping alpine meadows and forested river bottoms. Wildlife includes wolverine, deer, elk, moose, grizzly bear, black bear, mountain goat, and mountain sheep. Late afternoon and we arrive at West Glacier and our accommodation for this evening and tomorrow evening at Lake McDonald Lodge, located within Glacier National Park amid old growth cedars on the banks of beautiful Lake McDonald.
Wednesday 11th June - Day 17.
Glacier National Park is set in a stunningly beautiful ice-carved region encompassing terrain of serrated ridges, jutting peaks, dramatic hanging valleys, alpine meadows, 50 glaciers, more than 200 lakes, waterfalls and thick forests covering some 1.2-million acres. Deer are among the most commonly spotted wildlife but elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, grizzly and black bears roam its wild vastness and are often seen. With such awe inspiring splendour and unspoiled grandeur, ‘Glacier’ has been described as ‘the most pristine complex’ within the whole of the US National Park range.
‘It’s a don’t-look-down-now kind of road. But do, the views are awesome’. Going-to-the-Sun-Road traverses Glacier National Park and took eleven years to build, from 1921 to 1932’. The majestically scenic 80 kilometre road has been hailed as an engineering marvel and designated a National Historic Landmark. ‘Going-to-the-Sun is a good example of a road which opens up previously inaccessible territory without becoming a blight on the landscape in the process’
Thursday 12th June - Day 18.
Departing the western rim of the park this morning we again join the Montana scenic loop road journeying around and through the Park, crossing over the US/Canadian border to arrive at the lakeside town of Waterton within Waterton Lakes National Park. One ‘reviewer’ has written, "if you loved Glacier National Park, then Waterton Lakes National Park will take your breath away” and judging by my research this would appear to be so. Our accommodation for to-night, Waterton Lakes Resort
Friday 13th June - Day 19.
Waterton is 266kms from Calgary. We therefore should be able to delay our departure from the Park until early afternoon. We will take the time at our disposal this morning to experience as much of the Park complex as possible, our preference being a morning cruise on the on Waterton Lakes before tavelling to Calgary and our accommodation for this evening, or our overnight flight to the UK.
End of Module 2
Saturday 14th June - Day 20.
Air Canada Flight AC 0852 drops down into Heathrow at 13.25 this afternoon. Our coach is awaiting our arrival and we travel approx 150 kms directly west into North East Somerset in a little under two hours. Our accommodation for tonight and tomorrow night, the Spa Hotel situated on the outskirts of Bath.
Sunday 15th June - Days 21.
Set in the rolling Somerset countryside Bath is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit. A spa destination for centuries after the Romans discovered Britain’s only hot-water springs here, Bath was transformed through the 18th century with the architecture of the period. Sweeping crescents and terraces, noble squares, stately homes of honey-coloured Bath limestone make Bath what it is today, Britain’s most perfectly and beautifully preserved Georgian city. This morning in the company of a local guide we will combine a coach and walking tour of this fascinating place. This afternoon we travel south through typical Somerset countryside to Stourhead, arguably England’s most fabled garden. If time permits we will return to Bath via the city of Wells. It will be a tight schedule but if at all possible I would like us to have opportunity to spend some time in what I consider to be perhaps the most peaceful cathedrals in all of England. Dinner this evening at our hotel.
Monday 16th June - Day 22.
Today we travel north west into Wales.
“Imagine a very special land, a place of enchantment, an ancient kingdom. This land has majestic mountains and tranquil valleys, cascading rivers, magical forests and fairytale castles. Imagine too, that this fabled place has glorious sandy beaches, with safe bathing and quaint coastal resorts, and that it has a language, a culture and a heritage of its own, founded more than two millennia. Bordered by the Irish Sea, with its beautiful coastline and with the stunning Snowdonia National Park at its heartland, ‘Gwynedd’ can truly claim to have some of the most amazing landscapes in the UK . Natural attractions await to be discovered and explored throughout the region, towering, craggy mountains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, sleepy valleys, a wealth of forests and miles of golden sandy beaches. Man-made attractions include the imposing castles, the famous railways and the industrial archaeology, the picturesque seaside towns with their attractive harbours, bobbing boats and maritime activities. Most of all, experience the true Celtic hospitality of the people, immensely proud of their history, traditions and roots. Gwynedd and its people are considered by many to be the very essence of Wales, the epitome of everything that is Welsh” so reads the guide book when describing the northwest county of Wales. We’ll take up the invitation today and tomorrow, as this morning we travel northwest, crossing the mouth of the River Severn and into the Wye River Valley. The Cistercian abbey of Tinten is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales and we’ll pause here before continuing on through the Brecon Beacons National Park, before heading for Shrewsbury and on to Llangollen. From here we follow the Dyfrdwy River Valley to Bala arriving in time for dinner. We continue after dinner to our accommodation for the next two nights Seiont Manor in a rural setting southwest of Caernarfon.
Tuesday 17th June – Day 23
Shadowed by towering slate mountains, the National Slate Museum is housed in the Industrial Victorian Workshops that once serviced and maintained the enormous Dinorwig slate quarry above it. This morning we will visit the museum, gaining a glimpse into the lives of the slate workers and their families and stepping back into a time when 3,000 men worked on this site. Mid morning and we take our coach south-west into Snowdonia National Park and the Snowden Mountain Railway rising to within 68 feet of the summit of Snowden at 3,560 feet, the highest mountain in England and Wales. Early afternoon and time permitting we will travel east to Caernarfon and visit the most famous of Wales's castles. Standing at the mouth of the Seiont river, the fortress (with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour banded masonry) dominates the walled town. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.
Wednesday 18th June - Day 24
This morning we make our way through north-east Wales, and the counties of Cheshire and Lancashire into Cumbria and The Lakes District. Cheshire is home to some of the most distinguished gardens within the UK. notably Arley Hall on the outskirts of Northwich.
Arley Hall is best known for its magnificent gardens which rank among the finest in the country. Assuming we get the timing right we should be able to enjoy lunch in this delightful setting. Our accommodation this evening and tomorrow evening is at the Inn on the Lake a pleasantly situated hotel set in 15 acres of gardens that sweep down to the shore of Lake Ullswater, Glenridding in Cumbria. Ullswater, long, sinuous and astonishingly beautiful, is considered by many to be the finest lake in Cumbria.
Thursday 19th June – Day 25
The Lakes District is quite a small area but crammed into it is the finest mountain scenery in England. The mountains and lakes of this magical region have a splendour quite beyond compare. In glorious sunshine, mountain streams and lively waterfalls glisten like precious jewels in a golden crown. Towering peaks reflect in shimmering waters, dominating a landscape that for centuries has attracted artists and poets from Europe and beyond. The charm and sheer magnificence of the lakes has long been immortalised by the words of William Wordsworth, and the poet Gray who described The Lake District as this 'little, unsuspected paradise', and those who are prepared, no matter what the weather, to walk and explore, are rewarded with magnificent vista's of gushing, moss clad water falls, seemingly endless cliff surrounded lakes and tranquil green valley's hemmed in by broad sweeping fells. I must admit the weather in this area is quite unpredictable at this time of the year so let’s take the ‘bards’ at their word and enjoy this unique area irrespective of the weather. During the course of the day we will take a steamboat cruise on either Lake Ullswater or Lake Windermere and there are a number within our group who would like to ‘catch up’ with Beatrix Potter and some of her creations. We will also try and cater for those who would like to engage in something a little more physically challenging, vis-à-vis above.
Friday 20th June – Day 26.
Today we travel southeast into the Yorkshire Counties where we spend the next three nights,
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June – Days 27 and 28.
Any area of the country that contains York Minster, Malham Cove, the Yorkshire Dales, Durham Cathedral, the Settle-Carlisle Railway Line, the North York Moors, Castle Howard, Hadrian’s Wall together with Fountains Abby and Studley Royal Water Gardens is not short of spectacular and historic things to see. Some of Britain’s most satisfying scenery can be experienced and enjoyed in this region.. Here also the splendour of cliff scenery on the Yorkshire coast. All of the above together with additional historic castles, famous landmarks, haunts and abodes of famous people, are within easy reach of our base in this magnificent part of the UK.
Monday 23rd June – Day 29.
One of the great things about travelling in the UK is you are never very far from anywhere. Here within the heart of the ‘North Country’ we are only four and a half hours from London. We will have a leisurely departure from our hotel this morning and take the remainder of the day to travel to Broadway in the Cotswolds an area described as a Timeless Tableau of the English Countryside. En route we will visit Warwick Castle, one of England's finest examples of a mediaeval Castle. With over a thousand years of history, this castle was first fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068. Our accommodation tonight and tomorrow evening is at Dormy House, a charming establishment just outside Broadway within a rural setting in the heart of Worcestershire.
Tuesday 24th June – Day 30
To tour this area of countryside is to experience the quintessence of rural England. Wool, once Britain’s biggest industry was the key trade here in the Middle Ages and most of the towns and villages are dominated by their churches, largely paid for from the profits of this once prosperous trade. Among those we will come across are Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Burford, Cirencester, Moreton in Marsh and Stow on the Wold. These are typical of others in the region which are constructed in the main from the local honey-coloured limestone found in the nearby hills. Together these charming villages, (aesthetically unified like few others) have preserved their unique character.
Wednesday 25th June – Day 31
A leisurely departure from our hotel this morning will still leave us time to visit Blenheim Palace prior to travelling on to London. Set in over 2000 acres of parkland and gardens and now the home of the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Mid afternoon and travelling from the northwest we should have an acceptable run down to Heathrow arriving in ample time for our early evening flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
Europe 2000 * Europe 2002 * Canada and Alaska 2004 * South
Island of New Zealand 2005 * Croatia/Slovenia/Scandinavia
2006 * Gardens
of Japan, American National Parks and Regional Britain 2008 * The best of Eastern and Western Europe 2010
