Gippsland Travel - Warragul, Victoria providing travel advice for your next holiday or vacation. We specialize in group and corporate travel, garden tours, escorted tours to many fantastic world destinations. Whether you want to travel in finest cruise ship luxury or jet around the globe, our professional and friendly staff will provide you with expert advice to help you plan your next holiday.

MEMBER OF
AFTA	NAITA	IATA

Victorian Travel Agents
Licence 31939

PRESENTED BY COUNTRY FARM PERENNIALS IN ASSOCIATION WITH GIPPSLAND TRAVEL
DAVID & MERRYLE JOHNSON. 96 Laing's Road, Nayook, Vic., 3821
Ph/fax (03) 5628 4202.
Travel agent's licence no. 32028

2009 Tours

VIENNA TO VENICE VIA THE DALMATION COAST

GARDENS OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND

We visit the countries of Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy – all beautiful but very different. Vienna, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Trieste and Venice will keep people of all interests enthralled.

We have timed the holiday specially to catch the wealth of wildflowers for which Croatia and Slovenia are renowned.

The itinerary takes us from the picturesque Dalmatian coast to the Alps. We also visit some outstanding private gardens.

COSTS

Twin Share $10,299.00 land cost per person
Single supplement $2,322.00
Payment for this tour will be due by 19th January 2009

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Tour cost includes 5 star luxury coach travel. All admission charges to gardens and venues as outlined in the itinerary are included. (Note there are some Optional Extra Outings available at own cost). Includes 19 Buffet breakfasts, 9 Morning Teas, 10 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Teas, (please note some meals during the day are picnics supplied from our coach). Tour cost also includes 12 Restaurant Dinners in the evening. Tour cost includes porters for one suitcase per person at each Hotel. Coach transfer from Vienna Airport, and Water Taxi transfer to Venice Airport are offered to travellers as per the costing sheet. The flight from Vienna to Dubrovnik is also included. Tour cost includes all tips for activities included in the itinerary - including all tips for our Tour Director, our Coach Driver, Waiters at all meals included in the itinerary and for all Local Guides. Your Tour Leader is Merryle Johnson. The tour also includes the services of our multi-lingual Tour Director Lucy, our Coach Driver Fabrizio, and a Tour Assistant.

VIENNA TO VENICE
VIA THE DALMATION COAST
ITINERARY

20 Days
Commences in Vienna SUNDAY 12TH APRIL 2009,
Concludes in Venice FRIDAY 1ST MAY 2009
Presented by
David & Merryle Johnson
COUNTRY FARM PERENNIALS

MEALS INCLUDED

	Breakfast		Afternoon Tea
	Morning Tea		Dinner
	Lunch

DAY 1; SUNDAY 12TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Vienna, Austria. ***** 5 Star Hotel

Merryle will meet you at Vienna Airport and transfer you to the Hotel to relax and freshen up. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Vienna by coach, including one of the hidden gardens of Vienna & the Belvedere Palace

DAY 2; MONDAY 13TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Vienna, Austria. ***** 5 Star Hotel

A morning guided coach tour to the palace & garden at Schonnbrun followed by free time to explore Vienna or Optional River cruise to Bratislava.

DAY 3; TUESDAY 14TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Dubrovnik, Croatia. ***** 5 Star Hotel

Morning free to enjoy Vienna to do some last minute shopping before an afternoon flight to Dubrovnik. Short pretty drive through the glorious views and ancient villages of the southern Dalmatian coast to our hotel which is in the very best location for enjoying stunning Dubrovnik Orientation walk in old Dubrovnik with Merryle followed by a dinner of fine Dalmatian cuisine.

DAY 4; WEDNESDAY 15TH

O/NIGHT; Dubrovnik, Croatia.***** 5 Star Hotel

Leisurely full buffet breakfast at our hotel followed by a visit to a cloister garden from 1317, the Franciscan pharmacy of 1391 & a walk along the ancient walls of Dubrovnik. Afternoon free to explore & shop.

DAY 5; THURSDAY 16TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Dubrovnik, Croatia.***** 5 Star Hotel

We visit a garden dating from 1502 followed by a drive along the wild and rugged Peljesac Peninsula to Ston – a miniature Dubrovnik circled by walls & filled with flowers. A taverna lunch in Ston before a tasting of the famous Peljesac wine Return to our hotel with plenty of time to explore or relax.

DAY 6; FRIDAY 17TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Dubrovnik, Croatia. ***** 5 Star Hotel

Relax with a leisurely start or early birds can visit the local market . Explore medieval Luza Square & the Sponza Palace. Take the rest of the day for relishing Dubrovnik or meet us for an afternoon visit across the sparkling sea to a haven of peace, palms & orange trees on the island of Lokrum. Return for an early dinner at a top restaurant in the heart of the old town

DAY 7; SATURDAY 18TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Brela, Croatia. *** 3 Star Hotel

We leave Dubrovnik for a scenic drive up the spectacular Dalmation coast with towering mountains and forested islands. We call into a small seaside village for a simple country lunch amongst the fishing boats followed by a visit to some rare flowers on majestic Mount Biokova. Our hotel is set in a natural pine forest right by the sparkling sea, so take an afternoon stroll along the cove promenade.

DAY 8; SUNDAY 19TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Brela, Croatia. *** 3 Star Hotel

Coach departs for the short drive to Split for a guided walking tour of Diocletian’s palace. Take a stroll on the Riva with Merryle where you will be spoilt for choice of little cafes and coffee bars. After lunch we go to Trogir- the beguiling jewel of the Adriatic where you can walk with Merryle or just wander as you will to enjoy the galleries, shops and cafes.

DAY 9; MONDAY 20TH APRIL

OVERNIGHT ; Brela, Croatia. *** 3 Star Hotel

We cruise across the azure waters of the Adriatic to the island of Hvar, once known as the “Austrian Madiera” Hvar Town, one of the jewels of the Adriatic has beautifully preserved architecture, including the largest town square on the Dalmatian coast

DAY 10; TUESDAY 21ST APRIL

O/NIGHT; Plitvice NP, Croatia*** 3 Star Hotel

Today we leave the coast & drive through a very different world to Krka National Park, an area of spectacular natural beauty. We then drive high into the mountains to an enchanted land of emerald lakes and tumbling waterfalls.

DAY 11; WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL

O/NIGHT; Plitvice NP, Croatia *** 3 Star Hotel

The scenery is stunning, but what we have specially come to see are the wildflowers. We are escorted by an expert guide past the turquoise waters to see the mountain meadow studded with jewels of alpine flowers. followed by a lunch of local mountain cuisine and more time to explore this magical place.

DAY 12; THURSDAY 23RD APRIL

O/NIGHT; Ljubljana, Slovenia .****4 Star Hotel

Today we travel across the green with a “welcome to Slovenia” lunch at Slovenia’s loveliest medieval water castle, before arriving at the fairytale town of Ljubljana . Get to know Ljubljana with a walking tour of the old town with a local guide.

DAY 13; FRIDAY 24TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Ljubljana, Slovenia .****4 Star Hotel

Morning Free to explore and shop in Ljubljana as this compact gem of a town is a shoppers paradise. For garden lovers there is an afternoon visit to historic Wolf’s Brook Arboretum.

DAY 14; SATURDAY 25TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Ljubljana, Slovenia .****4 Star Hotel

Option to take the day off and relax and explore Ljubljana or come with us on the coach for a visit to the picture post card Lake Bled. We then journey into the Julian Alps across breathtaking Vrsic Pass for a lunch of fresh mountain produce followed by Gentians & wild Primrose in an alpine garden.

DAY 15; SUNDAY 26TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Trieste, Italy. ****4 Star Hotel

A pretty drive through the forests and hills takes us into the strangely beautiful Karst country & Postojna cave – a huge natural wonderland. We then visit the magnificent Lipizzaner horses of Lipica & across the border into Friuli - a quiet corner of northern Italy before our arrival in elegant, imperial Trieste.

DAY 16; MONDAY 27TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Trieste, Italy. ****4 Star Hotel

Option to spend the whole day free in Trieste or come with us on the coach to enjoy private gardens and castles of Friuli including a 1000 year old private family castle & garden & morning aperitif with the countess. We then return to the scenic coastal drive to an emperor’s rare & exotic garden.

DAY 17; TUESDAY 28TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Trieste, Italy. ****4 Star Hotel

Take the morning to roam Trieste or join us for a guided walking tour of the old city. Rest of the morning free to explore orcontinue with our guide after morning coffee to take a tour behind the scenes of the glittering opera house of Teatro Giuseppe Verdi option to take the rest of the day free to explore Trieste or come for a short drive along the coast to a prince’s castle home & cliff top garden & a glass of the family drop before our return to Trieste in time for the shops.

DAY 18; WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Venice, Italy *****5L Hotel

We take a pretty drive through Friuli where we are welcomed into a private home & garden encircled by a 12th century fort. We arrive in Venice by private launch where you can take an orientation walk with Merryle. Our 5 Star Luxury Hotel is a minute’s walk from St Marks Square.

DAY 19; THURSDAY 30TH APRIL

O/NIGHT; Venice, Italy *****5L Hotel

Day free to do your own thing in Venice or take an optional walk to visit the Peggy Guggenheim collection or for classic art lovers, a visit to the Accademia. Some things you might also choose to do in Venice are an optional gondola ride with music, an optional guided tour of the recently re-opened Fenice Opera House or an optional walking tour with a local guide to the secret gardens of Venice. Tonight we enjoy a special Venetian farewell dinner.

DAY 20; FRIDAY 1ST MAY

O/NIGHT; Vienna, Austria. ***** 5 Star Hotel

Water Taxi transfer leaves from our Hotel to take you and your luggage to Venice Airport. Alternatively you can book a private transfer at an earlier time from Venice (at own cost) or book an overnight stay in Venice (at own cost) and catch an early flight tomorrow. We can assist you with either of the alternative arrangements.

COSTS

ENGLAND & IRELAND TOUR A
Twin Share $7,669.00 land cost per person
Single supplement $1,460.00
Payment for this tour will be due by 16th February 2009

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

All en-suite accommodation in carefully chosen, quality hotels. Touring in modern, air-conditioned quality coaches fitted with seat belts. Entries to all garden and sights as outlined in the itinerary. Canal boat and steam train ride. Flight from Cork to Bristol. Includes; 17 full buffet Breakfasts, 11 Morning Teas,10 Lunches, 4 Afternoon teas and 7 Dinners. Porterage of one suitcase per person at all Hotels. All tips for drivers, porters, local guides, and waiters at included meals. Merryle Johnson is your Tour Leader, assisted by a Tour Escort.

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW ADD- ON
Twin Share $879.00 land cost per person
Single supplement $209.00
Payment for this tour will be due by 16th February 2009

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

All en-suite accommodation in a carefully chosen, quality Hotel. Gatwick Express Return tickets to London. Entry to Chelsea Flower Show. 2 full buffet Breakfasts and 1 Dinner. Porterage of one suitcase per person at Hotel. All tips for drivers, porters, local guides, and waiters at included meals. Merryle Johnson is your Tour Leader assisted by a Tour Escort.

GARDENS OF ENGLAND
AND IRELAND
The South – Trip A 2009

18 DAYS
Commences Monday 4thMay 2009
Concludes Thursday 21st May 2009

With an Option to “Add On” the Chelsea Flower Show
Commences Thursday 21st May 2009
Concludes Saturday 23rd May 2009

MEALS INCLUDED

	Breakfast		Afternoon Tea
	Morning Tea		Dinner
	Lunch

Presented by
David & Merryle Johnson
COUNTRY FARM PERENNIALS

DAY 1; MONDAY 4TH MAY

O/NIGHT; Dublin, Republic Of Ireland ***** 5 Star Hotel

Welcome to beautiful Dublin, where you may enjoy the wonderful shopping or come on the coach to Glasnevin, one of the world’s most famous Botanic Gardens, noted for its fine plant collections & exquisitely restored & planted glasshouses.

DAY 2; TUESDAY 5TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Dublin, Republic Of Ireland ***** 5 Star Hotel

We are introduced to this charming city, in a very light hearted & entertaining way by a local historian. After our tour we meet Helen Dillon, one of Ireland’s most famous, most amusing, and most daring gardeners, whose garden has long been admired for its bold colour and planting. On our return, take a stroll to enjoy some of Dublin’s excellent shopping close to our hotel.

DAY 3; WEDNESDAY 6TH MAY

O/NIGHT; Dublin, Republic Of Ireland ***** 5 Star Hotel

Option to spend the day free exploring in Dublin or come for a day in the glorious countryside where we visit Powerscourt, consisting of 47 acres of gardens. We then spend some time in Enniskerry, where you can stroll the pretty little streets, peep into the cottage gardens or browse in the boutique shops.

DAY 4; THURSDAY 7TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Kilkenny, Republic Of Ireland **** 4 star Hotel

We depart Dublin & take a beautiful drive through the untouched Wicklow countryside to “Ireland’s most romantic garden”. One woman has transformed a neglected wilderness into one of the most magical and best loved gardens in the British Isles. We travel on through patchwork fields to the ancient city of Kilkenny.

DAY 5; FRIDAY 8TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Kilkenny, Republic Of Ireland **** 4 star Hotel

Option to spend the day relaxing in Kilkenny or come on the Coach to see the life’s work of one of the world’s most famous and dedicated gardeners, followed by a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory & a wander around romantic and atmospheric Jerpoint Abbey, followed by high tea at one of Ireland’s finest houses, surrounded by a glorious Georgian garden.

DAY 6; SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Killarney, Republic Of Ireland **** 4 Star Hotel

We depart & travel to a serene farmhouse garden with views to
the mountains, a crystal stream and the ruins of a 16th Century church. On to the old stone town of Cahir & a typical Irish pub, just right for a relaxed country lunch. We then take a water bus, to see Killarney National Park before an early arrival at our hotel.

DAY 7; SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Killarney, Republic Of Ireland **** 4 Star Hotel

Stay in Killarney or come for a Gardeners treat on the spectacular West Coast to visit an Irish “Palazzo” with terraced gardens, a parterre and the famous Hundred Steps. We then travel by ferry to the island of Garinish for our lunch, and a visit to a beautiful garden renowned through out gardening circles for it’s superb plantings. We return in plenty of time for more shopping.

DAY 8; MONDAY 11TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Killarney, Republic Of Ireland **** 4 Star Hotel

Option to spend the day exploring Killarney or come on a day trip around the Ring of Kerry, to see some outstanding Irish scenery. Our journey takes us amongst mountains, lakes, moors, waterfalls, sea cliffs, bays, little villages nestled in sandy coves, ancient monasteries & ancient standing stones. We watch a demonstration of traditional lace making techniques, then time to explore or shop in Kenmare where you can buy some fresh local produce for a delicious picnic tea.

DAY 9; TUESDAY 12TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Cheltenham, England 4 Star**** Hotel

Free time this morning to sleep in or explore more of Killarney before we fly to Bristol where we are met by our 5 star English coach. We take a short journey into the delightful Cotswold countryside to Cheltenham, the most complete Regency town in England. We are staying in the heart of town, making a lovely base for strolling, shopping, or our trips into the Cotswolds.

DAY 10; WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY

O/NIGHT; Cheltenham, England 4 Star**** Hotel

Morning free to explore Cheltenham. Our Hotel is on the beautiful Promenade, one of England’s most beautiful streetscapes, lined with grand houses & smart shops. After lunch come with us on the coach Into the enchanting Cotswolds, where golden stone houses, old mills, thatched cottages & centuries old pubs; galleries & antique shops are everybody’s idea of “Ye Olde England”. Bring plenty of film – it does not come any prettier!

DAY 11; THURSDAY 14TH MAY

O/NIGHT; Cheltenham, England 4 Star**** Hotel

Spend the day exploring Cheltenham or come on the coach to a picture postcard village & a wonderful walled garden with massed colour, stream and ponds where we are welcomed with a home-made morning tea. Free time for shopping & sightseeing in picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water & then lunch, hidden behind the high wall of a private garden. Then up the hill to Stow On The Wold, one of the Cotswold’s prettiest market towns.

DAY 12; FRIDAY 15TH MAY

O/NIGHT; Winchester, England **** 4 Star Hotel

Marylyn Abbott, an Australian gardener, is now becoming famous for the creation of the gardens at West Green House in England. We lunch here before our next visit which tells the wonderful story of the discovery of a lost Gertrude Jeckyl garden. We then arrive at our hotel in Winchester with its ancient houses & magnificent cathedral.

DAY 13; SATURDAY 16TH MAY

O/NIGHT; Winchester, England **** 4 Star Hotel

Day free to enjoy Winchester. Today Winchester is a picturesque, old town, but in Roman times it was one of the most important Roman settlements. Alfred the Great made it his capital in the 800’s. William the Conqueror considered the town so important he had himself crowned in Winchester as well as London. The Domesday Book was written here, and the Cathedral began to rise in the 7th Century.

DAY 14; SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2009

O/NIGHT; Winchester, England **** 4 Star Hotel

A leisurely late breakfast before a lazy Sunday in the beautiful Hampshire countryside on a traditional canal long boat cruise. This is the countryside Jane Austen wrote about, & little has changed. After lunch on the long boat, owe journey on an old fashioned steam train with wildflowers and bluebells beside the line. Our coach then takes us to a garden filled with whimsical topiary considered to be one of Britain’s best gardens of the 20th Century.