Travel

"London—Plus Gardens!"

June 11, 2011 (Saturday)–June 20, 2011 (Monday)

Do you want to visit London with no hassle of planning the whole trip yourself? Do you have an interest in visiting some of London's premier gardens with an experienced horticulturists and a really fun group of plant enthusiasts? Would you like a very personal tour of the private home garden of one of England's most noted plantsman—Roy Lancaster? Then this tour is for you!

Elaine Smith of E-destinations has put together a great excursion package and really great airline and hotel rates for this tour. As you know, airline rates have skyrocketed, (no pun intended) plus June is the height of the season for the United Kingdom. We are so pleased that E-destinations managed to keep the price under $3,500 and still provide us with a first-class hotel, plus great amenities, and tours.

Please read the registration form carefully, including the cancellation and refund policy at the bottom, then quickly return it to E-destinations along with your deposit to secure your place. Registration is first come, first served and limited to only 30 participants. Registration is open through February 15, 2011

Cost: $3,399 ($3,299 JCRA member price) per person, based on double occupancy; $4,799 ($4,699 JCRA member price) single occupancy

Some highlights of the excursion are listed below, and a detailed excursion itinerary is attached.

The excursion includes:

Round-trip non-stop flights: RDU to London/Heathrow on American Airlines

Round-trip airport transfers

8 nights accommodations at the Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel (unpack only once!)

8 full English breakfasts at the hotel

A continental breakfast at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow on arrival (plus complementary use of the hotel's gym/spa to freshen up after the long flight)

Half day guided London orientation bus tour on arrival

Afternoon traditional English tea at the Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel

Oyster card valued at 20 GBP (London Tube)

Full day coach service on days with special garden tours

A day with popular English plantsman, broadcaster, and writer, Roy Lancaster

Entrances to Hillier Nursery in Hampshire, Kew Gardens, Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley, and Beth Chatto Gardens

Optional mini group tours of additional gardens and museums with JC Raulston Arboretum staff

Farewell dinner

Trip information package for all attendees to include destination information and recommendations (restaurant, sightseeing, tour information, etc.)

Special pre-excursion social at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Interested? Well, don't delay. Send your completed form and deposit to E-destinations today.

Then, let's fly away... to jolly ol' England to play!

Feel free to call or e-mail Anne Porter at (919) 513-3826 or anne_porter@ncsu.edu if you have any questions.

Itinerary*

Saturday, June 11

6:15 PM – Depart RDU (American Airline flight 174)

Sunday, June 12

6:55 AM – Arrive London Heathrow International Airport; Meet escort outside of customs area; transferred to Radisson Edwardian Hotel, located minutes from the airport, for use of the hotel spa and gym to freshen up, then a continental buffet breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 AM – Depart hotel for transfer to London which includes a two-hour orientation tour of the city.

1:00 PM – Arrive at the hotel (a first-class hotel in an ideal London location for shopping and sightseeing) and check-in.

Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel
68-86 Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BT
+44 (0) 20 7761-9000

Unpack, (only once for the entire excursion) then relax!

3:30 PM ‒ Afternoon tea at the hotel with the group. Enjoy freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, delicious finger sandwiches, season fruit tartlets and pastries, and a selection of teas... yummm!

Dinner on your own; overnight at hotel. (Note: There are a number of good restaurants close to the hotel, plus there is a great little market very near the hotel for people who just want a light snack for dinner. More details on choices and dinner options will be given to participants in the orientation packets.)