Deryn Thorpe is a fanatical gardener, passionate about communicating her love of gardening to others. She has been taking people on specialist garden tours for 25 years. She is an award-winning garden journalist, writing for Gardening Australia magazine and other gardening publications. She co-presents the multi-award winning ‘All The Dirt’ www.allthedirt.com.au, Australia’s most popular gardening podcast with more than two million downloads.Deryn has edited garden books and worked as a garden TV presenter and is a presenter on garden radio and a vivacious and popular speaker at festivals and garden clubs. She works in her family revegetation business which plants 2 million trees for landcare in low rainfall areas each summer. She volunteered for six years with Open Gardens Australia and opened her own beautiful, cottage style garden to the public. Deryn is an Honourary Life Member of the Horticultural Media Association Australia (HMAA) and the Nursery and Garden Industry WA.
VIEW ITINERARYDay 1 - Tuesday 19 May, 2026 Departure
Our holiday begins with our flight to London.
Day 2 - Wednesday 20 May, 2026London, UK
On arrival our coach drives from the airport to the famous Kew Gardens, London’s
largest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kew is home to the world’s most diverse
collection of living plants and a scientific research centre of international renown.
Set on 300 acres, we will discover incredible glasshouses including the iconic Palm
House with its exotic rainforest. We will check into our hotel and the rest of the day
will be free for independent activity.
Day 3 - Thursday 21 May, 2026 London
The highlight of our time in London will be an escorted visit to the famous Chelsea
Flower Show. Chelsea is the leading event in the English horticultural calendar and
boasts amazing displays of the world’s most beautiful flowers and plants. You will
see fabulous show gardens specially created by top designers from across the UK
and around the world. Deryn will ensure that you get the most from this wonderful
show. We return to our hotel early afternoon, with an optional drop off at Harrods
for those who would like to visit Knightsbridge, one of London’s most exclusive
shopping areas. In the evening, we meet for a welcome dinner.
Day 4 - Friday 22 May, 2026. London
This morning, we visit the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley, one of the
world’s great gardens. Wisley Estate was given to the RHS in trust by Sir Thomas
Hanbury in 1903. Packed with horticultural inspiration, the garden will capture the
imagination with richly planted borders, which will be at their peak during our visit,
luscious rose gardens and extraordinary glasshouses, which recreate tropical,
moist temperate and dry temperate habitats. The afternoon will be free to explore
London. Why not book a show? Every evening during the tour, the tour manager
will meet those wishing to dine with the group.
Day 5 - Saturday 23 May, 2026 Lake Garda, Italy
We fly to Verona and on arrival travel to Bardolino on Lake Garda which sits at the foot
of the Alps. The largest of the Italian Lakes, Lake Garda is also considered one of the
most beautiful. The snow-capped Dolomites to the north shelter the lake from the
cold north winds, creating a mild, Mediterranean climate that enables beautiful parks
and gardens. The region was influenced by the Venetian Republic, which ruled the
area from the 15th to 18th century.
Day 6 - Sunday 24 May 2026 Lake Garda
We visit the gardens of Villa Rizzardi. A memorable sight is the green theatre, a
feature of classical Renaissance gardens. The gardens lie on three main levels. The
cross alleys and vistas have been aligned to catch views of the mountains at every
turn. We travel to Verona, the setting for the play Romeo and Juliet, where we stop for
lunch at leisure. We continue with a visit to Parco Sigurta a natural park of 60
hectares which was voted one of the world’s most visit-worthy gardens by the Garden
Tourism Network. The original garden dates to 1407. Among its features are 30,000
roses, 40,000 woodland plants, 18 ponds and lakes, a maze created from 1500 yew
trees and a 400-year-old oak.
Day 7 - Monday 25 May, 2026. Lake Garda
We cruise around the lake on the local ferries, which stop at some of the gorgeous
towns along the coast of Lake Garda today. The tour manager will help tour members
with shopping if required.
Day 8 - Tuesday 26 May, 2026 Lake Garda
This morning, we visit the Andre Heller Botanic Garden (formerly known as the
Giardino Hruska Botanico). This garden was laid out from 1910 by Dr Arturo Hruska,
a naturalist and dentist to the last Czar of Russia. Spectacular bristling groves of green
and black bamboo thrive near stately cypresses, camphor trees and cedars. We
continue with a visit to Vicenza, a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of the 20
elegant buildings designed by the 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio. These
include the Palladian Basilica and the Palazzo Chiericati, now home to an art gallery
and the Teatro Olimpico, which replicates a classic outdoor theatre.
Day 9 - Wednesday 27 May, 2026 Venice, Italy
This morning, we travel to Le Paradise de Papillons, a beautiful cottage-style garden
created in 2004, on a narrow strip of clayey land in the Po River valley. The garden was
developed by a professional gardener and is divided into several “rooms” including
shrubs and perennial plants, arches, pergolas, yew hedges, a grove of hornbeams,
lime trees, and a pond. We continue our journey to Venice.
Day 10 - Thursday 28 May, 2026 Venice
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small
islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the
Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. We take a
sightseeing tour of Venice with a local guide in the morning and visit St Marks Square,
see the Grand Canal, St Marks Cathedral and the Doges Palace. We continue with a
visit to the Palace Querini Stampalia, which belonged to the family of the same name.
Today it houses an important art gallery. It also contains a charming garden, which
was designed by Manlio Dazzi from 1949. The rest of the day is free for relaxation and
independent exploration.
Day 11 - Friday 29 May, 2026 Venice
A day spent exploring some of the beautiful hidden gardens of Venice. We meet our
guides, members of the Venice Garden Club, who provide entry to special and
beautiful private gardens and neighbourhoods rarely discovered by tourists. Visiting
these gardens allows us to glimpse into the lives of well-to-do Venetians and
understand the value Venetians put on outdoor space.
Day 12 - Saturday 30 May, 2026 .Venice
We walk a short distance to the train station, where we will board a train to Padua. We
will meet a coach to travel to the Botanical Garden of Padua. It was established in
1545 to help university students study medicinal plants and observe them in situ. It
has been a UNESCO world Heritage Site since 1997 and led to the progress of
numerous modern scientific disciplines, in particular botany, medicine, chemistry,
ecology and pharmacy. It retains its original layout with a circular central plot,
symbolizing the world, surrounded by a ring of water. We have free time in Padua's
old town which has arcaded streets and stylish cafes.
Day 13 - Sunday 31 May, 2026 Trieste, Italy
We travel to Trieste, the largest port on the Adriatic Sea, today. It was united with Italy
only after 1919. Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Slovenian influences are all evident in
its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a city tour and see some beautiful Catholic and
Orthodox churches, palaces in Neo-Classical style and Italy's largest square
overlooking the sea, Piazza Unità d'Italia.
Day 14 - Monday 01 June, 2026. Trieste
In the morning, we visit Miramar Castle and its park, which were built by the Austrian
Archduke Maximilian of Habsberg. The 22 hectare park begun in 1856 includes a
Baroque-style garden, fountains and spectacular views of the Adriatic sea. It was
originally designed to be an experimental station for reforestation and acclimatising
rare plants.
Day 15 - Tuesday 2 June 2026 Ljubljana, Slovenia
We travel to Ljubljana, the uber-cool capital of Slovenia. On the way we visit Sezana
Botanical Gardens, a park once owned by a maritime nobleman from the
Scaramanga family. It contains a collection of plants from around the world and has
many interesting trees including the Lebanon cedar, the Bornmuller Turkish fir, the
giant sequoia, the Osage orange, the Spanish fir and several hundred species of exotic
potted plants from all corners of the world. Ljubljana is an attractive city with lots of
parks, Baroque, Renaisance and Art Noveau buildings, watched over by a medieval
castle. On arrival we will enjoy a city tour with a local guide and stroll along the
willow-lined walkways of the Ljubljana River. We see the Dragon Bridge, a masterpiece
of Art Nouveau, the Cathedral of St Nicholas, a baroque building dating from 1701, the
Ljublijana Castle dating from 1511 and the colourful market area.
Day 16 - Wednesday 3 June 2026 Ljubljana
Today we visit Slovenia’s most popular botanical park, the Volcji Potok Arboretum. It
covers an 85-hectare site and features 5,000 different plant species from all over the
world. The park has five artificial lakes and in June more than 3,000 roses are in bloom
in the gardens. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cruise on the Ljubljanica River. The
remainder of the afternoon is free for individual activities.
Day 17 - Thursday 4 June, 2026 Graz, Austria
We travel to Celje Castle, the biggest Medieval castle in Slovenia. The hilltop castle
overlooks the countryside and Savinje River with views to the city from the tower. We
continue to Graz, where a bevy of universities give Austria's second-largest city its
lively pace. The city is a UNESCO ‘city of design’ because of the interplay between
tradition and modernity. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 18 - Friday 5 June, 2026 Graz
We will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide in the morning. Our tour takes in Hauptplatz, the medieval old town’s main square, and shops and restaurants lining the narrow surrounding streets, blending Renaissance and Baroque architecture. We travel on the funicular to Schlossberg, the town hill, where we see the Uhrturm, a centuries-old clock tower. We continue with a highlight of the tour, a visit to Eggenberg Palace, Schlosspark and gardens which are a UNESCO heritage site. Established in the early 17th century the beautifully maintained gardens are the most important in Austria and mostly date from the Romantic period. There are magnificent trees, a planetary garden and flower gardens. This evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner to bid farewell to our group.Day 19 - Saturday 6 June, 2026 Departure
Today we travel to Vienna Airport for our return flight to Australia.
Day 20 - Sunday 7 June, 2026 Arrive Australia
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE | Plus Air taxes at 23 April 2025 per person |
|---|---|---|
| $12,190 | $15,490 | $290 |
Per person twin-share $2,990; Single fare $3,710
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd, License number 30858 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the
tour operator.
Tour Costs
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign
exchange rate at 23 April, 2025. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors
change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with a full refund of monies paid or
modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger is required at the time of
booking. Full payment will be required 62 days before departure of the Garden Tour. A 1.5%
administration fee will be charged on payment by credit card.
Air Taxes
From Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for air
taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 23 April 2025. If they change due to government and airline
charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
Cancellation Conditions
Cancellations within 62 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies
paid. Cancellation outside 62 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of $900 per person.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to
illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions
The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number
of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite International reserves the right to
cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at
a modified cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth
operation of the tour.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing,
accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents
All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas for countries visited are not
required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport please check with Travelrite.
Baggage
All passengers qualify for the 20kg (44lb) free baggage allowance.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it’s
agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/stay
holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including
transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for
any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a
default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises,
or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism
or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission,
delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the
fly/cruise/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall
constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/stay holidays and/or the
passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/stay holiday and/or make such changes in the
fly/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the
proper carrying out of the fly/stay holiday. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of
the State of Victoria, Australia. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of NCL Cruises
passage contract, detailed at the NCL Cruises website.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $900
per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty
Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has
been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years and operating in
Victoria for more than 44 years. It runs over 100 Special Interest tours
each year. It has an ATAS accredited offices at Balwyn, which is also
accredited with IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines
of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and
transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of
the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
14th - 20th May 2026
Day 1 - Thursday 14 May, 2026 .Departure
Our holiday begins with our flight to London.
Day 2 - Friday 15 May, 2026 East Grinstead
On arrival our coach will drive from London Heathrow to East Grinstead.
Day 3 - Saturday 16 May, 2026 East Grinstead
Our visit this morning is to Penshurst Place, which has been home to the Sidney
family since 1552 making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in England.
Surrounded by 11 acres of walled formal gardens and housing one of the few
surviving medieval Baronial Halls in England. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the 11
acres of formal walled gardens, discovering hidden corners brimming with fruit trees,
an abundance of tulips, roses, colourful borders and water features. In the afternoon
we will visit Long Barn. Against the backdrop of a beautiful house dating from the
14th century and with wonderful views across the Weald, the three acres of garden at
Long Barn were laid out by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who lived here
from 1915-1930 before moving to Sissinghurst Castle. In the evening, we meet for a
welcome dinner.
Day 4 - Sunday 17 May 2026...East Grinstead
This morning, we visit lovely landscaped Doddington Place Gardens, recognised as
being of historical importance by Historic England, they are set in the grounds of an
imposing Victorian mansion and cover 10 acres. They are surrounded by wooded
countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs. There is a
notable woodland garden – especially spectacular in May and June – which includes
many different varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas. You know you’ve made it as a
nurseryman or gardener, when your name becomes synonymous with a particular
plant. This is true of William Dyson and his collection of salvias at Great Comp
Garden. William is curator of the garden in Sevenoaks, and his adjoining nursery offers
a huge range of salvias that can be seen in varied garden situations. We will enjoy this
garden in the afternoon.
Day 5 - Monday 18 May, 2026.East Grinstead
Today we visit two world-renowned gardens and Deryn’s two favourite English
gardens. Great Dixter surrounds a charming thatched 15th century manor house.
The gardens were designed and constructed by Christopher Lloyd, a noted plants
man; gardener and writer who lived his whole life on the property. It includes fine
topiary, a magnificent mixed, long border and a wild woodland. This afternoon we
visit Sissinghurst Castle, created by writer Vita Sackville West and her husband
Harold Nicholson. In mid-May the cottage garden will be clothed in a myriad of warm
red and golden hues.
Day 6 - Tuesday 19 May, 2026 East Grinstead
This morning, we visit Denmans Garden, designer John Brookes’ own garden. The
garden demonstrates his eclectic style, combining straight lines within walls with
informal more natural planting schemes. We continue with a visit to High Beeches a
hidden gem in the High Weald of Sussex. In spring the magnolias and camellias are
under planted with swathes of daffodils.
Day 7 - Wednesday 20 May, 2026 London
We visit the gardens at Riverhill this morning, to take in a garden with an intriguing
mix of historic and traditional planting, with contemporary and quirky twists The
principal features are the Walled Garden, restored in 2011, with sumptuous
contemporary grass curves and frothy fountains, Rose Walk, Italianate terraces and
Wood Garden. We continue to the famous Kew Gardens to meet tour members
recently arrived from Australia.
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”
