California Wine Country Gardens
June 4-9, 2002
A fully escorted tour of the California Wine Country with Alice Joyce, author of West Coast
Gardenwalks and San Francisco Chronicle Garden writer. Tour highlights include two nights
in San Francisco at the elegant Westin St. Francis, located on Union Square and three
nights at The Lodge at Sonoma Hotel & Spa. You will visit spectacular gardens in Napa,
Sonoma, and Mendocino counties, and travel to Filoli, a property of the National Trust
for Historic Preservation.
This is a unique opportunity to travel in a small group with a personalized itinerary. The
tour offers a world-class city experience combined with a restful spa in the heart of the
wine country. You will meet with head gardeners from beautifully designed gardens, taste
wine, luxuriate in a tranquil setting and enjoy meals prepared by renowned chefs. Together
with the expert guidance of Armstrong & Hedges LTD you can be assured of an experience
you will long remember.
Itinerary:
Tuesday, June 4: Arrival in San Francisco at your leisure, the day is yours to explore the
city and perhaps visit the Strybing Arboretum and the Japanese Tea Garden
located in Golden Gate Park. We can suggest optional sightseeing, great bistros for
lunch and of course shopping. You may check-in to the
Westin St. Francis, your leisure. This evening enjoy a wonderful dinner with your
traveling companions at a noted San Francisco restaurant.
Wednesday, June 5: After a lovely breakfast depart for the Peninsula and a
visit to the garden at Sunset Publishing before proceeding to Filoli, a wonderfully
preserved country estate. We have arranged for a private tour of Filoli's Georgian Revival
mansion and spectacular gardens. Lunch will be enjoyed in the Quail's Nest. A late
afternoon return to San Francisco. The evening is yours to choose from a fine restaurant,
local theater or a Bay Cruise.
Thursday, June 6: This morning, bid farewell to San Francisco and venture
across the Golden Gate Bridge, traveling north to Sonoma County. Our highlight
garden today is Matanzas Creek Winery Estate Gardens. Matanzas Creek Winery is
celebrated for the artistry of their terraced lavender field reminiscent of Provence.
You will experience the lavender at its peak just before harvest. Enjoy lunch at the
famed John Ash & Co. before proceeding to Sonoma and
The Lodge at Sonoma Hotel & Spa. Enjoy the
rest of the day end evening exploring the charming town of Sonoma or indulging yourself
at the full service spa located right at the hotel.
Friday, June 7: Following a hearty wine country breakfast we travel north to
Mendocino County, and the acclaimed five-acre Valley Oaks Garden at Fetzer Vineyards.
Head gardener, Kate Frey will take us on a tour of Fetzers organic gardens; overflowing
with ornamental displays of flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. We will enjoy a
lunch under the arbor made from local specialties. Our journey continues with a visit to
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Italianate elegance awaits, in this stunning
setting distinguished by fountains, parterres and luxuriant floral displays. The afternoon
continues with a visit to Healdsburg, a charming wine country town. You can taste
wines from all over the valley, shop for antiques or visit the famed Oakville Grocery.
Dinner this evening will be on your own. Select from the fine restaurants in Sonoma or
enjoy a light meal by the fire at the hotel.
Saturday, June 8: The quest for gardens takes us to the Napa Valley.
Gardener David Alosi presents a rare tour of Katie Trefethen's private garden at
Trefethen Vineyards. An exclusive visit will give a glimpse of an acclaimed vista
of Italian cypress trees standing sentry over an array of roses in the heart of the
vineyards. The afternoon features lunch at Greystone, The Culinary Institue of America
located in St. Helena. After our tasting menu lunch with wine we will attend a cooking
demonstration in the famed kitches. You may explore the gardens and gourmet shop at
your leisure. This evening a festive farewell dinner will be served in the Carneros
Room at the hotel.
Sunday, June 9: After breakfast we will depart Sonoma for San Francisco
and your return home with wine, flowers and great memories.
The tour includes: Five nights first class hotel, full breakfast daily, two dinners,
four lunches, private transportation, all admissions private garden tours and wine
tastings per itinerary, porterage of two pieces per person, escort throughout and all
taxes and gratuities for included service.
Cost: $2195.00 per person double occupancy. Single supplement $625.00 additional.
Travel insurance is recommended, cost $145.00.
Transportation to San Francisco is additional, contact our office if you need assistance.
Spa services are not included. Group is limited to twenty (20) persons.
Please contact us for full itinerary
and details.
A fully escorted tour of Vancouver and Victoria with Michele Abrate, a frequent escort
of tours for Victoria Magazine. Tour highlights include two nights in Vancouver at the
beautiful 
Travel to Vancouver Island and the City of Victoria will be by private coach and ferry.
Enjoy tea at the world famous Empress Hotel, travel to Salt Spring
Island for visits to many of the most spectacular private gardens in
British Columbia, dine at The Hastings House and see a French lavender
terrace in bloom. Experience the beauty of Butchart Gardens and
Craigdarroch Castle while sampling the treats at
Roger's Chocolates and Murchies on Government Street. A beautiful drive to
Sooke Harbour Inn and a tour of the gardens before indulging in a gourmet
lunch made from local specialties. We will be guided on vancouver Island by
Joan Looy well known garden expert and tour guide. The grand farewell will
be at Raven Hill Herb Farm, all in all a memorable experience for gardeners
and lovers of nature eveywhere.
A true gardeners delight to visit private cottage gardens in quaint villages and
country towns along with a full day at the Hampton Court Flower Show.
Your escort is Michael Smith, a Royal Horticultural Society lecturer and guide
for more than thirty years. He apprenticed at Balmoral Castle; Michael is well
known among our clients and gardeners the world over.
Each day will offer a different experience with private guides in the ancient
Roman city of Bath, talks and discussions with head gardeners,
tea in Rosemary Verey's private home, and ample time to explore the antique
market in Bath and the individual shops in Stow-on-the Wold. This
tour offers a great opportunity for those that have not ventured out of London
for more than a day to see the real English countryside and share in the daily
lives of the people tending their gardens and homes.
You will enjoy three nights at the 
Fully escorted, country house hotels, private cottage gardens $ 3660.00 per person
double occupancy