Gardens of the Riviera

Date: Monday, 27th September - Sunday, 3rd October 2010

Cost: €1,200 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

This tour is based in Nice, the sophisticated, vibrant capital of the French Riviera. The climate, coastline and picturesque towns and villages have made this area a mecca for tourists for the past two hundred years. The natural beauty has been enhanced by the attention of generations of gardeners taking advantage of the perfect Mediterranean climate. We explore many of the gardens of both the French and Italian Riviera and enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery.

Monday, September 27th
Meet Iain MacDonald at Dublin airport for a morning flight to Nice, arriving at 15.10hrs (local time). Transfer by private coach to our centrally located 4 **** Hotel Massena, convenient to the old town centre and the sea. www.hotel-massena-nice.com

Tuesday, September 28th
Today we travel to Menton, ‘Pearl of the Riviera’, to visit the beautiful Val Rameh Botanical Gardens. From the balustraded terrace garden which enfolds a Moorish style house, the garden unwinds to reveal lush planting which takes advantage of the unusual subtropical micro climate. Free time in the picturesque old town for lunch, then on to Serre de la Madone, the Mediterranean garden of Lawrence Johnston, creator of Hidcote. This was the first garden in France to be categorised as an historical monument.

Wednesday, September 29th
Free morning to explore the old town of Nice including the flower market. Coach will collect group in the afternoon to visit the Cimiez Monastery, built in the 16th century on top of a hill overlooking Nice. Wander through the rose-covered pergolas and among the clipped evergreens and exotic bedding displays and herb garden. Then on to Phoenix Parc – a series of themed gardens around one of the world’s biggest greenhouses.

Thursday, September 30th
We journey to Grasse, the cradle of the French perfume industry since the 18th century. We visit Parfumerie Fragonard for a guided tour which explains how the essential oils of the Provencal flora are captured and blended into perfumes for every occasion. Free time for lunch in the atmospheric old town is followed by a spectacular drive into the mountains to visit Chateau de Gourdon, an ancient hilltop bastion overlooking classic 17th century Le Notre gardens.

Friday, October 1st
We take a journey across the Italian border to Ventimiglia, where there is an opportunity to visit its famous market before proceeding to the incomparable Hanbury gardens at La Mortola – renowned as the finest of all the Riviera gardens. A series of sweeping paths and elegant staircases descend the hillside, past the beautiful, evocative villa. Collections of rare and unusual trees, palms, succulents, roses and vines adorn the garden revealing beautiful vistas of the house and coastline at each turn.

Saturday, October 2nd
A free day to visit some of the many museums in Nice, spend the day on the beach or take a short train or bus journey to visit the nearly town of Cannes, the principality of Monaco or the famous hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence.

Sunday, October 3rd
Check out of hotel after breakfast and visit the Villa Rothschild at Cap Ferrat – a Venetian-style palace surrounded by seven stunning gardens which include a Spanish garden with canal, a Florentine garden with a grotto, a rose garden, and an exquisite Japanese garden; all lead to the main garden with its temple and musical water fountains. Free time for an early lunch under the trees at the excellent cafe, surrounded by marvellous sea views. We transfer to Nice airport for our return flight to Dublin arriving at 17.25 hrs.

Iain MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and plantsman, escorts this tour; he will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes flights, all private coach transfers, gardens, guides, bed & breakfast in hotel.

Eating out in Nice is interesting and reasonably price. Dinner is not included but Iain will be available to guide you to a selection of restaurants each evening within walking distance of the hotel

COST: €1,200.00 per person sharing

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: €360

Deposit: €300.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.

Itinerary subject to change