The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring
A six day tour to enjoy the cream of Cornish Gardens and the Music of London Festival Opera
- 25 April 2021
Where better to enjoy the arrival of spring than in Cornwall. The county has more than its fair share of marvellous gardens, in part thanks to the warmth brought to its shores by the Gulf Stream. From our central base, the stylish and unique Tresanton Hotel in the lovely small port of St Mawes, we will explore some of the finest and most beautiful gardens, and always close by will be the sea, providing the most dramatic of backdrops to the botanical wonders.
For us one of the most important rules in organising a botanical tour is that it should not be rushed. So, apart from a guided tour of the gardens there will also be free time to explore individually, take in the vistas and sit and wonder at what nature and man have created. Nowhere, is this more important than at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The extensive work carried out here over the last twenty years is truly phenomenal and cannot be appreciated in a fleeting visit. Likewise, the extensive ravine and cliffside gardens of Glendurgan need time to appreciate as you make your way down to the sea.
A highlight for many will be our day at Caerhays Castle and Garden. Designated by Kew as being a garden of outstanding importance and covering some 120 acres, the unique microclimate here at this private garden has produced something rather unique. As you explore it helps to imagine you are halfway up a mountain in the Chinese province of Yunnan, some hundred years ago. It was from this region in the early 1900s that the ancestors of the current owners sourced many new species formerly unknown in Western Europe. To enhance our stay further, we will enjoy performances by our good friends London Festival Opera in St Mawes and at the Caerhays Estate.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for our stay and presenting two entertaining programmes of opera and operetta including the celebrated works of Mozart, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini and the lighter repertoire of Gilbert & Sullivan. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed tours grow in popularity. London Festival Opera has achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in the UK and overseas and has performed for Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior members of the British and European Royal Families. Recent appearances have been in London, Rome, Paris, Hamburg, Brussels, Monte Carlo, Moscow, Marrakech, Mumbai, Barbados and Hong Kong. The company has performed at 10 Downing Street, the British Embassy in Paris, the President’s Palace in Malta and as a guest company in one of Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne the programmes presented include a wide and varied range of repertoire, performed in formal evening dress and authentic period costume for an added visual impact.
Tresanton Hotel
Chosen for its ideal location, but mostly because it is one of Cornwall’s loveliest hotels. The Tresanton Hotel is situated on Cornwall’s picturesque southern shores and commands stunning views across the sea of the Roseland Peninsula. Formerly, a yachting club and a cluster of old houses which in 1999 was purchased and transformed by one of the worlds’ foremost designers, Olga Polizzi. From the minute you enter the hotel her wit and great sense of style are evident everywhere both in and outside.
Everything you could possibly want from a luxurious Cornish hotel is here, stylish rooms with sea views, elegant public spaces, flower filled terraces and gardens with amazing sea views. Here you will also find some of the best food in Cornwall and a first class and friendly service that only a small hotel can provide.
For our five night stay we will take over all 30 rooms and suites allowing us to plan the perfect schedule. The Tresanton, like many of Cornwall’s best hotels has a cliff side location. Some elevated rooms are accessed by numerous steps, but the reward is breathtakingly beautiful.
Itinerary
Day 1 St Austell to St Mawes.
Transportation will meet the late afternoon arriving trains at St Austell Station and provide a transfer to the Tresanton Hotel at a designated time. Those arriving by car will be met at the hotel by a porter who will arrange valet parking in the hotel’s car park. Meet for drinks followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 Lost Gardens of Heligan.
After a leisurely breakfast drive to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Europe’s largest garden restoration project. There will be a range of short and comprehensive guided tours, including the historic glasshouses, Melon Yard and the Pineapple Pit, and the glorious Pleasure Gardens. Excellent facilities are available for snacks and lunch. Enjoy free time before we return to our hotel for afternoon tea and a presentation from our horticultural expert. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.
Day 3 Lamorran House Garden & St Just in Roseland.
This morning we visit the private garden at Lamorran House, an inspiring subtropical, Italianate four acre garden in St Mawes. It is certainly a star garden having appeared on both the BBC’s Gardeners World and listed in the top ten of the BBC’s Nation’s Favourite Gardens. Later, a short drive will take us to the 13th century Church at St Just in Roseland. The church and lush garden setting by a tidal creek is beautiful. So beautiful it led Sir John Betjeman to describe it “to many people the most beautiful churchyard on earth”. There will be time here to explore the church and surrounding natural landscape. Late afternoon drinks will be served on the Tresanton Terrace followed by a performance from London Festival Opera at the charming St Mawes Chapel. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 4 Glendurgan Estate, Helford River.
A short walk through St Mawes brings us to a jetty where we board the ferry for the 30 minute sailing to Falmouth Harbour. Continue by coach to Glendurgan for a guided tour of the woodland gardens created by the Fox Family in the 1800s. Not one, but three valleys to explore at their springtime best with thousands of wild flowers carpeting the slopes amid fabulous displays of camellias and magnolias. Later, enjoy a tour of the Fox family home which is not usually open to the public and a light lunch. Drive back to Falmouth and board the ferry to St Mawes. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure and dinner this evening will be at the hotel.
Day 5 Caerhays Estate.
After a leisurely breakfast we will make a short drive to the Caerhays Castle and Garden. Situated between St Mawes and Mevagissey in a secluded valley above Porthluney Cove, this is one of the great gardens of Cornwall. The estate is one of the oldest in the country and home to a National Magnolia Collection. The origins of the historically important collection of magnolias can be traced back to the work of the great plant hunters, Ernest Wilson and George Forrest and the 120 acre woodland gardens are a springtime wonderland. During the morning there will be guided tours of the garden and after lunch a guided tour of the castle, still inhabited by the Williams family who in the early 20th century sponsored plant hunting expeditions in Asia. Later, a short drive takes us to the Vean, a typical Cornish Georgian country house on the estate where afternoon tea will be served prior to a performance by London Festival Opera in the house. Return to the hotel for our Farewell Dinner.
Day 6 St Mawes to St Austell.
Linger over breakfast enjoying the stunning sea views for one last time before boarding the coach which will depart for St Austell.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 25 to 30 April 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Small Room | £1995 | |
| Medium Room | £2095 | |
| Spacious Room | £2295 | |
| Favourite Room | £2595 | |
| Family Suite (Room 25) | £2795 | |
| Forte Suite (Room 33) | £2995 | |
| Family Suite (Room 32) | £3095 | |
| The Lamorran Suite | £3295 | |
| Small Room for sole use | £3095 | |
| Medium Room for sole use | £3295 | |
Tour Reference Code: LATRESANTON
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights hotel accommodation at Hotel Tresanton on a breakfast and dinner basis • Lunch on day 4 • Afternoon tea on days 2 & 5 • Excursions as described • Two London Festival Opera performances • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Group transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Tresanton Hotel
Chosen for its ideal location, but mostly because it is one of Cornwall’s loveliest hotels. The Tresanton Hotel is situated on Cornwall’s picturesque southern shores and commands stunning views across the sea of the Roseland Peninsula. Formerly, a yachting club and a cluster of old houses which in 1999 was purchased and transformed by one of the worlds’ foremost designers, Olga Polizzi. From the minute you enter the hotel her wit and great sense of style are evident everywhere both in and outside.
Everything you could possibly want from a luxurious Cornish hotel is here, stylish rooms with sea views, elegant public spaces, flower filled terraces and gardens with amazing sea views. Here you will also find some of the best food in Cornwall and a first class and friendly service that only a small hotel can provide.
For our five night stay we will take over all 30 rooms and suites allowing us to plan the perfect schedule. The Tresanton, like many of Cornwall’s best hotels has a cliff side location. Some elevated rooms are accessed by numerous steps, but the reward is breathtakingly beautiful.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the booklet to download.
Situated on Cornwall’s picturesque southern shores, Hotel Tresanton commands stunning views across the sea of the Roseland Peninsula and is one of Cornwall’s loveliest hotels. Formerly a yachting Club, it was purchased and transformed by one of the worlds’ foremost designers, Olga Polizzi. From the minute you enter the hotel her wit and great sense of style are evident everywhere both in and outside.
With just 30 rooms and suites, everything you could possibly want from a luxurious Cornish hotel is here; characterful rooms with sea views, elegant public spaces and flower filled terraces and gardens designed with al fresco drinking and dining in mind. The hotel was fashioned from a cluster of houses in the 1950s so it has higgledy-piggledy levels with a number of steps leading to the elevated rooms, but the reward is breathtakingly beautiful seascapes. The overall feel of the hotel is of a relaxed and personal country house, and in it you will find some of the best food in Cornwall and a first class and friendly service that only a small hotel can provide.
ADDRESS
Hotel Tresanton St Mawes, Cornwall TR2 5DR
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT
Check in time is from 2:00pm and check out is by 11:00am. If you wish to leave later, please contact Reception. If you wish to leave before 7:30am, please advise Reception the previous evening. There is a luggage storage facility at the hotel.
COMMUNICATIONS
To contact the hotel please call 01326 270055. There is a phone in your hotel room, which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs will be advised by Reception. You can obtain an outside line by dialling 9. Room-to-room calls are free of charge. Please dial 1+ followed by the room number (i.e. 104 for Room 4, 122 for Room 22). You can contact the hotel by email at info@tresanton.com. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Your Tour Manager will confirm the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities the previous evening.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten free, please notify the Reservations Department. We will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once checked in, please speak to the Maitre ‘D at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your needs.
DINING AND DRINKING
Full English breakfast is served in the Restaurant or the Terrace from 7.30-10.30 every day. Lunch is served from 12:30–2:30pm. Dinner is served from 7:00–9:30pm.
Room Service - The ‘Room Service Menu’ is available from 7:30am to 9:30pm. To order call the Restaurant on extension 257. On completing your meal please call Reception or the Restaurant to have your tray removed.
Tea and coffee - If you would like a tea tray and kettle for your room during your stay please call Reception or the Restaurant.
Light Meals - A range of light meals, cream teas and afternoon teas are served from 3:30 to 5:30pm every day.
The Dogs’ Bar, located in Little Tresanton is open from 11:00am to 11:30pm every day. Drinks can also be served in the sitting room, on the terrace, or in your room.
DISABLED FACILITIES
The hotel has one room that is suitable for partially abled persons, there are no fully accessible rooms at the hotel. The hotel has a ramp that enables all public areas to be wheelchair accessible.
DOCTOR
The Roseland surgery is at the other end of the village, telephone 270 241. If you need a doctor to visit you outside of surgery hours, please contact Reception.
DRESS CODE
You may dress however you feel comfortable, whether it be casual, summery or smart, it’s up to you.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage is 220 volts.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your stay, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff. All emergency exits are clearly marked and provide a safe and fast escape from the building. We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions fixed on the inside of your hotel room door and in the guest information pack in your room. Please make yourself aware of the nearest ‘Fire Exit, ‘Break Glass Points’ to your room as well as the meeting point in the event of a fire. In an emergency please contact Reception. The fire alarms are tested every Monday morning at 11:00am for 60 seconds. There is no need to evacuate the building unless the alarm rings over this time. In case of evacuation, the collection point is located in the hotel car park, at the top of the steps at the back. If you are disabled and require assistance, please ring Reception immediately.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the questionnaire sent with your final documents. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests.
HOUSEKEEPING
Rooms are serviced daily between 8:00am and 3:00pm with a turndown service between 7:00 and 9:30pm. In order to make your stay more comfortable, the Housekeeper will be pleased to provide extra pillows, blankets, towels, coat hangers, shower caps, hot water bottles etc. Ironing boards and non-slip bath mats are available upon request.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundering and pressing service is available. Please fill out the laundry sheet, which is inside the amenity bowl on the shelf in your bathroom and leave it with your laundry in the bag provided in the bathroom. Dry cleaning is available through the hotel’s laundry services and will require a minimum of three working days.
LIFT
There are no lifts at Hotel Tresanton.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MAIL
Letters or postcards can be left at Reception and the team will be happy to assist with postage. Postage can be bought and charged to your room account.
NEWS
News channels are available on your TV in your hotel room.
PARKING
The hotel are happy to park your car in their car park and bring it down to the hotel when you need it. Cars are parked at the owner’s risk. The hotel cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.
PUBLIC AREAS
LOUNGES
The sitting room in the main building of the hotel is a very relaxing space with comfortable sofas and a wonderful log fireplace. There are a selection of newspapers here for you to peruse each morning as well as still and sparkling water. Should the British weather be kind there is a large outdoor terrace at the main hotel from which you can enjoy fabulous views of the Carrick Roads. There is also a small bar lounge called ‘The Dogs’ Bar’ where you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles and finally a Beach Club set across the road from the main hotel which has casual seating and sun loungers for you to relax and enjoy the tranquillity. You may enjoy tea and coffee and light bites in all of the bar areas.
FITNESS AND SPORT
At Hotel Tresanton you may enjoy natures gym. This area is incredibly safe when it comes to Open Water Swimming which can be done from Summers or Tavern Beach. There is a three mile loop around the village which is ideal for those who wish to run or walk each day, there are a few inclines to help with your cardio fitness. For revitalising walks – there is a short walk for an hour each way to visit the glorious St Just in Roseland church or for a longer walk there is a 10 mile loop of the Roseland.
ROOM ACCOUNT
All guests will have their own “room account” once credit card details have been given to Reception on arrival. This allows you to sign for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of your stay. Prices are shown and charged in Pounds. Your room account can be paid by: • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) • Cash (Pounds)
ROOMS AND SUITES
The hotel offers 30 rooms, including 12 with a terrace, one with a garden, and four suites.
LITTLE TRESANTON
Situated at the front of the property with only a few steps to negotiate, the building is two floors and also home to the hotel bar, The Dogs’ Bar. The following rooms are located within Little Tresanton;
Room 1: Favourite Room (38 m2) This room has a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request), a private terrace and a sea view. The ensuite bathroom has a bathtub with separate shower.
Room 2: Spacious Room (24 m2) This sea view room has a king size bed and a spacious sitting area. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and shower.
Room 3: Spacious Room (24 m2) This room has a king size bed and is a split level room, with a separate sitting area on the lower level. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and shower.
MAIN TRESANTON
This is the main building comprising of three floors. The ground floor is the public area level with the reception, sitting room for relaxing by the fire or for pre-dinner drinks, cinema/function room and the restaurant with large terrace for those lazy summer days. The first and second floor are the accommodation levels.
Room 5: Spacious Room (22 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed as well as a 3.6 m2 terrace with seating and loungers. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 6: Favourite Room (26 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request) as well as a 3.6 m2 terrace with seating and loungers. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and a separate shower.
Room 7: Favourite Room (25 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). The room is spacious and boasts one of the largest window apertures giving you great light and views over the bay. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and a separate shower.
Room 8: Spacious Room (20 m2) This room has a sea view, a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request) and seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 9: Spacious Room (23 m2) This room has a sea view, a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request) and seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 10: Spacious Room (20 m2) This room has a sea view, a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request) and seating area. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and a separate shower.
Room 11: Medium Room (16 m2) This room has a sea view, a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request) and seating area. The ensuite bathroom has no bath but boasts a luxurious double rain shower.
Room 12: Medium Room (16 m2) This room has a sea view and a large double bed. It boasts a large outside terrace with seating and loungers. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 14: Medium Room (17.5 m2) This room has a sea view and a large double bed. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 15: Medium Room (17 m2) This room has a sea view and a large double bed. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 16: Spacious Room (20 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and a separate shower.
Room 17: Small Room (14.5 m2) This small but perfectly formed room has a sea view and a double bed. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 18: Medium Room (16 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 19: Medium Room (16 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 20: Small Room (14 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 21: Small Room (14 m2) This room has a sea view and a king size bed. The ensuite bathroom has a shower only. UPPER TRESANTON Located at the back of the hotel it has unrivalled views over the bay and the Carrick Roads. There are a number of steps to this building and it is accessed through Main Tresanton. The building is two floors of accommodation.
Room 22: The Lamorran Suite (50 m2) Tresanton’s largest suite on the ground floor of the building features one master bedroom with king size bed and ensuite bathroom and one king size bedroom. Both rooms can be configured with twin beds on request. The room has a large sitting /dining area and a long terrace overlooking St Mawes Bay.
Room 24: Spacious Room (19 m2) This room is on the ground floor and has a sea view with a balcony and a king size bed (which can be configured as a twin bed on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 25: Family Suite (37 m2) This two bedroom family suite boasts spectacular sea views from the balcony. Both bedrooms have king size beds which can be configured as twin beds on request. The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and the second bathroom is a shower room located off the main sitting room.
Room 26: Small Room (14 m2) This room is on the first floor with a balcony with a sea view and a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
Room 27: Spacious Room (19 m2) This room is on the first floor and has a balcony with a sea view and a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub with shower.
THE NOOK
Separated from the main hotel and located on the front of the property, this sweet little coastal house has three bedrooms over two floors with ensuite bathrooms.
Room 28: Favourite Room (28 m2) This sea view room in The Nook welcomes dogs and has a king-size bed (twin beds are available on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and a separate walk-in shower.
Room 29: Favourite Room (24 m2) This sea view room has a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and a separate walk-in shower.
Room 30: Small Room (15 m2) The small room in The Nook has a king-size bed (which can be converted into twin beds on request), its own private terrace but no seaview. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and also a separate walk-in shower. This room is rather spacious in comparison to other small rooms in the hotel.
ROCK COTTAGE
Located behind The Nook and adjacent to the main building, it is accessed by sloping paths from the main terrace and road. The house is a three storey building with ensuite rooms on each floor.
Room 31: Favourite Room (21 m2) The room has a king size bed (which can be converted into twin beds on request) and its own private garden. The ensuite bathroom has a bath tub and also a separate walk-in shower.
Room 32: Family Suite (37 m2) This two bedroom suite boasts spectacular sea views. It has a small self-catering kitchen, wood-burning stove, sitting room and balcony with seating. One of the bedrooms can be converted into twins if required. The bathroom has a bath tub and a separate walk-in shower.
Room 33: Forte Suite (39 m2) The hotel’s Master Suite has a king size bed (which can also be configured as a twin bed on request). It features a separate sitting room, wood burning stove, bathroom with walk-in shower and a crow’s nest terrace overlooking St Mawes Bay.
SAFE
A number of the rooms have in-room safes for your use. Valuable items can also be deposited in the hotel safe, the hotel cannot be held responsible for items left in the rooms.
SHOE CLEANING
The porters are happy to clean your shoes overnight if you leave them outside your bedroom door.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the hotel. There is a designated area on the terrace where you may smoke and it is requested that smokers take the comfort of other guests into consideration.
TAXIS
Please be aware that there is a very limited taxi service in St Mawes. Taxis often come from some distance and may not be available at short notice and therefore advance booking is recommended. Water taxis are also available. Please speak to Reception if you require these service.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
0 Reception/Housekeeping 257 Restaurant/Room Service 9 Outside line 1+ Room to room (ie 104 for Room 4, 122 for Room 22)
TELEVISION
All rooms are equipped with LCD TVs with a DVD player.
TOILETRIES
All hotel rooms are supplied with the following complimentary amenities: • Shower gel • Hair shampoo • Soap • Shower caps • Vanity kit • Tissues
TREATMENTS
A number of professional external therapists are able to provide a range of treatments for your relaxation. The treatment room is located in Little Tresanton and the reception team will be happy to escort you there for your treatment.
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk.
WATER
Water from the taps in your room is potable.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the hotel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the hotel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for our stay and presenting two entertaining programmes of opera and operetta including the celebrated works of Mozart, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini and the lighter repertoire of Gilbert & Sullivan. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed tours grow in popularity. London Festival Opera has achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in the UK and overseas and has performed for Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior members of the British and European Royal Families. Recent appearances have been in London, Rome, Paris, Hamburg, Brussels, Monte Carlo, Moscow, Marrakech, Mumbai, Barbados and Hong Kong. The company has performed at 10 Downing Street, the British Embassy in Paris, the President’s Palace in Malta and as a guest company in one of Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne the programmes presented include a wide and varied range of repertoire, performed in formal evening dress and authentic period costume for an added visual impact.
Travelling with You
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Chantal Cookson will be on the following tour dates: 25 to 30 April 2021 -
Mike Nelhams
Mike Nelhams first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. He first trained for three years at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley. After managing a woodland garden in Sussex for five years he returned to Tresco Abbey Garden in 1984 as Head Gardener and then in 1994 took the post of Garden Curator which was established for him. He is an RHS judge on the Tender Plants Committee, judging regularly at Chelsea, Hampton Court and London RHS shows and also is a frequent lecturer throughout the English-speaking world. He has published a book, “Tresco Abbey Garden” and has made many appearances on national TV and radio, as well as having written many articles for the horticultural press. Mike has a particular interest in plants from the Mediterranean and associated coastal regions of the world. A Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mike regularly leads garden tours.
Mike Nelhams will be on the following tour dates: 25 to 30 April 2021 -
London Festival Opera
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera on many of our tours and cruises. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed cruises grow in popularity. London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in palaces, castles, country houses, theatres, concert halls, embassies and private homes and gardens. Recent engagements have been throughout the UK, Europe and as far afield as Barbados, Marrakech and Moscow.
Particular attention is given to the design and quality of our costumes which are as authentic as possible. Whether it is a period evening dress, such as Regency or Victorian to enhance a gala performance or a full production, the costumes will be of the highest quality and style.
Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world's leading venues including as a guest company in one of the Italy's greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice.
London Festival Opera will be on the following tour dates: 25 to 30 April 2021
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000