Pacific Horticulture and Sterling Tours invite you to join Gardens and Historic Houses of Savannah & Charleston Including the Glorious Gardens Festival Sunday, March 25: Savannah. Individual arrivals. Check in to the Planters Inn for a 3-night stay. The Planters Inn is a small boutique hotel, centrally located on Reynolds Square in the historic district, walking distance to the Riverfront and Marketplace. Meet the other guests tonight at 6pm for a welcome drink followed by dinner at the famed Olde Pink House restaurant next to the hotel. Dinner Monday, March 26: Savannah. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a private guided Garden Walk with noted landscape designer John McEllen. John s travels in Italy, Spain, and South America have influenced his design. He brings water features into play and approaches the outside as a green room. John will treat us to at least four or five of Savannah s finest private gardens. Along the way we ll stroll past beautifully restored antebellum mansions and peek into gardens that have made Savannah world famous. The city is built around 22 green squares and parks bursting with blooming azaleas. Savannah has a history as a center of elegant ironwork. We will learn about native Savannah ironsmiths, including nationally acclaimed John Boyd Smith IV, featured in "This Olde House", whose work can be seen along many of the streets and squares of the historic district. Among the homes we pass will be Jim William s famous Mercer House featured in the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". Lunch will be at Mrs.Wilkes Boarding House where the family has offered fine Southern food for 4 generations. Our tour ends in the Design District, with the rest of the afternoon free for shopping, relaxing in the lovely squares, or walking along the riverfront. Breakfast/lunch Tuesday, March 27: Savannah. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a private guided Garden and Historic Homes Walk. We will visit wealthy cotton broker Andrew Low s 19 th century English Regency style house, the home of Girl Scouts founder, Juliette Gordon Low. The property has a beautiful courtyard garden. We continue to The Ships of the Sea Museum and Gardens located at the Scarborough House, built in 1819 for the owner of the Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. John McEllen maintains the plants. He will give us a special tour of the garden which is the largest in the Historic District, providing an elegant setting for a colorful exhibition of ship models, paintings and museum antiques. Our day includes a visit to a property that evokes the heyday of Savannah s Golden Age, the Owens-Thomas house and courtyard gardens, once host to Lafayette. It is considered the finest example of English Regency architecture in America by architectural historians. Inspired by classical antiquity, this style of architecture takes its name from England's King George IV, who ruled as Prince Regent from 1811 to 1820. The property has a beautiful English-inspired parterre garden and an original carriage house which contains one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the South. Lunch will be at the River House Seafood Restaurant. Breakfast/lunch Wednesday, March 28: Savannah/Beaufort/Charleston. We will be met at the hotel this morning by our private coach. En route to Charleston, we take a walking tour of historic Beaufort. We will wander through the lovely village with its beautiful and stately homes and gardens, many of which were built prior to the Civil War. These were summer homes of the wealthy plantation owners, who made fortunes growing rice and cotton. We will learn about the history of the earliest settlements in this area, and experience the unique beauty of the placid marshes and broad alluvial rivers rolling down to the sea. We will be guests for luncheon in a historic home, served by the ladies of the Beaufort County Open Land Trust. Afterward, we ll enjoy a bit of free time for shopping and browsing on Bay Street. We arrive Charleston late afternoon and check into The Mill House Hotel.
The charming 150 year old historic hotel was recently refurbished with each room individually decorated with period furnishings. The hotel is centrally located. Breakfast/lunch Thursday, March 29: Charleston. This morning we will enjoy a Cobblestones and Gardens private walking tour. We ll meander down lovely streets and lanes and view the marvelous architecture of homes built more than a century ago. We ll peek into the lush private gardens of this quaint old city and breathe their fragrant aromas. Visits include the Heyward-Washington House (c. 1772) which houses the finest collection of Charleston-made furniture in the city and a formal English garden lovingly maintained by the Garden Club of Charleston. We will see Cabbage Row, the inspiration for the American opera, Porgy & Bess and visit St. Michael s Episcopal Church. Our elegant luncheon at Mills House Hotel features Charleston in Bloom by Jan MacDougal. This slide lecture on the local flora of the low country will bring the gardens of Charleston to life. Jan conceived the name Glorious Gardens and was former chairwoman of the Historic Charleston Foundation spring tour. Before arriving in Charleston 34 years ago, Jan was a New York State Horticulture Judge, a National Council Flower Show Judge and is now a Master Gardener. Jan also guides in the gardens at Middleton Place. Because of her special interest in daffodils, Jan is known locally as the "Bulb Lady". Many national magazines have published her flower arrangements, including a cover for Gourmet. She has arranged flowers for Prince Charles, Princess Anne, the Emperor of Japan, and two vice presidents. Later this afternoon we will attend the Glorious Gardens Festival. We end with a wine and lemonade reception and visit to the Nathaniel Russell House garden. Breakfast/lunch Friday, March 30: Charleston area. Today we tour two of America's earliest plantations and gardens: Magnolia Gardens and Middleton Place. Magnolia Gardens and Plantation founded by the Drayton family in 1680, is considered one of the most beautiful, romantic gardens in the world. As we stroll the garden paths through a Cypress Swamp which was turned into a garden by the Rev. John Drayton prior to the War Between the States, the beauty of these unique gardens will take our breath away. After this special garden tour with Magnolia s head gardener or with Taylor Nelson, descendent of the Drayton family, we board the tram which will take us into part of the Audubon Swamp Garden, home to scores of water- loving creatures and traversed by boardwalks, dikes, and bridges to allow us close (but safe) contact with its inhabitants. We may see an alligator and will have the opportunity to view the abundant bird population of the low country. Next, we visit Middleton Place, a Registered National Historic Landmark and the plantation home of the Middleton family since 1741, with the oldest formal gardens in America. In the stable yards we will be treated to a bird's-eye view of life on an 18th century working plantation. While at Middleton, we will tour the remaining wing of the Middleton House furnished with heirlooms from the family and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring regional cuisine in the restaurant. Breakfast, lunch Saturday, March 31: Charleston/Wadmalaw Island. We depart Charleston this morning for a look at America s only tea plantation on rural Wadmalaw Island. Cross beautiful marshlands and travel lovely live oak canopied roads as we learn about the history of the large plantations which once occupied these islands and hear of the unique culture and language of the people who worked these plantations. Enjoy views of rich farm land and forests, see St. John's Episcopal Church and the Angel Oak, a 1400 year old live oak tree. The highlight of the trip will be a stop at Charleston Tea Plantation. Over 100 years ago, tea planters brought their finest tea bushes from China, India, and Ceylon to the South Carolina low country. Now the descendants of the plants are growing strong nestled on a serene sea island. Includes a tour of the factory and trolley tour of the grounds conducted by Bill Hall, a third generation tea taster and tea maker. Later we will visit one of Charleston s exquisite private gardens and enjoy a light lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free in Charleston. This evening we meet for a special farewell dinner at Magnolias, offering exquisite southern cuisine on Charleston s seaside. We will be entertained with Legends of the Low Country from storyteller Tim Lowry. His stories will include the American Revolution and Civil War told with Southern style, charm and wit. Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Sunday, April 1: Departure. Transfer independently to the airport. Breakfast TOUR LAND COST PER GUEST: Based on a minimum of 16 paying guests: $3190.00 Single supplement: $1124.00 COSTS INCLUDE: 7 night s accommodation, additional nights available see below* All hotel taxes and service charges 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners Festival of Houses & Gardens in Charleston Lecture by Jan McDougal on the flora of the Low Country Deluxe private coaches and top drivers All sightseeing and entrances as per the itinerary Gifts for the private garden owners and donations to various garden organizations Deluxe portfolio of documents Escorted by Greg Graves, President, Pacific Horticulture Tour Manager Scott Borden Donation of $100 to Pacific Horticulture Limited to 24 guests *Additional hotel nights including breakfast and tax: $248/night in Savannah (single or double), $410 double, $390 single/night in Charleston. COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE: Airfare and Travel insurance Prices quoted are based on a minimum of 16 guests. In the event of lower numbers, Sterling Tours reserves the right to adjust rates accordingly. Full itinerary & online reservations: http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/charleston2012.html For more information and telephone reservations contact: 2907 Shelter Island Drive Suite #105-262 San Diego, CA 92106 Tel: 619 299-3010 800-976-9497 email: info@sterlingtoursltd.com www.sterlingtoursltd.com CST2023849-40
Greg Graves, Pacific Horticulture, and Sterling Tours invite you to join Gardens & Historic Houses of Charleston & Savannah IMPORTANT: Submitting this form and paying tour deposit confirms you have read and accept the Terms and Conditions for this tour. Please review and be sure you understand the terms and conditions before registering for this tour. RESERVATION FORM ----PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FORM PER PERSON TRAVELING Full Name as on your traveling ID: Name you prefer to be called: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Dr: Date of Birth: Address: City, State, Zip, Country: Telephone: E-mail: Emergency Contact Name and Phone # Special Food or Physical Requirements: HOTEL ROOM Please check appropriate room type Double Room, One Large Bed: Double Room, Two Beds: Sharing room with : Single Room, I am willing to share Single Room, not sharing (We will attempt to find a roommate, but if unsuccessful the single supplement will apply) Extra nights before tour in Savannah are available at $248 per night including tax and breakfast. Extra nights after tour in Charleston are available at $410 double, $390 single including tax & breakfast Please indicate additional night requirements here: INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS Yes, please include Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance which protects me from cancellation charges if I must cancel due to illness. $172 per person double, $228 single (subject to change) No, I do not want insurance protection and am aware of the risks. TOUR DEPOSIT (Airfare is additional, please let us know if you would like help arranging flights) Tour Price is $3190 per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy of a room requires a supplement of $1124. A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person is required to register for this tour. If paying by check, please make payable to Sterling Tours, Ltd and mail with this form to the address below. If paying deposit by credit card please sign here: Credit Card: VI MC AX Credit Card # Exp: Billing address: Name on Card: Security Code: Sterling Tours, Ltd. 2907 Shelter Island Drive Suite #105-262 San Diego, CA 92106 USA Tel: 619 299-3010 * 800-976-9497 info@sterlingtoursltd.com CST2023849-40 www.sterlingtoursltd.com
Gardens & Historic Houses of Savannah & Charleston A Pacific Horticulture Tour Terms & Conditions This information is important. Please read it carefully. Submission of an online or printed Booking Form along with payment of required trip deposit indicates you have read and expressly agree to these Terms and Conditions. If there is something that you do not understand please ask us about it! Reservations and Payments A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is required at the time of booking. Written confirmation will be provided upon receipt of this deposit. The balance is due 60 days before departure. Number of Guests: A maximum of 24 guests can be accommodated. A minimum of 16 guests are required to operate the tour at the quoted price. Purchase of non-refundable services outside of the tour itinerary (such as airline tickets) before minimum number of guests have registered is at the sole risk and expense of the guest. Cancellations All cancellations must be made in writing. As noted, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure and is non-refundable. Accordingly we strongly recommended that you purchase appropriate cancellation insurance. Hotels Hotels are shown on your itinerary. Sterling Tours reserves the right to change any hotel through any circumstance---the substitute will be of equal or higher quality. Scheduled Activities Every effort will be made to provide such services as listed, but where unavoidable circumstances necessitate changes, the best substitute alternatives will be made at the discretion of Sterling Tours, the local escort, or the ground operator without financial compensation to tour members. Service Fees, Tips & Taxes Today there are frequently service charges and taxes imposed by hotels, suppliers, and governments. These fees and taxes are included to the extent possible, but where pre-payment is not allowed the amounts concerned must be paid locally by tour members. Tips to your guides and drivers are not included and are left to your discretion. Baggage Sterling is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to your baggage---travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect against loss. Guests are responsible for airline and government-imposed baggage regulations and fees. Exclusions Your arrangements exclude excess baggage charges, items of a personal nature such as laundry, communication expenses, room service, meals not specified in your itinerary, gratuities to guides and drivers, optional sightseeing and other excursions, and any items not listed in your documents. Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance We strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. Responsibility Clause SterlingTours the Operator, Greg Graves, Pacific Horticulture Society and or their agents or representatives, act only as agents for the various companies involved in providing services. They assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any means of conveyance which may be used either whole or in part in the performance of its duty to the passenger. Likewise they will not be responsible for any act, error or omission or for any personal injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, irregularity or inconvenience which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicles, or through any act, neglect or default, or any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued, whether negligent or not, including, but not limited to, any act of God, terrorism or war. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the Operator. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also to decline to accept or retain passengers as members of the tour. Legal proceedings against the company may be instituted only in a State or Federal Court within the County of San Diego, State of California, and any claim involved in such proceedings shall be decided in the County of San Diego, State of California. Any legal proceedings against the company must be commenced within one year following the date of tour completion. Neither the company nor Greg Graves nor Pacific Horticulture Society shall in any case be liable for compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages. Sterling Tours, Ltd A California Corporation 2907 Shelter Island Drive Suite #105-262 San Diego, CA 92106 Tel: 619 299-3010 800-976-9497 CST2023849-40 www.sterlingtoursltd.com info@sterlingtoursltd.com