Kew Orchid Festival & Blenheim Palace

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of colour, culture, and magnificent plant life during the annual Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens. This event brightens up the winter months with its lively display of flora. This year's festival takes inspiration from the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar, showcasing its stunning natural beauty and incredible biodiversity. You can explore Madagascar's tropical paradise, including its lush rainforests, tropical dry forests, and over 3,000 miles of coastline, all beautifully reflected in a spectacular array of themed floral displays inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to discover the splendid Blenheim Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, surrounded by exquisitely landscaped parkland and stunning formal gardens.

CROWNE PLAZA READING EAST

The Crowne Plaza Reading East Hotel has recently been fully refurbished and is set in landscaped podium gardens. The hotel features two restaurants, a bar, the Esprit Wellness & Spa with a 19m heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and an extensive gym with Life Fitness equipment. All bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, television, telephone, Wi-Fi, Iron / Ironing Board, safe and tea / coffee making facilities. Lift to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
Admission to Kew Orchid Festival
Admission to Blenheim Palace & Gardens

Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

We journey south via the motorway network to the outskirts of Reading and check in to the Crowne Plaza Reading East where we stay for the next two nights.

Day Two

This morning we visit Windsor, where cobbled streets wind through a landscape of historic treasures including its magnificent castle that has been a Royal Palace and fortress for over 900 years. Perhaps visit the castle and explore its exquisite grounds, maybe consider a panoramic adventure on an open-top bus tour or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the picturesque River Thames. This afternoon we travel to RHS Kew Gardens for their annual Orchid Festival, a celebration of vibrant flora to brighten up the winter months. Don't miss the extraordinary giraffe weevils and explore installations of extinct species. You can also see the central horticultural display at the heart of the Princess of Wales Conservatory alongside some of the Malagasy orchids that are very delicately cared for by the team at Kew.

B, D

Day Three

Following breakfast we check-out and travel to exquisite Blenheim Palace. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a diverse history. Enter the Palace and discover the gilded State Rooms and priceless collections set against striking stonework, and explore beautiful parkland, sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake. After our visit we continue our homeward journey.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Nelson Pub	Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Chester	Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop
Chirk	Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Ewloe	Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel
Gaerwen	Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai	Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llanfairpwll Park & Ride	Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride
Llangefni	Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Oswestry	Oswestry, Mile End Services Coach Park
Penygroes	Penygroes, Crossroads (Outside Victoria Hotel)
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Wrexham	Wrexham, Bus Stand Lord Street
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop