Dear Supporters, Family Members & Friends, The Columbus Botanical Garden Northern California Garden Tour featuring San Francisco & Napa Valley June 5 11, 2014 What a combination visiting private gardens near San Francisco followed by famous California vineyards and their gardens. Once again we ll be capitalizing on the Gardens Conservancy s Open Days program on Saturday, September 7 th in San Francisco s Marin County. Plus, we ll visit the Fioli estate and garden just south of San Francisco. At press-time, the California drought is an issue; which hopefully will be resolved soon. Regardless, we may expect to see examples of the growing trend, xeriscape gardening. We ll begin in San Francisco, where we re staying at the historic Westin St. Francis. Friday morning our first activity is an orientation tour to re-acquaint ourselves with this wonderful city. That afternoon and Saturday will be spent visiting gardens, with a bit of open time built-in. Late Sunday morning we head to the heart of Northern California's wine country, Healdsburg. Nestled at the confluence of the Russian River, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma County, Healdsburg is a wonderful atmospheric town with a historic square. Within minutes of our hotel are fabulous restaurants, trendy stores and wine tasting showrooms from many of the area s famous wineries. Sonoma County produces some of the best cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Our vineyard schedule is in the works and we re pleased to say we ll be visiting Ferrari-Carano followed by the Newton Vineyard Monday afternoon. Flower Magazine had a terrific write up on Newton in the November/December issue. Tuesday finds us having lunch on the Wine Train. This will be a great opportunity to blend two travel experiences, gardening and vineyard tours. Please Join Us! Golden Gate Bridge
IITINERARY June 5, Thursday Atlanta to San Francisco R,D The suggested flight is: Atlanta/San Francisco Delta flight #1680 10:50am/1:06pm Please Note: Airfare is not included. If you need help, call Gail Shoop 706-663-4707. Upon arrival in San Francisco - We ll be met and taken by coach to the Westin St. Francis located in the heart of San Francisco facing Union Square. After check-in and time to unpack, we ll enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner at the St. Francis. http://www.westinstfrancis.com http://www.sanfrancisco.travel June 6, Friday San Francisco B,D This morning s sightseeing tour re-acquaints us with San Francisco - Nob Hill, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Coit Tower, the Victorian homes known as the "Painted Ladies" and Fisherman's Wharf. We continue south to Woodside for lunch and a visit to Fioli House & Garden. Fioli is one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20 th century. www.fioli.org Dinner tonight at one of San Francisco s great restaurants. Fioli s Front Lawn - English Greensward June 7, Saturday San Francisco B,L Today is spent in nearby Marin County visiting gardens participating in the Open Days program. Ranging from small-intimate to large-expansive, a wide variety of gardeners open their gardens to the public. It s a wonderful opportunity to experience gardening in northern CA. We ll visit two gardens in Belvedere and another in San Rafael. https://www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays June 8, Sunday San Francisco to Healdsburg B The morning is open for shopping/exploring before departing for Healdsburg to spend three nights at one of Sonoma County s premier luxury properties, the Hotel Healdsburg. Located on Healdsburg s historic Town Plaza, the hotel has spacious and beautifully appointed guest rooms not to mention easy access to restaurants and shops. Many vineyards have tasting shops in Healdsburg. You can visit any number of famous vineyards without leaving town. Welcome dinner tonight. The hotel s Dry Creek Kitchen is exceptional. It s owned by Charlie Palmer, who is also the proprietor of Aureole in New York City. www.hotelhealdsburg.com www.healdsburg.com
Hotel Healdsburg June 9, Monday Healdsburg B,L Healdsburg is truly in the heart of Northern California wine country. Today will be spent visit wineries and touring their gardens. Our first stop is Ferrari-Carano where we ll also enjoy lunch. Rhonda Carano herself planned and completed its spectacular 5 acres. The gardens surrounding the villa are in a Italian/French parterre design with classic geometric shaping. The estate winery garden is a park-like setting, emphasizing colors and textures. Next we tour Newton Vineyard. From Flower Magazine s November article (we ll send a copy) Ascending the hillside to the winery and gardens, there s a scenic overlook outlined in oh-so British ancient staddle stones that look like playful mushrooms. Next a hillside of English garden roses leads up to a French parterres and exuberant English borders, surrounded by corkscrew juniper topiary trees to rival Versailles, and a phalanx of Italian cypresses. Dinner will be on your own tonight as Healdsburg has a variety of really good restaurants. Newton Vineyards June 10, Tuesday Healdsburg B,L,D Late this morning we drive to Napa to enjoy lunch aboard the Wine Train. This is a great way to experience the beautiful countryside between Napa and St. Helena. During the train-ride, we ll visit and taste the wines of Grgich Hills, a 7 year winner of winery of the year by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Mid-afternoon return to Healdsburg for time to shop & explore. Our garden & wine adventure concludes tonight with dinner. www.winetrain.com
Lunch On The Wine Train June 11, Wednesday, Healdsburg to Home Our coach will make one trip to the San Francisco Airport (takes about 2 hours) in time to catch Delta # 2049 San Francisco/Atlanta 11:25am/7:07pm ( B= breakfast, L= lunch, D = Dinner, R= reception included in the tour package) B Tour Package Inclusions Deluxe hotel accommodations * three-nights Westin St. Francis, San Francisco * three-nights Hotel Healdsburg All room taxes and service charges Baggage handling of 1 bag per person Breakfast daily Dinners per itinerary in San Francisco and Healdsburg Garden Tours and tastings at Ferrari-Carano and Newton Vineyards Wine Train lunch excursion including visit to Grgich Hills winery Entrance fees Deluxe motorcoach transportation Tips to coach driver and local guides American Travel staff coordinator throughout Tour Cost $2,849 per person double occupancy $3,935 per person single occupancy The tour cost includes a tax-deductible contribution of $200 to the Columbus Botanical Garden for which they thank you! Features Not Included: Personal items such as room service and phone calls, mini-bar charges; meals not specified, airfare. For Information Contact Geoff Robertson American Travel Association Phone: 706-663-2171 Cel: 706-681-3329 Fax: 706-225-2551 note new fax number e-mail: travelata@aol.com
Insurance: Trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance coverage is available for purchase through a form to be sent by ATA. We strongly recommend insurance coverage. When last minute illnesses occur, the insurance helps offset non-refundable air and land charges. You should check with your local insurance agent to see what is covered under your homeowner s policy. The airlines now offer trip insurance. CONDITIONS Reservations and Payment: Reservations will be confirmed by American Travel Association (ATA) upon receipt of the Reservation Coupon and $300 per person deposit. Receipt of final payment is due in the office of ATA no later than April 14, 2014. All payments must be made by check payable to American Travel Association or by MasterCard, Visa or American Express card. Cancellation: Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA. To avoid discrepancies, ATA will not act on information given over the phone until written notice has been received. Land Package: A $200 per person cancellation fee will be charged regardless of the reason. Penalty on cancellations received between April 14th th and departure will be a maximum of 100% of the land cost per person, depending upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom payment had been sent. Cancellation penalties are required to offset non-refundable hotel and supplier payments made by ATA in advance of the tour. There will be no refund for unused services once the tour has begun. Airline Contract: The usual passage contract when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the tour participant. ATA and CBG shall not be liable for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing non-refundable tickets. Prices: This price is subject to change due to cost increases, and in number of participants upon which the tour cost is based (24). ATA reserves the right to increase the price for such reasons. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on February 14, 2014. Health: The Participant represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him-or-herself or other members of the tour. This program involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at locations that are not handicap accessible. A letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition that may require medical attention or special equipment (wheelchair, for example) must be enclosed with the Reservation Form. Responsibility: American Travel Association, Inc. (ATA) and the Columbus Botanical Garden (CBG) are acting as intermediaries for suppliers in selling services, or in accepting reservations or bookings of services which are not directly supplied by ATA and CBG (such as air transportation, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, meals and tours.) ATA and CBG therefore shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to the person, property or otherwise. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your invoice or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any such supplier's rates, bookings or reservations. By making a deposit for the tour, the travelers acknowledge acceptance of and consent to the terms and conditions contained herein. ATA and CBG give notice that they cannot be held responsible for any monetary crisis, political or social unrest, labor problems, mechanical or contractual difficulties, climatic aberrations, local laws, diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. It is the traveler's responsibility to be aware of and determine the validity of any travel advisories which may exist. The space in all hotels is limited and is confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. If, due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, participants are required to spend additional nights before or after the tour, participants will be responsible for their own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs.
San Francisco & NAPA Valley Reservation Form Name(s) (as they appear on your driver s license) Please correspond to the following Home Office address Company (if applicable) Street City State Zip Cell Phone Other Phone Fax Email Hotel Rooms r I/We prefer a one-bedded room r If no kings available, queen is OK r I/We prefer a two-bedded room r My roommate (registering separately) is (preferences will be requested, but cannot be guaranteed) Arrive early or extend our stay I/We wish to Emergency Contact Name/s Phone #s E-mail address Relationship Deposit A tour deposit of $300 per person is required. r Enclosed is a check payable to American Travel Association or, r Please charge the deposit to: Visa r MasterCard r American Express r Account number Expiration date Name on card 3 or 4 Digit Security Code Signature Billing address of cardholder (if different from above) I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure. Reservations will not be accepted without signature here.. Please return to: American Travel Association, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA, 31822, travelata@aol.com or secure fax to: (706) 225-2551