Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
This is one experience you just cannot miss! The imaginative, incredible Bruce Munro is returning to Longwood Gardens for his second dazzling art installation throughout the gardens at Longwood, “Light”.
The already beautiful Longwood Gardens will be transformed into an immersive scene of art and light, one you have never encountered before. This new exhibition features eight unique installations spanning Longwood’s indoor spaces and outdoor vistas, all of which will enchant and amaze your senses.
Our journey to experience this evening delight will also take us on the path to more extraordinary wonders close by. We’ll stroll two additional extravagant elegant gardens plus tour a magnificent mansion once inhabited by the infamous duPonts. Wondrous adventure awaits!
Day One: Marian Coffin Gardens
Get ready for a dazzling day! We head south into the Small Wonder, Delaware where our journey takes us to a wonderous garden lavishly sprawling on the grounds of the now empty Gibraltar estate.
Hidden in plain sight behind an impressive stone wall, the enchanting, meticulously maintained gardens are bursting with life surrounding the looming and somewhat deteriorating mansion. Quite a sight to see!
Originally designed and inspired by Marian Coffin, the gardens today reveal her imaginative, dynamic and eclectic style of creativity. A woman before her time, Marian was successful as a female landscape architect who brought her unprecedented flair to a male dominated profession.
Day One: Wilmington Riverfront
Now we make our way to the Wilmington Riverfront, the scenic heart of downtown. Spend the afternoon on your own strolling along the Christiana River and exploring the diverse attractions of the Riverfront while also finding a lovely restaurant from the many choices for lunch.
Day One: Dinner at Stone Barn
After checking into our comfortable accommodations with time to relax and freshen up, we arrive at lovely, local restaurant for an included dinner.
Day One: "Light"
Now the magic begins! It’s time to experience “Light”. As you wander the walkways, you’ll notice the perfect interaction of light, color and sound intermingled with specific regions of the gardens, almost as if they belong together.
The inside of the Conservatory will be transformed into a sparking oasis of colorful reflections inspired by the waterlily and a monumental geodesic sphere fashioned from 1,820 bottles will radiate both light and excitement. The luminous Field of Light is an awe-inspiring scene made up of tens of thousands of light components meticulously placed to create an inexplicable effect that no words can describe.
Take in all the sights, sounds and amazement at your leisure before heading back to our comfortable hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day Two: Nemours Estate
More grandeur is in store today as we make our way to the magnificent Nemours Estate, a gift from Alfred I. duPont to his wife, Alicia. The estate comprises the exquisite, 77 room French neoclassical mansion, the largest formal gardens in North America, a Chauffer’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
We’ll have time to explore at our leisure while taking in all the opulence and elegance that surrounds us.
Day Three: New Castle, DE
Time for a visit to New Castle Delaware, a treasure trove of stately townhomes and colonial charm along cobblestone streets. Here, we enjoy an included lunch in a 345-year-old building that now houses Jessop’s Tavern with time to stroll the charming streets lined with stunningly preserved buildings, historic homes and gardens.
Now we make our way back home filled with delightful memories of art, light and nature.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South Lot, across Linwood Avenue on the field side at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 6:30 PM
Departs Chatham Middle School at 480 Main Street (park in the non-numbered spots in the lot behind the Methodist Church) at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 5:45 PM.
Departs South Plainfield High School at 9:00 AM and returns at approx. 5:00 PM. As you enter from Lane Avenue, park on the left side along the fence between the two schools.
Price per person is $585 Twin & $690 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due May 12, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before May 12, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after May 12, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
