Avanti Luxury Coach Travel

DAY EXCURSIONS

2020

Enjoyable days out all through the year

Day trips to France and Belgium

Major Attractions and Events

London Theatres

Local Shows

Avanti Coach Travel, 26 Heath Way, Blofield, Norwich, NR13 4RS

Tel: 01603 717488

Email: avanticoaches@aol.com

www.avanticoachholidays.co.uk

BOOKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION

OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

HOW TO BOOK:

1. Telephone Avanti on Norwich (01603) 717488 during office hours when your booking will be taken and, if requested, seat numbers allocated. We reserve the right to change seat numbers should circumstances make it necessary.

2. EXCURSIONS MARKED BY AN ASTERISK * MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE. Bookings for these excursions remain provisional for up to fourteen days during which time full payment must be sent to Avanti Coach Travel, 26, Heath Way, Blofield, Norwich, NR13 4RS. A receipt will be sent to you by return. The booking will be cancelled after fourteen days if payment has not been received.

Cheques for all excursions must be made payable to: “Avanti Coach Travel”.

3. The capital letter shown in brackets beside each excursion date indicates the pick-up time. Please refer to the timetable at the back of the brochure to match the letter with your pick-up point to find your pick-up time.

4. If you cancel your excursion booking within the seven days prior to the date of travel,

you will be required to pay the full fare costs. However, the fare cost can be transferred to a new future booking. All refunds made in respect of cancellations by customers will be subject to a £3.00 administration charge. There will be no refund made for tickets which we have already paid for on your behalf in respect of admission to an attraction during an excursion, unless someone else is able to take your place.

5. The Company reserves the right to cancel an excursion at any time. In the event of cancellation by the Company, any monies that have been paid will be either refunded in full or transferred to a future booking.

6. You are recommended to obtain Travel Insurance for all excursions, especially those to France and Belgium. An annual policy offers best value.

7. Passports are required for all excursions to France and Belgium. Citizens of

non-EC countries must have any necessary visas to enter each country visited.

8. Our coaches have reclining seats with generous leg room, seat belts and on-board toilet/washroom.

9. Smoking and the drinking of alcohol is strictly prohibited on the coaches. It is a

legal requirement for passengers to wear seat belts during coach journeys. 10. Any subsequent changes or additions to the content of this brochure will be

shown on our website, www.avanticoachholidays.co.uk or in our advertisements which appear every other week in the Eastern Evening News, the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Extra.

DAY TRIPS FOR 2020

Bold type indicates those excursions for which further information is provided in this brochure

Thur 13th Feb (C) Kentwell Hall Snowdrop Walk & Sudbury Market £25.00

Thur 20th Feb (C) Springfields Shopping Outlet, Spalding £20.00

Thur 27th Feb (C) Ely Market & Welney Wetland Centre & Swan Feed £25.00 * Crowns & Gowns Exhibition, Ely Cathedral. £8.00 pay on day

Wed 4th March (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

Mon 9th March (D) St Ives Market Day & Twenty Pence Garden Centre £20.00

Tues 17th March (B) Brick Lane Music Hall St Patrick’s Day Show & Tea £65.00 *

Thur 19th March (C) Cambridge £20.00

§ Wed 25th March (D) Boundary Mill & Downtown Superstore, Grantham £25.00 £29.00 *

Wed 1st April (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

Tues 7th April (B) Kings Lynn & Dobbies Garden Centre £17.00

§ Wed 29th April (D) Boston & Sutterton Church Flower Festival £21.00

Sun 3rd May (E) Kew Gardens in Colour – Bluebells, Tulips & Orchids £44.00 * Sen. Cit. £42.00 *

Wed 6th May (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

Thur 7th May (E) Market Harborough & Foxton Locks £25.00

Sat 9th May (B) Brick Lane Music Hall - VE Day Matinee Show Including Afternoon Tea £65.00 *

Tues 12th May (C) Springfields Shopping Outlet, Spalding £20.00

§ Thurs 14th May (D) Lincoln only £25.00 OR Lincoln Castle & Cathedral £40.00 *

Tues 19th May (E) Wembley Stadium Tour and/or £45.00 * London Designer Outlet £26.00 *

Wed 20th May (X) Stody Lodge inc. Cream Tea - Sheringham am £29.00 *

Wed 27th May (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

§ Fri 29th May (D) Stamford Market Day £24.00

Tues 2nd June (X) Aldeburgh & Southwold (Attle, Wym & Castle Meadow) £22.00

Tues 9th June (E) Thames Cruise, Greenwich & The Painted Hall £44.00 *

Thur 11th June (C) Sudbury & Lavenham £22.00

§ Sun 14th June (X) Holkham Hall & Wells-Next-the-Sea £32.00 *

Tues 16th June (C) Cambridge £20.00

§ Thur 18th June (C) Woodbridge & Deben Cruise with Afternoon Tea £32.00 *

Fri 19th June (C) Ascott House & Garden, Nr. Leighton Buzzard £39.50 * With National Trust Membership Card £27.00 *

Wed 24th June (B) Bury St Edmunds Market Day £17.00

Tues 30th June (D) Bletchley Park, Home of the Codebreakers £42.00 *

Wed 1st July (E) Hever in Bloom, Hever Castle, Nr Sevenoaks Ad. £44.00 * Sen Cit. £43.00 *

§ Tues 7th July (C) Beth Chatto Gardens & Walton-on-the-Naze £30.00 *

Thur 9th July (C) Tina ~ The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre £69.00 *

Thur 9th July (C) Phantom of the Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre £65.00 *

Sun 12th July (X) Mystery Tour – including one local attraction £28.00 *

Tues 14th July (X) “Showtime” at Gorleston Pavilion Theatre £33.00 *

# Thur 16th July (C) Halesworth, Dunwich & Southwold inc.2-Course lunch at Dunwich – fish & chips/salad & dessert £32.00 *

Wed 22nd July (B) Bury St Edmunds Market Day £17.00

Mon 27th July (D) St Ives Market Day & Ely £23.00

Wed 29th July (C) Sandringham Flower Show £33.00 *

§ Thur 30th July (X) Fakenham & Wells-next-the-Sea £18.00

Sun 2nd Aug (D) Jordans Mill near Biggleswade & St Neots £32.00 *

Tues 4th Aug (C) Saffron Walden £22.00

§ Thur 6th Aug (X) Hunstanton & Bircham Mill £20.00

§ Wed 12th Aug (X) East Ruston Vicarage Garden & Sheringham a.m. £26.00 *

§ Sun 16th Aug (D) Skegness £25.00

§ Tues 18th Aug (D) Burghley House & Gardens, Nr Stamford £38.00 *

Wed 19th Aug (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

§ Sat 22nd Aug (C) Colchester Zoo Adults £40.00 * Sen. Cit £38.00 * Child £25.00 *

Tues 25th Aug (E) Buckingham Palace, State Rooms & “Royal Animals” Exhibition Adults £52.00 * Sen. Cit £50.00 *

Thur 27th Aug (C) Woodbridge & Felixstowe £21.00

Tues 1st Sept (C) Springfields Shopping Outlet, Spalding £20.00

# Thur 3rd Sept (B) Aldeburgh & Southwold – (Norwich area only) £22.00

§ Sun 6th Sept (E) Belvoir Castle & Gardens, near Grantham £40.00 *

Tues 8th Sept (D) American Cemetery Guided Tour & Cambridge £25.00 *

§ Wed 9th Sept (X) Cromer Pier - The Ultimate Show (matinee) £42.00 *

§ Thur 10th Sept (C) Clacton on Sea £22.00

Tues 15th Sept (E) Festival of Flowers, Leeds Castle, Kent £44.00 *

Wed 16th Sept (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

Thur 24th Sept (C) Ely Market Day & Newmarket High Street £20.00

Sun 11th Oct (E) Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace £40.00 *

Wed 14th Oct (C) Pretty Woman ~ The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre £67.50 *

Wed 14th Oct (C) The Drifters Girl, Garrick Theatre £69.00 *

Wed 14th Oct (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

§ Thur 15th Oct (D) Boundary Mill & Downtown Superstore, Grantham £25.00

Sat 17th Oct (D) London Postal Museum, Mail Rail Ride & The Museum of London £52.00 *

Sat 24th Oct (D) Romford - Market & Town Centre £25.00

Wed 11th Nov (B) Bury St Edmunds on Market Day £17.00

Thur 12th Nov (C) Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair £26.00 *

§ Sun 22nd Nov (C) Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair £25.00 *

§ Wed 25th Nov (D) Springfields only or Springfields & Baytree £20.00

Fri 27th Nov (B) Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre £18.00

Sat 28th Nov (B) Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre £18.00

Wed 2nd Dec (C) Brick Lane Christmas Show and 3-Course Lunch £70.00 *

§ Sun 13th Dec (X) Cromer Pier Christmas Show £38.00 *

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Blofield/Thorpe/Norwich Areas:

Fri 11th Dec Matinee - Raised Side Seating £58.00 *

Fri 11th Dec Evening - Raised Side Seating £61.00 *

Mon 14th Dec Matinee - Raised Side Seating £58.00 *

Thur 17th Dec Matinee - Raised Side Seating £58.00 *

Fri 18th Dec Evening – Raised Central Seating £58.00 *

Mon 21st Dec Matinee - Raised Side Seating £65.00 *

Attleborough/Wymondham/Hethersett Areas:

Mon 30th Nov Matinee - Raised Side Seating £58.00 *

* Trip prices marked with an asterisk to be paid within two weeks of booking.

Letters in brackets indicate pick-up times, shown in the timetable at the back of the brochure

§ Trips marked with this symbol will pick up in Hethersett, Wymondham & Attleborough

when there is a minimum of 8 people booked from these areas.

# Trips marked with this symbol will not pick-up in Hethersett, Wymondham & Attleborough.

LONDON EXCURSIONS – Spare seats on all trips to London will be available for those arranging their own day in London. The drop off/pick-up points and approximate timings will be confirmed at the time of booking. Fares of £26.00 for adults and £15.00 for children to be paid in advance.

EXCURSION INFORMATION

(D) Wednesday 25th March Bounday Mill & Downtown Superstore, Grantham

Enjoy a day of retail therapy with a fabulous range of goods all on offer at outlet prices (including fashion and homeware). There is plenty of choice for food and refreshments in the various cafes and restaurants.

£25.00 (E) Sunday 3rd May Kew Gardens in Colour – Bluebells, Tulips, Orchids & Rhododendrons

A visit to Kew Gardens is wonderful at any time of the year but for those who like to see plenty of colour, then there is no better time to visit than in the Spring. The ancient woodland in the conservation area of the gardens has a carpet of bluebells and elsewhere you can enjoy seeing flower beds and borders that are full of the vibrant colours of spring flowers, including many varieties of tulips. In early May you can also expect to see the rhododendrons in bloom and in the Princess of Wales Conservatory you will find orchids that provide all year colour as well as an amazing collection of flora and fauna from around the world. There is much to see and do at Kew and a map of the gardens will help with your visit on the day. Kew has a hop-on, hop-off land train which for a small charge can quickly get you to all areas of the gardens throughout your visit.

Adults £44.00 * Senior Citizen £42.00 *

(E) Thursday 7th May Market Harborough & Foxton Locks

A new day-excursion to the attractive and historic town of Market Harborough in Leicestershire that also includes a visit to the fascinating staircase canal locks in the nearby village of Foxton. With its wide main square and a wealth of well-preserved Georgian architecture, Market Harborough has many fine buildings with perhaps, the most famous being the former grammar school, a 17th century timbered building that stands on wooden pillars that raise it above street level so that pedestrians can walk underneath. The renowned Indoor Market in the centre of the town continues an 800 year old tradition of market trading and here in the General Hall a Craft Market is held every Thursday. Three miles from the town is the village of Foxton where a branch of the Grand Union Canal runs between Leicester and Market Harborough. Here you can explore the truly remarkable Foxton Locks, the longest flight of staircase locks in Britain and were built in 1811 to serve commercial barges that carried goods between the industrial Midlands and London. The locks are arranged in two tiers, each with five locks and these are linked by a central meeting-pool where boats could pass as they travelled up and down the hill, which has a 75 ft difference between the water levels at the top and bottom.

£25.00

(B) Saturday 9th May Brick Lane Music Hall - VE Day Matinee Show including Afternoon Tea

To mark one of the most significant moments in British history enjoy a fun filled afternoon of music and entertainment echoing the sentiment of that joyous day 75 years ago. Sit back and enjoy a traditional music hall show at this totally unique East London venue. This superb show offers first-class entertainment with a wonderful mix of music, song, laughter and audience participation. During the interval, you will enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with a selection of freshly made sandwiches and cakes. £65.00 *

PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT (D) Thursday 14th May Lincoln – A Day in the City OR Lincoln Castle & Cathedral

A choice is offered on this trip to Lincoln – either a day exploring the historic quarter and/or the High Street independently or enjoying entry and guided tours at both the Cathedral and the Castle. The 45 minute Castle tour explores the bailey area inside the Castle walls when you will hear about the people who occupied the castle and the battles that were fought about its walls. The new Visitor Centre incorporates the Medieval Wall Walk, the Victorian Prison and Magna Carta. The visit to Lincoln Cathedral is a memorable experience which is greatly enhanced by the help of an expert guide who will reveal details of the hundreds of years of fascinating history during the “Floor Tour”. The Cloister Refectory serves a wide range of hot food, snacks and refreshments.

Lincoln City only £25.00 Lincoln Castle & Cathedral £40.00 *

(E) Tuesday 19th May Wembley Stadium Tour and/or The London Designer Outlet

The new Wembley Stadium is home to the England football team and, with a seating capacity of 90,000, was the largest stadium in Great Britain when it opened in 2007. As well as international matches, the stadium also hosts the FA Cup Final and Semi-Finals, The Football League Play Off finals and the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final. The stadium also hosts other major sporting events as well as music concerts during the summer months. Your guided tour will take you deep into the heart of the stadium and to those areas usually reserved for the biggest names in sport and music and will include the “Crossbar Exhibition” and the “Walk of Legends”. This superb tour also includes the changing rooms, press conference rooms, Royal Box, players’ tunnel and a photograph with the FA Cup! Historical treasures such as the 1966 World Cup Final crossbar and the gold Jules Rimet Trophy are among many original items on display in The Crossbar Exhibition, which unlocks the Wembley archives to reveal the stadium’s origins, rich history and heritage dating back to the 1920s. For those who may be more interested in shopping than a stadium tour, this trip is perfect for a visit to the London Designer Outlet. Literally next door to the stadium, this new shopping mall has 70 stores and restaurants across three floors and at 50 of the stores you can make purchases at heavily discounted prices. For those opting for the Stadium Tour, there will be an opportunity to visit the Designer Outlet and have lunch before the tour, which starts at 2pm and lasts for 1 ¼ hours.

Stadium Tour £45.00 * Designer Outlet only £26.00 *

(X) Wednesday 20th May Stody Lodge & Afternoon Cream Tea and a morning visit to Sheringham

In May the extensive rhododendron and azalea gardens at Stody Lodge provide a spectacular display of colour. With a backdrop of magnificent mature trees, you will see the beautifully kept gardens and other spring flowers such as bluebells and lily-of-the-valley. A short woodland walk will take you to the exceptional two-acre Japanese Water Garden. With more than 2000 plants, this is probably the largest single planting of vividly coloured azalea mollis in England. We have included a delicious cream tea at Stody and you can enjoy this in the tearoom during the visit. Enjoy a two-hour visit to Sheringham before travelling to Stody. £29.00 *

(E) Tuesday 9th June Thames Cruise, Greenwich & The Painted Hall

A wonderful day to enjoy in the capital, starting with a one hour cruise from Westminster Bridge to Greenwich. You will enjoy an entertaining and informative commentary throughout the trip when you will hear some fascinating stories and facts about London and the Thames – both past and present. On arrival in Greenwich there will be free time for lunch before visiting the Old Royal Navy College and the magnificent Painted Hall. Known as Britain’s Sistine Chapel, this spectacular masterpiece of Baroque art by Sir James Thornhill took 19 years to complete. You will see the place where King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I were born as well as the room where Lord Nelson lay in state after the Battle of Trafalgar. Your ticket includes entry to the Chapel and the Skittle Alley where you can try your hand at Victorian Bowling! There will be time to explore all Sir Christopher Wren’s stunning buildings and take a stroll through the riverside grounds before we leave.

£44.00 * (X) Sunday 14th June

Holkham Hall & Wells-Next-the-Sea A morning visit to the delightful seaside town of Wells on the North Norfolk coast, with time to enjoy lunch before we travel to nearby Holkham Hall. Built in the mid-18th century for Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester, the family has lived here ever since. Holkham Hall is still very much a lived-in family home and the hub of a thriving 25,000 acre agricultural estate. The hall is an elegant Palladian style house where the entrance into the Marble Hall is a spectacular introduction to this imposing building. The staircase leads to the magnificent State Rooms where there are superb collections of ancient statuary, original furniture, tapestries and priceless paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Gainsborough. Your visit to Holkham also includes the beautiful and colourful gardens including the Walled Garden.

£32.00 * (C) Thursday 18th June

Woodbridge & Deben Cruise with Afternoon Tea A lovely day out, which begins with a visit to the delightful and historic town of Woodbridge which built its prosperity on boat building, rope-making and the production of sailcloth. Located on the west bank of the River Deben, you can explore the bustling town centre on market day or perhaps visit the famous Tide Mill – the only one in the country still in working order. From Woodbridge we travel a few miles south to Waldringfield, again on the River Deben, from where we enjoy a two hour return cruise to where the river meets the North Sea at Felixstowe. During your cruise you will be served afternoon tea which includes a freshly baked scone with jam and butter and a choice of tea or coffee. £32.00 *

(C) Friday 19th June

Ascott House & Gardens, Nr Leighton Buzzard – National Trust A wonderful visit to one of the country’s top National Trust properties. Built in 1606 when the core of the property was a large farmhouse, Ascott House has undergone many changes since it was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1873. Today, it is a magnificent “Old English” black and white, half-timbered manor house with red-tiled roofs and shafted brick chimney stacks. Ascott House has an exceptional collection of paintings, fine furniture and oriental porcelain and the extensive and immaculate gardens are an attractive mix of beautiful herbaceous borders, shrubs and specimen trees. The tearoom serves light refreshments and lunches and outside seating is also available. Adults & Sen. Cit. £39.50 *

National Trust Members with card £27.00 * (D) Tuesday 30th June Bletchley Park - Home of the Codebreakers, near Milton Keynes

Once Britain’s best kept secret, Bletchley Park, is today a heritage site with listed buildings that have been restored and transformed back to their 1940’s appearance. You can explore some of the iconic World War Two Codebreaking Huts and Blocks to get an understanding of the astonishing achievements of the codebreakers whose work shortened the war by two years. Remarkably 9,000 men and women worked at Bletchley during the war where the German Enigma messages were decrypted. You will also see The Bombe, the forerunner of today’s computers, as well as an exhibition of some of Alan Turing’s wartime notes that were found after the war. A number of film and TV productions have been filmed at Bletchley Park including “The Imitation Game” and “The Bletchley Circle”. £42.00 *

(E) Wednesday 1st July Hever in Bloom, Hever Castle near Sevenoaks

Hever Castle’s annual garden event showcases its glorious award-winning gardens at the height of their summer beauty. You will be able to enjoy one of the finest displays of roses in Kent, colourful herbaceous borders and drifts of perennials in Faith’s Garden. The ornate Italian Garden, laid out to display an impressive collection of Roman statues, leads to the piazza overlooking the 38 acre lake and the spectacular Loggia with its own Trevi Fountain. The small, moated castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, and it was the Boleyn family that built the Tudor dwelling within the 12th century castle walls. Once inside the castle prepare for a double treat. The splendid panelled rooms not only have stunning English floral displays, they also have fine furniture, tapestries, Tudor portraits and numerous artefacts that include two prayer books signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. There are two excellent restaurants in the grounds at Hever that offer a good selection of top quality hot and cold food.

Adults £44.00 * Sen.Cit. £43.00 *

(C) Tuesday 7th July Beth Chatto Gardens & Walton-on-the-Naze Created from a site that was originally derelict land, Beth Chatto set about making a garden using plants that had adapted by nature to be suitable for the various conditions found at the site. This resulted in three contrasting gardens evolving over the past 40 years, which together make a tranquil and beautiful landscaped garden containing four large ponds and a variety of plants providing year-round colour and interest. There is an excellent café/restaurant and shop at the gardens. Your day also includes an afternoon visit to the charming seaside resort of Walton-on-the-Naze. £30.00 *

(X) Sunday 12th July Summer Mystery Tour Summer Mystery Tour in Norfolk that includes stops at three locations with ample time for refreshments and lunch. We have also included the cost of one attraction for you to enjoy during the day.

£28.00 * (X) Tuesday 14th July “Showtime” – Gorleston Pavilion Theatre

Enjoy a fantastic afternoon of entertainment in this unique Edwardian theatre which offers a drinks service at your table throughout the performance! This colourful show is packed full of song and laughter. There will be approximately two hours of free time in Gt. Yarmouth before travelling to Gorleston.

£33.00 * (C) Thursday 16th July Halesworth, Dunwich & Southwold

Visits to three places today with lunch at Dunwich included. The menu for the two -course lunch is as follows:

Fish & Chips – choice of Cod, Haddock or Plaice Salad – choice of Cheese, Ham or Scampi For dessert: Fruit Salad & Ice Cream or either on its own.

Bread & butter is served with the main course. Tea or coffee is served prior to and during the meal. Please provide your choice of menu when booking.

£32.00 * (C) Wednesday 29th July Sandringham Flower Show

Probably the biggest and best flower show in East Anglia. Visit the stunning show gardens and displays by leading nurseries and enjoy horticultural talks by gardening experts. The show also includes over 200 trade, horticultural and charity stands, a craft marquee, steam fairground, a military band and great arena events. Admission to the show includes entrance to Sandringham Gardens, Museum and Church.

£33.00 *

(D) Sunday 2nd August Jordans Mill & St Neots Step back in time at Jordans historic mill. Home to the Jordan family for over 150

years, milling ceased here in 2000 and the mill has been lovingly restored to offer a superb and fascinating visit. This 19th century mill has been divided in two by a spectacular floor-to-ceiling glass screen, with the workings of the mill on one side and a display area on the other. Jordans are a well-known maker of cereal and muesli products and they are also owners of the Ryvita brand. Your visit will include a guided tour and a milling demonstration and you will also hear about how the Jordan family went from farming to milling and then to cereal production. Jordans products and other items are available to buy in the shop. The Mill Gardens provide both food and flower with cereal crops, vegetables and fruits being grown in an ornamental setting alongside wild flowers and cultivated garden flowers and shrubs. You can explore the gardens, allotment and orchard before continuing through to the Mill Meadow and Woodland with their abundant wildlife. On the homeward journey we visit the historic market town of St Neots.

£32.00 * (X) Wednesday 12th August

East Ruston Vicarage Garden & Sheringham a.m. This is one of Norfolk’s most remarkable and enjoyable gardens. Created by Alan Gray and Graham Robeson over the last 15 years, it is today a feast of decorative exuberance and formal design. The walled and hedged compartments vary immensely from neat formality to explosions of colour. The garden is further enriched with fine sculptures, lavishly planted pots and delightful walls and gates. The garden has many rare and unusual plants and many of these are propagated and sold on-site. You can enjoy afternoon refreshments in the delightful Tea Room. There will be a morning visit to Sheringham and the Wednesday market before we travel to East Ruston early afternoon. £26.00 *

(D) Tues 18th August Burghley House & Gardens, near Stamford

Burghley is one of the largest and grandest houses of the first Elizabethan era. Built between 1555 and 1587 the main part of the house has 35 major rooms on the ground and first floors. The State Rooms have countless beautiful treasures on display that were all acquired by the Cecil family over more than 300 years, mainly on their world tours. Expert guides will be on hand in each room to help with any questions that you may have or you may wish to hire an audio guide that provides stories, facts and figures on Burghley and its rich and historical past. Make time to enjoy the gardens before you leave or perhaps take a walk around the historic

parkland with its herd of fallow deer.

£38.00 *

(C) Saturday 22nd August Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo, which is home to more than 240 species, is one of the top five zoos in Britain. As you make your way around the zoo you will come across many different habitats ranging from the humid home of the Komodo Dragons to the open African plain which is home to the white rhino, giraffe, ostrich, zebra and kudu – an African antelope with long, spiral horns. You can also take part in some amazing close-up experiences with the chance to hand-feed the elephants and giraffes at the public feeding sessions and in the tropical walkthrough aviary you can feed the Rainbow Lorikeets. There are also a number of undercover areas, which include the Orangutan Forest and on a walk-through Butterfly Glade, you will find amazing tropical plants and butterflies. At the sealion pool don’t miss the 24 metre glass tunnel to watch the sealions swimming overhead. The zoo offers a range of delicious food options and in the shop you can find that perfect souvenir to remember your day!

Adult £40.00 * Sen. Cit. £38.00 *

Child 3-15yrs £25.00 *

(E) Tuesday 25th August Buckingham Palace, State Rooms & “Royal Animals” Exhibition

A great opportunity to see the Queen’s “home” in all its lavish glory. During a self-guided tour with your audio guide you will get to see all the State Rooms, including the spectacular Ballroom. At the end of your tour in the Palace you can enjoy afternoon refreshments on the terrace before strolling through the Palace Gardens on your way to the exit. The State Rooms at the Palace were designed for monarchs to receive, reward and entertain their subjects and to receive visiting dignitaries on State and ceremonial occasions. The State Rooms reflect the taste of King George IV, with many of the furnishings and works of art coming from Carlton House, The King’s London home when he was Prince of Wales. However, the State Rooms are also furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection including priceless paintings, Canova sculpture and Sevres porcelain. In the Palace you can also enjoy a special exhibition dedicated to animals that, over the years, have been owned by, or presented to, members of the Royal Family. The Queen is known for her love of both dogs and horses. She has owned more than 30 Corgies, many of them direct descendants of her first one that was given to her as an 18th birthday present in 1944. The Queen also owns several horses, some of which are trained for Flat and National Hunt races. Others are used on ceremonial occasions such as Trooping of the Colour and Royal Ascot. You will be able to view works of art which demonstrate the Royal Family’s interest in animals, ranging from the reign of George III to the present day.

Adult £52.00 * Sen. Cit. £50.00 *

(E) Sunday 6th September Belvoir Castle & Gardens, near Grantham

Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in England and set on a hill overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, it is the fourth castle to have occupied this site since 1067. This is the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, where the family have lived continuously for almost a thousand years. This romantic fairytale castle has a perfect location and from the North Terrace you can see for miles over the counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. On a clear day you can see Lincoln Cathedral, some 30 miles away. The castle has exquisite interiors with fine furniture as well as an impressive art collection including works by Gainsborough, Hans Holbein and Sir Alfred Munnings. Outside, you can explore the gardens and the rolling landscape designed by Capability Brown. Adjacent to the castle is The Engine Yard, Belvoir’s rural retail village. Originally constructed in 1850, The Engine Yard buildings have a wealth of history and heritage and contain a set of distinguished retailers selected by the Duchess of Rutland to offer a fine collection of up-and-coming British brands offering quality garments and gifts. Meals and refreshments are available either from the Castle Tea Room or The Fuel Tank Café a The Engine Yard. Alternatively, you may wish to bring a picnic which you can enjoy in the Rose Garden.

£40.00 * (D) Tuesday 8th September American Cemetery – Guided Tour, Coton Garden Centre & Cambridge

Your day begins with a 1 ½ hour visit to the American Cemetery, a few miles west of Cambridge, where on arrival there is a fascinating 50 minute guided tour. The 30 acre site contains the remains of 3,811 American war dead and there are a further 5,127 names recorded on the Walls of the Missing, including that of Glenn Miller whose aircraft went missing over the English Channel in 1944. Following the guided tour you can explore the impressive 4,000 square-foot Visitor Centre with its interpretive exhibits that include personal stories, photographs, films and interactive displays. On leaving the cemetery it is just a two minute journey to the excellent Coton Garden Centre. Here you can obtain lunch from their extensive menu that includes both hot and cold food. From Coton we travel into Cambridge where you will have up to three hours of free time to explore the city or perhaps visit the Botanical Gardens or the Fitzmaurice Museum.

£25.00 * (X) Wednesday 9th September Cromer Pier – The Ultimate Show (matinee)

Cromer Pier presents two different shows each week throughout the summer and in September they select the top acts and the best highlights from both shows to create the Ultimate Cromer Pier Show. Top comedian and compere Steve Terry will be returning to host the show once again this year.

£42.00 *

(E) Tuesday 15th September Festival of Flowers, Leeds Castle, Kent

With 900 years of history and set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, the classical Leeds Castle with its lovely moat has been described as “the best castle in the world”. The castle is the perfect setting for the festival and the wonderful flower arrangements transform the castle rooms into floral works of art. Listed in the Domesday Book, Leeds Castle has been a royal residence for six of the medieval Queens of England and a palace for Henry VIII. A great day with lots to see. Adult & Sen. Cit. £44.00 *

(E) Sunday 11th October Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace

This Knitting and Stitching Show is the definitive event for anyone with a love of textile-based craft and is the perfect place to learn new skills and shop for all your sewing and knitting supplies. Enjoy magnificent textile art from more than 20 of the world’s best-known textile artists who will be showcasing their works which include 3D crochet, surface embroidery, patchwork and quilting.

£40.00 * (D) Thursday 15th October Boundary Mill & Downtown Superstore, Grantham

Enjoy a day of retail therapy with a fabulous range of goods all on offer at outlet prices (including fashion and homeware). There is plenty of choice for food and refreshments in the various cafes and restaurants.

£25.00 * (D) Saturday 17th October Postal Museum Guided Tour, Mail Train Ride & The Museum of London

A superb value-for-money day out that includes visits to two very different museums in London plus an unforgettable ride on a small, underground train. The Postal Museum, which has some fascinating exhibitions, also unveils the mysterious Mail Rail where you will travel back in time on a 15-minute interactive journey, passing through the original station platforms on this 100 year old railway built to keep the mail coursing through London for 22 hours each day. Also included is entry to “Voices from the Deep”, a new exhibition of forgotten letters recently recovered from a shipwreck. Prior to the visit to the Postal Museum we stop for an opportunity to visit the London Museum near St Paul’s Cathedral. There is much to see at the Museum of London where the permanent galleries include “Roman London”, “Medieval London” and “War, Plague and Fire”. The museum is free to enter and has four café/restaurant areas where you can enjoy an early lunch.

Please Note: Walking sticks and other walking aids are not allowed on the small trains. Those not wishing to take the underground train ride can watch the iconic film “Night Mail” and then step into a replica Travelling Post Office carriage and have a go at sorting the mail. The film and Travelling Post Office will also be available at the end of the train ride.

£52.00 *

(C) Thursday 12th November Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair

Ely’s magnificent Cathedral, dating back over 1300 years, is the venue for Ely’s Christmas Gift and Food Fair. The Cathedral provides a unique and atmospheric venue for the Fair and the quality and individuality of the goods and exhibitors makes this one of East Anglia’s best Christmas shopping experiences. Ely’s excellent market is also held on Thursdays in the town centre.

£26.00 * (C) Sunday 22nd November Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair

This popular event returns to Sandringham Park, bringing the opportunity to shop for all your Christmas foods and gifts. The hugely popular Food Hall, where “try before you buy” is the norm, will have hundreds of tasty delights on offer, including cheeses and wines. Visit the Craft Pavilion and watch as the various craftspeople demonstrate their skills as wood turners, potters, sculptors, spinners and weavers, artists, jewellers and glass-blowers. Quality Country Gifts have exhibitors at all the top shows and in this area you will find all types of country wear as well as gifts, toys, clothes, bags, slippers, boots etc. There is also a variety of entertainment when you need a break from shopping!

£25.00 * (D) Wednesday 25th November Springfields only or Baytree Nursery & Springfields

This discount shopping village is the ideal place for Christmas shopping. With over 50 shops including M & S, Clark’s and Pavers there is plenty of choice and with a level site and every shop floor on ground level you can enjoy an effortless day’s shopping. You will also have the option of spending 1 ½ hours at Baytree Garden Centre, which will be beautifully decorated and stocked for Christmas.

£20.00 (B) Friday 27th November & Saturday 28th November Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

The historic centre of Bury St. Edmunds is transformed into a traditional Christmas Market with colourful stalls selling local produce and crafts. The Angel Hill area is the ideal location for this traditional Christmas Fayre which includes fairground rides and on-stage and street entertainment.

£18.00 (C) Wednesday 2nd December Brick Lane Music Hall Christmas Show and 3-course Lunch Brick Lane Music Hall in East London is a totally unique venue which offers

traditional music hall shows with a great mix of music, song and laughter. This superb Christmas show offers first class entertainment with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. Prior to the show, you will enjoy a traditional three course Christmas Lunch. (Vegetarian option available)

£70.00 * PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVIOD DISAPPOINTMENT (X) Sunday 13th December Cromer Pier Christmas Show Sit back and enjoy a festive blend of song and dance, amazing speciality acts and of

course plenty of seasonal fun and laughter. £38.00 *

London Shows

(C) Thursday 9th July Tina ~ The Tina Turner Musical – Aldwych Theatre, London (2:30 pm show) The Tina Turner Musical celebrates the life and music of Tina Turner. The storyline of the musical follows her journey from very humble beginnings in Tennessee to conquering the globe as the “Queen of Rock “n” Roll”. Rising to fame in the 1960’s Tina Turner is one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time and in a career which has spanned more than 50 years she has earned numerous awards including eleven Grammys. Her performances have also sold more concert tickets than any other solo artist in history. This superb musical, which features all her greatest hits has become one of London’s “must see” shows since it opened in 2018. £69.00 * (C) Thursday 9th July Phantom of the Opera – Her Majesty’s Theatre, London (2:30 pm show) After more than 30 years, The Phantom of the Opera still continues to captivate packed audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End. This tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer, who, shamed by his physical appearance, lives below stage in the Paris Opera House. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score, along with jaw-dropping scenery and special effects, magically combine to bring this legendary musical to life at every performance. £65.00 * (C) Wednesday 14th October Pretty Woman: The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre, London (2:30 pm show) Following a record-breaking run on Broadway during 2019, this classic story, based on the 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, comes to London’s West End where it is set to become one of the “hottest” shows in town. Pretty Woman tells the story of Vivian Ward who is hired by a rich businessman, Edward Lewis, to escort him to various events during his stay in the city. However, a romantic relationship develops from what started out as a business transaction and they become unlikely soulmates who overcome all the odds to find each other and themselves as their lives are changed forever. Experience once again all your favourite moments from this romantic comedy and get to know the iconic leading characters in a whole new way. Danny Mac and Aimie Atkinson star in the leading roles as Edward Lewis and Vivian Ward. £67.50 * (C) Wednesday 14th October The Drifters Girl, Garrick Theatre, London (2:30 pm show) The queen of British soul music and West End leading lady Beverley Knight, stars in the world premiere of this brand-new musical about The Drifters and the woman who helped them become one of the world’s greatest vocal groups. Beverley Knight stars as Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of The Drifters, who fought for many years to turn the group into the global phenomenon they became. This superb musical charts the highs and lows and personal tragedy of the world’s first African-American female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group. The soundtrack has all The Drifters iconic songs, including - Save The Last Dance For Me, Under The Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row Of The Movies, Stand By Me, Come On Over To My Place and Saturday Night At The Movies, this is a musical you will never forget. £69.00 *

EARLY BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL SHOWS

Avanti Coach Holidays 2020

CHESTER ZOO, JODRELL BANK AND THE NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM

Wednesday 1st to Saturday 4th April - £295.00 (4 days)

MAY MYSTERY TOUR

Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th May - £295.00 (4 days)

GALWAY, THE CLIFFS OF MOHER & THE ARAN ISLANDS

Sunday 24th to Saturday 30th May - £629.00 (7 days)

CRUISING THE THAMES AND TWO HIDDEN GEMS Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th June - £279.00 (4 days)

CORNISH DELIGHTS Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th June - £485.00 (6 days)

STEAMING BACK TO THE 40s & THE SCENIC SHROPSHIRE HILLS

Friday 3rd to Monday 6th July - £295.00 (4 days)

TORBAY & EXETER CATHEDRAL PLYMOUTH & THE MAYFLOWER

Monday 13th to Friday 17th July - £395.00 (5 days)

THE BEST OF NORTH WALES

LLANDUDNO – SNOWDONIA - ANGLESEY Monday 27th to Friday 31st July - £345.00 (5 days)

NEWCASTLE, TYNESIDE & THE BEST OF NORTHUMBERLAND

Sunday 9th to Friday 14th August - £395.00 (6 days)

VIBRANT LIVERPOOL & THE WORLD OF GLASS

Sunday 23rd to Wednesday 26th August – £329.00 (4 days)

SWANSEA, THE GOWER & THE ROYAL MINT

Monday 31st August to Friday 4th September - £385.00 (5 days)

AUTUMN MYSTERY TOUR Friday 11th to Monday 14th September - £295.00 (4 days)

GLORIOUS LAKE GARDA

& THE DOLOMITES Sunday 20th to Sunday 27th September - £689.00 (8 days)

NORTH YORKSHIRE ~ CITY, COAST & COUNTRY Monday 5th to Friday 9th October - £349.00 (5 days)

LAKES & LIGHTS & A TASTE OF LANCASHIRE

Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October - £370.00 (5 days)

THE COTSWOLDS, HEREFORD

& GLOUCESTER CITY HIGHLIGHTS Monday 26th to Friday 30th October - £349.00 (5 days)

LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AVEBURY & LACOCK VILLAGE

Friday 6th to Monday 9th November – £310.00 (4 days)

WARNERS TURKEY & TINSEL

BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF WIGHT

Monday 16th to Friday 20th November - £349.00 (5 days)

DURHAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL & BISHOP AUCKLAND

Friday 4th to Monday 7th December - £279.00 (4 days)

CHRISTMAS IN HISTORIC CHESTER

Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th December – £549.00 (5 days)

Prices shown are per person sharing a twin or double room.

Single supplements will apply to certain holidays.

Holiday prices include excursions and admission costs to local attractions

as described in our holiday brochure.

Full holiday details are in our 2020 Holiday Brochure.

This is available on request or it can be viewed on our website

www.avanticoaches@aol.com

SHOPPING DAY-TRIPS TO FRANCE AND BELGIUM

2020

Thursday 5th March Adinkerke and Cité Europe £55.00

Thursday 9th April Adinkerke and Cité Europe £55.00

** Thursday 21st May Adinkerke and Cité Europe ** £55.00

Thursday 9th July Adinkerke and Cité Europe £55.00

Thursday 20th August Adinkerke and Cité Europe £55.00

** Thursday 1st October Adinkerke and Cité Europe ** £55.00

Thursday 12th November Adinkerke and Cité Europe £55.00

2021

Thursday 21st January Adinkerke and Cité Europe £55.00

NB. Following the crossing to France the coach goes first to Cité Europe for approx 1 ½ hours, then to Adinkerke. From there the coach travels directly to the ferry at Calais except on the dates marked ** when the coach returns to Cité Europe for any passengers not visiting Adinkerke.

Channel crossings will be by P & O Ferry

Each passenger’s first name, surname and date of birth are now required before departure. Please provide this information when booking.

Each person travelling must have a valid passport.

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is recommended that each person travelling to France & Belgium has Travel Insurance and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC entitles you to reduced cost, and sometimes free, health treatment under the same terms as people that live in the country you are visiting. The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance as it may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs in the event of illness or injury. You should therefore have travel insurance cover in addition to the EHIC as state-provided treatment in some EC Countries may not cover all treatments that you would receive free of charge from the N.H.S. Your Travel Insurance should also cover the loss or theft of personal items including items purchased during the excursion. Please ensure that you obtain and keep all receipts for purchases made during your trip.

TIMETABLE

Pick-up Points

Route Category

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

Brundall, Cucumber Lane/Beverley Road

8:40 7:55 7:25 7:05 6:40

Blofield, opposite layby before traffic lights

8:45 8:00 7:30 7:10 6:45

Blofield Heath, Tamarind

8:50 8:05 7:35 7:15 6:50

Salhouse, near Station Road

9:00 8:15 7:45 7:25 7:00

Rackheath, Vera Road bus stop

9:05 8:20 7:50 7:30 7:05

Plumstead Road East, Bus Stop nr. Frying Machine & shops

9:10 8:30 8:00 7:40 7:10

Plumstead Road Bus Stop, Heartsease P.H.

9:15 8:35 8:05 7:45 7:15

Bishop Bridge Road/Riverside Road, Bus Stop (opp. shops)

9:20 8:40 8:10 7:50 7:20

Prince of Wales Road bus stop

9:25 8:45 8:15 7:55 7:25

Castle Meadow, opp. British Heart Foundation

9:30 9:00 8:30 8:00 7:30

Hethersett – Bus stop opposite New Road Wymondham – Bus stop, Waitrose Wymondham – Orchard Way bus stop, near pedestrian crossing Wymondham – Avenue Road Attleborough – Queen’s Square Attleborough – Snooker Club

9:45 9:52 9:55 10:00 10:10 10:15

9:15 9:22 9:25 9:30 9:40 9:45

8:45 8:52 8:55 9:00 9:10 9:15

8:15 8:22 8:25 8:30 8:40 8:45

7:45 7:52 7:55 8:00 8:10 8:15

(X) = Pick-up time to be confirmed

Keep a note of your trips booked for 2020

AVANTI TRIPS BOOKED 2020

Date Destination Date Destination

COACH SEATING PLAN

4 8 12 16 20 Toilet 28 32 36 40 44 49

3 7 11 15 19 27 31 35 39 43 48

47

2 6 10 14 18 22 24 26 30 34 38 42 46

1 5 9 13 17 21 23 25 29 33 37 41 45