Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Toronto

Welcome to Toronto, Canada's largest city! Take your complimentary transfer to the tour hotel. This afternoon, meet your tour director, who can answer any questions you may have about the eciting days ahead. At 6pm, gather at the hotel with your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception.

Day 2: Toronto sightseeing and free time

Start the day with an orientation tour of cosmopolitan, multicultural Toronto. View Casa Loma, the massvie castle residence built by a Toronto financier during the early 20th century; sprawling Queens Park; the lively entertainment district; stately University Avenue and the Provincial Parliament Buildings. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this exciting city on your own, or perhaps embark on an optional excursion to the top of the CN Tower. This evening, join your fellow travelling companions for dinner at your hotel.

Day 3: Toronto - Niagara Falls

Experience the majesty of one of the world's great natural wonders. Travel through a lush wine-growing region between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario before arriving at Niagara Falls. Enjoy a panoramic view of the falls from high above, before boarding the Maid of the Mist for an exhilarating boat ride to the base of spectacular Horseshoe Falls. There's time for shopping and picture-taking on the Canadian side of the falls. This evening, enjoy a delightful experience at a family-owned and operated winery. Join your hosts for an exclusive tour and waste tasting of their award-winning wines, including their famous ice wine, made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The result: a refreshingly sweet dessert wine. Later, sample some of Niagara's regional cuisine created with local seasonal ingredients at a Be My Guest dinner, served in a marvellous setting with spectacular views of the vineyard.

Day 4: Niagara Falls - Kingston

Heading north, follow the scenic shores of Lake Ontario through the Ontario countryside to the historic town of Kingston. Here, visit Old Fort Henry, a 19th century British military fortress, and learn about British garrison life during the years just before the confederation of Canada was born, arising from three former British colonies. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 5: Kingston - Upper Canada Village - Montreal

Follow the thread of the nation's history in Upper Canada Village, a re-created rural community where costumed interpreters immerse you in 1860's life. Explore more than 40 businesses and homes, including a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse and a sawmill. Then travel to Montreal, the cultural capital of French Canada and the largest French-speaking city outside of France. Here, your local guide introduces you to the historic sites of the city, including spectacular Notre-Dame Basilica, the colourful port area and the modern, bustling downtown. Stop at Mount Royal (the hill that gave the city its name) for panoramic views over one of the loveliest cities in North America.

Day 6: Montreal - Quebec City

Journey to Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a splendid Gothic Revival church that attracts more than half a million pilgrims each year. Then stop at thundering Montmorency Falls, which are nearly 100 feet taller than those at Niagara. Wind your way along the beautiful St. Lawrence River to the fortified walls of Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its artisanal bakeries, flower markets and lively cafes, old-world Quebec City offers a taste of Paris in the New World. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 7: Quebec City sightseeing and free time

Join your local guide on an exploration of the city, walking the narrow streets of the atmospheric old Old Town and the Plains of Abraham, the site of a major colonial battle between the British and the French. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps browse the city's shops and galleries, visit a museum or simply sit and watch the world go by at a charming sidewalk cafe.

Day 8: Quebec City - Ottawa

Travel back to Ontario to Ottawa, Canada's stately capital. Upon arrival, embark on an introductory tour of the city, viewing the elegant buildings of Parliament Hill; Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada; and the beautiful downtown parks with their exquisite gardens.

Day 9: Ottawa at leisure

The day is yours to spend as you like, immersed in the history and culture of Canada's lively capital. Stop at a gallery or two, explore one of Ottawa's many museums, or visit Rideau Canal- a UNESCO World Heritage site that became the world's largest skating rink in the winter months. Tonight, toast to your Eastern Canada adventure with newfound friencds at a festive farewell dinner.

Day 10: Ottawa - Depart Toronto

Return to Toronto where you are transferred to Toronto International Airport, or the tour hotel if you'd like to extend your stay.

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