Eastern Explorer

ITINERARY

• Day 1

  Arrive at Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Individual transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Toronto.

• Day 2

  We get better acquainted with our travelling companions at breakfast before exploring Toronto on a morning city tour. Experience the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city as you explore the downtown area and residential areas. Highlights include the Eaton Centre, old and new City Halls, Casa Loma, Yorkville and the University of Toronto. You will pass by the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower and drive along the harbourfront for a complete impression of this city. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Overnight in Toronto. Canadian breakfast included.

• Day 3

  The coach departs the hotel for Montreal at 08:00. Departing early, we enjoy a pleasant drive east. Following the north shore of Lake Ontario, we pass endless miles of rolling farmland. Our first destination is the beautiful Thousand Islands resort region, where we embark upon a relaxing cruise. After taking in the sights and sounds of this river playground, we re-board our tour coach for the drive to Montreal. Overnight in Montreal. Canadian breakfast included.

• Day 4

  This morning, we will tour the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. The dynamic city of Montreal encapsulates the two founding cultures of Canada and boasts a curious blend of history and modernity. Touring the downtown area we view the Olympic Complex, charming Old Montreal, McGill University, the residential streets of Mount Royal and the bustling shopping streets. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Montreal. Canadian breakfast included. **9-day Mini Explorer/Montreal commences. Passengers should check in at the hotel. The tour director will contact them in the late afternoon.

• Day 5

  This morning, we prepare to depart from Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and partially follow the route of Canada’s first carriageway, the Chemin du Roy deep into French Canada. Winding our way through typical French-Canadian villages and towns, we experience true immersion in French culture. Upon arrival in Quebec City, we tour within the walls of the old city and view Lower Town, the Citadel, Battlefields Park and the ornate city gates. Overnight in Quebec City. Canadian breakfast included.

• Day 6

  The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. You can enjoy an optional full day excursion to Tadoussac including a 3-hour whale watching tour on the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Step aboard a regular boat and go in search of the world’s largest mammals. You will also visit the spectacular Montmorency Falls that are 30 metres higher than the world-famous Niagara Falls. Overnight in Quebec City. Canadian breakfast included.

• Day 7

  Following the shore of the St. Lawrence, this morning we travel west past Montreal, across the Ontario border, and on to Ottawa — the nation’s capital. We stop for lunch along the way at the Sucrerie de la Montagne — an authentic sugar shack and pioneer-style restaurant. Upon arrival to Ottawa we take a quick tour of Ottawa. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Ottawa. Canadian breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 8

  In the morning we explore Ottawa on a city tour. We view the Parliament Buildings, residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Rideau Canal (designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), and much more. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Ottawa’s many museums and fine galleries, shopping at the Sparks Street Mall or perhaps a boat cruise on one of the city’s many waterways. Overnight in Ottawa. Breakfast included.

• Day 9

  Our journey west from Ottawa features sparkling lakes, rushing streams, deep forests and characteristic northern towns. The trip will be highlighted by a visit to Algonquin Provincial Park where we will take a walk along the scenic trails. This immense wildlife and forest preserve is a favourite destination for camping expeditions during the summer months, and your walk will give you the opportunity to experience a little of it for yourself. Soon, we enter the Muskoka resort region, our destination for the night. Overnight in Hunstville. Canadian breakfast included.

• Day 10

  We are driving south past Toronto and then through the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula with a final destination of Niagara Falls. A thrilling boat ride on the Hornblower Niagara Cruises - Voyage to the Falls brings us to the foot of the thundering waterfalls for an unforgettable experience. We will take a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower providing a spectacular view of the falls and the surrounding district of Niagara. Afterwards, you can enjoy an optional Niagara Helicopter Tour or Niagara Skywheel that gives you a breathtaking view of Niagara Falls region. The evening is free for exploring North America’s “honeymoon capital”. Overnight in Niagara Falls. Continental breakfast included.

• Day 11

  We leave Niagara Falls this morning. Our drive follows the scenic Niagara Parkway through the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival. Here we see a small but thriving community, proud to display a carefully-preserved nineteenth-century atmosphere. This afternoon completes the tour with a short drive back to Toronto. The evening features our special “Farewell to Canada” dinner at the CN Tower. Overnight in Toronto. Canadian breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 12

  A time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells Canadian breakfast included. . Post Tour stay 1 night Toronto.

• Day 13

  Individual transfer to Pearson International Airport, Toronto, in time to check in for your return flight.