Day 1 - Arrive in Toronto
After arriving at Toronto International Airport you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to start exploring this world class destination.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Toronto City Tour & Harbour Cruise
Today you will be taken on a tour of Toronto, introducing you to this cosmopolitan city situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. Your fully commentated tour highlights include Eaton Centre, Chinatown, Old and New City Halls with opportunity for pictures along the way. Enjoy exploring Canada's largest city. After your city tour, you will be dropped at the Pier 6 dock to enjoy a Harbour Boat Cruise. This 1 hour commentated tour of Toronto harbour and islands includes an optional stop on Centre Island. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the shops, museums, harbour front and the theatre district.
Note: The Harbour Cruise operates from Mid May to end of October. If the cruise is not operating, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - VIA Rail to Montreal
Today you will transfer (on own) from your hotel to the VIA Rail station. Upon arrival at the train station, go straight to the Panorama lounge which is reserved for VIA 1 passengers. You'll be able to unwind as you wait for departure. The day's newspapers, coffee and juice will be yours to enjoy, free of charge. You will depart downtown Toronto and travel to Montreal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Travel in total comfort and ease and forget the hassles of driving. You will travel in VIA 1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA 1 lounge in the service-car. Upon arrival in Montreal, you will be transfer (on own) to your hotel. You will be impressed with Montreal's architecture, the cosmopolitan shops, the wonderful restaurants and the lively nightlife of the city.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 4 - Quebec City Day Tour
Today you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour through the countryside of Quebec to historic Quebec City. This is the only walled city in North America and reminiscent of Old France. During your tour you will explore the old section of the city within the walls. See the Citadel, Plains of Abraham, the Dufferin Terrace and the legendary Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Return to Montreal in the early evening.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 5 - Montreal Guided Tram Tour / VIA Rail to Halifax
Experience the best of Montreal on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing tour. A complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest, including a stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory (photo stop), residential and financial districts, Old Montreal (photo stop), French Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site (photo stop), McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with an uninterrupted commentary by a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual guide.
In the evening transfer (on own) to the Montreal train station, where you will board VIA Rail for your overnight journey to Halifax. Leaving Montreal in the evening, you'll travel along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, and then take the Matapédia Valley. Enjoy comfortable private sleeping accommodation onboard the train this evening. In Easterly Class you’ll have the opportunity to savour the flavours of the region in the dining car, join in the unique Maritime Learning Experience opportunities and enjoy panoramic views in the Park car’s observation dome. The journey on the Ocean will take about 21 hours and will carry you through Eastern Quebec, Northern New Brunswick and central Nova Scotia on your way to Halifax.
Note: VIA Rail’s Easterly Class, including meals is only available from June 15 to October 15, 2008. If traveling outside these dates, your accommodation will be in Comfort Sleeper Class and no meals or Maritime Learning Experiences are included.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 6 - Arrive Halifax
When daylight comes you will be traveling through the province of New Brunswick, a region immersed in the history of the Acadians, a group expelled from the Maritimes by the English in 1755. The train will arrive in the port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, late afternoon. Transfer on your own to your Halifax hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian – Premium View room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 7 - Deluxe Historic Halifax City Tour & Pier 21 Historic Site
This morning you will be taken on a Grayline tour of Halifax, a city filled with history. You will see the public gardens, Old Town Clock, the Historic Properties and the university district. Halifax is also home to a fascinating display of Titanic memorabilia, devoted to this great vessel and the passengers that perished. Many of the victims are buried in a grave site near Halifax. Enjoy the afternoon browsing through quaint boutiques or take an optional afternoon tour to famed Peggy's Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, where you can also explore the nearby fishing village with is 'signature' lobster traps, fishing nets and colourful houses. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Halifax. Visit Pier 21 National Historic Site (included), Canada's last remaining immigration shed with interactive displays, 4-D film and more.
Note: The Deluxe Historic Halifax City Tour operates from June 1 to October 15. If you are traveling outside these dates, the tour will be removed from your package
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR:
Tall Ship Harbour Tour (June to September)
A visit to Halifax's vibrant Waterfront is not complete until you sail on a real Tall Ship. Originally built in 1939, Tall Ship Silva has been refitted to offer a relaxed atmosphere. All hands on deck to haul on lines with the crew as you set sails. This is an opportunity to become part of the crew of a traditional sailing ship. Practice traditional seafaring/seamanship skills like steering from the helm, learning navigation skills or furling sail. Take in the sights of Halifax's waterfront and enjoy the view of this charming seaside city, with miles of shoreline guarded by Georges Island and its graceful lighthouse. Guests can keep a look out for whales, harbour seals and seabirds. Enjoy a cold drink or snack from the fully licensed bar or you can browse through souvenirs available onboard.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian – Premium View room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 8 - Tour ends in Halifax
Today your tour ends. Transfer by private sedan from your hotel to the airport, in time for your onward or homeward flight. You may wish to extend your stay in this beautiful province with a rail and driving tour to Cape Breton Island.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals aboard VIA Rail's Ocean between Montreal & Halifax in Easterly Class (NOTE: VIA Rail’s Easterly Class, including meals is only available from June 15 to October 15, 2008. If traveling outside these dates, your accommodation will be in Comfort Sleeper Class and no meals or Maritime Learning Experiences are included.)
- VIA Rail from Toronto to Montreal in VIA 1 Class
- Toronto City & Harbour Cruise Combination Tour (SUBSTITUTION: if the cruise is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Quebec City Day Tour
- Guided Montreal Tram City Tour
- Deluxe Historic Halifax City Tour including Citadel Hill admission (SUBSTITUTION: If the tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Pier 21 admission
- Airport transfer by private sedan in Toronto & Halifax including gratuities
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Optional tours
- Transfers not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)