Day 1 - Arrive Kelowna
Your holiday adventure gets underway when you pick up your full-size rental car at the Kelowna International Airport. The city is just a short drive. Enjoy the rest of the day and explore this dynamic and fast growing city. Your accommodation for the next two days will be at the historic, lakeside El Dorado Resort.
Luxury: Overnight Hotel Eldorado Lakeside – Arms Lakeview room
Day 2 - Kelowna
Kelowna has a history that dates back to the turn of the century. It has long been the centre of the fruit industry and is now one of the key cities in the fast growing wine industry of the Okanagan Valley. Take some time to visit a few of the many vineyards and wineries that surround the area or relax with a game of golf. There are dozens of excellent courses within a few miles. Enjoy the warm waters of Okanagan Lake from the comfort of your hotel or one of the many sandy public beaches. In the evening sample one of the many fine dining experiences that Kelowna has to offer.
Luxury: Overnight Hotel Eldorado Lakeside – Arms Lakeview room
Day 3 - Kelowna to Osoyoos
This morning start your journey southward along the shores of majestic Okanagan Lake. Take your time and visit some of the orchards and vineyards or step back in history and take an excursion on the steam powered Kettle Valley Railroad. Along the way visit the shops and eateries of Summerland and Penticton. Later in the day make your way to the desert community of Osoyoos. Located in the only official desert area in Canada (the northern tip of the Sonoma Desert), Osoyoos is only a stones throw from the Canada – US border. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at the luxurious Spirit Ridge Resort and Golf Course.
Luxury: Overnight Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort - 1 Bedroom Lakeview Suite
Day 4 – Osoyoos Exploring / Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
This is one of Canada’s fastest growing resort areas. The attraction of the area is obvious. The warm, dry climate attracts those who love the heat and enjoy a beautiful lake to sit by or boat on. The surrounding hills are perfect for growing fruits of all kinds and the ever-increasing number of world class vineyards is constantly striving to grow the “perfect” grape. For the golfer, there are many fine alternatives including the challenging course attached to the Spirit Ridge Resort. Or, perhaps you’d like to indulge in a historic nature walk through the renowned Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre which is a part of the Spirit Ridge development and a great success for the First Nations Bands in the area.
Luxury: Overnight Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort - 1 Bedroom Lakeview Suite
Day 5 - Osoyoos to Harrison Hot Springs
Today is a beautiful day of contrasts. Traveling westward from Osoyoos you will journey through the beautiful Keremeos Valley, one of the only pesticide-free farming areas in Canada. Stop in at the Old Grist Mill (not included) and see how flour was ground at the turn of the century. Later, travel along the Similikameen River Valley through the old mining communities of Hedley and Princeton. You should allow at least 6 hours for today’s journey including a break at the historic Manning Park Lodge. The afternoon will come to an end as you travel along the mighty Fraser River to the resort town of Harrison Hot Springs.
Luxury: Overnight Harrison Hot Springs Hotel - East Tower Deluxe Lakeview room
Day 6 - Harrison Hot Springs
This is a day to relax and enjoy this beautiful resort. Tucked in the mountains of the Coastal Range Harrison Hot Springs was once a hub for commercial boat building and logging. Take a leisurely cruise on the lake (not included) or enjoy the luxury of a Spa treatment in this historic hotel. ($75.00 per person spa credit included)
Luxury: Overnight Harrison Hot Springs Hotel - East Tower Deluxe Lakeview room
Day 7 - Sun Peaks
An historic and scenic drive awaits you today as you drive along the Fraser Canyon Highway. You will be traveling the same route that thousands of gold miners struggled along over 150 years ago. Using steamboats, pack mules and even some camels, the gold rush miners braved the raging waters of the Fraser River to pan for gold as they worked their way almost 200 miles north to the Cariboo Gold Fields. You will get to witness the awesome power of the river as you descend to the rivers edge on the Hells Gate Tramway (included). You should allow at least 7 hours for today’s journey which will eventually bring you to the sparkling Ski resort at Sun Peaks.
Luxury: Overnight Delta Sun Peaks Resort – One Bedroom Suite
Day 8 - Quaaout Lodge
Relax this morning and enjoy your alpine surroundings. You might even like to go for a hike, rent a mountain bike or get in a quick 18-holes on the nearby golf course. This afternoon your journey will take you eastward along the Trans Canada Highway. You will be following the South Thompson River through the arid grasslands of the Interior Plateau. Along the way you might want to stop at the Adams River, site of the largest Salmon spawning area in Canada. Now you are entering the beautiful Shuswap Lake Area. Your stop for the night is the charming community of Chase and a beautiful resort operated by the First Nations.
Luxury: Overnight Quaaout Lodge
Day 9 - Kelowna
As your journey come to an end, enjoy the easy drive from Chase to Kelowna. There will be lots of time for stops along the way to enjoy the scenery, shops, orchards and vineyards. Take some time to stop at the historic O’Keefe Ranch or check out the boutique shops of the lively city of Vernon. Your final night of travel will be spent in another beautiful resort perched on the shores of Okanagan Lake. Tonight celebrate your final night in the Okanagan with a gourmet dinner and wine paring at the famous Summerhill Pyramid Winery. The restaurant is situated on the hillside overlooking Kelowna and the Lake Okanagan. A perfect ending to a beautiful journey.
Luxury: Overnight Grand Okanagan Lakeside Resort – Lakeview room
Day 10 - Return Home
Your trip is officially over when you return your rental car.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 9 nights hotel accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 10 day Full size rental car including unlimited mileage LDW, GST, personal accident insurance, personal effects coverage, provincial tax, PVRT, additional authorized operator fee
- Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre admission
- $75 per person Spa Credit at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel
- Hell’s Gate Tram ride
- Wine Tasting & Dinner at Summerhill Pyramid Winery including gratuities
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Car Rental: Refueling service charge, gas, parking, baby seats, toll highway charges, additional driver taxes, and credit card security deposit
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)