Canada in the Fall – SOLD OUT

OCTOBER 2024

Start Point – Toronto
Finish Point – Montreal
Tour Style – Hosted Tour
Accommodation – Boutique Hotels, Luxury Hotels
Meals – As per itinerary
Transport – Private Coach / Van, Boat
Max Group Size – Min 6, Max 10 guests

DATES:

01 October – 13 October 2024

RATES:

– from AUD$ 13, 995 per person, Twin Rate
– from AUD$ 17, 950 per person, Single Rate

*Rates are per person based on Twin Share & Single Room.
*Prices are subject to change until paid in full.
*International Airfares are not included. PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE.

Day 1 – Arrive Toronto

Arrive at Toronto Airport. Clear immigration and customs, and then meet your private driver-guide and private transfer from Toronto airport to your hotel.

Toronto is as cosmopolitan as they come. To newcomers, Toronto may seem like just another big city. Downtown is dotted with skyscrapers, and the city’s streets bustle with people on the go. Toronto is considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with more than half the population born outside of the city. Toronto houses 200 ethnic groups that speak over 140 languages, making this Ontario destination a world all its own. With Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown, and Chinatown all within city limits, you may feel like you have seen more than a couple of countries after a visit to Toronto.

The city is also home to one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world, the CN Tower, and the world’s largest underground shopping mall, PATH. But aside from visiting its most prominent attractions, Toronto should be experienced like any other big city: sipping a cocktail in a corner restaurant, browsing multicultural shops on quirky neighborhood blocks, and hopping on and off the subway or GO Transit for a night on the town.

Diverse neighbourhoods flourish, and fashion, entertainment, the arts, food, and architecture thrive.  Ideas intersect in unexpected ways, resulting in some of the most extraordinary experiences you will find anywhere in the world.

Check in to your lovely hotel, relax, and explore your local neighbourhood.
This evening, there will be a welcome drink, a tour briefing, and a relaxed optional dinner for those in the mood.

Overnight Accommodation: Le Germain Maple Leaf Square

Day 2 – Toronto

After breakfast this morning, meet your private guide for a guided tour of Toronto.

Discover downtown Toronto on a walking tour starting in the Old Town and ending at City Hall. You will explore the Old Town of York with its colorful market, its gallery offering many different exhibits about the history of the city, and St James Cathedral and St James Park. You will see the University of Toronto and St George campuses with their Gothic architecture located in downtown Toronto. You will take a walk by the Ontario Waterfront from Little Norway Park to Harbourfront Centre and discover where Torontonians go to enjoy the cool summer lake, cultural events, and festivals. Moreover, discover art galleries in Toronto for local and international talent.

Bata Shoe Museum: don’t miss this one. Explore the world at your feet through a stunning collection of more than 13,000 shoes and related artifacts that span 4,500 years of history in four impressive galleries.

This evening, enjoy dinner at CN Tower’s 360 , one of Toronto’s finest, featuring unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le Germain Maple Leaf Square (B / D)

Day 3 – Niagara Falls

Transfer by your private driver-guide from your hotel to Niagara Falls Region (about 2 hours).  The second you see the mammoth Niagara River rumbling toward a 188-foot waterfall at about 30 to 50 (and up to 100) kph, your mouth will drop. The speed at which the river falls creates a misty fog and an unmistakable roar heard from miles away.

And today is your day dedicated to discovering these world-famous Falls.

Start your journey by boarding the famous Hornblower boat and experiencing Niagara Falls and its power up close and personal.

OPTION: For those who want to enjoy a birds-eye view, take a unique flight over Niagara Falls by helicopter and enjoy a spectacular view of the falls from the sky! Don’t forget your camera, and capture their immensity from above. 12 minutes (flight + boarding time).

After exploring the Falls, enjoy a VIP tasting of Peller Estates vintages.  Your tasting will be in a private room offering an exclusive environment to enjoy the best wines of Peller Estates. The Wine Consultant team can answer your questions and help you with any wine selections. The Estate Winery offers wines from the vintage collection that are only available in the cellar.  You will also enjoy lunch at Peller Estate with a 5-course menu with pairings and ice wine.

Transfer back to the hotel. Dinner at leisure this evening.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le Germain Maple Leaf Square (B / L)

Day 4 – Ottawa

After breakfast today, you checkout and head to Ottowa, the capital of Canada!  It is a bit of a travel day today, so bring a book and wear comfortable travel gear.

On your way, you will make a stop for lunch in Kingston, about 3 hours from Toronto.  At the gateway of the 1000 Islands and the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal, Kingston is a city rich in history and culture and home to a vibrant art and food community.

After Kingston, continue to Ottawa, where you will spend the next two nights.

Ottawa is a political and cultural hub that particularly caters to visitors. Its downtown overflows with jaw-dropping architecture, state-of-the-art museums, funky boutiques, and fantastic snack joints that are all easy for you to explore on foot. Plus, this is a city that loves to celebrate, hosting dozens of festivals throughout the year. Ottawa is a dynamic, nice, bilingual, and welcoming city with a long promenade along the waters.

Check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit the capital of Canada at your own pace, with dinner at leisure this evening.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le Germain Ottowa (B / L)

Day 5 – Ottawa

There is no better way to get to know a place than through its food!  And today, you will taste your way through the lower town of Ottawa. Lowertown is the name of the neighbourhood east of the Rideau Canal Locks, which includes the National Art Gallery, the Royal Mint, and the ByWard Market.

Your guide will introduce you to some of the most beloved ‘little-knowns’ in this historic entertainment district. This tour is an ecclectic mix of big flavours from a variety of cultural traditions and focuses on locally-loved restaurant treasures on the north side of the ByWard Market District. Come hungry, so take it easy at breakfast this morning!

This evening, you will enjoy a 4-course dinner and wine tasting with the sommelier-owner, Véronique Rivest at Soif Bar à Vins.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le Germain Ottowa, (B / Foodie Tour / D)

Day 6 – Montreal

Breakfast and checkout before transferring to Montreal with your private driver guide—about 2.5 hours.  On arrival, check in to your lovely boutique hotel, your home for the next couple of nights.

Enjoy lunch in Old Montreal before enjoying the rest of the day to explore this multi-cultural city.

Must-sees are: the Olympic Park, which, in addition to its iconic stadium, features the Montréal Tower, the Biodôme and the Planetarium. The nearby Botanical Garden, the second-largest in the world, with its horticultural wealth, provides a lush green setting for the Insectarium. Mid-river, Parc JeanDrapeau, home to the famous amusement park, La Ronde, and the Casino. It’s also the site of the yearly Formula 1 Grand Prix.

It is also time for a drop of retail therapy and a glass of champagne for those who feel like something slightly less cerebral!

Overnight Accommodation:  Nelligans Hotel (B / L)

Day 7 – Montreal

There is only one word that really captures the essence of Montréal: multifaceted. This city represents the melding of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures blending into a 21st-century skyline. Old-fashioned houses are now home to funky fusion restaurants, and the familiar sound of English is juxtaposed against the rolled “r”s of French. Rainbow flags fly alongside cloth emblems from India, Portugal, and France, and traditional French pastries are sold alongside the distinctly sweet sesame seed, Montreal-style bagel. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, a short elevator ride exposes you to another city located several stories below ground level.

You’re going on a private guided tour of Old Montreal, where you will discover the city’s architecture and its history by walking through public squares such as Place d’Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques Cartier. You will also see the Bonsecours Market and the three courthouses, as well as Notre Dame Basilica. You will take a walk along the Old Port and St Lawrence River, before heading off to explore more.

Enjoy your last hours in Montreal before you head to Quebec in the morning!

Overnight Accommodation:  Nelligans Hotel (B)

Day 8 – Quebec

After breakfast, check out and then transfer to Quebec with your private driver guide.

On the way to Quebec, you will enjoy a beautiful gourmet experience at La Pourvoirie du lac à l’eau claire.  From the Hydrobase you will getaway by seaplane (about 20 minutes) and enjoy a divine 3-course meal in glorious natural surroundings. Located on the banks of Lac à l’eau claire, this is an ideal place to discover the real Québec.

Then continue on to Quebec.  Check-in, settle in, and then time to explore this beautiful gem of a city.

The sight of winding cobblestone streets and towering cathedrals; the sound of French pleasantries and tourists’ “Oohs;” the smell of fresh-baked bread and pungent cheese; the taste of creamy cafe lattes and buttery croissants. All your senses agree: You’re in France. But they’re wrong: you’re in Quebec. Upon passing through the fortified walls of Old Québec, you’ll discover a world straight out of a European painting: 18th- and 19th-century buildings house bakers, bistros, and boutiques, while cobbled squares are drowned by a sea of cafe tables.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le St Germain Quebec (B / L)

Day 9 – Quebec

This morning, you are going with your private guide for a panoramic tour of the city—on foot, as that is the best way.

This visit to Quebec City will take you to the upper and lower cities. The architecture and history of the little city of Quebec will be your main focus today. You will learn a lot through different historical sites such as Chateau Frontenac, the Citadel, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Quebec, the fortifications, the Old Port, and the Place Royale, to name a few.

You will finish with lunch at the restaurant le Parlementaire, in Parliament Building of Quebec City, which was built between 1877 and 1886. Its architecture, inspired by the Louvre Palace in Paris, makes it one of the only French-style institutional buildings in Québec City. It is Québec’s oldest historic site and the seat of Québec’s government.

This afternoon, why not visit the famous Le Chateau Frontenac for its famous afternoon tea or just to enjoy a visit to this iconic hotel.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le St Germain Quebec (B / L)

Day 10 – Wendake – Quebec

This morning, you will be transferred to Wendake, about 20 minutes from Quebec. The authenticity of their stories and traditions is what the Wendake Nation and community want you to discover to understand more about their culture and history.

Enjoy a private visit to Wendake, where you will first start with a visit of the First Nation Museum and its traditional long house. Then, take a walk with a guide through historic Old Wendake, home of Notre-Dame- de- Lorette Church and its treasures. Construction of the original church began in 1730. It was designated a National Historic Site by Heritage Canada in 1981.

Your visit today includes lunch at the Restaurant of the First Nations, La Traite  where you will be trying one of the dishes featuring local Aboriginal cuisine.

Then back to Quebec for dinner at leisure before you depart in the morning.

Overnight Accommodation:  Le St Germain Quebec (B / L)

NOTES ABOUT INDIGINEOUS TOURISM: Canada has over 700 unique indigenous communities, each with their own story to tell. In Canada, the term “Indigenous” is an umbrella term that describes the original inhabitants of these lands and their descendants. First Nations are Peoples who have historically lived between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, south of the Arctic. The Inuit have historically lived in Canada’s Far North. The Métis are descendants of the historical joining of First Nations Peoples and European settlers. Each group of Indigenous Peoples in Canada has their own rich and vibrant culture, largely influenced by the environment in which they traditionally lived. Despite the diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, they have certain important cultural traits and traditions that unite them. The importance of Oral Traditions, a deep respect for Elders, and a strong connection to nature are common across all Indigenous communities. For further information, please link through to the following website: Destination Indigenous

Day 11 -North Hatley

In the morning, you will be transferred by your private driver guide to North Hatley, about 3 hours away.  Checkout and get ready for a lovely couple of days at this gorgeous luxury hotel—the perfect finish to a great tour.

Chill out for the rest of the day exploring your gorgeous surroundings, and why not visit the spa and indulge your inner diva?

Dinner is in house this evening.

Overnight Accommodation:  Manoir Hovey (B / D)

Day 12 – Shinrin-yoku (Forest-Bathing) & a Coastal Hike

Today you will discover the Eastern Townships region on this private day trip.  The Eastern Townships (also known as les Cantons de l’Est, and formerly as l’Estrie) refer to the southeast corner of the province of Québec, which borders Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine and is known for its mountains, spas, charming small towns, lush forests, and many vineyards.

Enjoy a visit to a local vineyard, a cheese factory, and a local boutique before indulging in lunch in a special location.

Return to the Manoir and this evening enjoy your final dinner at the Hôtel (excluding beverages).

Overnight Accommodation:  Manoir Hovey (B / L / D)

Day 13 – Depart

Time to say farewell…

Sadly, all good things must come to an end.  This morning, you will say goodbye as you transfer to Montréal to connect to your flight home or elsewhere. (B)

Included:

• Fully escorted from Toronto by a representative Tour Leader and a local guide throughout
• Group arrival and departure airport transfer**
• 3 nights’ 4-star boutique accommodation, Le St. Germain Maple Leaf Square, Toronto
• 2 nights’ 4-star boutique accommodation, Le St. Germain Ottowa
• 2 nights’ 4-star boutique accommodation, Nelligans, Montreal
• 3 nights’ 4-star boutique accommodation, Le St. Germain Quebec
• 2 nights’ 5-star luxury accommodation, Relais & Chateaux Manoir Hovey, Hatton
• Breakfast daily
• 11 main meals—a combination of dinners & lunches
• Private guided tours as per the itinerary, including any entry and tasting fees
• Private transport throughout in a 15-seater coach
• Government taxes and surcharges

*If on suggested group flights. If you are outside of these flights, then you will need to pay a Private Transfer supplement service.

Not Included:

• Airfares – PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
• Travel Insurance – PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
• Transfers, unless stated in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature
• Phone calls
• Passports and visas
• Laundry, unless stated
• Tips at meals and bars
• Excess baggage
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Beverages unless specifically described.
• Optional excursions or activities that may be offered
• Any COVID-required testing or documentation required by the countries of entry.