Day 1 - UK to Montreal
Today, you will fly to Montreal, and on arrival we'll transfer to our hotel. Later we'll head to a local restaurant for a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 2 - Montreal - Quebec city
Today we'll get to know Montreal on a tour of the city's main highlights. We'll discover the historic old port area, where the first colonists would have arrived on the shores of the St Lawrence River in 1642. Then we'll head to the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, which is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Inside we'll discover a striking interior filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings, beautiful stained glass windows and colourful vaults decorated with golden stars.
Later we’ll travel to Quebec City today, a 400-year-old fortified city with an intact fortress - La Citadelle - at its heart. B
Day 3 - Quebec City
This morning we’ll head out to discover Quebec City’s many historic highlights, with the fairy-tale Chateau Frontenac hotel dominating the skyline. On a stroll we'll see the grand City Hall, the Military Drill Hall, the Latin Quarter, Old Quebec and the Plains of Abraham. This was the scene of the decisive battle in 1759 between the French and the English for the control of Canada. This afternoon we will visit the Huron-Wendat Museum, dedicated to preserving the heritage, identity and traditions of the Huron-Wendat Nation. B
Day 4 - Quebec City
The choice is all yours today – you can further explore the cobbled streets of Quebec City at your leisure, or you can take an optional trip to Baie-Sainte-Catherine. Located at the junction of the St Lawrence River and the Saquenay Fjord, this is a hot spot for whale-watching. The journey itself offers fantastic river views, and the chance to see whales in their natural habitat is something you'll never forget. B
Day 5 - Quebec City - Ottawa
We journey into the province of Ontario today and on to Ottawa, where we stay tonight. En route we're going to make a stop at an authentic Quebecois Sugar Shack for lunch. Originally used for the production of maple syrup, what we'll enjoy here today is traditional Quebec cuisine.
On arrival we'll head off on a walking tour of Canada's modern-day capital city. Highlights include Confederation Square and the grounds of Parliament Hill, home of Canada's government. We'll also stroll along the pedestrian mall Sparks Street, and see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in front of the National War Museum. By dinnertime we'll be in the historic ByWard Market, home to many pubs, cafes and restaurants, so why not stop for refreshments with your travelling companions. B,L
Day 6 - Ottawa -Kingston
This morning you will have some time to explore Ottawa at your own pace, and we highly recommend a visit to Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of Canada's Governor General, to view the changing of the guards - which takes place each hour. Later we’ll travel to Rockport, a town situated on the banks of the mighty St Lawrence River and gateway to the beautiful 1000 Islands. We'll board a boat here for a cruise through the heart of the islands to discover a lush landscape dotted with luxurious cottages, vast estates and fairy-tale castles.
As you soak up the tranquil atmosphere it's hard to imagine the area's colourful history, when it was blighted by significant skirmishes between the US and British-controlled Canada during the War of 1812.
We'll end our day in Kingston, Ontario, Canada's former capital and now attractive waterfront city. B
Day 7 -Kingston - Toronto
This morning we'll travel to Toronto, Canada's largest city. This sprawling multi-cultural metropolis offers so much. There are landmarks including the Parliament building, City Hall and the Roger's Centre Stadium, which is home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. Then you've got beautiful beaches on Lake Ontario's shores, a zoo and the largest aquarium in the country. With a free afternoon, see how many you can fit in!
For spectacular panoramic views, a trip to the top of the CN Tower in one of the glass-fronted lifts is highly recommended. You could also spend time strolling through the Old Town, with its great markets. B
Day 8 - Niagara Falls
Today is the day you get to experience one of Canada's most iconic natural wonders, the awesome Niagara Falls. Consisting of three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls - they are a breathtaking sight, and how you view them is up to you. The thrill of flying overhead on an optional helicopter ride is hard to beat. Another option is a cruise on the Niagara River, which will get you really close to the thundering waters. B
Day 9 - Niagara Falls
Today is the day you get to experience one of Canada's most iconic natural wonders, the awesome Niagara Falls. Consisting of three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls - they are a breathtaking sight, and how you view them is up to you. The thrill of flying overhead on an optional helicopter ride is hard to beat. Another option is a cruise on the Niagara River, which will get you really close to the thundering waters. B,D
Day 10 - Toronto - UK
We'll spend more time at leisure in Toronto this morning. Later, we'll transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK. B
Day 11 - UK
Today you'll arrive back in the UK.