Information
Visit the magical Christmas markets in Mainz, Koblenz and Cologne. With traditional settings in stunning towns and cities along the Rhine, your senses will be assailed by the pretty lights and impressive decorations, and the enticing scents of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts and spiced gingerbread. What’s more, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to buy original and unique gifts to bring back for your friends and family in the UK.
Highlights
Experience three magical Christmas markets
Pick up traditional festive gifts and decorations
The UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge
Historic towns and castles
Tel: 01738 447 449
Cruise Quotation
River Cruises & Classic rail journeys
RIVER CRUISES ONBOARD MV SERENADE I
Christmas Market Cruise
4 days aboard MV Serenade
Departs 30th Nov & 3rd Dec 2010
Return flight from Heathrow, Birmingham & Manchester
Itinerary: Frankfurt, Boppard, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne (reverse itinerary for the 3rd Dec)
Regional flights to london available please ask for more details.
Alpine Peaks Cruise ~ 10 days aboard MV Serenade
Departs 28 May, 13 June & 23 September 2011
Return flight from Heathrow, Birmingham & Manchester
Itinerary: Cologne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Basel, Mannheim, Koblenz
Regional flights to london available please ask for
more details.
Information
Discover attractive German, French and Swiss cities on this superb river cruise aboard the wonderful MV Serenade I. Starting and ending in historic Cologne, and with the option to travel to the ship by air or rail, it couldn’t be easier to discover the verdant vineyards and pretty villages of the Rhine valley.
Highlights
Discover Cochem, the prettiest town on the Moselle
Explore the cobbled streets of medieval Strasbourg
Stunning Alpine scenery on our three-peaks excursion
Mannheim’s historic town centre
Heidelberg and its ancient castle on the Neckar
Danube Adventure ~ 10 days aboard MS Serenade
Departs 17 July & 31 August 2011
Return flight from Heathrow, Birmingham & Manchester
Itinerary: Passau, Melk, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz
Regional fligts to london available please ask for
more details
Information
The Danube is a river lined with delightful discoveries. Starting in the German city of Passau, sail through Austria and Slovakia to the Hungarian capital, Budapest, before returning to Passau. You can’t help but be charmed by the magical landscapes you cruise through.
Highlights
The remarkable yellow-stone Melk Abbey
Take in the stunning Danube along the Wachau Valley
Explore the historic streets of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital
A full day to enjoy the city and woods of Vienna
2011 RIVER CRUISE PROGRAMME
Longer duration river cruises are ideal for relaxation and recharging your batteries, whilst discovering a wealth of beautiful towns and charming river scenery. There will be plenty of time to visit sites and quaint villages as you cruise leisurely along the Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers - three of Europe's finest
22 May - 28 May ~ Rhine Explorer, 7 days
28 May - 6 June ~ PicturePostcard towns and Alpine Peaks, 10 days
6 June - 13 June ~ Historic towns of the Rhine & Moselle, 8 days
23 June - 22 June ~ Picture Postcard towns and Alpine Peaks, 10 days
28 June - 10 July ~ Highlights of the Rhine and Bavaria, 13 days
10 July - 17 July ~ A classical Danube cruise, 8 days
17 July - 26 July ~ Danube adventure, 10 days
26 July - 31 July ~ Imperial cities of the Danube, 6 days
31 July - 13 August ~ Budapest to the Black Sea, 14 days
13 August - 26 August ~ Budapest to the Black Sea, 14 days
26 August - 31 August ~ Imperial cities of the Danube, 6 days
31 August - 9 September ~ Danube adventure, 10 days
9 September - 16 September ~ Cruising the Romantic Road, 8 days
16 September - 23 September ~ Historic towns of the Rhine & Moselle, 8 days
23 September - 2 October ~ Picture Postcard towns and Alpine Peaks, 10 days
2 October - 8 October ~ A tale of two rivers, 7 days
2011 MINI CRUISES FROM £549PP
If you've never been on a river cruise, these mini cruises are a great introduction. From the Dutch Bulbfields to the magic of the Rhine, they're the perfect way for you to experience the tranquillity of river cruising, discovering the gems of your destination as you travel.
3 April - 6 April ~ Tulips from Amsterdam, 4 days
6 April - 10 April ~ Tulips from Amsterdam, 5 days
19 May - 22 May ~ Dutch Windmills and Flemish master, 4 days
22 June - 25 June ~ Castles and Vineyards of the Rhine, 4 days
28 June - 28 June ~ Rhine Gorge and the Legend of the Lorelei, 4 days
8 October - 11 October ~ Dutch Windmills and Flemish master, 4 days
ABOUT MV Serenade
65 spacious cabins
Individually controlled air-conditioned cabins with bath and separate shower, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdrier, multi-channel TV and telephone. Panoramic lounge and bar. Elegant dining room. Large, partially coveredsundeck. Small gymnasium and sauna. Lifts and stair-lifts. Laundry service
Highest standards
Built to the highest standards of safety and design, the MV Serenade I has something for everyone. Whether it’s a quiet drink in the panoramic bar watching the sunset, a stroll on deck or a delicious afternoon tea, you’ll feel wonderfully pampered and right at home.
Fabulous food
Enjoy delicious cuisine prepared by our resident chefs and served in an elegant, tranquil dining room while you meander past some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. A delicious array of hot and cold dishes are available throughout the cruise and highlights include the Captain’s splendid farewell Gala Dinner.
Life ashore
Cruising means discovering new and exciting ports of call whilst relaxing en route – all you have to think about is enjoying the sights. Our Cruise Representatives are always on hand for information and advice about a destination if you want to explore independently, otherwise carefully planned trips with knowledgeable local guides are available to make sure you get the most from each port of call.
Spacious cabins
The cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m². We want you to feel at home so we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air-conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it. The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a pretty seating area for relaxation. All cabins have flat-screen satellite TV, phone, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and a hairdrier. The en suite bathrooms have a separate shower, bath and WC. Cabins are non-smoking but you can smoke on deck. There is a gym and sauna on board for you to enjoy at your leisure. On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze. On the lower deck there’s a smaller fixed window.
Life made easy
Some cabins are especially reserved for sole occupancy. To make life easy, all but the bottom deck are accessible by lift or stair-lift and just a few steps lead you to the large partially covered sun deck.
Every evening is entertaining
There’s something magical about life on board a river cruiser in the evening. As you travel through tranquil European waters, you can indulge in the delights of the food, and the evening is filled with opportunities to socialise over a drink in the panoramic lounge and bar. On board is our very own entertainer who will provide something to keep the mood light-hearted and enjoyable. We also occasionally welcome local performers of folklore, classical music and much more to give you lasting memories of your cruise. During the day we offer an array of things to do, including light exercise for your body and your brain. On selected departures there is also a guest lecturer to provide informative and interesting talks on a variety of fascinating subjects. So whether you choose to sit on deck and watch the world go by, or join one of the activities, you are sure to have a wonderful time. Before re tiring, take a stroll around the deck, watch the ship’s wake vanish into the night and contemplate tomorrow – another exciting day on your voyage of discovery.
From £349pp
From
£549pp
Classical Rail Journey's
Imperial Cities ~ 10 Days
Eurostar from St Pancras and Ebbsfleet
2010 Departures:
20 June & 12 September
2011 Departures:
8 May, 19 June & 4 September
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- The services of an experienced tour manager
- 9nts bed & breakfast
- Hotel porterage
- City tour of Paris, Berlin, Prague, Vienna & Cologne
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Arrive by train into the heart of historic Berlin, the capital of the reunited German Republic
- Journey throught the romantic Bohemian countryside between Prague and Vienna, two of Europe's imperial jewels
- Experience the stunning scenery of the Rhineland as you travel to the centre of Cologne
DAY 1 UK/PARIS
Meet your Tour Manager at St Pancras for the Eurostar service to Paris. On arrival, transfer to hotel for an overnight stay and then enjoy an orientation drive.
DAY 2 BERLIN
This morning join the high-speed train across France and into Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital. Stay here for two nights.
DAY 3 BERLIN
A fascinating city, our included sightseeing tour of Berlin will take you to both the former east and west parts, taking in the Brandenberg Gate, a stately reminder of Berlin’s history; the grand Unter den Linden; the Postamer Platz and the Kufurstendam. This afternoon is free.
DAY 4 PRAGUE
Re-join the train this morning for you journey through the German countryside and into the Czech Republic. Arrive in Prague later this evening and stay for three nights.
DAY 5 PRAGUE
Known as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, Prague is renowned for its elegant architecture. Start today’s included tour at the Old Town Square, lined with lavishly decorated houses. Stop to admire the fascinating Astronomical Clock; the 18th-century Church of St Nicholas; and the lovely Rococo Palace of Goltz-Kinsky. Then visit the fascinating castle district and see Prague’s impressive hilltop castle.
DAY 6 PRAGUE
You are free to make your own discoveries in this beautiful city today. In the evening why not attend an optional trip to one of the local restaurants for a meal with wine and folklore music.
DAY 7 VIENNA
Journey south through the gentle landscapes of the Czech Republic and Austria to Vienna, Austria’s imperial city.
DAY 8 VIENNA
Charm and elegance are synonymous with Vienna. This sightseeing tour will take you to St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse and the world-famous Schonbrunn Palace. This evening, why not attend an optional Mozart concert?
DAY 9 COLOGNE
More stunning scenery awaits as you travel by train into the Rhineland and Cologne.
DAY 10 COLOGNE/UK
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cologne this morning including the famous cathedral. Then leave Cologne for the return train journey back to London.
IMPERIAL CITIES
Train journey from London to Paris, Berlin, Prague, Vienna & Cologne.
With 1nt in Paris, 2nts in Berlin, 3nts in Prague, 2nts in Vienna & 1nt in Cologne
The Glacier Express
Rail journey from London to Lucerne (Switzerland) ~ 5nts
The Glacier Express
Eurostar from St Pancras and Ebbsfleet
2010 Departures:
11 September
2011 Departures:
18 June & 16 July
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- The services of an experienced tour manager
- 5nts bed & breakfast
- Mediaeval Berne
- William Tell Express
- Glacier Express
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Enjoy a wonderfully unique journey on the William Tell Express, named after Switzerland’s iconic folk hero
- Take the train into the centre of the Swiss capital of Bern, a wonderful historic town
- Admire the stunning backdrop of soaring alpine peaks as you journey to the heart of lakeside Lucerne
DAY 1 UK/LUCERNE
Meet your Tour Manager this morning and join the Eurostar service to Paris from either St Pancras or Ebbsfleet. Then connect with the high-speed TGV service to Basel. On arrival take a short transfer from Basel station to hotel in the lakeside town of Lucerne, where you stay for the next five nights.
DAY 2 THE GLACIER EXPRESS
There’s an air of anticipation today as you board the Glacier Express, which is known as ‘the slowest fast train in the world’. This is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday as you take Switzerland’s most scenic train journey through valleys and mountains to forests, streams and alpine meadows. Sit back and take in the views through the panoramic windows as the train crosses bridges over precipitous ravines, cuts through mountain tunnels and twists and turns on its journey to Brig.
DAY 3 BERNE
On the banks of the River Aare stands the ancient city of Berne, capital of Switzerland. So impressive is the city that it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This small city has just 130,000 inhabitants and retains the easy small town approach to life. You travel here by local train and enjoy a guided tour, encompassing the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the mediaeval houses of the Kramgasse and the famous 12th-century clock tower. Within the pedestrianised mediaeval old town, you will find the city’s main shopping streets, Spitalgasse and Marktgasse.
DAY 4 LUCERNE
Today is at leisure for you to discover this stunning region at your own pace. Perhaps make use of the extensive Swiss rail network to explore further and see more of the area. The delightful lakeside town of Lucerne boasts picture-postcard beauty that enchants all its visitors. There is a fine selection of bars and restaurants for you to discover during your free time here. Don’t miss the intricately-painted houses of the Old Town, the wonderfully ornate wooden churches or the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, which spans the River Reuss. The walls of the bridge are decorated with paintings portraying the city’s history, while the distinctive octagonal Water Tower has seen service as a prison, torture chamber and treasury. Much of the old town walls are still intact and a walk along them offers fabulous views over the city, the sparkling lake and the towering peaks that surround Lucerne.
DAY 5 WILLIAM TELL EXPRESS
Another exciting day is ahead as we take the William Tell Express – a unique combination of traditional paddle steamer and train – another highlight of your holiday. Board an authentic paddle steamer in Lucerne for a leisurely cruise across the lake to Fluelen, with lunch served on board in the excellent restaurant. On arrival in Fluelen you join the famous William Tell Express train and travel through the steep ravines and dramatic cliffs of the Reuss Valley. You will pass through the Gotthard Pass, past snow-capped mountains and lush meadows before arriving on the pretty shores of Lake Lucerne’s sister lake, Lake Maggiore. There is free time this afternoon in Locarno before returning to Lucerne by coach.
DAY 6 LUCERNE
We transfer to Basel station where you join the high-speed TGV service back to Paris and then onward aboard Eurostar back to either Ebbsfleet or St Pancras.
From
£1219pp
From
£1499pp
From
£1339pp
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Adventure
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Board the world’s most famous train for a journey that’s alive with glamour and where romance lives on – it is sure to capture your imagination
- Experience an age of gracious elegance on this travelling time capsule of European history where so many momentous events that shaped Europe have taken place
- Enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the stunning dining car as you marvel at the grandeur of the Italian Dolomites
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- The services of an experienced local representative
- Excellent centrally-located 4-star hotel
- Flight to Venice
- 3 nights bed and breakfast in hotels and 1 night full board on the Orient-Express
- Hotel porterage
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Adventure ~ 5 days
Departures from a choice of Airports / Regional flights also available
2010 Departures:
15 August
2011 Departures:
3 April, 15 May & 26 June
From
£1999pp
DAY 1 - UK/VENICE
Fly to Venice and transfer to a 4-star hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 2 - VENICE
The very mention of Venice conjures up images of romantic waterways; gondoliers in striped tops and straw hats; and the hustle and bustle of St Mark’s Square. You have two full days to get to know this vibrant city and soak up its wonderful atmosphere. Join an included guided walking tour this morning, discovering some of the charming backwaters, hidden squares and historical residential areas where life carries on much as it has done for years. This is the Venice that many tourists never get to see. The rest of the day is free to explore independently.
DAY 3 - VENICE
Today we continue our exploration of the city travelling by private boat out into the Venetian Lagoon in which this stunning city ‘floats’. Here we visit some of the beautiful, yet relatively unexplored islands including San Giorgio, Murano, famous for its production of Murano glassware, and Burano, with its colourful houses and tempting fish restaurants, where there will be time for you to buy and enjoy lunch.
DAY 4 - ORIENT-EXPRESS
After a leisurely breakfast, head to Venice’s Santa Lucia railway station where you will board the beautifully restored Wagons-Lits carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for your overnight journey to Paris. Your steward will show you to your private compartment and will be your attendant throughout the journey. Dating back to the 1920s, the carriages you will travel in have been meticulously restored by expert craftsmen to produce an authentic experience of the golden age of travel.
After a little time to settle in to your cabin, take your seat in one of the beautiful restaurant cars for your delicious threecourse lunch whilst travelling through some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery. After lunch, why not retire to your compartment to admire the passing views of the Italian Dolomites and Swiss Alps, their snow-capped peaks towering above you. Sit back and relax as afternoon tea is served in your compartment, then why not head to the glamour of the Bar Car for a few drinks before dinner.
As they say, “you can never be over-dressed aboard the Orient-Express”, and dressing up in black tie certainly adds to the wonderful sense of occasion on board. As you sip your aperitif in the Bar Car, chatting to your fellow travellers and listening to the gentle sounds of the baby grand piano, you can’t help but immerse yourself in the glamour and excitement of 1920s rail travel. Then it’s time to wander along to the restaurant car for your leisurely four-course dinner, superbly prepared and presented by a team of skilled French chefs. After dinner, why not enjoy a nightcap in the Bar Car before returning to your compartment, where your steward will have transformed the daytime seating into a comfortable bedroom.
DAY 5 - ORIENT-EXPRESS/UK
After a comfortable night’s sleep, your steward will serve your breakfast at a time to suit you. The train soon arrives at Paris Gare de l’Est station, where it will stop for 40 minutes. This is the perfect opportunity to wander along the station and stretch your legs, watching the hustle and bustle of daily life. As the Orient-Express leaves Paris behind, a delicious brunch will be served in the restaurant cars. On reaching the French coast, you will board a coach for the Eurotunnel journey under the Channel to the UK, where you will board the beautiful cream and umber British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the last stage of your journey to London.
Each of the wonderful Pullman carriages is a 1920s or 30s original, brought back to life after careful restoration, living up to their reputation as ‘palaces on wheels’. Each carriage has its own name, personality and individual design, plus many can boast the transportation of royalty and visiting dignitaries in their history.
Aboard the British Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon- Orient-Express, you will take your seat for a three-course lunch with a glass of champagne, accompanied by the gentle rolling Kent countryside. All too quickly, you will be pulling in to London Victoria station for the end of your journey.
Please note that no onward travel from Victoria is included.
From
£1019pp
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- The services of an experienced Tour Manager
- 7 nights half board and 2 nights bed and breakfast
- 4-star hotels
- Lake Como & Lake Lugano excursion
- Lake Orta excursion
- ‘Centovalli’ to Locarno excursion
The Italian Lakes ~ 10 days
Eurostar from St Pancras and Ebbsfleet
2010 Departures:
10 & 17 Sept
2011 Departures:
8 & 29 April, 6 & 20 May & 10 Jun
HIGHLIGHTS:
See the magnificence of the Italian Lakes in comfort and style… take a spectacular journey on the Cisalpino train from Switzerland’s stunning Lake Geneva into Italy, hop aboard the Centovalli scenic railway to Locarno ...
- Take the wonderful Centovalli Railway, a spectacular scenic train ride
- Relax in the tranquil surroundings of the Villa Taranto botanical gardens
The Italian Lakes
DAY 1 UK/LAUSANNE
We depart St Pancras or Ebbsfleet by Eurostar this morning to Paris. On arrival, we cross the French capital by coach and connect with the high-speed TGV service to Lausanne. Lausanne is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and we stay here overnight. Perhaps take a stroll by the lake shore this evening, the sparkling waters beautifully illuminated by the city lights.
DAY 2 LAKE MAGGIORE
An exciting rail journey lies ahead as we take the Cisalpino train from Lausanne to Stresa on Lake Maggiore. We travel along the shores of Lake Geneva, through the spectacular Rhone Valley to Brig, and then under the Alps via the Simplon Tunnel into Italy. We spend the next seven nights on a half board basis at an excellent 4-star hotel in either Stresa or Baveno, on the western shores of the lake. Both resorts are ideally positioned for exploring the lake.
DAYS 3 – 8 LAKE MAGGIORE
We spend the next six days in this beautiful region. Set on the sunny southern side of the Alps, the lake offers a mild climate and an enchanting panorama of sparkling water, charming lakeside villas and resorts. The gently sloping shores are dotted with delightful towns and lush vegetation including colourful azaleas and camellias. The Borromean Islands add to the lake’s beauty. These jewel-like islands set in the middle of the lake are easily reached by one of the steamers that link the picturesque lakeside resorts. Perhaps the most celebrated island is Isola Bella, known for its exuberant gardens created in the 17th century, with marvellous views of the lake. We offer a full programme of excursions to help you make the most of your stay.
Included excursions:
LAKE COMO & LAKE LUGANO (full day)
We visit two beautiful lakes today, beginning with a boat trip on the calm, deep waters of wishbone-shaped Lake Como, a stunning contrast to Lake Maggiore and a favourite haunt of aristocratic families in the 18th and 19th centuries. Our cruise is the perfect way to appreciate the magnificent shoreline dotted with elegant cypress trees, grand villas and exquisite gardens. From here we continue to Lake Lugano, set amongst the steep slopes of the Alps and bordering both Italy and Switzerland.
LAKE ORTA (half day)
A real treat is in store as we visit Lake Orta, a reticently beautiful small lake of deep blue waters, much less famous than its neighbours, but no less impressive. The locals call the lake ‘Cinderella’, expressing perfectly its tranquil beauty and charm. A highlight is the Isola San Guilio, a tiny island-village.
‘CENTOVALLI’ TO LOCARNO (full day)
Sure to be a highlight of your holiday is this scenic railway journey. The track winds its way through beautiful countryside, over viaducts and bridges through centovalli – one hundred valleys – to the Swiss town of Locarno. We enjoy some free time in this lovely resort before returning by boat.
Optional excursions:
THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS (full day)
This excursion by private motorboat visits the three small islands in the middle of the lake; Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) – the most famous with its richly decorated palace and beautiful gardens; Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) – a tiny island with a quaint fishing village; and Isola Madre (Mother Island) – this island features a stunning botanical garden dominated by a giant 140-year-old cypress, the tallest palm trees in Italy and a wisteria over 80 metres long.
GARDENS OF THE VILLA TARANTO (half day)
Explore the wonderful botanical gardens of the Villa Taranto, where you will find an astonishing number of specimens from around the world, including lilies, lotus blossoms and Japanese maple. Formal parterres, water gardens and woodland slopes will impress in equal measure. milan (full day) Italy’s fashion capital is a true shopper’s paradise and all the famous designers can be found here. A sightseeing tour highlights the best of this cosmopolitan city, including the great Gothic cathedral, its extraordinary roof crowned by 35 spires; and the Brera Art Gallery, one of the most important in Italy. Be sure to visit the famous galleria Vittorio Emanuele with its splendid shops and cafes.
DAY 9 LAUSANNE
We spend our final night at the Hotel Continental on a bed and breakfast basis.
DAY 10 LAUSANNE/UK
We depart for home on the comfortable TGV to Paris. Here we connect with the Eurostar service to Ebbsfleet and St Pancras.
From
£1449pp
Canadian Railroad Adventure
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- The services of an experienced Tour Manager
- 9 nights room only in hotels and 3 nights full board on The Canadian
- 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on board the Rocky Mountaineer
- Hotel porterage
- Gratuities aboard the trains
The Italian Lakes ~ 10 days
Departures from Heathrow / Regional flights available
2010 Departures:
10 Sept & 2 October
2011 Departures:
21 May, 10 September & 1 October
From
£2369pp
DAY 1 UK/VANCOUVER
We fly to Vancouver and transfer to our hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 2 VANCOUVER
Poised between mountains and ocean, Vancouver enjoys one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Experience the city’s captivating vibrancy on today’s included tour, when we see the Victorian streets of Gastown, exotic Chinatown, the beautiful gardens of Stanley Park with its famous totem poles and the magnificent harbour.
DAY 3 VICTORIA
Today we offer an optional excursion by ferry across to Vancouver Island to visit Victoria, the attractive capital of British Columbia. We visit the marvellous Butchart Gardens, Parliament building and the fabled Empress Hotel.
DAY 4 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN (FIRST PASSAGE TO THE WEST) – VANCOUVER TO KAMLOOPS
We board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train today for the start of our spectacular two-day journey to Jasper. We travel through the meadows of the Fraser River Valley, cross over the Coastal Mountains and continue along Fraser Canyon, from where we can peer down into the raging maelstrom of Hell’s Gate. Our journey continues eastwards along the Thompson River to Kamloops, where we disembark the train for an overnight stay.
DAY 5 ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN (FIRST PASSAGE TO THE WEST) – KAMLOOPS TO JASPER
We re-board the Rocky Mountaineer this morning for the second part of our spectacular journey, travelling along the North Thompson River and crossing it several times. The train forges its way through the grandeur of the Rockies and past the snow-capped peaks of the Monashee Mountains en route to Jasper, where we stay for two nights. As we pull into Jasper, keep an eye out for majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies.
DAYS 6 & 7 JASPER
Enjoy an introductory tour of Jasper and take in the jewellike Pyramid and Patricia Lakes and the deep limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon on this morning’s included tour, before a free afternoon to explore at your leisure. There are a wealth of optional excursions for you to choose from, including a nature walk, a gentle float trip on the Athabasca River and a relaxing soak in the Miette Hot Springs.
DAYS 8 – 10 THE CANADIAN TRAIN
Enjoy a free morning in Jasper before boarding The Canadian train for the start of your epic three-night journey across the heartlands of Canada. Enjoy full board accommodation in comfort sleeper ‘Touring Class’ and wonderful service as you travel through Saskatchewan, a rugged state of boundless prairies, forests and wild rivers. Continue eastwards through the central plains of Manitoba, stopping in the important trading post of Winnipeg. The last leg of the journey brings you to the lakelands of northern Ontario. There really is no better way to get a sense of the vast scale of Canada.
DAY 11 TORONTO
This morning ‘The Canadian’ pulls into cosmopolitan Toronto, where we stay for the next two nights. Toronto is a bright, modern city set on the shores of Lake Ontario. We include a sightseeing tour of the city where we see the Rogers Centre, formerly known as the Skydome, the Eaton Centre, the theatre district and the Royal Ontario Museum. You will also have the opportunity to take a trip up to the top of the famous CN Tower. There will be free time for lunch and a spot of shopping this afternoon.
DAY 12 NIAGARA FALLS
Enjoy a full-day included excursion to the impressive Niagara Falls today. Gaze at the twin falls creating a curtain of spray and a rumble like thunder, and (May – October, weather permitting) sail on the Maid of the Mist right into the basin beneath the Horseshoe Falls. We also travel through this pretty wine-producing region, famed for its ice wine, and stop at the delightful town of Niagara, situated by the lake.
DAY 13 TORONTO/UK
We transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK.
DAY 14 UK
Arrive in the UK.
