The following package of excursions:
Our per person prices are based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling 3 or more people, prices per person are significantly reduced. Request a quote for your exact price.
Join us on an exciting train journey through some of eastern Canada’s most atmospheric and culturally significant cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Québec – all topped off with a guided tour to the world-famous Niagara Falls.
Your adventure begins in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Prepare for breathtaking panoramic views and a real sense of exhilaration as you soar to the top of the iconic CN Tower. You’ll have plenty of contrasts to discover here – explore everything from trendy Kensington Market to the historic Distillery District, birthplace of world-renowned whisky.
In contrast to the lively bustle of Toronto, you can look forward to an unforgettable day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls. Here, you’ll experience the falls up close, both on your own and during an exhilarating boat tour that brings you near the thundering cascades, before heading on to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, renowned for its production of ice wine. Here, you’ll have the pleasure of sampling the local wines at one of the area’s inviting vineyards.
From Toronto, the train whisks you to Canada’s political heart, Ottawa. Here, you can marvel at the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings, wander along the Rideau Canal, and savour Canadian classics at ByWard Market. With plenty of time to explore at your leisure, delve into the country’s past at the Canadian Museum of History, where an impressive collection of artefacts offers fascinating insights into Canada’s cultural heritage and identity.
Next up is the French-Canadian metropolis of Montreal. Discover the delights of the old city, admire historic churches and colourful murals, cycle along charming canals, and venture into the city’s subterranean RESO, an underground network linking districts with shops and galleries.
Round off your journey in the historic city of Québec with a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed old quarter, Vieux-Québec, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s rich French-Canadian heritage. There’s also ample time to meander through its picturesque streets or take a trip out to the nearby Montmorency Falls.
Today marks the beginning of your tour to Canada. You’ll depart from your selected airport with connecting flights along the way, arriving later today in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, situated in the province of Ontario.
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and head to the arrivals hall. Follow signs to your preferred transport into central Toronto, where you’ll be staying. The choice is yours—getting to your hotel is straightforward, with plenty of options. You might take the train directly from the terminal, or opt for an Uber or a traditional taxi.
Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps tonight you’ll get your first taste of the local neighbourhood, heading out for a bite to eat or sampling Canada’s classic dessert, the Butter Tart.
Today is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant, multicultural gem that is Toronto. You’ll be discovering the city on your own, but with Toronto’s excellent and efficient metro system, getting around is a breeze.
To kick off your city adventure, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a visit to the iconic CN Tower, which rises an impressive 553 metres above almost every corner of Toronto’s skyline. While the observation deck sits at 346 metres (so not quite all the way to the top!), the views are unforgettable. Step up to the vast wall-to-wall windows and take in the city rooftops, Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands stretching before you. While the panoramic outlook leaves most visitors speechless, the thrill of standing on the glass floor one level below offers the ultimate cityscape—if you dare! Whether you brave the glass or not, the CN Tower really is a must when visiting Toronto and a fantastic start to your explorations.
Back at street level, the rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Among the highlights is the Royal Ontario Museum, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of dinosaurs. Take time to wander through Toronto’s distinctive districts to experience the city’s rich contrasts, found both in its architecture and its wonderfully diverse people. Pop into the colourful and trendy Kensington Market neighbourhood with its art galleries, vintage shops, and cosy eateries, and then follow the delicious scent of dumplings next door to Chinatown.
If you fancy a change of perspective, head out on the water for a boat trip to take in Toronto’s striking skyline and nearby islands.
End your day in the atmospheric Distillery District, birthplace of the legendary Gooderham and Worts whisky in the 1860s. The beautifully preserved Victorian industrial buildings today house everything from independent boutiques to excellent restaurants, with a vibrant atmosphere that lasts all year round.
*Included excursion to CN Tower: details on meeting time and point will be provided in your voucher.
Today, you’ll enjoy a day trip to the Niagara Falls – one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. You’ll be collected from a designated meeting point in Toronto, conveniently located within easy reach of your hotel*. Together with your fellow travellers and guide, you’ll travel by minivan to the celebrated falls – a journey of just under 1.5 hours.
As you arrive, it won’t be long before you’re met by a deep, ever-present roar – the sound of nearly 2.8 million litres of water plunging over the edge every second from the three mighty waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the trio, responsible for around 90% of the entire water flow. The torrents tumble 57 metres down, creating a mesmerising mist, and when the sun catches the spray, you’ll often spot rainbows dancing in the falls.
It’s one thing to admire the falls from above – but quite another to get up close by boat. Today, we’ve arranged for you to embark on the unforgettable ‘Voyage to the Falls’ cruise*. Don your complimentary rain poncho and enjoy a thrilling 20-minute journey right up to the foot of American and Horseshoe Falls, where the raw power of the water thunders before you.
You’ll have around three hours to explore the area at your own pace, and a lunch is included as part of your excursion.
Later in the day, your journey will continue to the eternally charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, just a half-hour drive away. This delightful spot is celebrated as one of Ontario’s premier wine regions, and chances are you’ll spot several award-winning vineyards on your way there. But you won’t just be left imagining how those grapes taste—today’s excursion includes a stop at a vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of locally produced wine. Afterwards, you’ll have time to soak up the atmosphere of the town itself, wandering along cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, art galleries, and quaint little shops. In the heart of the town, you can stroll the cobbled lanes, taking in the history, galleries, and boutique stores that give the place its special charm.
After a fantastic day surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, you’ll be driven back to your meeting point in Toronto, arriving late in the day.
*Included excursion: complete details about meeting times and places will be found on your voucher.
Today, you’ll leave Toronto behind and head north on the Canadian VIA Rail train. Take either an Uber or the metro to Toronto Union Station, which sits just under 3 km from your hotel*.
Settle in and enjoy the relaxing journey from Toronto, which takes just under 4½ hours. This is the perfect opportunity to sit back with a good book or some music, letting the ever-changing scenery pass you by.
Later today, you’ll arrive in the heart of Ottawa – Canada’s lively capital. Upon arrival at Ottawa Train Station, you’ll need to make your own way to your centrally located hotel, which is roughly a 15-minute drive from the station. If your room isn’t quite ready for check-in, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and head straight out to explore Ottawa’s charming streets. Perhaps stroll along the bustling Ottawa River, buzzing with activity from both locals and fellow travellers.
*Be sure to arrive in plenty of time before departure – for Toronto Union Station, you should arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. (You’ll find details on meeting time, location, and departure on your voucher.)
On these days, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the charms of Ottawa at your own pace. Begin your day with a pleasant stroll to Canada’s political heart, Parliament Hill – a lively area home to several government buildings. Prepare to be impressed by the magnificent neo-Gothic Parliament building, which looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale. You can join a free guided tour inside the Parliament building, but do note that you’ll need to book your ticket in advance.
If you visit during the summer months, don’t miss the daily Changing of the Guard. This colourful, ceremonial event takes place to the stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums from around 9:45am. Take in the uplifting atmosphere that surrounds this iconic Ottawa tradition.
Right next to Parliament, you’ll find the beautiful Rideau Canal as it meets the Ottawa River. In the summer, why not consider a guided boat tour along the canal? When winter arrives, the canal freezes over, transforming into a giant open-air skating rink.
Not far from your hotel is one of Canada’s most popular museums, the Canadian Museum of History. Here, you can delve into the country’s heritage, exploring the stories, identities, and artifacts of both indigenous peoples and later Canadian history, including a captivating collection of totem poles.
If you fancy sampling some of Canada’s culinary specialities, make your way to the renowned ByWard Market. Here, the city’s European and Canadian influences merge in a wonderful variety of dishes. Try the iconic Canadian treat “BeaverTails” – a deep-fried pastry with sugar, shaped like a beaver’s tail – or spoil yourself with sweets made from locally produced maple syrup. And if you’re in the mood for fish & chips, schnitzel, or a freshly baked croissant, you’ll find those on offer here as well.
You’ll be departing Ottawa from the very same train station where you arrived*.
Settle in and enjoy the stunning views of Canada’s forests, fields, and small towns during your journey – today’s train ride to Montreal takes just under two hours.
Upon arrival in Montreal, make your way to your hotel, which is conveniently located close to the train station. If your room isn’t yet ready for check-in, the hotel will be happy to assist you with luggage storage.
You may already have noticed you’ve arrived in the French-speaking part of Canada. After Paris, Montreal is the world’s largest French-speaking city. If the idea of a conversation in French is a little daunting, there’s no need to worry. While the locals might greet you with a cheerful “Bonjour”, it’s absolutely fine to respond in English – you’ll be understood.
Montreal was founded in 1642 under the name Ville Marie, later renamed after its prominent mountain, Mount Royal – the regal peak that offers superb views of the city from the Kondiaronk Lookout. We highly recommend heading up there for a panoramic vista over the rooftops of Montreal. You can reach most of the way by metro or bus, and then walk the final stretch, or hire a bicycle if you fancy. Alternatively, save the experience for dusk, when the city’s lights start to shimmer on the horizon as night falls.
*Once again, please be sure to arrive well ahead of departure time – at least 45 minutes before your scheduled train from Ottawa Train Station. (Full details of your check-in time, location, and departure can be found on your voucher.)
Spend the next couple of days discovering Montreal at your own pace. Step outside your hotel and dive straight into the lively city streets; thanks to your accommodation’s central location, you’ll be perfectly placed to make the most of your time here.
Consider a visit to the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, with its detailed stained-glass windows that tell the story of the city. The church sits at the heart of Old Montreal—a neighbourhood brimming with local character, where sleek modern architecture contrasts beautifully with cobblestone streets.
Continue to the bustling waterfront, a vibrant area alive with energy. In the warm summer months, it’s especially popular to unwind in a deckchair at Clock Tower Beach or relax in one of the city’s many green parks. We highly recommend hiring a bike and exploring Montreal just as the locals do. One excellent route follows the Lachine Canal, which begins at the St. Lawrence River and leads all the way to Old Montreal.
Around the fashionable Boulevard Saint-Laurent, you’ll find an abundance of shops and restaurants set against a backdrop of vivid colours. The street is renowned for its striking murals, celebrated each year during the MURAL Festival, which draws art lovers from around the globe.
Just outside the city, you can also visit the Montreal Olympic Park, home to the city’s Olympic Stadium, the botanical gardens, and the popular Montreal Biodome, which houses an impressive collection of plants from a variety of climates and ecosystems.
If you happen to experience rainy weather in Montreal, don’t worry. Beneath the city streets lies an entire underground world of shops, eateries, galleries, and cinemas—welcome to RESO, the Underground City. You can wander through more than 32 kilometres of walkways, effortlessly connecting you to different parts of Montreal above ground.
If you haven’t yet tasted the Canadian delicacy poutine, now’s your chance. This indulgent dish, made from chips, gravy, and cheese curds, is a local favourite in the province of Quebec.
Today marks the final stop on your tour: Québec City – one of North America’s oldest cities.
From Montreal Central Station, you’ll once again board the train*, embarking on the final stretch of your tour at just over 3.5 hours. Make the most of the journey by relaxing with a good cup of coffee as you reflect on the memorable experiences you’ve had so far.
Disembark in the heart of Québec City at Quebec City Train Station, also known as Gare du Palais. From here, you can either take an Uber or taxi, or enjoy a stroll to your hotel.
You’ll arrive later in the afternoon and, since your hotel is set right in the centre, you can start soaking up the city’s historic streets as soon as you step out this evening.
*Once again, be sure to arrive with enough time before departure – no later than 45 minutes prior at Montreal Central Station. (Full details for your meeting point and departure are available on your voucher.)
This morning, you’re in for a fascinating insight into the city’s French-Canadian history as you set off with your guide on an almost two-hour walking tour of the historic district, Vieux-Québec*.
This fortified old town is unique north of Mexico, with its intact ramparts encircling streets and historic buildings that date back more than 400 years. It is thanks to this unique character that the district was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985.
Your route begins at Place Royale, the city’s birthplace in 1608, and passes Canada’s oldest church, Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral, before reaching the grand Château Frontenac hotel, towering above many a street corner. From Dufferin Terrace, you can enjoy sweeping views over the St. Lawrence River, a reminder of Québec’s military past. It was here in 1759 that British forces sailed in, launching – and winning – the decisive battle on the Plains of Abraham. French Canada was officially ceded to Britain in 1763.
From colonial battlefields to the lively heart of the city, steeped in French-Canadian culture, you’ll wind your way to the buzzing Petit-Champlain quarter, renowned for its charming boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. Your walking tour finishes here and it’s the perfect spot to linger over lunch before you continue exploring Québec’s delightful streets at your own pace.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
*Walking tour in Québec: You’ll find details of your meeting point and time printed on your voucher.
There are no scheduled activities today, leaving you free to spend your final full day in Québec as you wish. No doubt there are still charming little corners waiting to be discovered, or perhaps you’re longing for one last nature experience?
If so, a visit to the nearby Montmorency Falls comes highly recommended. It’s easily accessible by bus or Uber, and you can admire the falls on foot or soar above the landscape by taking a ride on the local cable car.
The time has come to say goodbye to Canada after an exciting tour.
The airport is just 18 km from the city centre, so you can easily take an Uber or use public transport, taking you straight from the centre to the airport.
If you’d like to extend your stay in Canada or combine your tour with a visit to a vibrant US city, you’ll continue on to your chosen destination.
You will arrive at your selected airport, carrying with you all the wonderful memories and experiences from an unforgettable tour.
From £739 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £739
Single room supplement from £389
In the northern United States, in the state of Illinois – on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Midwest – lies a gem of an American city: Chicago. It’s the United States’ third-largest city after New York City and Los Angeles, yet despite its size, it feels wonderfully local and is easy to get around. In the mid-19th century, as the railways expanded through Chicago, it grew from a small trading post into a true metropolis and industrial powerhouse. Its geographical location made it a vital commercial corridor and, to this day, it remains the country’s busiest rail hub – also known as the "Railroad Capital of America". People moved here from all over the country, laying the foundations for the diversity that still defines the city. The locals are proud of their city – and it’s easy to see why.
Chicago offers world-class museums, interactive public spaces, historic theatres, and green oases, with skyscrapers standing in striking contrast to the Chicago River as it cuts through the city. There’s also a vibrant evening scene with plenty of blues music and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. It’s a winning combination for adults and children alike, with time to delve into the culture and history, and to shop along the famous Magnificent Mile.
From £789 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £789
Single room supplement from £319
Complete your tour with a stay in the metropolis, New York City, which is completely its own. Let yourself be carried away by the pulse of the city, which is sure to overwhelm and fascinate you at the same time.
The Big Apple has everything, right from magnificent architecture, art and culture to history and money. New York is hard to describe in words, it has to be experienced physically – no matter where you go, or what you do, it is as if it is only to be found here.
Look forward to a cruise of southern Manhattan, where, among other attractions, you will see Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty with her crown and her torch held up in symbolic immortalisation of the concepts of openness, freedom and hope.
You have the rest of the time at your own disposal, and you can turn your activity level both up and down.
When you are in New York, you are spoilt for choice: walk across Brooklyn Bridge, take a rowboat ride in Central Park, taste local delicacies in the Meatpacking District, see the John Lennon memorial ‘Imagine’ or get goose bumps at One World Trade Center.
You can also experience world-class museums such as MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Natural History Museum.
If you want the full ‘New Yorker experience’, you should not miss out on a Broadway musical or a visit to a blues or jazz bar.
The extension includes domestic flight to New York City with 3 nights in Manhattan and a guided cruise of southern Manhattan.
Children under 12 years from £2769
Single room supplement from £1209
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
