Canada, Alaska, USA, Luxury Escorted Touring, Rocky Mountaineer, Lake Louise, Alaska Cruises, Whistler Canada
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88 | CANADA'S WINTER WONDERLAND EXPLORE VIBRANT VANCOUVER Day 1, 19 Dec. Arrive Vancouver. On arrival in Vancouver, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, this evening you'll enjoy the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and APT Tour Director at a Welcome Dinner. Two Night Stay: Vancouver, The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. D Day 2, 20 Dec. Vancouver. You won't find it difficult to make good use of your morning at leisure in downtown Vancouver. Why not warm up with a coffee at one of the city's excellent cafes – the locals are known to be quite the coffee connoisseurs – then head out for a pleasant stroll through the old cobblestone streets of Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver. Or, visit the shopping mecca of Robson Street. You'll then set out to explore the city sights and Christmas attractions with your APT Tour Director. Visit Stanley Park and head to Granville Island, the bustling heart of Vancouver's cultural scene. Here, wander amid the colourful public market, where stalls adorned with cheerful Christmas lights showcase a range of home-made art and crafts. Afterwards, head for the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to see the magical festive Canyon Lights display. More than just a platform for stunning views above the treetops and canyons, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is an attraction in its own right. The park's original hemp rope and cedar plank bridge was constructed across the canyon in 1889, but has undergone many restorations since. Today, you'll see more than 250,000 lights attached to the bridge, making it an absolutely spellbinding sight. Enjoy a free evening back in the city. B PICTURESQUE VANCOUVER ISLAND Day 3, 21 Dec. Victoria, The Butchart Gardens. Board a ferry for the journey to Vancouver Island. Later, travel to The Butchart Gardens to marvel at the incredible Magic of Christmas lights display. This world- famous floral exhibit attracts over a million visitors each year and is family owned. Christmas delight awaits you as you walk through these fairytale gardens with each of the Twelve Days of Christmas set out in lights. As you wander through the twinkling displays, see if you can spot the Partridge in a Pear Tree, Two Turtle Doves and more. While a ride on the carousel rouses nostalgic Christmas feelings. Later, gather together and enjoy a delicious dinner in the original Butchart family residence, feasting on a medley of satisfying seasonal dishes. Two Night Stay: Vancouver Island, Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. BD Day 4, 22 Dec. Victoria. You've the chance to shape your day with a choice of activities. Perhaps take an enchanting tour of the city in a horse-drawn carriage, taking in beautiful waterfront views and the gardens of Beacon Hill Park and Totem Park. Those who appreciate the finer things in life may prefer one of Victoria's most indulgent traditions, a sumptuous afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Alternatively, delve into British Columbia's rich history at the Royal BC Museum which houses more than seven million objects. History aficionados may prefer an enthralling visit to Craigdarroch Castle where you can learn about the Dunsmuir family. B ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS 15 DAYS – VANCOUVER TO CALGARY 14 Night Luxury Land Journey YOUR INCLUDED SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES Be captivated by the Canyon Lights display as you wander through the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Delight in the light display at The Butchart Gardens, followed by dinner in the original Butchart family residence Enjoy a tour and breakfast at Whistler's Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Dash through landscapes blanketed in snow on a horse-drawn sleigh ride alongside frozen Lake Louise Meet a Mountie in Banff and hear tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Victoria Ban National Park Whistler VIA Rail BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA CANADA CALGARY 2 2 3 1 VANCOUVER Lake Louise Ban Jasper 2 2 2 Jasper National Park Coach VIA Rail National Park No. of Nights Stay 40 MAX. GUESTS G U A R A N TE E D S M A L L E R G R O U P S KEY SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE FREEDOM OF CHOICE TM – Sightseeing FREEDOM OF CHOICE TM – Dining CHRISTMAS DAY (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner