“33RD AUTUMN COLOURINGS TOUR”
CANADA & THE NEW ENGLAND STATES OF AMERICA

Tour Departs: 23 September 2012    •    Tour Length: 31 Days

In 2012, this magnificent tour will be operating for the 33rd time - and this must surely make it one of New Zealand’s longest running and most popular tours. Many people have enjoyed the spectacle and the delights that this tour offers, and for some on more than one occasion, which is surely testament to its popularity and appeal. It is indeed spectacular in every sense, from the majesty and grandeur of the Rockies in the West, to the serenity and the beauty of the New England countryside in the East, where the hillsides explode with colour during the “Fall”.

Given the longevity of this tour, we know the area so well - when to leave the highway and take our charter coach along the much more interesting country roads, which vantage points to stop for those memorable photographs, even the best “watering-holes” for the important mid-morning “cuppa”. And our tour director will provide en-route commentary detailing the points of interest and some of the fascinating history of the areas as the tour moves through the countryside to the many varied and fascinating cities. Local guides join us to proudly “showcase” their home cities, and what wonderful cities they are - cosmopolitan, exciting, beautiful, diverse and oozing history. Note virtually all the sightseeing you need is included in the tour cost so forget about optional tours.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Vancouver • Victoria • Butchart Gardens • by coach through the Canadian Rockies to Banff • Toronto • following the Autumn Colourings “trail” through the East • Thousand Islands cruise on the St Lawrence River • Ottawa • Quebec • Chateau Montebello • Montreal • Burlington • White Mountains • Lincoln • Plymouth • Boston • Cape Cod • Albany • Niagara Falls • San Francisco.

OUR HOTELS:
Because this tour is so spectacular in every way, we have included hotels to match the occasion – many of the hotels would not normally be included in a tour such as this and would be beyond the pockets of most of us if we were travelling on our own.

TOUR COST:
Per Person Share Twin Room:                                NZD $16,450                AUD $14,250
   Supplement for Single Room (if required):             NZD $  5,400                AUD $  4,450

COSTS INCLUDE:
• Economy Class air travel from Auckland or Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane (upgrade to Business Class available at additional cost)
• All prepaid airport/government taxes and security charges (as at 01 October 2011)
• First Class / Superior Tourist accommodation throughout
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B = Full Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• First Class air conditioned coach transportation for all touring
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Services of a tour director and local guides for touring and sightseeing
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• Tips to Local Guides & Coach Drivers
• Fully Escorted

COSTS EXCLUDE:
• Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance (advice and assistance supplied if required)
• Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, drinks, phone charges etc

 
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Sunday 23 September:
Home – Vancouver (D)
Today, we join the flight to Vancouver. The flight crosses the International Dateline, arriving in Vancouver the afternoon of the same day. On arrival, we are met and transferred by coach to our hotel for a 3 night stay. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax after the flight from home.

Monday 24 September:
Vancouver – Sightseeing (B)
This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, a very beautiful city. Highlights include the lovely Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Bay and Park, English Bay, Gas Town and the downtown area. The afternoon is free.

Tuesday 25 September:
Vancouver – Sightseeing (B)
This morning we take a tour of Vancouver’s North Shore. We visit a salmon hatchery, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park where we can see a number of native carvings and totem poles. Then to the delightful setting of Granville Island on the waterfront for a luncheon stop. A great experience and a wonderful display of fresh produce at the public market, fruit, vegetables, fish. meat, unique gifts and a great place to eat.

Wednesday 26 September:
Vancouver – Cruise to Victoria (B)
This morning we travel to the BC Ferry Terminal to join our ship for the cruise across the Straits of Georgia to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. We continue to Victoria with a stop en route at the waterfront town of Chemainus that has gained fame for its 32 murals on the exterior of its buildings. We enjoy a 2 night stay in the provincial capital of Victoria.

Thursday 27 September:
Victoria – Sightseeing (B)
Victoria is the “City of Gardens”, from the flower-bordered lawns of the Parliament Buildings to the baskets decorating the lampposts. This morning we travel to the world famous Butchart Gardens where 30 acres of fragrant floral beauty extend over Japanese, Italian and English gardens linked by lawns and water displays. This afternoon, there is free time to explore the downtown area with its antique shops and handcraft studios. A visit to the Provincial Museum is a must. Our hotel overlooks Victoria’s picturesque harbour and a highlight is an evening stroll along the waterfront to view the illuminated Parliament House and Government Buildings.

Friday 28 September:
Victoria - Shuswap Lake (D)
An early start today as we leave Victoria to join the ferry (breakfast available on board) for the cruise through the Gulf Islands back to the mainland. We travel along the Trans Canadian Highway following the Fraser River and its fertile valleys. After lunch, we travel along the Thompson River Canyon into the cattle ranching area. We enjoy an overnight stay at our secluded resort on the shores of Shuswap Lake. The resort is operated by the local Indian tribe.

Saturday 29 September:
Shuswap Lake - Lake Louise - Emerald Lake (B,D)
We leave Shuswap Lake this morning for another full day of touring highlights. We pass through Mount Revelstone National Park and over Rogers Pass, through Kicking Horse Canyon in Glacier National Park and on to the Lake Louise area. Our overnight stay is at picturesque Emerald Lake.

Sunday 30 September:
Lake Louise - Banff (B,D)
A spectacular day today in the Canadian Rockies, boasting some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. We are dwarfed by ice-capped mountains as we travel past emerald coloured lakes, tumbling rivers and shimmering glaciers. The lakes and rivers teem with giant rainbow and Dolly Varden trout. After a thrilling ride on a snowcoach, we walk on the massive Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields and marvel at the serene beauty of the alpine meadows and the exotic wildflowers. There is the opportunity to photograph the grazing elk, the bands of Big Horn sheep and the sure-footed mountain goats high on the rocky slopes. Keep a watch out for black bears, grizzly bears, ravens and eagles. At the end of a magnificent day, we continue via the Icefields Parkway to Banff for a two night stay.

Monday 01 October:
Banff (B)
Our first stop today is Sulphur Mountain where we join the gondola for the ride to the top to enjoy breakfast with the Rockies as a backdrop. There is no better view anywhere. Then, it’s back to ground level to rejoin the coach for a sightseeing tour of Banff to include Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain, the amazing sandstone formations called “Hoodoos” and Bow Falls. The afternoon is free to enjoy the village of Banff with its magnificent panorama, surrounded by an array of spectacular alpine beauty.

Tuesday 02 October:
Banff – Calgary - Toronto (B)
This morning, we leave the Rockies behind us, moving on to Calgary Airport in time to join our flight east across Canada to Toronto. On arrival, we are met and transferred by coach to our downtown hotel for a 2 night stay.

Wednesday 03 October:
Toronto (B)
Toronto is a city of towers and spires where the old blends in with the new. Cultural institutions, theatres, parks, restaurants, fine stores and an intriguing variety and mix of peoples are making this city one of the great cities of the world. Our morning sightseeing tour provides us with a fascinating insight into the character and pulse of the city.

COMMENCE AUTUMN COLOURINGS EASTERN COACH TOUR

Thursday 04 October:
Toronto – Chateau Montebello (B,D)
Today we embark on our coach tour through Eastern Canada and the New England States of America. We commence with a leisurely drive to Gananoque where we join our cruise boat for the three hour 1000 Islands Cruise on Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence Waterways – an absorbing and interesting afternoon. After disembarking from the cruise boat, we proceed to the wonderland of Chateau Montebello where the fall colours paint the woodlands scarlet and gold. We enjoy dinner this evening in the lavish dining room with silver service all the way. This will surely be a tour highlight.

Friday 05 October:
Chateau Montebello - Ottawa (B,L)
We will live graciously and relax luxuriously in the legendary log cabin style buildings of Chateau Montebello, set in 6,500 acres of picturesque countryside and glorious forest trails. For the energetic, there is golf or swimming, fishing in trout stocked lakes, boat cruising, horseback riding, hiking, croquet etc. We leave the hustle and bustle of the 21st century for the glamour and serenity of a bygone era. Work up an appetite for a delicious buffet luncheon and have time to explore the grounds of this magnificent resort. Later in the afternoon we depart Chateau Montebello, visit Gatineau Hills and take in a scenic drive of absolute breathtaking scenery with entire hillsides of dazzling autumn colours. We have a two night stay in Ottawa.

Saturday 06 October:
Ottawa (B)
We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ottawa. The Autumn Colours in the parks and gardens, the grounds of the Prime Minister and Governor General’s residences, the Houses of Parliament and the embassies make a wonderful display. At the end of the tour, enjoy a lunch break at the Fruit Markets with a wide range of restaurants and coffee shops. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.

Sunday 07 October:
Ottawa – Quebec via Sucerie de la Montagne (B,L)
After breakfast, we have time to explore the grounds before continuing through quaint villages and townships with hillsides ablaze with colour to Sucerie de la Montagne (Sugar Mountain) to enjoy a special highlight lunch with lots of laughter and fun assured. We will learn how the maple syrup is processed from the trees of the Forest. Then, it’s on to Quebec City for a 2 night stay in this historic city.

Monday 08 October:
Quebec (B)
On our city tour this morning, we see the Provincial Buildings, the famed St Louis Gate, the historic Place d’Arms, the Plains of Abraham, Place Royale and the Upper and Lower towns. The afternoon is free if you would prefer to explore the city on your own, but for those that would like to do something special, why not join us on a drive to the Isle D’Orleans, in the middle of the St Lawrence River. Country lanes, farmland, orchards, spectacular autumn colours and delightful private homes all contribute to an enjoyable drive. We will see the Montmorency Falls - higher than Niagara Falls - and travel on the oldest road in Canada. A stop for coffee and fresh bread (baked in outside ovens) with maple butter at Chez Marie’s cafe is a real treat. This is a delightful way to spend the afternoon, and the extra cost is as good as it gets - nothing!!!

Tuesday 09 October:
Quebec – Montreal (B)
A leisurely day today as we make the three hour coach journey from Quebec to Montreal, travelling along the western bank of the St Lawrence River. We enjoy a 2 night stay in Montreal.

Wednesday 10 October:
Montreal (B)
This morning’s city tour will show us the highlights of Montreal including the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Montreal, the French Quarter, the site of the 1976 Olympic Games, McGill University and Mount Royal. The afternoon is free.

Thursday 11 October:
Montreal - Burlington, Vermont (B)
Leaving Montreal, we travel along the banks of the Ottawa River and its lakes and fertile lands. We cross the US border into the State of Vermont and the town of Burlington, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, an immense lake stretching for 125 miles and cradled in the broad valley between the Adirondacks and the Green mountains. We spend the night in Burlington which each year hosts Shakespeare and Mozart festivals.

Friday 12 October:
Burlington - White Mountain National Park, New Hampshire (B, D)
Our journey today takes us into White Mountain National Park. Spreading across New Hampshire into Maine, the White Mountains are the biggest in New England, noted for their spectacular scenery and many natural attractions - especially in the Autumn. Dominating the rest is Mount Washington at nearly 7000ft. We enjoy an overnight stay in the town of Lincoln, a major ski resort in the winter. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Saturday 13 October:
Lincoln - Boston (B)
After a good breakfast to start us on our way, we continue our journey with a lunch stop at the historic town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s only seaport. This is a delightful town with many vintage Georgian mansions and colonial structures dating back to the 1690s and the time of the original English settlers. Then it’s on along the rugged Atlantic coastline to the great city of Boston for a 3 night stay.

Sunday 14 October:
Boston - Cape Cod Tour (B)
Our tour today takes us down to Cape Cod - “Kennedy Country” and home to the rich and famous - along the rugged coastline through fishing villages and coastal estates. Lunch is at Plymouth where the Pilgrim Fathers first arrived in the New World aboard the “Mayflower” over 350 years ago. We see Plymouth Rock at the harbours edge, commonly regarded as the stone on to which the “Mayflower” passengers first stepped ashore when they disembarked. There will be time to visit a full scale replica of the “Mayflower”. During the afternoon, we will search for a cranberry “bog” in harvest - a great sight.

Monday 15 October:
Boston - Freedom Trail (B)
Our morning tour shows us Boston City, the capital of Massachusetts and the most liveable large city in the USA. It is the cradle of independence, rich in history and culture, and it still retains much of the charm from an earlier age. We visit North Church, associated with the immortal Paul Revere and the Freedom Trail, and visit areas that in the past we have only read and heard about - “The Boston Tea Party”, Bunker Hill, Boston Pops, Symphony Hall, Boston Common, Beacon Hill.

Tuesday 16 October:
Boston – Mohawk Trail – Albany (B)
A lovely drive today as we sit back on our coach and enjoy the autumn colours of the Mohawk Trail. We travel through many beautiful towns and colonial villages including Williamstown, known as the prettiest village in America and snugly nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Berkshire Mountains. At Shelbourne Falls visit the only Bridge of Flowers in America. Our overnight stop is in Albany, capital of New York State.

Wednesday 17 October:
Albany - Niagara Falls (B)
Another delightful day on the road today, travelling through rural farmlands and fruit growing areas close to the river. We cross the border back into Canada for a two night stay at Niagara Falls. Our hotel is the Sheraton On The Falls and all our rooms will have magnificent views of the falls, a spectacular sight at night.

Thursday 18 October:
Niagara Falls (B,D)
The Niagara Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Enjoy the view from your hotel room or get closer and hear the thundering waters as they cascade across the clifftops. This morning, we enjoy a tour of the Niagara Falls area including the famous floral clock. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or just having a relaxing time. Tonight is our final night in Canada and we enjoy dinner together in a spectacular setting.

Friday 19 October:
Niagara Falls - Toronto – San Francisco (B)
We leave Niagara Falls for the short drive to Toronto and the airport where we join the flight to San Francisco. We arrive into San Francisco late afternoon where we have a delightful stopover for 2 nights.

Saturday 20 October:
San Francisco (B,L)
Morning sightseeing to include the Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, Fishermans wharf and much more. We will have time to enjoy lunch at a harbour front restaurant. The afternoon is free with plenty of time for further activities – ride the cable cars or shop in Union Square.

Sunday 21 October:
San Francisco – Home (B)
The day is free until late afternoon. Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight. We cross the International Dateline and loose en route.

Tuesday 23 October:
Home
Arrival time is early morning as the curtain is drawn on another memorable tour.