2007 - 2011 Tours

TOURS 2007

2007 BALTIC CRUISE (July 3rd - 16th)

Thirteen days aboard NCL’s Norwegian Dream. Fly to Dover, home of the White Cliffs of Dover, the gateway to London. Cruise Kiel Canal to Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany where east meets the west. Cruise the Baltic Sea stopping at Tallinn, Estonia, to relive medieval times. St. Petersburg, Russia boasts the Grand Palace and is resplendent with fountains and gardens. There is no museum in the world that rivals the Hermitage Museum in size and quality. Tour Helsinki, Finland where you discover unique Finnish architecture. Stop at Stockholm, Sweden, a 750 year old city. Experience Copenhagen, Denmark, with canals and old neighborhoods to see homes of Royalty from the 12th century, On this voyage to the lands of kings and tsars, Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid will greet you. Marvel at some of Europe's most alluring sights. Sail North Sea en route to England for flight home.

TOURS 2008

2008 Scenic China Tour (Mar. 24th - Apr. 13th)

Day 1 (March 24) VANCOUVER: Fly to Vancouver. Transfer to BW Richmond Hotel for “Welcome Meeting” and overnight.

Day 2 (March 25) Depart Vancouver for Beijing, China.

Day 3 (March 26) Arrive Beijing, transfer to GV Garden Hotel. Dinner at hotel.

Day 4 (March 27) BEIJING: Morning free to rest. In afternoon, visit Tian An Men Square, the world’s largest public plaza, and Forbidden City, which houses numerous priceless treasures. Two-dozen emperors lived there from the 15th to the early 20th century. Locally flavoured Dinner.

Day 5 (March 28) BEIJING: This morning tour the Hutong by rickshaw, visit homes of local residents, and a school. After lunch, tour the Temple of Heaven and the beautiful Summer Palace. Dinner is followed by a Peking Opera.

Day 6 (March 29) BEIJING: Drive out of Beijing to walk the mighty Great Wall, visit Sacred Way Cloisonné Workshop. Delicious Peking Duck Dinner.

Day 7 (March 30) BEIJING: This is a free day to explore and shop. Pick up from hotel for Kung Fu Martial Arts Show.

Day 8 (March 31) BEIJING - XIAN: Fly to Xian, China's ancient capital for 11 dynasties. Transfer to the 4-Star Arum International Hotel. Visit Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall. Tour Shaanxi Automobile Factory.

Day 9 (April 1) XIAN: Marvel at Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang guarded by 6,000 Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Visit the Grand Mosque.  Enjoy the amazing Tang Dynasty Dinner Show which includes Four Kinds of Dumplings.
Part of the terracotta army at Xian

Day 10 (April 2) XIAN: Today is a free day to explore and shop.

Day 11 (April 3) XIAN - GUILIN: Morning flight. Transfer to the 4-star Guishan Hotel. Visit Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, and a farm. After dinner, head to the river to watch Cormorant Fisherman bringing in their fish.

Day 12 (April 4) GUILIN: Board Li River Cruiser, sail through a landscape of needle-like Limestone hills. Arrive at Yangshuo in afternoon. Take time to stroll and search for extraordinary bargains at local markets. Enjoy Chinese and Western Buffet Dinner at Osmanthus Hotel and a Folkloric Dance and Singing Show.

Day 13 (April 5) GUILIN - QINGDAO: Free day to relax or explore. Transfer to airport fly to Qingdao. Transfer to the 4-Star Huiquan Dynasty Hotel.

Day 14 (April 6) QINGDAO: Qingdao, lying across the Shangdong Peninsula is a seaport looking out to the Yellow Sea is renowned for beautiful natural scenery, beaches, seafood, fresh air and blue sky. This morning, taste a glass of freshly brewed beer from world famous Tsingdao Beer Factory. Visit Mt. Lao to taste Laoshan Green Tea, considered the best tea in China, nurtured and hand picked by local farmers. Seafood Dinner.

Day 15 (April 7) QINGDAO: Free day. Stroll along the beautiful No.1 Beach across from your hotel. Enjoy free time.

Day 16 (April 8) QINGDAO - SHANGHAI - SUZHOU: Fly and travel by coach to Suzhou from Shanghai. After lunch, visit the Master of Nets Garden, and Silk Factory. Overnight at the 4-Star Castle Hotel.

Day 17 (April 9) SUZHOU - SHANGHAI: Enjoy a boat cruise on the Grand Canal.  Coach to Shanghai, transfer to the 4-Star Rainbow Hotel or similar.

Day 18 (April 10) SHANGHAI: In morning, visit Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Yuan Garden, Mongolian Buffet for lunch. This evening, take night tour of Shanghai. Tour the 4 quarters of Shanghai. On a river cruise, marvel at the buildings of Shanghai transforming into a canvas for dancing light art.

Day 19 (April 11) SHANGHAI: Visit Oriental TV Tower nicknamed 'Shanghai Height' to have a Bird’s eye view of this Vibrant City and to watch the sun setting.  Enjoy exciting Acrobatic Show after dinner.

Day 20 (April 12) SHANGHAI: Free day to explore on your own. Visit Shanghai Museum in afternoon. Farewell dinner with some locally flavoured dishes. Farewell dinner.

Day 21 (April 13) SHANGHAI - CANADA: Morning at leisure, shop, pack. Bid adieu to China. Depart on trans-Pacific flight homeward, taking with you wonderful memories.

2008 Amazing Amazon Adventure (Departs Jan. 16th - 19 days)

Fly from Saskatoon to Florida to Manaus, Brazil where there will be a welcome reception. Next day take a 2-hour boat ride to The Ariau Amazon Towers - a Hotel built among the treetops. Take a motorised canoe trip to visit a native's house to see how manioc flour is made. Go on a guided tour of the rainforest and see the incredible variety of plants and animals.  Fish for piranhas! Catch caimans. Visit a fishing village and shop for handicrafts. Swim with the pink dolphins. Return to Manaus, where there will be a morning tour and a free afternoon. Board the Royal Princess cruise ship. See the "Meeting of the Waters". Explore Parintins (a small city). See Boca de Valeria (a small village) then go to Santarem for a tour of the city or a river cruise. Spend days at various islands in the Southern Caribbean: Devil's Island, Scarborough, St. Lucia and St. Barthelemy. Land in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and fly back to Saskatoon.

2008 Savour Italy (Feb. 21st - Mar. 5th)

Rome: The "eternal city": The Spanish Steps (Trinita dei Monti), Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), Piazza di Spagna (shopping), St. Peter's Basillica in St. Peter's Square, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Colosseum and Catacombs.

Tuscany: Undulating hills, rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves and rural villages.

Florence: Piazza Santa Croce (relics from the Holy Land), Piazza della Signoria (copy of Michelangelo's David statue), Palazzo Vecchio (seat of Florence's government), Loggia dei Lanzi, and Piazza del Duomo (a cathedral with Giotto Campanile and Baptistry East Door).

Pisa: The Square of Miracles and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Chianti area: Tour vineyards and do wine tasting. Cross the river Po and tour the Ferrari factory in Maranello.

Milan: Ride to top of tower to get an overview of the city. See Duomo, the world's largest Gothic church. Go shopping. (Milan is a leading world fashion center.)

Sirmione: On the shores of gorgeous Lake Garda, surrounded by Alps. See Roman ruins, fortress and churches. Tour and do wine tasting at vineyards.

Verona: Stand under Romeo and Juliet's balcony. Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Roman Amphitheatre, arches, basilicas and gates.

Venice: Canals, Gondolas, water buses, arched bridges, palaces, little piazzas. Tour includes boat ride, San Marco Basilica. See Venetian glassblowers fashion delicate objects as done for centuries. Ride a gondola.

Ravenna: Famous for multi-coloured glass and marble. Ravenna was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Assisi: Enclosed by ramparts, little changed since the middle ages, and home of Dante's Tomb. Assisi was the home of St. Francis. View Church of St. Clara, medieval castle, and cathedral.

Perugia: Capital of Umbria, home of Perugia chocolate, enclosed by Etruscan wall. Main feature is complex of St. Francesco, with Oratory of St. Bernardino.

Pompeii: Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted. See the best-preserved 2000-year-old ruins in Europe. Walk through the excavated town. See plaster casts of the people who perished, with facial expressions revealing horror. Visit formerly luxurious temples, villas, a theatre (where gladiators fought animals),  a forum, a brothel and a thermal bathhouse with indoor waterfall.

Sorrento: On a plateau above the Bay of Naples. Stroll winding streets lined with trendy shops. Absorb the easygoing like of this charming town, with its beautiful views, interesting museums, and vibrant night life. Sorrento is famous for production of Limoncello, plus citrus fruit, wine, nuts, olives and wood craftsmanship.

Isle of Capri: Take a boat trip to this legendary island surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for business tycoons and movie stars. The island tour includes at Anacapri a boat trip to Glue Grotto and a visit to a perfume factory.

Drive to Phlaegrean Fields (dormant volcano). Visit Solfatara, with a cave, ancient thermal baths and a Roman amphitheatre, then to Anfitteatro Flavio, an ancient arena and marketplace. Journey back to Rome with time to tour, shop, or relax. Enjoy a wind-up dinner with your travel friends in the evening, followed by free day in Rome.

Fly from Rome back to Canada.

TOURS 2009

2009 YUKON AND ALASKA ADVENTURE (June 17th - 20 days)

Travel to Edmonton, then Dawson Creek’s ‘MILEPOST 0’ on the Alaska Highway. Stop in Fort St. John for the Welcome Reception Picnic. On to Fort Nelson, swim in Liard Hot Springs, see the Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake. Then Muncho Lake, and Whitehorse for “Frantic Follies”. Enjoy a tour of Dawson City. Travel “Top of the World” to Fairbanks for a salmon bake, dog sled demo & riverboat cruise, then to Anchorage for glacier cruise & guided tour. Travel to Beaver Creek & Skagway, for cancan show & White Pass & Yukon Railway. Travel to Dease Lake, Smithers, Prince George, Jasper National Park, then Edmonton for the Farewell Dinner.

2009 West Coast USA (Jan. 30th - Feb. 19th)
 

Welcome reception in Lethbridge, Alberta. South through the Rocky Mountains to Butte, Montana. Tour Salt Lake City (host of the 2002 Winter Olympics). Visit Las Vegas, Nevada for two days, including a guided city tour, shopping at Factory Outlet and Old Town Vegas. Cross the Mojave Desert to Los Angeles. Guided tour of LA, including Hollywood, Grauman's Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Crystal Cathedral, and the Farmer's Market. See all the major attractions: Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, including a free day. Day trip to San Diego. North to San Francisco, home of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf and a great Chinatown. Then North to Reno, Sacramento, Jackpot, Twin Falls, Pocatella, and Butte. Wind-up supper in Lethbridge, Alberta.

2009 New Orleans & Texas Big Time (Feb. 12th - Mar. 2nd)

Welcome Reception in Minot, North Dakota. Travel through Custer’s country with its beauty and diversity. Stop at Mitchell, South Dakota to view the Doll Museum and the Corn Palace - decorated with murals made from multi-coloured corn cobs, sorghum, wheat, rye, and native grasses. Follow Missouri River valley passing productive farm land and Jesse James’ territory, St. Joseph. Travel southeast to Memphis, Tennessee. View “Mountain Top” sculpture honouring Martin Luther King Jr.  (assassinated in 1968). Visit revitalised Beale Street (in Memphis), birthplace of the “BLUES”.
 
Pass by cotton and soybean growing areas throughout Mississippi. At Vicksburg, stop at National Military Park, a civil war site. Drive east to Jackson, then south through Mississippi to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In New Orleans, enjoy a guided tour of the city, spend time along Bourbon Street including the French Quarter.  Cruise the Mississippi River in steamboat Natchez.

Enjoy creole Cajun meal and music before watching the exhilarating Mardi Gras Parade. Stay downtown New Orleans, close to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Spend a free day in New Orleans.
 
Soak in atmosphere and elegance of the Old South: enjoy magnolia and moss-draped cypress trees on a swamp tour in bijoux with alligators, noon meal and music with a Cajun band. Tour cotton plantation and mansion (a national historic landmark).

Free Day in Baton Rouge. Cross southern region of Louisiana, past rice fields. Stop at Lafayette. Tour Vermillion Ville, a Cajun/creole heritage folk park. Drive to Houston, the cattle, cotton and oil capital. Tour Johnson Space Centre: Hands-on experiences and astronaut training centre. Travel to San Antonio, Texas. Enjoy morning cruise on Yanaguana River, tour “The Alamo” site - known as cradle of Texas liberty where Davy Crokett and 188 others died in battle.

Stay for three nights in the Rio Grande Valley at McAllen, Texas. Visit South Padre Island: long, sand island north of Corpus Christi. Travel north past San Antonio and Austin to Waco, Texas. Drive to Dallas: Visit the sight where John F. Kennedy was shot. Head to Oklahoma City to tour Cowboy Hall of Fame. Continue north to Wichita, Kansas and to Kansas City. Drive along Missouri River to Sioux City, then to Watertown, South Dakota. Travel to Fargo and then to Minot for Wind-up Banquet and Social.

2009 Experience South America (Feb. 10th - Mar. 9th - 28 days)

*There's an optional deviation to Peru (Machu Picchu and more) at the end. If you opt to add that, then your tour will end on March 14, making the total trip 33 days.*

Day 1: Fly to Toronto, then to Santiago, Chile.

Day 2: Arrive in Santiago, Chile. Transfer to the hotel for an afternoon of rest, then a welcome reception at the hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Tour Santiago, Chile’s largest city. In the morning, visit a 16th-century San Francisco Church, La Moneda presidential palace, Plaza de Armas in the centre of Santiago, and the Cathedral. Go up San Cristobal Hill gondola for a panoramic view of city, then cross Mapocho River to tour residential neighbourhoods. In the afternoon, visit Los Dominicos Handicraft Centre. In the evening, see the spectacular Bali Hai Folk Dinner Show with Chilean food, songs, and dances.

Day 4: Head west towards the Pacific Ocean; pass the agricultural valley of Casablanca. Visit a vineyard to enjoy wine tasting. Pass beaches along the Pacific coast to Isla Negra - a black sand beach. Visit the house of Pablo Neruda, recipient of the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. Travel to Valparaiso, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. View clusters of houses along the hills overlooking a commercial port and the current Legislative Capital. Tour Valparaiso and view the unique funicular. Drive north on the coastal road. Pass beaches, view Mediterranean architecture. Tour Vina Del Mar: Oceanfront promenade, floral clock, Quinta Vergaras, and Palacio Rioja to search for the resident ghost. Pass the Botanical Gardens. Return to Santiago for the night.

Day 5: Drive east towards the Argentinian border. Pass Aconcagua, the tallest peak in Western Hemisphere, drive through the National Park. View Puente del Inca (natural rock bridge over Las Cuevas river), Las Cuevas hieroglyphs, statue of Christ the Redeemer, and Villavicencio thermal springs. Arrive at Mendoza, Argentina for the night.

Day 6: Free time in the morning. In the afternoon, tour Mendoza’s most important sights: Government House, San Martin Park, Independence Square, the Municipal Theatre, the Modern Art Museum, Plaza Espana, Plaza del Castillo, La Rosaleda, and the civic centre. Go up Cerro de la Gloria for great views of the city and the Greek Theatre. Stay overnight in Mendoza.

Day 7: Tour a vineyard and prestigious wineries to taste wines and to learn about wine processes. Tour the Factory of Olive Oil Laur. An unforgettable lunch is included at Cavas del Cano. Overnight in Mendoza.

Day 8: Drive to San Juan for overnight.

Day 9: Tour the most amazing natural landscapes of Ischigualasto Provincial Park and Talampaya National Park to explore Talampaya Canyon, Talampaya Gate, Los Pizarrones, and Lost City. Pre-hispanic native pictograms and petroglyphs are visible on canyon walls. Arid badlands of Ischigualasto have bizarre and rugged terrain that evokes the name Valley of the Moon. Ischigualasto exposes the sedimentary record of the 45 million year Triassic era, the era of the dinosaurs. Overnight in San Jose de Jachal.

Day 10: Return to Mendoza for free time and overnight.

Day 11: Drive to San Luis via Sierras Grandes. Stop at a thermal spa plus a salt mine. San Luis is located in the geographical centre of the Argentinean territory on the shores of the Chorrillos River. Overnight in San Luis.

Day 12: Travel east and north through the heart of Argentina to Cordoba. Overnight in Cordoba.

Day 13: Experience the combination tour of the city and Jesuit Mission of Alta Gracia. Cordoba tour includes colonial & modern structures such as Cathedral and town hall, Convent of Santa Catherine, and National University of Cordoba. Head to New Cordoba to Cerro de las Rosas district and Chateau Carreras Stadium. Have lunch and tour Jesuit mission Alta Gracia (1643). The Jesuits had the top public secondary schools, science machines used for mechanics, electronics, magnetics, colour, and sound. They built irrigation channels, buildings with running water in upper stories, and produced first wine in the new world. After the visit to the Jesuit farm, view the impressive Las Molinos Dam. Overnight in Cordoba.

Day 14: Travel to Rosario. Enjoy a harbour cruise along the Parana river. Walk along Monumento a la Bandera shopping street. Overnight in Rosario.

Day 15: View the largest oil seed crushing plant in the world: Bunge terminal. Drive to Buenos Aires for the night.

Day 16: Discover Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, with its symbol, the Obelisk, rising from heart of the world’s widest street, 9 de Julio Avenue. View the Colon Theatre, Embassy of France, historical Plaza de Mayo square, Plaza San Martin, and the financial district. Tour traditional neighbourhoods that display the essence of the tango and history: La Boca, the Cemetery of the Recoleta with mausoleum of Eva Peron (Evita), and trendy Palermo district. Visit recycled old port area with the Woman’s Bridge, skyscrapers, and the yacht club. Take a riverside train ride to Tigre where you will board a boat for a journey in the Parana River Delta. Enjoy the natural beauty of this region and become acquainted with the customs, culture, and ways of life of the islenos (people who live in the delta). Pass northern suburbs en route to the hotel for overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 17: Ferry from Buquebus Pier across Rio de la Plata to World Heritage Site, Colonia del Sacremento, Uruguay. Enjoy a guided city walking tour and lunch in this 17th century Portuguese city. View colonial houses, patios, rain tanks, churches, ruins, remains of convents and walls, museums, and incomparable stone side streets. Visit the port, downtown area, Ferrando Beach, museums, and Rambla beach walk. Go to San Carlos, with the 1910 Plaza de Toros that attracted Spanish bullfighters. Overnight in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Day 18: Discover the sights of Montevideo on a morning city tour. Stroll the Old City, visit Gaucho museum, traditional Port Market, craft shops, residential districts of Carrasco, Punta Gordo / Poitos, and Rambla coastline. Enjoy a free afternoon, then the evening cultural tango show & dinner. Overnight in Montevideo.

Day 19: En route to Piriapolis and Punta Del Este, visit Punta Ballena and Casapueblo, built by a famous Uruguayan artist. Drive through residential areas of Punta del Este, the Miami of South America. View the strange bridge of La Barra, then walk along Peninsula main avenue. In the afternoon, enjoy free time at the beach. Return to Montevideo for the night.

Day 20: Fly to Buenos Aires, then to the Iguassu Falls area. Upon arrival, relax with free time at the hotel. Overnight in the Iguassu Falls area.

Day 21: Sightseeing the upper falls on the Argentinean side including San Martin Falls and Devil's Throat. Enjoy the combination ride to experience the essence of Iguassu National Park. Enter the jungle from Sendero Yacaratía trail with special guide and transportation for panoramic views. At Puerto Macuco Base, board boats to go through Canyon of Iguazu River, up to the falls. Experience the face of San Martin waterfall, the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely.

Day 22: Experience the catamaran tour to the Triple Border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Fly from Puerto Iguazu to Buenos Aires. Travel to Mar del Plata for the night.

Day 23: Enjoy touring Mar del Plata, named "happy city." See Panoramic Point, nature highlights, Fisher’s Point, beaches, and the commercial area. Ovenight in Mar del Plata.

Day 24: Enjoy a free day in Mar del Plata. Ovenight in Mar del Plata.

Day 25: Drive to Buenos Aires for the night.

Day 26: Morning departure to San Antonio de Areco for a "Fiesta Gaucho Estancia Bamba Chica". Enjoy wind-up noon meal and afternoon tea with pastelitos. Choose either horseback rides or drives in horse-drawn sulky carriages, and then watch the display of gaucho and horse skills. There will be a Wind-Up Dinner in Buenos Aires. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 27: Shop at San Telmo Sunday market. Transfer to airport.  Fly to Toronto (overnight flight). (If you opt for the Peru Extension Tour, the remainder of the itinerary is given below.)

Day 28: Fly from Toronto to Saskatchewan with precious memories.

*Peru Extension Tour (Optional):
Day 27: Fly from Buenos Aires to Lima, Peru. Arrive in Lima and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, tour Lima’s colonial heritage - Plaza de Armas with Government Palace, a 17th century Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery with its Mudejar murals, and the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology with pre-Columbian artifacts including granite obelisks of Chavin culture, weavings of Paracas, ceramics from Nazca, Chimu and Inca civilisations. Overnight in Lima, Peru.

Day 28: Transfer to the airport for breath-taking views during flight from Lima (at sea level), over Andes Mountains to Cusco (in very high mountains). Arrive at Cusco, the oldest city in South America and once the capital of Inca Empire [elevation at 11,444 feet]. Transfer to the hotel. A couple of hours rest is mandatory for your body to adjust to the extreme change in altitude. The afternoon tour of Cusco includes ruins of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco, then Pucara & Tambomachay. Explore the 15th century city of the powerful Incan Empire that included neighbouring countries. View the cathedral and Merced Church. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 29: Visit Machu Picchu, the most important archaeological site in South America. Board train for a steep climb from Cusco into surrounding hillside, known as "the zig zag".  Stop at the beautiful village of Poroy, then descend into Sacred Valley, passing lush fields and colourful villages in the foothills of Andes. View mountain vistas, deep dramatic canyons, and the beautiful Urubamba River, running through Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes in the Amazon basin. Board bus to go up the mountain to the fabled Lost City of Incas, Machu Picchu (8,500 feet above sea level) with its formidable backdrop of steep sugarloaf mountains and the winding Urumbamba River far below. Walk amongst exquisite architecture and the synergism of massive stone structures. Enjoy guided tour of breathtaking ruins. Return to Cusco in late afternoon for the night.

Day 30: Tour sacred valley of the Incas. Visit markets in the old mountain village of Pisac, view ancient terraced farming areas, then the fortress village ruins of Ollantaytambo in Urubamba Valley where Incas fled from Spaniards. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 31: Discover more of Cusco on your free day. Enjoy an evening dinner & Peruvian Show. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 32: Fly from Cusco to Lima. Enjoy a special Peruvian Dinner. Transfer to airport for overnight fights from Lima to Toronto.

Day 33: Arrive at Toronto. Depart for Saskatoon or Regina with special memories to last a lifetime.

2009 Fantastic Florida & Caribbean Cruise (7 days in Florida & 7 day cruise) 

Group 1 (departing January 6) - Group 2 (departing January 7) 
 
Itinerary for the group departing Canada on January 6:

January 6th: Fly from Saskatoon or Regina to Miami. Check into the hotel. Overnight in Miami.

January 7th: Spend the day exploring the Florida Keys en route to Key West. Enjoy the fun, sun, and tour of Key West. Overnight in Miami.

January 8th: Tour Miami city highlights: Coral Gables, Miami Beach, stop at Bayside Marketplace. Overnight in Miami.

January 9th: Depart Miami. Drive along the fascinating west coast past Alligator Alley (Everglades Parkway), Naples, Fort Meyers, and Sarasota en route to Orlando for the night.

January 10th: Spend an amazing day touring Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center; view the launch yard and rockets. Overnight in Orlando.

January 11th: Drive to Tampa to board the Carnival Cruise ship, “The Legend”.

January 12th: Enjoy a fun day at sea!

January 13th: Arrive in Grand Cayman. An exciting day, choose to relax at world famous 7 mile beach, dive on the reef, or sail on a catamaran to Stingray City and swim with the stingrays.

January 14th: Upon arriving in Cozumel, make sure to check out the Mexican Folkloric Show. Partake in any of the other fun activities including a kayak and snorkel adventure, taking a ride on a shotover jet boat or exploring Xcaret.

January 15th: Belize! Spend the day enjoying one of: Land Rover and cave exploration trip, diving on the reef, visiting the amazing ruins of Xunantunich, cave tubing in the rainforest, or kayaking and snorkeling in the Spanish Bay mangroves.

January 16th: Early this morning you arrive at Costa Maya, Mexico. Optional shore excursions include horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling, biking, kayaking, sailing on a catamaran, or exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins (virtually un-excavated; situated in a secluded jungle setting near the border of Belize).

January 17th: Relax at sea and enjoy some of the ship's many activities and amenities.

January 18th: Disembark the cruise ship – Free day: Shop, relax. Overnight in Orlando.

January 19th: Enjoy exciting day at Disney’s EPCOT Center featuring Future World and World Showcase.

January 20th: Fly home to Saskatchewan with fantastic memories.

2009 Iceland, Norway & British Isles Cruise (Embarks July 30th - 15 days)

Fly to London, England on July 30, 2009. Cruise embarks on July 31, 2009. A 12-day cruise (then add travel time to and from London). Cruise with Princess Cruises aboard the Crown Princess (ship). There's only one ship per year which does this route.

July 30th: Fly from Saskatoon or Regina to London, England.

July 31st: Transfer to the port of Southampton and board the Crown Princess.

August 1st: Enjoy a day cruising on the North Sea.

August 2nd: Cruise through some of Norway’s most stunning fjords into the seaside city of Bergen. Here you can check out the red-tiled roofs and picturesque waterfront.

August 3rd: Visit Olden, a traditional Norwegian town, then cruise down the Nord Fjord to take in the famous Briksdal Glacier.

August 4th: Another day of breathtaking fjords, waterfalls and fabulous views with a stop in Hellesylt and Geiranger.

August 5th: Stop off in Ålesund, a fairytale-like city with Art Nouveau buildings crowned with magnificent turrets and spires.

August 6th: Relax on board the ship as you cruise across the Norwegian Sea.

August 7th: Iceland! Arrive in Akureyri, the country’s second largest city, set amid a fantastic collection of waterfalls, lava lakes, botanical gardens and northern forests.

August 8th: Spend the day in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavic checking out Hallgrim’s Church, shopping along the Laugavegurinn and soaking in the mystical, outdoor, geothermal spas of the Blue Lagoon.

August 9th: Take a day to relax, cruising the Atlantic Ocean.

August 10th: Stop in Belfast, Ireland to see Donegall Square, their famous City Hall, and birthplace of the Titanic: Harland & Wolff Shipyard.

August 11th: Take in the scenery as you cruise the St. George’s Channel.

August 12th: Disembark the ship in Southampton, England.

August 13th: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Canada.

2009 Mystical Mediterranean Journey (Nov. 6th – 22nd - 14 days)

A fourteen-day Mediterranean odyssey aboard one of the world’s most luxurious ships: Azamara Journey. You may wish to add the optional "Rome Extension" at the end of the cruise (three additional nights in Rome).

November 6th: Depart Saskatoon/Regina for Athens, Greece.

November 7th: Arrive in the Ancient City of Athens. Transfer to the hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome banquet of Traditional Greek cuisine.

November 8th: Athens, Greece - This morning, explore famous sites of Athens: Temple of Olympian Zeus, National Gardens, National Library, Parliament Building, Panathenean Stadium. Arrive at the architectural masterpiece, the Acropolis. Enjoy lunch at Acropolis’ base. Drive to Piraeus to embark on your amazing adventure in the Mediterranean aboard the Azamara Journey. 

November 9th: At Sea. Get acquainted with your new home.

November 10th: Alexandria, Egypt - As you drive through Alexandria, visit some of the port’s landmarks. Catacombs of Shawqafa, Qait Bey Fort, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Scrolls and the Antiquities Museum of the Library, and Montaza Gardens.

November 11th: Port Said, Egypt - Depart Port Said and drive towards Africa’s largest city, Cairo, where lunch will be served. Proceed to the Giza Plateau to discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, thePyramids of Giza (see photo at the top). Continue to the Pyramid of Chephren for some free time to enjoy the pyramids on your own. Travel down the valley to visit the guardian of the mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx before returning by coach to Port Said.

November 12th: Ashdod, Israel - Visit many of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land. View the Western Wall and the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. Walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and tour the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

November 13th: Haifa, Israel - Travel to The Galilee - Israel’s luscious region and the scene of Christ’s youth. Visit the Jordan River bank where John the Baptist immersed Jesus in the waters. Continue to Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha and to Capernaum. At Nazareth, the scene of Jesus’ youth, you will visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Visit the Sea of Galilee before returning to the ship.

November 14th: Limassol, Cyprus - Explore Cyprus’ major port and largest city that was built during the Byzantine period. It offers a variety of activities, museums and castles. It is also known for its local wines.

November 15th: Antalya, Turkey - This morning, enjoy the shore excursion of your choosing in this beautiful, ancient resort city: Old Antalya on Foot or Pamphylia, Perge & Acoustical Aspendos.

November 16th: Rhodes, Greece - the friendliest city in the Mediterranean, welcomes you with more sunny days than any other place in Europe.

November 17th: Chios, Greece - Filled with jasmine, wild tulips, majestic trees and intoxicating fragrances, this island boasts an array of natural beauty as well as the "Medieval Villages," a collection of preserved Byzantine communities.

November 18th: Mykonos, Greece - Few places in the world compare with Mykonos. View whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs against a backdrop of indescribably blue sea.

November 19th: At Sea.

November 20th: Taormina, Sicily - With endlessly winding medieval streets and secluded gardens hidden by stone walls, Taormina enchants visitors with its history and beauty.

November 21st: Sorrento, Italy - Found on Italy's famed Amalfi Coast, the city of Sorrento is set atop some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking cliffs. Close to Pompeii and a short boat ride to the must-see Isle of Capri, this quaint city will no doubt leave you wanting to return.

November 22nd: Rome, Italy - This morning after embarkation, you will transfer to the airport for your departure flights home to Canada.
 
Optional "Rome Extension": This extension involves a lot of walking in order to fully experience Rome. It includes transferring from the cruise port to the hotel, and three nights hotel accommodation located in the heart of ancient Rome. The hotel is close to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, good shopping areas, and a short walk to the Coliseum. Included is a guided tour of ancient Rome including St. Peter’s Basilica in St. Peter’s Square, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Coliseum, and the Catacombs. There will be free time offered for shopping or individual exploration as well.

TOURS 2010

2010 McConaghy Music Tour - Dollywood, Nashville, Memphis & Branson (Nov. 10th - 27th - 18 days)

Day 1: Pick-up passengers in Saskatchewan. Drive to Minot for the Welcome Reception. Join Hosts for music and fun. Overnight in Minot.

Day 2: Drive from Minot to Minneapolis for the night. Free evening.

Day 3: Journey south to Amana, Iowa. Tour the Amana Colonies with a step-aboard guide: Seven historical German villages are set amid lush farmland and wooded hills. Enjoy a taste of yesteryear in this unique settlement. Overnight in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Day 4: Travel to Hannibal, Missouri - the birthplace of Mark Twain. Enjoy a guided tour of Hannibal, situated on the Mississippi River. Free time to explore. Overnight in St. Louis, Missouri.

Day 5: St. Louis: Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Enjoy a Mississippi River cruise. Spend noon at the Old Union Station. Tour the world’s largest brewery, Anhauser-Busch, with the "Clydes." Overnight in St. Louis.

Day 6: Tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, and see the Churchhill Downs race track. Head south into rural Kentucky. Evening: Attend Kentucky's #1 Country & Western dinner show. Overnight in Renfrew, Kentucky.

Day 7: Arrive at Pigeon Forge, a country & western music location next to Smoky Mountains National Park, home of Dollywood. Evening: Attend the "Country Tonight" show. Overnight in Pigeon Forge.

Day 8: A free day. Enjoy! Overnight in Pigeon Forge.

Day 9: Enjoy a guided tour of Smoky Mountains National Park: colourful fall foliage, mountain vistas, and historical buildings. Afternoon and evening at Dollywood Theme Park, the #1 tourist attraction in Tennessee: shows, theme park, craft park. Overnight in Pigeon Forge.

Day 10: Drive to Nashville, Tennessee. Free time at Opry Mills Shopping Center. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Evening: Enjoy The Grande Ole Opry. Overnight in Nashville.

Day 11: Explore Nashville: Morning guided tour of this renovated city. Visit the Opryland Hotel, a huge hotel with restaurants, boat rides, walkways, art work, decorative and relaxing rest areas, entertainment. Spend free time in the old downtown area where country singers began their journeys towards fame. Overnight in Nashville.

Day 12: Drive to Memphis; Stop at Casey Jones, the Wreck of ’97. Take the platinum tour of Elvis Presley's Graceland. Head west into Arkansas. Overnight in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Day 13: Drive to Branson, Missouri for the afternoon show Always Patsy Cline. Talented Lisa Layne performs more than 20 of Patsy Cline’s original songs including "I fall to Pieces," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Back in Baby's Arms," "Sweet Dreams," and the timeless classic "Crazy." The show is based on the true story of the late country superstar Patsy Cline. This evening, enjoy The Dutton Family’s wide range of versatility, their consistently professional high-energy shows, and their warm and genuine manner. This real family of singers, dancers and musicians, with Mom on bass and Dad on guitar, the extraordinarily talented Dutton children weave their way through a two-hour masterpiece of musical surprises. Overnight in Branson.

Day 14: Enjoy the Dalena Ditto show this morning. Nominated Female Vocalist of the Year 2003, Dalena offers modern country music, combining traditional style with hip sophistication. Free afternoon in Old Town. Tonight, The Osmonds - Jimmy, Merrill, Jay, Wayne and Alan – perform a long list of favourites, including "Down by the Lazy River," "Superstition," and "One Way Rider." Overnight in Branson.

Day 15: Leave Branson. Stop at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri. Overnight at St. Joseph, Missouri.

Day 16: Drive along the Missouri River to Watertown, South Dakota. Relax, swim and socialise. Overnight in Watertown.

Day 17: Travel to Minot for the wind-up banquet and social. Overnight in Minot.

Day 18: Return to Saskatchewan, homeward-bound with precious memories.

2010 Exotic Southeast Asia Cruise (Nov. 14th – Dec. 6th - 23 days)

Optional three-day extension to Dec. 9 (26 days total)

November 14th: Depart for Vancouver.

November 15th: Depart Canada - Fly to Beijing, China.

November 16th: Beijing. Welcome to Beijing (also known as Peking), the capital of China and home to many ancient wonders. You will be met and transferred to your 4 or 5-star hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

November 17th: Beijing. Your highlights today include a tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Visit the Olympic Village after lunch. Visit the inspiring Temple of Heaven in the afternoon and enjoy a delicious Peking Duck Dinner in the evening.

November 18th: Beijing. Today, you will walk the Great Wall of China and tour the ancient Ming Dynasty Tombs.

November 19th (Cruise day 1): Beijing. After breakfast, bid farewell to Beijing as you are driven to Xingang Port (a 2 1/2 hour drive) to embark upon the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

November 20th (Cruise day 2): At Sea.

November 21st (Cruise day 3): Pusan (Busan), South Korea. City tour to Yongdusan Park - stop at Busan Tower, Jagalchi Fish Market and Nampodong street. Pass Yonggungsa Temple, view earthquake resistant suspension Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae Beach. Shop at Busan District (hanbok). Enjoy Tea ceremony, then drive to Tongdosa Temple, view United Nations Memorial Cemetery (Korean War).

November 22nd (Cruise day 4): Nagasaki, Japan. On Aug. 9, 1945, an atomic bomb dropped over Nagasaki killing and injuring 150,000 people. Visit Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall and Atomic Bomb Museum. Pass Glover Garden, Confucius Shrine, Oura Church, Hollander Slope, Sofukuji Temple, stop at Spectacles Bridge.

November 23rd (Cruise day 5): At Sea.

November 24th (Cruise day 6): Shanghai, China. Today you will explore the heart of Old Shanghai on a guided walking tour that visits Yu Yuan Garden (Yuyuan Garden), a Ming Dynasty pleasure park. Discover the city's history on a tour of the Shanghai Contemporary Historical Museum. Visit the White Buddha Temple and view its priceless white jade statue.

November 25th (Cruise day 7): At Sea.

November 26th (Cruise day 8): At Sea.

November 27th (Cruise day 9): Hong Kong, China. Travel to the summit of Victoria Peak for panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula. Visit Aberdeen, home to the island's "water people." Lunch aboard one of Hong Kong's famous floating restaurants. See the sights on a narrated harbour cruise. Shop in Hong Kong's fabled Stanley Market.

November 28th (Cruise day 10): At Sea.

November 29th (Cruise day 11): Nha Trang, Vietnam. Explore the countryside, a world of rice paddies, bamboo groves and colourful gardens. Visit a village and meet the local kindergarteners. See a home workshop at village temple and traditional farmhouse before strolling through an open-air farmer's market.

November 30th (Cruise day 12): Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon, port: Phu My), Vietnam. The Cu Chi District played a major role in the Vietnam War. Here the Vietcong excavated more than 124 miles of underground tunnels. Tour the massive complex that once provided safe haven and a base of operations for communist forces.

December 1st (Cruise day 13): At Sea.

December 2nd (Cruise day 14): Bangkok, Thailand (Port: Laem Chabang). Fascinating, vibrant and colourful, Bangkok has it all. Tour Grand Palace, then two Buddhist temples: Wat Trimit with Golden Buddha, and Wat Po, with reclining Buddha and Chedi of the Kings. Ride through klongs (canals) on long tail boat, and cruise on converted rice barge.

December 3rd (Cruise day 15): Ko Samui, Thailand. Tour on your own - Visit Temple of Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem. Browse local gift stalls. Visit rubber and coconut plantations, observe demonstration of elephants at work, and monkeys harvesting coconuts at a plantation. Try out the awesome beaches.

December 4th (Cruise day 16): At Sea.

December 5th (Cruise day 17): Singapore. Meet the guide as you disembark the Diamond Princess and transfer you to 4-star hotel in Singapore.

December 6th: Singapore. Transfer to the airport and return to Canada.

Optional Three-Night Singapore Extension:

December 6th: Singapore. Experience "Crossroads of Asia", famous Orchard Road to Chinatown. Explore National Orchid Garden, with over 12,000 orchids, and Sri Mariamman, unique Hindu temple. Enjoy view from Mount Faber, snap a photo of Merlion guarding the harbour.

December 7th: Singapore. Free morning - shop or explore Orchard Road, or explore Changi Museum (Old Japanese prison). Late afternoon stop at Raffles Hotel, home of Singapore Sling, prior to the Night Safari in wildlife park.

December 8th: Singapore. Take the morning Singapore River Cruise & Chinatown Walking Tour. Cruise past skyscrapers and restored shop-houses lining the Singapore River. Explore Chinatown on a guided walking tour of Fu Tak Chi Temple and Chinatown Heritage Centre, dedicated to their history and unique Chinese culture.

December 9th: Singapore - Canada. Transfer to airport for flight home to Canada retaining special memories of friends and experiences.

2010 The Mysteries of Mexico (Feb. 20th – Mar. 11th - 20 days)

Day 1: Depart Saskatchewan for USA. Welcome reception and overnight in hotel.

Day 2: You will arrive in Mexico City, a bustling city built amongst Aztec ruins. Visit the Zona Rosa where you will spend four nights. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 3: Enjoy a tour of Mexico City: the City of Palaces. Visit the Centro Historico with the Cathedral, National Palace, and Tenochtitlan (Templo Mayor). In the afternoon, cruise on canals of Xolchimilco. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 4: Travel to Teotihuacan and walk the Avenue of the Dead to see the Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun. Stop to visit the Basilica of Guadalupe. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 5: Visit the famous Anthropology Museum in Chapultepec Park. View treasures from pre-Hispanic cultures. Stop for lunch at museum. Free half-day. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 6: Travel to Puebla to visit the bustling Zocalo. Experience authentic Mexico, and then continue to Veracruz, Mexico’s major port. Stroll the beautiful boardwalk with shopping and music; visit the square, or stop at San Juan de Ulua Fort overlooking the sea. Overnight in Veracruz (Boca Del Rio).

Day 7: Drive through agricultural areas to Villahermosa where chocolate was first used, and first bricks were made. En route, stop in Tlacotalpan to see the colourful cathedrals and colonial buildings. In Villahermosa, visit Museo de la Venta and see giant 12-foot-high Olmec heads made by the predecessors of the Aztecs and Mayans. Overnight in Villahermosa.

Day 8: Tour Palenque Archaeological site, a major Mayan major site in the heart of the tropical jungle. The Main Plaza is fascinating with a four story Palace and numerous temples. Overnight in Villahermosa.

Day 9: Travel towards Edzna. Visit famous temple of five levels en route to Campeche, a UNESCO world heritage city, which was fortified against pirate attacks. The Fort of San Miguel’s bulwarks stand as its legacy. Walk the historic centre, full of spectacular buildings, monuments, and cobblestone streets. Overnight in Campeche.

Day 10: Travel to Merida. Stop at Kabah on the Ruta Puuc enroute to the legendary Uxmal. Visit the Pyramid of the Magician, the Great Pyramid and some of 15 other groups of structures. It is said to be one of the most impressive sites in the Yucatan. Overnight in Merida.

Day 11: Today, tour Merida: the Zocalo, San Ildefonso Cathedral, Governor’s Palace, Montejo House, Visit Dzibilchaltun and the famous Temple of Seven Dolls. Free half-day to relax. Overnight in Merida.

Day 12: Travel to Celestun ecological preserve to witness the pink flamingos. Have noon meal on beach, then go in small boats to mangroves to see bird Island and lagoons. You may be able to spot deer, armadillo, crocodiles, wild cats, turkeys, and birds. Visit Ojos or underwater fresh water cenotes. Overnight in Merida.

Day 13: Go south of Merida to a sisal factory, Hacienda Sotuta de Peon and the Zhul-ha cenote. View the scraper process. Travel by mule-drawn cart through Henequin fields and swim in the cenote. Later in the day, visit the nine chambers of the Loltun Caves. Enjoy evening show: Bailes Folkloricos. Overnight in Merida.

Day 14: The Yellow City of Izamal awaits your visit. Step back in to Mexico’s past with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Visit the Franciscan convent from 1562 and the 4 ha Kinich Kakmo pyramid. Tour the Mayan - Toltec ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the famous ball court, El Castill pyramid, and observatory. Travel to the Mayan Riviera where you will spend six nights in Playa del Carmen.

Day 15: Visit Sian Ka’an Ecological Preserve. Witness a serene area with dunes and low-lying jungle of sensitive tropical ecosystems. Return to Playa del Carmen for an orientation of the area and free time around the city. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 16: Mayan Riviera - Drive to Cancun to tour the Peninsula, then ferry to Isla Mujeres. Relax on this tropical Caribbean island, enjoy the sun and shopping. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 17: Travel to the Island of Cozumel, famed for the beautiful beaches and reef. After a tour, use free time to snorkel in one of the best reefs in the world. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 18: Morning at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beach or visit the markets. This afternoon, visit Xcaret, a natural park where you can see nature and experience their amazing cultural show. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 19: Today is at leisure with an evening wind-up banquet. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 20: Bid goodbye to Mexico, transfer to airport for flight to Canada.

2010 Hong Kong, China, & Yangtze River Cruise (Mar. 19th – Apr. 7th - 20 days)

Day 1 - Friday, March 19: To Vancouver. This afternoon, you will fly to Vancouver.

Day 2 - Saturday, March 20: To Beijing. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing.

Day 3 - Sunday, March 21: Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, transfer to the 5-Star Beijing International Hotel. Welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 4 - Monday, March 22: Beijing. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Feast on a dim sum lunch. Visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. This evening, attend the Legend of Kungfu Show.

Day 5 - Tuesday, March 23: Beijing. Visit the Great Wall this morning, then relish a locally-flavoured lunch. Visit a Cloisonné Workshop. Snap a photo at Beijing Olympic Sites before taking Hutong Tour on a pedi-cab through the ancient residential area to view the daily life of the local people. Roast Duck Dinner.

Day 6 - Wednesday, March 24: Wuhan. Take an early morning flight to Wuhan. Visit the interesting Provincial Museum and Music Show with Chime Bells which were unearthed from about 433 B.C. Transfer to Yichang to board the 5-star Orient Royal Cruise - East King (outside cabin and full facilities).

Day 7 - Thursday, March 25: Yangtze River Cruise. Enjoy a scenic, early morning cruise through Xiling Gorge. Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site, largest water conservancy project undertaken by man. View spectacular sights while passing through Three Gorges Dam 5-stage Ship locks. Evening: Captain's Dinner and Folkloric Performance.

Day 8 - Friday, March 26: Three Gorges. A shore excursion to Shennong Stream is subject to conditions of the river. This stream is the natural habitat for mandarin ducks and golden-hair monkeys. In the afternoon, admire breathtaking sights of the narrow cliff walls and dramatic vistas in the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge.

Day 9 - Saturday, March 27: Yangtze River Cruise. Take a morning shore excursion to Fengdu "the Ghost City" or Shibaozhai, home to a twelve-storey red wooden pavilion built against a protruding 220 meter rectangular rock with sheer cliffs on the north bank.

Day 10 - Sunday,  March 28: Chongging-Xian. Arrive in Chongqing this morning. Fly to Xian. Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda and the ancient City Wall. Stay at the 5-Star Sheraton Hotel.

Day 11 - Monday, March 29: Xian. Visit the breathtaking Terra Cotta Museum. Lunch with a Noodle Show. Visit a Jade Factory. Enjoy an amazing Tang Dynasty dinner show with four kinds of dumplings.

Day 12 - Tuesday, March 30: Xian-Suzhou. Take a morning flight to Shanghai. Coach to Suzhou, also known as the "Venice of the East." Visit the Master of Nets Garden, a Silk Factory and Workshop. Stay at 5-star Garden Hotel.

Day 13 - Wednesday, March 31: Suzhou-Tongli-Shanghai. Visit the Hanshan Temple, coach to Tongli Village and witness the life of the local villagers. There will be some time to explore and stroll around the interesting bridges and photo stops. Coach to Shanghai. Visit the Bund before dinner. Transfer to the 5-Star Jin Jiang Hotel.

Day 14 - Thursday, April 1: Shanghai. Visit the famous Oriental TV Tower, symbol of Shanghai. Visit the Yu Garden. Enjoy a Mongolian BBQ Buffet. After lunch, Nanking Road, Xintiandi and markets. Farewell Dinner. This evening attend an Acrobatic Show.

Day 15 - Friday, April 2: Shanghai. After breakfast this morning you will bid the group good-bye as you spend a free day in Shanghai shopping or investigating other attractions. Return to hotel before amazing evening cruise to view Shanghai by night.

Day 16 - Saturday, April 3: Hong Kong. This morning you will be transferred to the airport. Board your flight for Hong Kong. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the 4-Star Nathan Hotel. Relax or venture out to explore the vibrant City.

Day 17 - Sunday, April 4: Hong Kong. Enjoy a guided half day Hong Kong island tour including the Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and the Aberdeen Fishing Village.

Day 18 - Saturday, April 5: Guangzhou. Depart hotel for a 50-minute catamaran ride to Shekou, China. Arrive Shekou, Shenzhen for city sightseeing en route, visit a small Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Exhibition Centre and a local kindergarten. Continue to the provincial capital of Guangzhou, the economic powerhouse of Southern China and enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch. Visit a local market. After lunch, the tour will continue to the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, the Six Banyan Temple and Chen Clan Family Hall. Return to Hong Kong by express train.

Day 19 - Sunday, April 6: Honk Kong. Your last day in Hong Kong is a free day.

Day 20 - Monday, April 7: Return to Canada. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your departure home to Canada.

2010 Romantic Danube & Passion Play (July 20th – Aug. 5th - 17 days. Cruise Company: Viking River Cruises) 

Day 1: Fly to Frankfurt, Germany.

Day 2: Arrive in Frankfurt then transfer to Cologne (German: Köln) on the Rhine River. There will be an evening welcome reception in Cologne.

Day 3: Enjoy a morning tour of Cologne, including the spectacular Cathedral and Roman ruins in the old city core (founded as a Roman city in 38 BC). After lunch, sail down the Rhine River from Koblenz to Mainz.

Day 4: Morning tour of Mainz includes the Cathedral and Gutenberg Museum. This afternoon, drive into the Bavarian Mountains to Fuessen (German: Füssen), a former Roman settlement near the Austrian border.

Day 5: In the morning, tour King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle, the most photographed building in Germany, a romantic composition of towers and walls in a setting of mountains and lakes. Spend afternoon free time taking in the awesome Bavarian scenery. Attend evening performance of King Ludwig, the patron of composer Richard Wagner. King Ludwig was deposed on grounds of mental illness without medical examination, and died a day later under mysterious circumstances.

Day 6: Drive to Oberammergau to participate in the Passion Play (German: Passionsspiele), staged every 10 years using 2000 actors on an open-air stage with the sky and mountains for backdrop. The show began in 1634 to offer thanks for being spared from the 1633 plague. Lunch is served before the first half of the play and dinner is served before the play's second half. Enjoy overnight in Upper Bavaria.

Day 7: Travel from Oberammergau to Munich. After lunch, enjoy historical Munich on a two-hour walking tour. A Traditional evening includes a buffet dinner and Bavarian music.

Day 8: Free day in Munich to rest, shop, or explore on your own.

Day 9: After breakfast, journey to Dachau to tour the Nazi concentration camp, then drive through Bavarian countryside to Nuremberg to embark the MS Avalon Tapestry. The afternoon is free to explore this historic city on your own.

Day 10: Take a morning coach tour of Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city, featuring the former Nazi parade grounds, Main Railway Station, Palace of Justice, and historic home of Nuremberg Trials Court House before returning to the Old Town area enclosed by ancient city walls. View Elizabeth and St. James Church. Walk from castle grounds, pass the Albrecht Dürer House, and Main Market Square. Return to the ship for lunch, then sail through the many locks that comprise Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel stretching 106 miles from Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim, on the Danube. Begun as Charlemagne’s dream in 793, it was completed in 1992 with 16 locks that raise water level 1,332 feet. It enables river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Enjoy dinner aboard ship, then cruise during the night.

Day 11: This morning, meet your guide dockside for a walking tour through scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. View one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires, towers and patrician houses north of the Alps. Encounter the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, plus a number of idyllic courtyards. Use free time to stroll the streets or shop before returning to the ship. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising along the Danube, or choose an optional excursion to Kelheim at southernmost point of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. Travel by road to Kelheim, then embark on a ferryboat ride to explore the Danube Gorge’s dramatic scenery with its spectacular 400-foot chalk cliffs. Visit the renowned Weltenburg Abbey, still echoing with ancient chants and famous for its dark ale brewed by monks since 1050. Return to the ship for dinner. Cruise throughout the night.

Day 12: Arrive early morning in Passau, a confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers. Take a guided walk along the town’s narrow streets, winding through the Old Town, then past traditional houses. View Oberhaus Fortress, visit impressive baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral with ornate interior. Relish a special concert played on a 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ. Eat lunch aboard, explore the city on your own before an early evening departure and cruise.

Day 13: Relish the guided tour through the ornate interior of a baroque architectural gem, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk. Admire the frescoes and medieval manuscripts inside the large library; take time to see the garden courtyard. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise along the Danube. After dinner, arrive in Vienna, Austria. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 14: After breakfast, begin a half-day city tour of Vienna. Observe some of the lovely baroque architecture, then ride along the beautiful Ringstrasse, with sights including the Opera House, Stadtpark, and Hofburg Theater. Visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Return to ship for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to explore Vienna on your own. Dinner is served aboard the ship.

Day 15: Arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital, divided by the Danube River. By coach, tour the Pest side of the city. Journey along famous Andrássy Avenue, view numerous 19th- and 20th-century mansions, the National Opera House, the renowned Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes’ Square to discover Hungarian culture and history. Cross the Danube to the Buda side to visit the Castle District. Walk up the hill to see Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and panoramic views of the city. Return to the ship for lunch. The remainder of day is free for you to explore both sides of the city.

Day 16: After breakfast, disembark the ship, then transfer to the hotel in Budapest. Enjoy your last free day in Budapest. In the evening, enjoy a wind-up banquet.

Day 17: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

2010 Sea of Cortez Cruise (Feb. 2nd – 15th - 10 day cruise & 3 days in San Diego)
Cruise ship: ms Zaandam

Feb. 2: Fly from Saskatoon/Regina to San Diego, California. Upon arrival in San Diego, transfer to hotel for the evening.

Feb. 3: San Diego, CA: Enjoy a half-day City Tour of San Diego. In the afternoon, explore Balboa Park’s museums, restaurants, and shopping.

Feb. 4: San Diego, CA: Enjoy San Diego Zoo at your leisure. This 100-acre (40-hectare) Zoo is home to 4,000+ rare and endangered animals representing 800+ species and subspecies, a prominent botanical collection with 700,000+ exotic plants.

Feb. 5: San Diego, CA: Attend the breakfast cruise orientation before departing for the port of San Diego and embarkation on the ms Zaandam. Optional shore excursions at ports of call are available for purchase.

Feb. 6: At sea.

Feb. 7: Cabo San Lucas: Sail past Los Arcos, the soaring rock archway at extreme southern tip of Baja, California that guards Cabo's perfect harbor. This idyllic bay once sheltered treasure ships from the Orient, and pirate brigs bent on those treasures. Now Cabo caters to an international vacation set, and has a strong artistic tradition.

Feb. 8: Loreto: Founded as a mission over 300 years ago by the Jesuit Father Juan Marie Salvatierra, Loreto remains an attractive seaside community offering quiet waterfront promenades and shaded avenues.

Feb. 9: Guaymas, Sonora: Guaymas stands on a scenic inlet girt by desert mountains. It has fine beaches, excellent deep-sea fishing, and transportation facilities.

Feb. 10: Topolobampo: Choice of shore excursions include dolphins, mansion of Don Diego de la Vega, "El Zorro", Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railway, a luxury train through Mexico's scenic Copper Canyon.

Feb. 11: Mazatlan: Set at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains, on a peninsula that extends into Pacific Ocean just below the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan is city filled with scenic beauty. Lined with 10 miles of golden sand beaches and speckled with blue lagoons, it is no wonder that Mazatlan is known as the "Pearl of the Pacific."

Feb. 12: Puerto Vallarta: Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960s, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the seaside climate. Find hints of past tranquility, cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sportfishing just offshore.

Feb. 13: At sea.

Feb. 14: At sea.

Feb. 15: San Diego: After leaving the ms Zaandam, you will be transferred to the San Diego airport for your flight home.

TOURS 2011

2011 Panama Canal & Incan Empire (Nov. 20th - Dec. 6th - Optional 5 Day Peru Extension)
Professionally Hosted by Colin and Dianne Markusson

Day 1, November 20th: Depart Saskatoon/Regina and arrive Ft. Lauderdale. Hotel - Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale or similar.

Day 2, November 21st (B/L/D): Embark the MS Rotterdam. Depart 5:00 pm for a 13 Day Journey. 

Day 3, November 22nd (B/L/D): Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - Arrive 8:00 am, Depart 4:00 pm. Holland America line’s pristine private island offers everything you need for a day of play in paradise. A two mile beach, an interior lagoon, and private beach-side cabanas with butler service. 

Day 4, November 23rd (B/L/D): At Sea. Spend the next two days relaxing and enjoying the facilities on board your ship.

Day 5, November 24th (B/L/D): At Sea. Partake in activities you love or try something new. 

Day 6, November 25th (B/L/D): Santa Marta, Colombia - Arrive 8:00 am, Depart 5:00 pm. Santa Marta is the oldest existing city in Colombia. This city is full of nature, native cultures, history, and colonial architecture.  

Day 7, November 26th (B/L/D): San Blas Islands, Panama: Arrive 11:00 am, Depart 5:00 pm. The San Blas Islands, home of the Cuna Indians, a warmly hospitable people famous for their finely sewn, tropically coloured molas. The day is yours to explore the thatched-hut villages and lounge on silken beaches. 

Day 8, November 27th (B/L/D): Puerto Limon, Costa Rica - Arrive 7:00 am, Depart 4:00 pm. Puerto Limon is a fascinating place filled with architecture and colourful open air market places. Be sure to try the cashew wine, which is a specialty here.

Day 9, November 28th (B/L/D): Cristobal, Panama Canal - Cruising Only. Sail though the monumental Panama Canal, you can’t help but be impressed by the stunning achievement of men carving through 51 miles of earth and granite. 

Day 10, November 29th: Balboa, Panama Canal - Cruising Only. Three colossal sets of locks, a massive man-made lake, a channel that bridges the divide. Travelling down this Wonder of engineering is a unforgettable experience.

Day 11, November 30th (B/L/D): Fuerte Amador, Panama. Arrive 8:00 am - Depart 5:00 pm. Fuerte Amador is an energetic crossroads of commerce, purveyor of the tropical essential and the famed Panama hat. Sip a cold cerveza at a waterfront cafe as you watch ships of all origins slip under the bridge of the Americas. Don’t miss the fascinating Inter-oceanic Canal Museum.

Day 12, December 1st (B/L/D): At Sea. 
 
Day 13, December 2nd (B/L/D): At Sea. 

Day 14, December 3rd (B/L/D): Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru - Arrive 7:00 am, Depart 5:00 pm. Explore some of Trujillo's 2,000 archaeological sites in a nearby river valley. 

Day 15, December 4th (B/L/D): Callao (Lima), Peru - Arrive 10:00 am. Callao is located west of Lima, the country’s capital, and is part of the Lima Metropolitan Area, a large metropolis that holds almost one-third of Peru’s population. 

Day 16, December 5th (B/D): Callao (Lima), Peru - Disembark the MS Rotterdam. As you disembark your Holland America Cruise, your local host will be there for pick up at the cruise port. This afternoon a guided sight seeing tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South American republics in the early 19th century. See the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin and with its eerie burial crypts. Later this evening, meet your fellow travelling companions for a farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel: Casa Andina Private Collection or similar. 

Day 17, Dec 6: Free Day. Depart Lima for your overnight flight to Saskatoon/Regina.

*Optional 5 Day Peru Extension*:

Day 17, December 6th: Lima, Peru. Free day. Spend the day exploring the sights of Lima, Peru.

Day 18, December 7th (B/L/D): Lima - Cusco, Peru. After breakfast, fly from Lima to Cusco high in the Andes. Your guided tour visits the Santo Domingo Monestary. Previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden leaf and filled with representations of nature. In the Plaza de Armas, see the Cathedral before taking a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman with its intricate stone walls, Kenko amphitheatre, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. In the evening enjoy an included dinner at the hotel. Overnight Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or similar. 

Day 19, December 7th (B/L/D): Cusco - Machu Picchu. Board a train bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided tour, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas, or hike to the peak of Huayna Picchu. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight Hotel: El Mapi or similar. 

Day 20, December 8th (B/L/D): Machu Picchu - Cusco. A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco in the afternoon. Your afternoon is free to explore Cusco. In the evening, meet your traveling companions for dinner. 
 
Day 21, December 9th (F): Cusco - Lima. Fly to Lima, meet your fellow travelling companions for a (F) farewell dinner. Later this evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to Saskatoon/Regina.

2011 Amsterdam, Rhine River Cruise & Paris - The City of Lights (July 28th – Aug. 11th - 15 days)

July 28th: Depart Canada for Amsterdam.

July 29th: Arrive in Amsterdam. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure. There's a welcome reception in the evening. Private houses and shops along an Amsterdam canal.

July 30th: Amsterdam. Your day starts with a city tour of the beautiful city of Amsterdam, seeing historic buildings such as the Royal Palace and National Monument, the Skinny Bridge, Albert Cuyp Market and traditional gabled houses lining the banks of the canals. After lunch, to provide a fascinating contrast to your city tour this morning, you'll travel through the Dutch countryside to Zaanse Schans, a well-known windmill village then onto the world-famous fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, with their charming wooden houses and locals wearing colourful traditional dress.

July 31st: Amsterdam. Embark on your Viking River Cruise. After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city.

August 1st: Kinderdijk. Sail to Kinderdijk for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood-management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter an actual working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return aboard for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample some of the many handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). Cruise through the night.

August 2nd: Cologne. Continue along the Rhine this morning; you may choose to take part in a lively discussion of German culture. Arrive mid-morning in Cologne and disembark for a walking tour. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin’s Church, and spend some time inside Cologne’s Dom, a remarkable Gothic cathedral. Explore the dockside taverns, cafés and shops on your own.

August 3: Ru¨desheim. Proceed along the Rhine, disembarking to tour 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Lunch aboard as you enjoy this scenic passage, where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations. Arrive in Ru¨desheim in the late afternoon. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars. Remain docked overnight.

August 4: Mannheim. Cruise through the morning enjoying brunch and the passing scenery. Arrive in Mannheim and disembark for a journey to Heidelberg to see Germany’s oldest university. Then visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle, and take in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city’s many red rooftops from its hilltop location. Continue with a walking tour through the Old Town to Heidelberg’s renowned gates. Rejoin your ship in Speyer this afternoon and take some time to look around. You dock in full view of the imposing Romanesque cathedral. Built in the 11th century on the site of a former basilica, the building’s design was highly influential upon Romanesque architecture for centuries to come. Its soaring interior features graceful rows of sandstone columns and a large stained glass window installed in the western façade during a later Gothic period.

August 5: Kehl. Dock this morning in Kehl and disembark for a guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. The afternoon is free to further explore this Alsatian city’s blend of French and German cultures - fabulous churches, medieval covered bridges, beautiful parks and some lovely Art Nouveau and modernist architecture. Dine aboard and enjoy free time this evening in the quaint little city of Kehl.

August 6: Breisach. After cruising through the night you arrive during breakfast in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Take a scenic excursion through the area’s renowned mountain landscape, rolling meadows and dense forests. Once there, visit a local workshop and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Return to Breisach for some free time before an early evening departure. Dine aboard while you cruise on to Basel, arriving around midnight.

August 7: Basel - Dijon - Reims. After breakfast, disembark and board the motor coach for a scenic drive through the French countryside to Dijon, the city world renown for it’s mustard. You will stop for lunch and a short city tour. Continuing your journey to the Reims area for your overnight.

August 8: Paris. This morning you will enjoy a tour and product sampling in the MUMM vineyard and cellar in the province of Champagne before travelling to Paris. A brief sight-seeing tour completes this day before you check into your Paris hotel for the next 3 nights.

August 9: Paris. Today you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Paris with a guided tour of the Louvre, a Seine Cruise, lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral.

August 10: Paris. Your last full day in the City of Lights is yours to spend at your leisure and will wrap up with the traditional farewell banquet along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

August 11: Depart Paris for Canada.

2011 Norsk Høstfest 

Experience HøstFest, North America's largest Scandinavian festival in Minot, North Dakota. Tens of thousands of people attend the event annually to celebrate and partake in Scandinavian culture and entertainment. Trip includes hotels, transportation, breakfasts, tickets for general admission, and the Great Hall of Vikings.

Day 1, Tuesday, September 27th: Travel to Minot, North Dakota. Enjoy a free evening with socialising. You will stay at the Grand International in Minot for the remainder of your trip.

Day 2, Wednesday, September 28th: Great Hall of the Vikings tickets (Wednesday–Friday) include all day festival admission and a reserved seat for the featured entertainer. Following the Parade of Flags, entertainers perform each day with more than 180 shows on six stages. Performers include yodellers, pianists, fiddlers, accordionists, comedians, singers, and dancers representing all five Nordic countries. They delight audiences with their talent, while Scandinavian craftsmen and international chefs treat visitors with long-ago traditions through their handmade goods and sumptuous feasts. Activities include hands-on craft workshops. Browse around, listen to music, and taste food from many different booths - sample some lutefisk and lefse! This afternoon, enjoy the featured entertainer, in the Great Hall of Vikings. (See below for a list of potential featured entertainers.)

Høstfest Performers (Six stages - Continuous shows): Oak Ridge Boys, Williams & Ree, Radio Stars, Bjøro Håland, The Western Senators,Monroe Crossing, Lowe Family, Geitungen, Leah Durelle, The Boundary Water Boys, Bunad Show, Telegraph Road, Ingemars, Skålmusik, Parade of Flags, Zelda Nera, Wayne Babanuck, Norst Hostfest Accordion Club Band, Randy Beard, Gordy Lindquist, Jeremiah James, Abbey Road Band,Ann-Marita, Kerry Christensen, Dakota Nights, Adbacadabra - the ultimate ABBA concert
 
Day 3, Thursday, September 29th: Return to the HøstFest for another fun-filled morning and afternoon of Scandinavian entertainment, handicrafts, and food! Enjoy daily performances. This evening, enjoy a featured entertainer in The Great Hall of the Vikings. The cuisine cannot be matched - and you won’t find such a wide variety of authentic Scandinavian food anywhere else in North America. People come to Norsk Høstfest just for the superb fare! Choose from four sidewalk cafés, The Scandinavian Kitchen, Swedish Bakery and many more. Indulge in such culinary favourites as Danish Aebelskivers, lutefisk,lefse, Oof-Da Tacos, rice pudding, Swedish meatballs, and Viking-on-a-stick.  

Day 4, Friday, September 30th: Continue today to enjoy admission to all of the exhibits, displays & sampling of food. Have a full day of continuous entertainment. Enjoy evening entertainment in the Great Hall of the Vikings. Over 200 internationally recognised artisans, craftsmen and chefs participate. The experience is an eclectic array of contemporary and traditional. The cuisine as well as the clothes, art and jewellery are authentic, fine quality and exquisitely Nordic. The Nordic history and heritage are alive from the Clog Shop and the Import Shop to the Sølje Shop and the General Store. Unique and fascinating shops abound in the International Marketplace. Buy silver jewellery, Norwegian sweaters, authentic Scandinavian gifts, fine art and souvenirs.

Day 5, Saturday, October 1st: Today will be our last chance to enjoy a day of food, crafts, exhibits, entertainment & displays. In the afternoon, see a featured entertainer in the Great Hall of the Vikings.

Day 6, Sunday, October 2nd: This morning we head for home, sharing memories of enduring and fulfilling Scandinavian experiences with friends.

2011 Historic Shores of Eastern Canada & New England Aboard the Crown Princess (Sept. 22nd - Oct. 11th)
Professionally hosted by Laurie & Betty Cone

September 22nd: Fly to Montreal. Meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a city tour before checking in to your city centre hotel. Welcome reception this evening.    

September 23rd (B): Full day of sightseeing in Montreal.

September 24th (B/D): After breakfast travel through the Eastern townships en-route to Quebec City. Prior to boarding the Crown Princess you will enjoy a city tour of one Canada’s oldest cities. 

September 25th (B/L/D): The morning is yours to explore. Depart Quebec City in the afternoon for a scenic cruise of the St. Lawrence River. 

September 26th (B/L/D): Relax with all the amenities the Crown Princess has to offer as you sail east for P.E.I. 

September 27th (B/L/D): Arrive Charlottetown and take advantage of one of the may shore excursions offered to explore P.E.I. and its capital. 

September 28th (B/L/D): Continue your cruise and arrive in Sydney, NS with plenty of time to visit either Sydney or the countryside before you depart for Halifax. 

September 29th (B/L/D): Peggy’s Cove - have a lobster lunch or visit the Maritimes Museum are only a few options before your next stop.   

September 30th (B/L/D): Saint John, NB with its vast history of fishing and scenic sites for your photos in town and in the country side. 

October 1st (B/L/D): Arriving in Bar Harbour, take in the beauty of the fall with it various colours by visiting the Acadia National Park or stroll the Victorian Bay Harbour.

October 2nd (B/L/D): You continue your cruise to Boston - the city that offers excursions for everyone: sports fans, gourmets, shoppers or history interests. Take in whatever you feel like with the various options before continuing on.

October 3rd (B/L/D): Enjoy Newport with its famous late 19th century buildings and spectacular coastline. 

October 4th (B): Disembark in one of the most vibrant cities of the world, New York. Board your motor coach and meet your local guide as they take you on a sight seeing tour of the Big Apple before checking in to your hotel in the heart of Manhattan for 2 nights. 

October 5th (B): Enjoy a free day in NYC to explore its many attractions. This evening attend a show on Broadway. 

October 06 (B): You will be picked up after breakfast and taken by motor coach to Washington, DC for the next 3 nights. After arrival in the nation’s capital, you will see some of the city’s sights on your way to the hotel. 

October 7th (B): A full day of sightseeing awaits you today, with visits to Lincoln Memorial, Museums of the Mall, Smithsonian Institute, White House and much more. 

October 8th (B): This is your free day to spend in the city before continuing your journey. 

October 9th (B): After breakfast, depart for Philadelphia. Meet your local guide for a half-day sight-seeing tour of the city of brotherly love. 

October 10th (B/D): Enjoy a free day to go back to the most interesting sights, shop for souvenirs before ending the day with a wind up dinner. 

October 11th (B): A transfer to airport for your flight home will end this fun filled tour.

2011 ETHIOPIA (Nov. 14th - 28th)
Professionally hosted by Chris Clinton

Day 1 - Monday, November 14th: Departure from Saskatoon/Regina.
 
Day 2 - Tuesday, November 15th (D): Arrival at Addis Ababa. On arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met by your guide who will assist the group to their transfer vehicles and depart for your hotel. Overnight : MN International Hotel or similar.
 
Day 3 - Wednesday, November 16th (B/D): Full day in Addis Ababa. After an early breakfast, we will tour Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa. You will visit Trinity Cathedral, a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture unique to both Ethiopia and Africa; the National Museum, home of 3.5 billion-year old fossil remains of Lucy; the Ethnological Museum that presents different collections giving an overview of the history, culture, tradition and religions of many tribal groups; and drive to the summit of Mt Entoto (3200 m) for a panoramic view of Addis. Overnight : MN International Hotel/similar. 
 
Day 4 - Thursday, November 17th (B/L/D): Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. After an early morning departure, we travel north passing Mt Entoto and crossing the Suluta Plain, visiting the monastery of Debre Libanos and the so-called Portuguese Bridge. The road plunges into the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge where you will stop for your picnic lunch. We will then proceed to Bahir Dar. Overnight: Summerland Hotel or similar. 

Day 5 - Friday, November 18th (B/D): Full day in Bahir Dar. To make the most of the day, we recommend an early breakfast so as to drive to the mighty Blue Nile Falls before the day gets too hot. Upon return, we will make a sightseeing tour of Bahir Dar. After lunch, you will take a boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit the famous ancient monasteries on the lake. Overnight: Summerland Hotel/similar. 
 
Day 6 - Saturday, November 19th (B/D): Bahir Dar to Gondar. Today you will drive to Gondar, passing the Devil’s Nose. In this former capital city you will visit the castles of 17th century Royal Enclosure, the royal Bath of King Fasiledas and the icon-rich monastery of Debre Berehan Silassie. Overnight: Goha Hotel or similar. 
 
Day 7 - Sunday, November 20th (B/D): Excursion to Simien Mountian National Park. Today you will drive to an altitude of over 3200m, to the spectacular roof of Africa and a favourite place for trekkers. There you will meet the endemic Gelada baboons besides being awestruck by the panoramic views. Overnight: Simien Park Hotel or similar in debark 

Day 8 - Monday, November 21st (B/D): Debark to Axum. The tour continues to the ancient city of Axum, the birthplace of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. We will pass through the mountain chains of the Simien and follow the Tekeze River Valley to Axum. Overnight: Yeha Hotel or similar. 
 
Day 9 - Tuesday, November 22nd (B/D): In Axum. The day will be spent seeing the city’s antiquities. You will see the world's oldest standing monolith at the Stellae Park, visit St. Mary of Zion church which is the seat of the true Ark of the Covenant, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Kings Kaleb and Gebremeskel’s Palace and tombs, and the Archaeological Museum. Overnight: Yeha Hotel /similar. 
 
Day 10 - Wednesday, November 23rd (B/D): Axum to Mekele. Depart Axum in the early morning and drive to the 5th century BC sites of Yeha and Debre Damos monastery, then proceed to Mekele, capital of the province of Tigray. Overnight: Axum Hotel or similar. 
 
Day 11 - Thursday, November 24th (B/D): Mekele to Lalibella. Leaving Mekele, we’ll drive through the Ambalage chain of mountains to the legendary 12th century town of Lalibella, a World Heritage Site. Overnight: Mountain View Hotel or similar. 
 
Day 12 - Friday, November 25th (B/D): In Lalibella. Visit the remarkable rock-hewn churches dating back to the 12th century and considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World. There is an optional excursion to earlier-built cave-churches near Lalibella. You will also enjoy the panoramic views from close to the town. Overnight: Mountain View Hotel/Similar.
 
Day 13 - Saturday, November 26th (B/D): Lalibella Excursion. In the morning you will take an excursion by mule to a rock-hewn monastery named Asheton Maryam at a height of 4000m. You will experience amazing views of the Lalibella mountains. Overnight: Mountain View Hotel/similar. 
 
Day 14 - Sunday, November 27th (F): Lalibella to Addis Ababa. You will take a mid-morning flight with Ethiopian Airways to Addis Ababa. We will transfer to MN International Hotel where you may rest. For the afternoon you will be on your own shopping for souvenirs or resting. In the evening, you will be treated to a (F) farewell dinner at one of the outstanding traditional restaurants with Ethiopian singing and dancing. Then you will transfer to Bole International Airport in time to catch your flight to Canada. You will arrive home on Monday, November 28 with memories that will last a lifetime.