Capital Experience - Eclectic Adventures in Ottawa

Itinerary

• Ontario

  Ontario is a province located in east-central Canada, the largest by population and second largest, after Quebec, in total area.
   Ontario is bordered by the provinces of Manitoba to the west and Quebec to the east, and five U.S. states (from west to east): Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania (the latter two across Lake Erie) and New York to the south and east. Most of Ontario's  border with the United States runs along water.  The capital of Ontario is Toronto, Canada's most populous city and metropolitan area.  Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is also located in Ontario.

• Ottawa

  Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located on the banks of the Ottawa River, on the border between Ontario and Quebec. Ottawa is home to a wealth of national museums, official residences, government buildings, memorials and heritage structures. Major attractions include: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery as well as the Museums of Civilization, Contemporary Photography, Nature, Science & Technology, and War. Byward Market is the centre of the city's nightlife, and restaurants.

• • Ottawa
  • Canadian Museum of Civilization
  • Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel

  Day 1: Ottawa

  After being picked up from the airport, your private vehicle and driver will bring you to your hotel in Ottawa and after you have checked in, you will be brought to the Canadian Museum of Civilisation.

  You will be provided with a pre-departure package which will include all necessary information that you will need for your trip including materials such as vouchers, maps, train tickets (if relevant) etc.

  Visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization which is nestled on the shores of the Ottawa river where you will be treated to a private tour. This is Canada's most visited museum and traces 1,000 years of Canada's history and features special exhibitions. Watch a 3-D show in the onsite IMAX theatre before being tansferred to your hotel.

  Experience the story of Canada — as told through music, spectacular lighting effects and stunning giant image projections on the Parliament Buildings. Share the songs, poems, stories and visions that highlight the many cultural and technological achievements of the country. The free, bilingual show, entitled Canada: The Spirit of a Country, illuminates Parliament Hill twice nightly.

  Accommodation: Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*)

  Fairmont Château Laurier (4*) is a reflection of the confidence, dignity and style of Ottawa. It stands as a testament to this dynamic and thriving city. Located in the heart of Canada's capital next door to the Parliament Buildings, the hotel is a magnificent limestone edifice with turrets and masonry reminiscent of a French château. The Rideau Canal offers miles of bicycle and inline skating paths and the world's longest skating rink just outside the door. The nearby Gatineau Hills offer great hiking, biking and canoeing, and in the winter, cross-country ski trails and excellent downhill thrills. With Winterlude, the Tulip Festival and countless other festivals, Ottawa is a flurry of activity year round. Once the wealth of sights has been taken in, drop by the Health Club or satisfy your appetite at one of the superb restaurants.

• • Changing of the Guard

  Day 2: Ottawa

  After being picked up from your hotel, you will be brought to Parliament buildings for a private guided visit of the premises. The buildings are a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Before entering the buildings, view the spectacle of the changing of the guards (10am) - a Canadian tradition at its most colorful! After seeing the interior of where state decisions are made, you will be brought to the bussling Byward market where you will get to interact with some of the stall owners. Enjoy wandering around perusing all of the gourmet delights on offer and pick up a few things for lunch or opt to have lunch in one of the many restaurants close by.

  Consider immersing yourself in the vibrant culinary scene in Ottawa. There are often demonstration classes, cooking classes, hands-on classes and tutored wine tastings happening in various places in the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in doing something of this nature during your stay in Ottawa.

  Accommodation: Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*)
• • Rocher Fendu rapids of the Ottawa River

  Day 3: Ottawa - Foresters Falls (Ottawa)

  A vehicle and driver are at your disposal for the day today.

  Whether you are a first time rafter or a whitewater enthusiast you are sure to enjoy a day on the water rafting at a level that you are comfortable with. On your excursion, you will be accompanied by a guide. There are two channels of the world famous Rocher Fendu rapids of the Ottawa River, that range from the gentle Class I – II rapids to the adrenaline rush of Class III – V rapids.

  Accommodation: Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*)
• • Biking on Gatineau Park

  Day 4: Ottawa

  Enjoy an active day doing one of the locals favourite pastimes - hop on a bike and explore the city and surroundings by taking advantage of the extensive cycle lanes! Many different routes are available - choose from;

  - The Rideau Canal - an easy pathway ride along both sides of the Rideau Canal with turnaround at Hartwell Locks.

  - Ottawa River - a shorter but more hilly route following Confederation Boulevard and the magnificent Ottawa River.

  - Rockcliffe - a unique opportunity to visit the diplomatic residences of Canada's capital with wonderful Ottawa River vistas.

  - Gatineau Park - a magnificient bike path route from downtown via Lac Leamy passing ponds and woods.

  You can choose between doing this with a private guide, on a shared basis or independently - just speak to your Sales Advisor to let them know what your preference is.

  Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

  Experience a decadent Signature Spa manicure and Pedicure with hot stone foot massage and reflexology. While your pretty nails are drying, you can relax in the Orchid Lounge, overlooking the Rideau and Sussex streetscapes and dining from a Tapas Tasting Menu. Choose 3 tantalizing Tapas plates with 3 perfectly paired wines for the ultimate tasting experience. Then it’s off to a professional Makeup Application with Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup and a Wash and Style in our Hair Design Studio. Sex and the City look out!

  Accommodation: Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*)

• Day 5: Ottawa

  Take an airport transfer in Ottawa in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel
  • Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel

  Fairmont Chateau Laurier (4*)

  Fairmont Château Laurier (4*) is a reflection of the confidence, dignity and style of Ottawa. It stands as a testament to this dynamic and thriving city. Located in the heart of Canada's capital next door to the Parliament Buildings, the hotel is a magnificent limestone edifice with turrets and masonry reminiscent of a French château. The Rideau Canal offers miles of bicycle and inline skating paths and the world's longest skating rink just outside the door. The nearby Gatineau Hills offer great hiking, biking and canoeing, and in the winter, cross-country ski trails and excellent downhill thrills. With Winterlude, the Tulip Festival and countless other festivals, Ottawa is a flurry of activity year round. Once the wealth of sights has been taken in, drop by the Health Club or satisfy your appetite at one of the superb restaurants.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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