Saveur's Toronto Getaway

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.

• Toronto

  Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful network of parks, recreational and cultural facilities. It is the largest city in Canada, with a population consisting of over 2.5 million people. Toronto is the home of seven professional sports teams and the third largest English-speaking theatre district in the world, behind New York and London. It is one of the world's most multicultural cities, home to more than 80 ethnic communities (half of people living in Toronto were born outside Canada). A dominant force in the business and economy of the nation, it is also the cultural centre of English-speaking Canada. Toronto is known as a city of neighborhoods. Districts are often centered one of the main streets (Queen, College, Bloor etc), and packed tightly together, with each having something different to offer each visitor. The relative compactness of these neighborhoods makes exploring on foot easy and pleasant, especially in the warmer months.

• • Toronto
  • Royal Ontario Museum
  • Four Seasons Hotel Afternoon Tea
  • Hotel Le Germain

  Day 1: Toronto

  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.

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Enjoy some time exploring the many things to see and do in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto. If you are interested in art and culture, be sure to visit the newly expanded Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) which has an extensive permanent collection as well as ever changing temporary exhibitions. The newly revamped Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) showcases the best of Canadian and international art, all housed under an impressive building designed by Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame - consider a private guided tour of the gallery. The Ontario Science centre is a fascinating museum which appeals to both adults and children. The Distillery district, one of Toronto's most historical areas makes for a pleasant morning or afternoon stroll as you can check out the many artisanal studios and galleries or take a shared or a private tour. There are often live musical performances on weekends during the summer. For shopaholics, Toronto's Rodeo drive equivalent is along Bloor street, on either side of Yonge street. Here you will find all of the top boutique names from Gucci to Tiffany's to Prada as well as the upscale department store Holt Renfrew. For a more eclectic shopping experience, head to Queen street west, where there are many independently run stores. Alternatively, escape it all and take the short ferry crossing over to the Toronto Islands where you can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk or through the residential area with many traditional beach style houses. With a no car policy on the island, it is indeed a tranquil escape from the metropolis of Toronto. If you would like to do a tour, consider a shared or private walking tour of one of the interesting neighbourhoods of the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these are of interest to you.

  Enjoy an afternoon high tea in the Four Seasons in the heart of Yorkville with a choice of pot of tea, selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones, and a selection of pastries. Then take a stroll through the neighbourhood which is full of great designer boutiques and art galleries.

  There is always plenty on in terms of theatre and entertainment in Toronto. All of the main theatres and entertainment venues in Toronto can be found at http://www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm

  Accommodation: Hotel Le Germain

  Featured in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2010 – as selected as one of The Best Places to Stay in the World, by the Readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the Hôtel Le Germain Dominion is located in the heart of the entertainment district in Toronto. Services include a Hotel Lounge which has an evening beverage service, a Library with open hearth fireplace featuring a complimentary cappuccino bar and internet access, Roof top terrace (seasonal) and putting green, 24 hour fitness facility with outdoor terrace (seasonal), Massage room and Victor Restaurant and Bar with a seasonal patio. The decor is urban - modern with neutral hues and natural materials in evidence.

• • St Lawrence Market
  • Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Bartender

  Day 2: Toronto

  Enjoy a unique two hour private guided tour through St Lawrence Market hearing about its fascinating 200 year history. Then after covering the Market, walk around Old Town Toronto including stops at: St Lawrence Hall, King Edward Hotel, St. James Cathedral as well as various historical sites along the way.

  With breathtaking art, a spectacular new building and innovative ideas, the transformed Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is both a preeminent art museum and an international cultural destination. With a permanent collection of more than 73,000 works of art spanning more than 11,000 years, it is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. Thanks to the Transformation AGO expansion project designed by celebrated architect Frank Gehry, the new AGO features 190,000 square feet of new and renovated space, including a 47 percent increase in art-viewing space. With its dramatic sculptural staircases, bold use of wood and galleries infused with natural light, the Art Gallery of Ontario is an extraordinary new home for extraordinary new art. Enjoy a private guided tour of the gallery choosing between various themes such as Architecture, Canadian, African, contemporary or opt for a sample of everything. If you feel like a bite to eat afterwards, consider stopping by FRANK - the in-house restaurant which has proved very popular with locals.

  Mixology is becoming very much in vogue and Toronto has a number of excellent creators in some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Participate in a private interactive mixology class where you will get to see how various concoctions are made, strain, sip and savour as you learn the tricks of the trade, learn why certain flavours react and blend so well together and sample a number of the creations.

  There are many great gastronomical restaurants to choose from in Toronto, including Ame - a Japanese focused cuisine with an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, Splendido - which serves high quality, seasonal, locally sourced products that have been traditionally prepared, and Wine Bar which offers fine dining in a more casual atmosphere.

  Accommodation: Hotel Le Germain
• • Hidden Bench Winery
  • The Good Earth Cooking School

  Day 3: Toronto - Beamsville

  You will have a car and driver at your dispoal for the day (8hrs) as you explore the Niagara area today. At the end of your adventure, you'll be escorted back to your accomodation in Toronto.

  Head over to Hidden Bench to discover why this winery made it onto the Canadian 100 Best Vineyards list. This unique artisanal winery is dedicated to producing ultra premium wines solely from vineyards situated within the Beamsville Bench VQA sub-appellation. Their non-interventionist, quality-focused and terroir-driven wines are produced from three distinct vineyards totalling almost 100 acres. Enjoy a flight tasting of three current-release Estate Series wines under the guidance of one of the experts.

  The Good Earth Cooking School is located in the heart of Niagara’s Twenty Valley region. The beautiful country setting, nestled in vineyards and fruit trees, will surely inspire you to get your hands dirty and cook up a storm. Nicolette Novak, owner and self-proclaimed ‘facilitator of fun’ will greet you with a fortifying glass of local wine before you begin your ‘hands on’ cooking class with executive chef Patrick Engel, resident chef Isa DiIorio or one of the other local culinary personalities. It’s impossible to predict in advance what you will be doing, since all menus are designed to showcase the region’s best seasonal produce. If it’s May, you might build an entire meal around honey, while if it’s July, cherries will provide the focus. Camaraderie is infectious as everyone sits down around a harvest table to share the fruits of their labour for a 4 to 5 course gourmet lunch. If the weather is nice (which it often is in this micro-climate), the beautiful alfresco kitchen will be set up overlooking the vineyards, fruit trees and herb beds.

  Accommodation: Hotel Le Germain

• Day 4: Toronto

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Local Diversions

  Toronto is best explored on foot, to discover its cultural neighbourhoods, bustling markets, inspiring architecture, the unique ravine system and lush parks. More than 7,000 restaurants are scattered across the city, serving an array of cuisine from the flashy kitchens of leading edge chefs to authentic ethnic favourites. The theatre scene rivals London and New York, and festivals throughout the year draw tremendous audience for theatre, film, music and dance. Toronto is the ultimate urban destination.

• Hotel Le Germain

  Featured in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2010 – as selected as one of The Best Places to Stay in the World, by the Readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the Hôtel Le Germain Dominion is located in the heart of the entertainment district in Toronto. Services include a Hotel Lounge which has an evening beverage service, a Library with open hearth fireplace featuring a complimentary cappuccino bar and internet access, Roof top terrace (seasonal) and putting green, 24 hour fitness facility with outdoor terrace (seasonal), Massage room and Victor Restaurant and Bar with a seasonal patio. The decor is urban - modern with neutral hues and natural materials in evidence.

  • 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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