Niagara in the Fall (October 7-16, 2008)

Day 1 – Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Arrive London, Ontario

Today we will depart from our home cities and fly to London, Ontario to begin a beautiful tour of the colours of Canada and so much more. Our motor coach will meet us at the airport and transfer us to Stratford, Ontario, where we will overnight. And of course an evening of theatre is a must! We can chose between a musical or the classic Shakespeare play – ‘Caesar’.

Hotel – TBA - 1 nights

Day 2 – Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Stratford – Frankenmuth, Michigan

This morning we depart Stratford and continue on to Frankenmuth, “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”. With its flower-lined streets and Bavarian hospitality this unique city is permanently ‘Christmas’. Tonight a special fun evening at our hotel – the Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth is alive with the sound of music every evening. On the way we will enjoy our morning coffee stop at a farmhouse in Exeter, Ontario

Hotel: The Bavarian Inn – 2 nights

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Day 3 – Thursday, October 9, 2008
Frankenmuth

This morning a local guide will join us and we will learn of the history and uniqueness of this city. The afternoon will be free to explore and shop at the many different venues this city offers.

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Day 4 – Friday, October 10, 2008
Frankenmuth – Shipshewana, Indiana

Today we will travel to another unique destination – Shipshewana, Indiana. Visiting Shipshewana is like taking a step back in time to a quieter, simpler way of life. This small town has a population of just over 500 people and is at the very center of Northern Indiana’s Amish and Mennonite communities. Quaint and picturesque, this rural community has much to offer in the way of shopping and local heritage. This afternoon we will spend time at the Menno-Hof. This non-profit educational center and museum educates visitors about the customs and beliefs of the local Amish and Mennonite communities. Via historical displays, multimedia presentations and virtual tours, we will see firsthand the traditions and way of life of these peace-loving societies.

Hotel: Country Inn & Suites – 2 nights

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Day 5 – Saturday, October 11, 2008
Shipshewana

We will begin our day by visiting the Deutsch Kase Haus This world-class cheese shop produces award-winning varieties of the dairy favorite. We will tour the facility and see the interesting process of hand-making cheese and then we may purchase a fresh wedge at the on-site market. The German Cheese House (that’s how the name translates) also sells candies and gift items. This weekend the Fall Crafter’s Fair is being held in Shipshewana. This annual event spotlights the age-old traditions of the Amish and their culture. Quilters, artisans and craftsmen are on hand to showcase their trade and sell hand-made merchandise. Live music, food and entertainment for all is also a feature of the weekend. Another very special evening is planned as we attend the Gospel Music Theatre.

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Day 6 – Sunday, October 12, 2008
Shipshewana – Kitchener

Now we will return to Canada via Windsor, Ontario where we will continue on to Kitchener. On the way we will enjoy a very special lunch stop at the renowned Giovanni Coboto Club, in Windsor. As this is Thanksgiving weekend, traditional ‘Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner’ will be served. We will arrive in Kitchener later in the afternoon, and what an exciting time to visit – Octoberfest. From a modest beginning in 1969, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has grown to become the biggest Bavarian Festival in North America, second in the world only to the original Oktoberfest in Munich. And, it has become one of the best parties on the continent. The evening is free to enjoy this event at out leisure.

Hotel: Walper Inn – 2 nights

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Day 7 – Monday, October 13, 2008
Kitchener

While its best-known attractions are the beer-based celebrations, the most well-known cultural event is the parade held on Thanksgiving Day; as the only major parade on Canadian Thanksgiving, it is televised nationally. We will spend some time in a Festhalle beer tent and enjoy live performances from Oompah bands and Bavarian dancers. With over 20 Festhalls and 40 family and cultural events, as well as music, entertainment, folk dancing and food we are guaranteed to enjoy being a part of this 40-year tradition.

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Day 8 – Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Kitchener – Niagara Falls

Today we travel to Niagara Falls. On the way we will spend some time at the beautiful town of Niagara on the Lake. Set by the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, historic Niagara-on-the-Lake captures attention with its Georgian and Victorian-styled buildings, waterfront park and surrounding fields of grapevines. As we continue on to Niagara Falls we may Indulge ourselves as we will visit one of Niagara’s wineries.

Hotel: Embassy Suites Hotel Fallview – 2 night

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Day 9 – Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Niagara Falls

For generations, the majestic beauty and humbling power of Niagara Falls has fostered a sense of awe and wonder. And today we will enjoy some unique experiences. This morning we are going to get up close and personal with the falls by taking a short walk to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls to feel the mist during the Cave of the Winds tour. A very special thrill is planned for the afternoon The journey begins at the bottom of the Observation Tower, where we will be provided with a souvenir rain poncho. The Maid of the Mist will then take us to the base of the American Falls and then to the basin of Horseshoe Falls, through the crashing waters and massive rock formations. This half-hour Niagara Falls tour will allow us to experience firsthand the power and intensity of the falls. We will then have some free time to explore the many attractions this town has to offer. We may chose to engage with the history of the region at the Visitor’s Center and Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, or perhaps just stroll the beautiful river front. This evening we are going to enjoy a special farewell dinner at the extraordinary Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room. The award winning continental cuisine is presented in an elegant setting 775 ft. above the Falls. The dinner menu is rivaled only by the view, which we can appreciate at leisure as the restaurant rotates once per hour.

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Day 10 – Thursday, October 16, 2008
Niagara Falls – Hamilton – Calgary

And now our motor coach will transport us to Hamilton airport for our return flights home having created new memories and having seen such beautiful sights as we traveled to ‘Niagara in the Fall’.

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FEATURES OF THIS PACKAGE:

RATES PER PERSON:

Double Occupancy - $2195.00

Single Occupancy - $2925.00