HIGHLIGHTS

• 3 Nights Grand Pacific Hotel Victoria

• 3 Nights Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

• Vancouver Christmas Market

• Vancouver City Tour

• Grouse Mountain Skyride

• VanDusen Festival of Lights

• Roundtrip BC Ferry to Victoria

• Victoria

• Butchart Gardens

• Royal British Columbia Museum

• “High Tea” at the Fairmont Empress Hotel

• Victoria Christmas Market

DAY 1: ARRIVE VANCOUVER

Arrive in the seaport city of Vancouver, the crown jewel of Western Canada.  Considered one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Vancouver dazzles during the Christmas holiday season along with views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains and a glittering skyline. Meet your Tour Director and transfer to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, known as

the ‘Castle in the City’ and has been the pinnacle of elegance since its debut in 1939. Check-in for a two-night stay and enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.

(D) Overnight: Vancouver

DAY 2: VANCOUVER - CHRISTMAS MARKET

This morning, enjoy a panoramic Vancouver City Tour including Stanley Park, famous for its ancient Indian totem poles, Chinatown and Gastown. Next, enjoy a Grouse Mountain Skyride. Glide high above towering Douglas firs, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold as you journey up the mountainside.  North America’s 100-person tramway is your gateway to the majestic nature of The Peak of Vancouver. This afternoon, discover Vancouver’s European-German themed

Christmas Market Holiday Festival. The Shipyards Christmas Market is located in the lively waterfront area of Vancouver offering holiday cheer around every corner.  Free time to browse the market with a variety of European-style artisan booths full of decorations, holiday gifts and unique handicrafts. Enjoy gourmet food, festive sweets and authentic German drinks such as the endless supply of delicious warm Gluhwein! Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore this beautiful city on your own.

(B) Overnight: Vancouver

DAY 3: VANCOUVER - VICTORIA

Transfer to the port to board the BC Ferry to Vancouver Island. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a scenic cruise across the Strait of Georgia. Arrive in Swartz Bay and travel by motorcoach to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Check into the Grand Pacific Hotel for a three-night stay.  Later, enjoy a visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens and stroll among fifty-five acres of wonderful displays. While the flowers sleep in the winter, the gardens come to life during the holiday season with colorful displays of lights, including scenes depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Bundle up and stroll through the beautiful Christmas displays, sing along to the sounds of the season with traditional Carolers or listen to the festive brass. Maybe stop in at the coffee shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.

(B) Overnight: Victoria

DAY 4: VICTORIA - HIGH TEA

Today, enjoy a Victoria City Tour featuring the Inner Harbor and the imposing Parliament Building constructed in 1897 and a city filled with Victorian charm. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. Through its unique galleries, the museum showcases the human and natural history of British Columbia. Enjoy “High Tea and lunch” at the Fairmont Empress, a tradition that commenced when the hotel opened in 1908. This isn’t just any tea, but a Christmas-themed extravaganza with seasonal treats and delicacies. Sip the original blend of “The Empress tea”, an exceptional experience for everyone. Later visit a Victoria Christmas Market and Fair. Browse the charming stalls offering unique crafts, local artisan products and holiday treats. This evening enjoy a panoramic Victoria Christmas Lights Tour around the city. See famous landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and more that are lit up spectacularly for the holiday season.

(B,L) Overnight: Victoria

DAY 5: VICTORIA AS YOU WISH

The entire day is at leisure relax, explore Victoria as you wish or enjoy the amenities of the Empress Hotel. Swim in the indoor pool or enjoy a day at the Willow Stream Spa.  Perhaps a visit to the historic Empress Hotel Library for quiet time with a book or enjoy an exquisite bar and lounge offering stunning views over the Inner Harbor or a warm spot around a cozy fireplace. Be sure to visit the Festival of Trees located at the Bay Centre.  The Biosphere Certified Bay Centre is a “must shop” located in the heart of downtown Victoria’s shopping district. The festival of trees traditionally has over eighty Christmas trees on display during the holiday season.

(B) Overnight: Victoria

DAY 6: VICTORIA - BC FERRY - VANCOUVER

This morning board the BC Ferry and cruise through the Gulf Islands enroute to Vancouver. Stop for another visit to the Vancouver Shipyards Christmas Market with free time to stroll at your leisure and shop for souvenirs. Check into the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel for an overnight stay. Later step into a botanical holiday wonderland at VanDusen Festival of Lights. Explore fifteen acres adorned with over one million twinkling lights, featuring a new interactive installation, dancing lights, themed light areas and a display inspired by the Great Bear Rainforest of BC. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your traveling companions.

(B,D) Overnight: Vancouver

DAY 7: VANCOUVER - FLIGHT HOME

Transfer to the Vancouver Airport to board your flight home with wonderful memories of the Victoria & Vancouver Christmas experience. (B)