11-Day Tulips, Laurentians & 1000 Islands Premium Tour Final Itinerary MAY 8 th -18 th, 2018 Welcome aboard our 3rd annual Tulips, Laurentians, and Thousand Islands Tour. This premium getaway offers an historical and cultural journey to Quebec and Ontario, featuring Ottawa s 72 nd Tulip Festival, welcoming spring to Canada and commemorating Canada s assistance to the Dutch Royal Family during World War II. We are excited to return to some of our favourite Canadian destinations and are confident you will be thrilled with the experiences that await when you book this getaway! This 11-Day tour features stays at four of Canada s top five-star Fairmont properties: 2 nights at Le Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, a night at Fairmont Tremblant Resort in the Laurentian Mountains, three nights at Ottawa s regal Chateau Laurier, and a night at Le Chateau Montebello on the Ottawa River. You will also enjoy overnight stays at excellent accommodations in Kingston O.N., Riviere-du-Loup, Q.C. and Edmundston N.B. Below is the itinerary for this premium getaway featuring just the right mix of inclusions balanced with the flexibility needed to ensure a fabulous time. Please review this information carefully and contact us if you have any questions. I m sure you ll agree, we ve put together another exciting escape with top-notch accommodations, delectable meal options, and just the right amount of activities. With more than 57 years of experience escorting group tours, you can count on our team to deliver a quality tour with professional service and the best value for your dollar. Come away with us and become inspired, make new friends and create lasting memories. - Sincerely, Greg Collins, President & CEO Tues. May 8 th Day #1 Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec (D) Board your premium motorcoach at your scheduled location and DEPARTURE time PICK-UP LOCATIONS & DEPARTURE TIMES: Nova Scotia Clients: Halifax, Future Inn 6:10 am Halifax, Sobeys Lacewood Drive 6:15 am Dartmouth Crossing, Hampton Inn 6:45 am Halifax Airport, Quality Inn 7:05 am Truro Heights, Circle K Big Stop 7:50 am Truro Heights, Quality Inn- 8:00am Amherst, Super 8-9:05am New Brunswick Clients: Aulac, Big Stop- 9:25-9:45am 20 min rest stop Lincoln Big Stop- 11:15-12:15pm 1hr lunch break Shuttle from Saint John to Lincoln shuttle to pick up at home- 9:30am IMPORTANT These pick-up details are now FINAL. Any changes must be cleared with us at least 48-hrs before departure. 303 Westmorland Rd Saint John, NB E2J 2G2 Ph:888-636-8080 www.collinstours.ca
Please ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before departure so you have ample time to get comfortably seated and your bags can be properly stowed. Stops for passenger pick up/drop off will be brief (10-15 min.) and we ask you to remain on board while new guests join us. A scheduled coffee break and an hour lunch stop at the Blue Canoe in Lincoln NB (meal your expense) are also built into today s drive. Once all passengers are aboard, we travel north on the Trans-Canada highway to Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, located on the south shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River. We estimate a 4:30 p.m. (local time) arrival at the new Best Western Plus Hotel Levesque. Relax while your tour manager checks the group in, distributes your room key, and has your bag delivered to your room (fee covered for one bag per person), all part of the signature group tour service you will enjoy throughout this tour. After a brief break to freshen up before we gather in the hotel dining room at 6:15 pm for a Welcome Dinner, complete with a complimentary glass of wine or beer. (Choices are Fish of the day (could be Cod, Turbot or Sole), Chicken Supreme or Steak, please call or email our office to make your selection by April 30th) and get to know each other a little better (price included). The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy on your own. Wed. May 9 th Day #2 Mont Tremblant, Laurentians (B, D) This morning, enjoy a hot American plated breakfast (included) before our 8:30 a.m. departure. Your tour manager will handle group check out, however be sure to cover any personal expenses (e.g. room service, movie rental) as these items are your expense for each hotel stay during this tour. Our destination today is Quebec s Laurentian Mountains. We have scheduled a 25 minute coffee break and an hour lunch stop to make the tour pace more enjoyable (lunch is your expense). Then, get set for an unforgettable stay at the 5-star Fairmont Tremblant, located in the heart of a European-style village, all set at the foot of legendary Mont Tremblant. We expect to check in at approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. Take time to relax before our 5:45 p.m. welcome reception, complete with a complimentary cocktail. Following this special event, gather in the hotel s private room Susoutana for another premium group dinner 6:30pm, courtesy of the Fairmont s top chefs (included). The rest of the night is free for you to enjoy your way. Perhaps a relaxing visit to the spa or a stroll through the pedestrian village is on your agenda? Thurs. May 10 th Day #3 Ottawa, ON (B) Enjoy the hotel`s expansive and delightful buffet breakfast (included) before check out. Starting at 9:00 a.m., we will be treated to a 2.5-hr professionally guided tour highlighting the history culture and legends of the Mont Tremblant area. Keep a look out for spring flowers, black bears, and countless bird species. Lunch is on your own today from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. at a location back in the village. At approximately 1:20 p.m. we will board the coach for our short and scenic drive to Ottawa, for our unforgettable three-night stay at the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel. Luxury is our middle name and this hotel says it all welcome to the Chateau Laurier, another five-star Fairmont property, located on the shores of the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once again, your tour manager will have you relaxing in your room in no time! Dinner is on your own this evening. We recommend Milestones, just across the street from our hotel. The Black Tomato and Mamma Grazzis Kitchen are other 2
favourites within walking distance. Be sure to check the Tulip Festival s Friday evening schedule for events and concerts you may want to attend (on own, your expense). Fri. May 11 th Day #4 Ottawa (B, D) Start the day off with another fantastic Fairmont hot buffet breakfast (included) before your half day guided tour. Meet our local step-on-guide (9:00 am) for an in depth and up close tour highlighting Ottawa s top attractions, such as the Parliament Buildings, National Art Gallery, and Tulip festival Headquarters at Dow`s Lake Pavillion, lined with colourful tulips symbolizing the thanks and gratitude from Holland s Royal Family for Ottawa s assistance to them during the Second World War. The Canadian Museum of History is also included today from 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. where you can enjoy lunch on your own. We will return to the hotel approximately 3:00 p.m. this afternoon for some rest. After some time to relax, we will gather in the hotel s dining room for another premium group dinner approx 6:00 pm (included) featuring the hotels executive chef s menu! After dinner, you are free to enjoy Canada s capitol city on your own. Be sure to check out the Tulip Festival Headquarters for tonight s scheduled events (on own). Sat. May 12 th Day #5 Ottawa ON (B) Start your day with another complimentary buffet breakfast, Fairmont style! It is then time to board the coach for our visit to the Canadian War Museum, scheduled from 9:30-11:15 a.m. Enjoy some of the most interesting historical moments in Canadian History up close. Your afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. For those interested, we are offering an optional Canal Cruise scheduled from approximately 12:00-2:30 p.m. (additional charges apply, cost $30.00 per person, and please contact our office by April 30 th to reserve your spot). Dinner this evening is on your own. Enjoy your last evening in Ottawa your way! Sun. May 13 th Day #6 Kingston & 1000 Islands, ON (B, D) Enjoy a relaxed check out this morning. Following another fantastic buffet breakfast (included) we will board the coach in time for our 10:00 a.m. departure. Enjoy the next 2 hours traveling to Kingston. Founded in 1673, Kingston is one of Upper Canada s oldest and finest cities. We will stop for 2 hours in the downtown area so you can have lunch (on own) and do a little shopping. There are plenty of great restaurants all within walking distance of one another. We will then make our way to the Four Points Sheraton Kingston. Once again, tour manager will handle group check in. Please note; the hotel does not guarantee rooms until after 3:00 p.m., some rooms may be ready and others may not. Relax and freshen up before the highlight of the day, our 2.5-hour scenic dinner cruise (included) through the 1000 Islands! Following our cruise, board the coach for our return transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy your way. Mon. May 14 th Day #7 Montebello, Q.C. (B, D) 3
Rise and shine! Take time to enjoy your complimentary hot American plated breakfast before check out. We begin the adventure with a morning tour featuring the highlights of Kingston 9:00 a.m. The tour continues at historical Fort Henry 10:15 a.m., a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will enjoy a self-guided tour and time at the Discovery Center. Be sure to meet the coach at the assigned time (TBA). After departing the Fort, we will stop for lunch back in the downtown area of Kingston from 11:45 1:00 p.m. before departing for Montebello Quebec. Our hotel this evening is the beautiful Le Chateau Montebello, located on the shores of the Ottawa River. We expect to arrive at the impressive Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello at approximately 5:00 p.m. Enjoy the Collins Tours signature group check in service upon arrival. Relax before we gather for another premium group dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the world s largest log cabin dining room where many famous people once dined. Time to share tales of our travels so far and enjoy the fun and camaraderie that evolves during every group tour! After dinner, enjoy a free evening at this amazing 5-Star resort! Tues. May 15 th Day #8 Quebec City, QC (B) Today enjoy a relaxed check out to allow you additional time for a hearty hot buffet breakfast (included) and chance to enjoy more of the hotel and nature at its best. Perhaps a swim in the hotels indoor pool or explore the walking trails around the hotel? At 10:45 a.m., join fellow tour members as we embark on our next adventure...two nights in Old Quebec City at the Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world! Our lunch stop today will be at a location that is convenient to our route (meal your expense). We expect to check in at approximately 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a free evening relaxing in your castle and exploring more of this incredible city, with countless restaurants, boutiques, the funicular, and more, all within walking distance. Wed. May 16 th Day #9 Quebec City, QC (B, L, D) Enjoy another Fairmont buffet breakfast in the hotel dining room before meeting your tour manager for 8:45 a.m. and fellow passengers for another exciting day of history and culture. Your professionally-guided half day tour will feature the historic and cultural highlights of Quebec City, including a chance to see the Plains of Abraham and time on your own at the famous shrine at Saint Anne-de-Beaupre. We will enjoy lunch (included) following our visit to the shrine. We will then return to Old Quebec leaving you to shop and explore at your leisure or relax and enjoy the numerous amenities offered at your iconic hotel. Meet your tour manager this evening for our 6:00 p.m. departure to make our way to Cotes a Cotes grill for our 6:15 p.m. group dinner in one of Quebec City s oldest buildings, dating back to the 1700 s (included). The rest of evening is at your leisure. Thurs. May 17 th Day #10 Edmundston NB (B, D) Today we have scheduled another late check out, another example of the flexible scheduling we offer during our group tours. Enjoy your buffet breakfast (included) before your free morning. Be sure to enjoy some more delightful French cuisine at a lunch location of your choice (meal on own). Meet your coach at 12:30 p.m. (location TBA) and bid farewell to La Belle Province, 4
journeying east to Edmundston N.B. The coach will stop for a coffee break before our late afternoon check in at the modern Best Western Plus. Take time to relax before we gather at 6:15 p.m. for our Farewell Dinner (price included) with complimentary glass of wine or beer included. Time to reflect on our amazing time together, the fond memories created, and new friendships forged during our group travel experience. Fri. May 18 th Day #11 Home (B) Hot breakfast is included again this morning before our 8:15 a.m. departure for home. Stops today include a 25-min. coffee break and an hour for lunch at Lincoln Big Stop (your expense). All passengers will then be returned to their original pick-up points. Drop off LOCATIONS & Approximate arrival times: New Brunswick Clients: Lincoln Big Stop Irving-Brunch 11:15-12:15pm Aulac, Big Stop-1:45pm 20 min rest stop Nova Scotia Clients: Amherst, Super 8-2:20pm Truro Heights, Quality Inn 3:30pm Truro Heights, Big Stop-3:45pm Halifax Airport, Quality Inn 4:45pm Dartmouth Crossing, Hampton Inn- 5:05pm Halifax, Sobey s Lacewood Dr. 5:30pm Halifax, Future Inn- 5:45pm IMPORTANT INFORMATION *Tour itineraries are a guideline and may need to be adjusted by CTC or your tour manager and are impacted by unforeseen factors such as weather, traffic, changes to concert or sporting event times, and/or act of God. Collins Tours is not responsible for any refunds, reimbursements, credits, or liable due to any changes in itineraries, modifications, or lost time in any one particular area due to any such unforeseen events described above. Seat rotation policy is in effect, for this and all group motor coach tours, and will be explained by your tour director on Day #1. Front seats are not guaranteed, however front rotation of motorcoach can be accommodated with notice from physician. Your hotel contact information is as follows: - Best Western Plus Hotel Levesque, 171 Rue Fraser, Riviere-du-Loup, Ph: 171, rue Fraser, Rivièredu-Loup (Québec) G5R 1E2 418-862-6927 - Fairmont Tremblant, 3045 Chemin de la Chapelle, Mont-Tremblant, QC, Ph: 819-681-7000. - Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, 392 Rue Notre Dame, Montebello, QC, Ph: 819-423-6341. - Fairmont Chateau Laurier 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON, Ph: 613-241-1414. - Four Points by Sheraton Kingston, 285 King St E., Kingston ON, Ph: 613-545-4279 - Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC, Ph: 418-692-3861 - Best Western Plus, 280 Boul Hebert, Edmundston, NB, Ph: 506-739-0000 5
Be sure to sign up for your FREE Fairmont President Club membership. To access some amazing amenities at all Frimont hotels, including FREE internet service. Forms are available at the front desk or you can sign up online with Fairmont. Bring along your favorite music CD s and DVD s, our motor coach is equipped to play both. Please remove all personal belongings when departing the bus, as we are not responsible for items that are left behind. REMEMBER: your tour manager handles: hotel check in/checkout procedures, overall group management (e.g. timely transitions, itinerary planning), and group representation at events, hotels, theatres, and overall operation of each tour. We work hard to ensure that everyone enjoys his or her experience to the fullest. Gratuities for your Tour Manager and driver are not included in your tour price. Tour director tipping guidelines are $5.00 per person per day and a minimum of $2.50 per person per day for the bus driver. Step on City guides are minimum $2.00 per person per day. Thank you for traveling with Collins Tours We look forward to serving you with ALL your future travel plans 6