Compare Ontario & French Canada With Ocean Train To Halifax by Tours4Fun vs Bhutan The Last Shangri La Tour by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,171 | $ 2,440 |
| Price Per Day | $ 181 | $ 349 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Explore the highlights of following cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Halifax, Kingston, Niagara Falls, ON, Ivy Lea |
Bhutan The Last Shangri-La Tour is our effort to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage of this tiny Himalayan kingdom also known as the last Shangri-La. Our week-long tour in Bhutan begins with sightseeing in the country’s capital, Thimphu, where we visit the Memorial Chhorten, mini- zoo, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, folk heritage museum and the majestic Tashichho Dzong (fortress). Next, we travel to Punakha via Dochu La pass (3,100m) and tour the Chimi Lhakhang temple on the way. We also visit the Punakha Dzong and explore the amazing Gangtey village before heading to Paro. In the beautiful Paro valley, we visit Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang temple. Our tour ends with a hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is a perfect way to end one’s journey in the last Shangri-La. |
Day 1 TORONTO
Welcome to Ontario's capital. Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 TORONTO. EXCURSION TO NIAGARA FALLS
Skirt the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls. Return to Toronto, where sightseeing includes the city's major landmarks, such as the banking district, City Hall, the CN Tower, the University of Toronto, and ultra-modern Rogers Centre. This evening, enjoy an optional outing to the top of the CN Tower for a delicious dinner and spectacular views.NOTE:Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
Day 3 TORONTO - KINGSTON - THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK - OTTAWA
Leave Ontario's capital and stop in Kingston, a city with an exciting history dating back more than 300 years. Proceed along the St. Lawrence River with splendid vistas of Thousand Islands National Park. At Ivy Lea, board your boat for a cruise that takes a scenic route through the many islands of St. Lawrence Islands National Park. Next, head to Ottawa, Canada's beautiful capital.
Day 4 OTTAWA
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this lovely city on the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. See the Canadian Mint, the embassy district, and stately Parliament Hill. Visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Stables, a tribute to Canadian heritage and history. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of History or the array of restaurants and shops at lively Byward Market.NOTE: All dates are subject to availability of the RCMP Stables, and can become unavailable at any time.
Day 5 OTTAWA - QUÉBEC CITY AREA
Drive into the French-Canadian province of Quebec for a sudden change in language and tradition. Follow the historical King's Highway along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Cap de la Madeleine before arriving in Quebec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6 QUÉBEC CITY AREA
Enjoy a guided tour of Canada's only walled city, crowned by the turrets of Chateau Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Quebec was the center of New France; today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls reside Place d'Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle, and ancient Place Royale. Also, see the stone houses crowding the narrow streets of Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River. The afternoon and evening are free"your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 7 QUÉBEC CITY AREA - MONTRÉAL
This morning, join a unique optional excursion to the Érabliere le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack. Visitors to the sugar cabin will enjoy a typical Quebec breakfast, along with a guided visit and presentation to explain the process of maple extraction. Afterward, head south for sophisticated Montreal, one of Canada's largest cities. Major attractions on this afternoon's guided tour include once-walled Old Montreal, the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Mount Royal, and modern Montreal.
Day 8 MONTRÉAL
The next two days are at leisure to discover the city's European charm, Canadian warmth, and small-world feel.
Day 9 MONTRÉAL - VIA RAIL THE OCEAN TRAIN TO HALIFAX
This evening, transfer to the train station and board the overnight Ocean train to Nova Scotia. Travel along the St. Lawrence River in the comfort of your private sleeper car. (D)
Day 10 VIA RAIL OCEAN TRAIN - HALIFAX
Arrive in Halifax and transfer to your hotel, the Lord Nelson. (B,L)
Day 11 HALIFAX. EXCURSION TO PEGGY'S COVE
The capital of Halifax, is steeped in maritime history. En route to the seaside village of Peggy's Cove, pass-by the Halifax Public Gardens; see the Citadel National Historic Site, a fort perched high above the city; as well as other notable landmarks. Afterward, journey along the winding coastal highway of the Lighthouse Route to the tiny fishing village of Peggy's Cove. Colorful houses, fishing shacks and Peggy's Point Lighthouse are perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic.
Day 12 HALIFAX
Your vacation ends this morning.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro then transfer to Thimphu
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Travel Distance: 54 km Driving: 1 hour
Maximum Altitude: 2,320m/7,612ft
As your flight nears Bhutan, you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take you to your hotel in Thimphu for a good night’s sleep. However, if your flight arrives early and you want to visit a few places in Thimphu then it can be arranged too. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Maximum Altitude: 2,320m/7,612ft
In the morning, we visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed in the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if we are in Thimphu during the weekends, we explore the Weekend Market instead. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Kichu Resort)
Travel Distance: 76 km Driving: 2-3 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,250m/4,101ft
After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. Next, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. On the way, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After reaching Punakha, we also visit Punakha Dzong which was built between 1637-1638 and is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Excursion to Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Kichu Resort)
Travel Distance: 164 km Driving: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,900m/9,515ft
In the morning, we explore Wangduephodrang. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. We then drive through dense oak and rhododendron forests to Gangtey, a beautiful village surrounded by amazing snow-capped mountains. From here, we enjoy views of the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Gangtey Monastery is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. We explore Phobjikha villages before driving back to Punakha for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Punakha to Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Travel Distance: 130 km Driving: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft
After breakfast, we begin our drive to the Paro valley. In Paro, we visit Rinpung Dzong which means “fortress made from a heap of jewels.”We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.
Day 6: Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Hiking: 4-5 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,180m/10,434ft
After breakfast, we hike for 4 to 5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for final departure.
