US & Canada Discovery Winter

11 days
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Small Group Tour
Escape the crowds, embrace the snow and enjoy the magical festivities of Christmas on this 10-day winter adventure through the USA and Canada. Check out the Windy City, dine with an Amish family in small-town Ohio, experience the misty magic of Niagara Falls and skate along the frozen Rideau Canal in Montreal. Explore eclectic and French-infused Montreal, try...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Capture the magic of Christmas and enjoy the local festivities. This flexible itinerary is specially designed to show you the winter highlights and some seasonal treats.
    • Venture off the tourist trail on a visit to Amish Country where you’ll dine on hearty homemade cuisine with a local family.
    • Indulge in Canadian local cuisine, from pastrami sandwiches at Shwartz’s Deli in Montreal to ‘beaver tails’ in Ottawa’s Byward Market Square.
    • Get insider knowledge on an orientation tour of Old Montreal with plenty of free time to explore the rest of the eclectic city at your leisure.
    • Get among the Canadian festivities like Christmas markets or the festival of lights in Toronto and Montreal. Depending on when you visit there's always something going on!

What's this trip about?

    Escape the crowds, embrace the snow and enjoy the magical festivities of Christmas on this 10-day winter adventure through the USA and Canada. Check out the Windy City, dine with an Amish family in small-town Ohio, experience the misty magic of Niagara Falls and skate along the frozen Rideau Canal in Montreal. Explore eclectic and French-infused Montreal, try your hand at sleigh riding in snow-covered Stowe, and finish up among the bright lights and skyscrapers of New York. Along the way, there’s a slew of winter festivals and Christmas markets to explore.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 13 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChicago
End CityNew York

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • North America
  • Canada
  • United States

Attractions

  • Berlin
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Montreal
  • New York
  • Niagara Falls
  • Ottawa
  • Toronto
  • York

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Chicago

Welcome to the Windy City, aka Chicago, USA. There are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have time during the day, explore the lakefront paths that Chicago is famous for or opt for a cruise down the river to Lake Michigan. After the welcome meeting, perhaps head out with your new travel companions for a slice of the city’s legendary deep-dish pizza.

Day 2 Berlin

Prepare for an early start as your morning begins with a long drive to Berlin, Ohio, which usually takes around 7 hours. As part of the largest Amish settlement in the world, Berlin is at the heart of Amish country in Ohio. Depending on the day of the week, you'll vis...

Day 3 Niagara Falls / Toronto

Today the group will make the 6-hour journey crossing the boarder headed for Toronto, Canada.  We will visit Niagara Falls on the way stopping at a couple of different viewpoints to witness the natural wonder in action. Winter is a lovely time to see the falls, as the...

Day 4 Toronto

Today, join your leader on a tour through Kensington Market – one of the city’s most colourful and multicultural neighbourhoods, where you'll get to experience the history, culture and individuality of the area. After your tour, perhaps take in the views from the CN T...

Day 5 Ottawa

Drive to Ottawa, (approximately 5 hours) where your day is free to explore Canada’s capital. In the afternoon, perhaps check out the awesome Gothic parliament building, or visit the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. Byward Market Square is...

Day 6 Montreal

Today it will take around 2 hours to drive to Montreal. Upon your arrival this afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk of Old Montreal where you’ll explore iconic sites in this historic neighbourhood including the famous Notre-Dame Basilica. This is a compact island city...

Day 7 Montreal

Today is a free day in Montreal. For lunch perhaps try the famous pastrami sandwiches at Schwarz's Deli, or relax over a long brunch at Beautys Luncheonette. The winter activities on offer are many. Glide around The Old Port’s Montreal Skating Rink or perhaps visit Mo...

Day 8 Stowe

In the morning, head south and back across the border into the USA on your way to Stowe (approximately 3 hours). En route, stop at the picturesque Lake Champlain to stretch your legs. A bit further down the road is the Ben and Jerry's Factory, where you'll take a tour...

Day 9 Stowe

With a full free day at your disposal, you won’t be short of optional activities to keep you entertained in this mountain resort town. Perhaps visit the Von Trapp Family Lodge (once home to the family made famous by The Sound of Music), ride the Mount Mansfield gondol...

Day 10 New York

Welcome to the Big Apple! Today you’ll drive through New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut and on to your final destination for this tour, New York (approximately 6 hours). With a Metrocard in hand and some guidance from your leader you'll be set to explore the...

Day 11 New York

Bid farewell to your travel buddies as your epic winter discovery ends today. If you’re extending your time in New York, ask your leader for the best tips and tricks to make the most of your time in the Big Apple.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,620
Price per day$329
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nts),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
Your leader will provide basic information about the sights and cities you'll be visiting but please note that our leaders are not 'tour guides' in the traditional sense. They are adventure travel specialists and are there to organise your trip, arrange activities and help with questions or problems you may have while on your tour. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations. They are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads. While your group will have a minivan for all included activities on the trip, please note that the services of the van and the driver may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site. We have designed our trips to make the most of your time in the States, but please understand that there are certain times during each day that your leader will need to be off duty from work. This includes having meal and rest periods and personal time. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking Entrance requirements to the USA have changed in recent years so please read the following instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to the USA before. PLEASE NOTE: Also please note, all travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their flight from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov Apply for ESTA no later than 72 HOURS (we recommend 1 week prior to travel) before departing for the United States. Real-time approvals will no longer be available and arriving at the airport without a previously approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding. Many countries now operate under a visa waiver program (meaning a visa isn't required) however you still need to obtain an authorisation which confirms that you have been approved to travel. This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel. See https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html Many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the USA without a visa for a 90 day stay, if they meet certain requirements. Travellers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable, biometric passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry to enter without a visa, otherwise a US visa is required. You can get further information from the US Department of State website: - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US$14.00 fee paid by credit or debit card. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least 1 week prior to travel to avoid any last minute delays. You will require your passport details and your address in the US (you can use the starting point hotel/hostel address). Please note that if there is any discrepancy between the name on your ESTA, your passport, your tickets and even your frequent flyer membership, you may be detained at Immigration and subject to a secondary inspection which could take a few hours. If you have recently changed your name, please check that your details have been updated everywhere. If you are from a country eligible for the visa waiver program but are a dual citizen of Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan, or if you have travelled to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan or Yemen since 1 March 2011, you will no longer be eligible for the visa waiver program and will instead need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. Please see the Department of State website for more information: http://travel.state.gov//content/travel/en.html CANADA Most nationalities except South Africans do not need a visa for Canada, but will need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). See http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp for details and to apply. There is a fee of CA$7 for this service. Travellers will need an eTA before they can board a flight to Canada. If you are crossing the border by road, then you do not need to apply for an eTA. Please note there are many third-party sites offering visa services and charging a fee however The Government of Canada website is the only official place to apply for an eTA visa. Please note, if you hold dual Canadian citizenship, then from 30 September 2016 you won't be able to apply for an eTA and will instead need to enter Canada using your Canadian passport. If you do not have a Canadian passport, you'll need to apply for one in advance of travel. As always, please check your individual requirements with your local embassy/consulate or a visa service.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/safety-guidelines PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. DRINKING SAFETY: Please note that in the US the legal drinking age is 21 and in some parts of Canada it is 19. When out drinking in bars please be responsible and take the same precautions you would at home. Don't accept drinks from strangers, and don't let your drink out of your sight. It is always a good idea to go out with a group and stick together.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Skyline Hotel
  • 725, 10th Avenue 49th Street
  • New York
  • NY
  • 10019
  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • Phone: +1 2125863400
Trip ID
intrepid-SSKS

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