Four Unique Summer Vacations to Canada Presented by Smithsonian Journeys
Americans looking for the perfect summer getaway can find a unique vacation close to home with four distinctive tours to Canada offered by Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program. Whether interested in a cruise, train trip or the performing arts, travelers can travel to Canada with top experts who add insight, fascinating daily programs and great value. Full details about Canada vacations, including tour itineraries, background on each of the experts, destination articles and reading lists and slide shows are available at http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/travelcanada.
A journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains provides an ideal summer vacation. “A Canadian Rockies Adventure” (Aug. 5-12) is a land-and-train adventure where travelers enjoy magnificent landscapes both up close and from the comforts of a luxury train. Spectacular snowcapped mountains with glaciers, rushing rivers and alpine lakes serve as backdrops to a variety of wildlife. Beginning in Edmonton, participants will explore Jasper National Park, the renowned Icefields Parkway and charming Banff and stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and baronial Banff Springs Hotel. Travelers then spend two full days aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, where they can enjoy panoramic views from a 360-degree view dome car during this Canadian Rockies tour, en route to Vancouver. An expert in Canadian history and nature provides insight along the way.
Vacationers looking for a unique summer cruise that’s close to home will find “Canadian Splendors” (July 25-Aug. 3) a great value cruise, aboard the small ship 96-guest Grande Mariner. Starting at just $4,701, the cruise in Canada takes travelers on an exploration of three of the Great Lakes—Ontario, Erie and Huron. Travelers will experience Native American traditions at Manitoulin Island, stop at picturesque Blueberry Island and Goderich, attend theater at the Stratford Theatre Festival, explore wildlife sanctuaries and enjoy a relaxing day cruising Lake Huron. Other highlights include a visit to Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village and a choice of visiting the Cleveland Art Museum or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, followed by a stop at the world-famous Niagara Falls. If booked by April 15, travelers can save $200 per person.
Travelers interested in the performing arts can enjoy five days in the gracious Victorian town of Stratford, Ontario, attending six plays at the Stratford Theatre Festival, which is renowned for its productions of Shakespearean plays as well as modern classics. This year’s roster of plays includes Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night and Richard III, plus Camelot, Molière’s The Misanthrope and the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. During “Stratford Theatre Festival” (Aug. 3-7), travelers will attend lectures by an expert who provides insight, as well as VIP receptions with cast members and theater staff, and a backstage tour. The cost of $2,495 includes prime seating at performances, all activities mentioned, four nights of accommodations and many meals.
Smithsonian Journeys also features an exciting late summer insider’s getaway focused on the best upcoming films. Participants of “Toronto International Film Festival” (Sept. 7-12) receive the coveted “industry” pass, which whisks holders past long lines to attend multiple film screenings each day. Other highlights include private lectures with industry insiders, filmmakers and film critics and attendance at a premiere gala screening. Space is limited at $2,995 per person, including five nights accommodation at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre.
About Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. The Smithsonian Journeys collection includes small-ship luxury and value cruises, private-jet tours, custom designed private travel options and small-group, air-inclusive tours worldwide. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
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