Tour begins and ends in Victoria, B.C.
Optional gateway cities; Vancouver or Seattle, ferry to Vancouver Island.
Flights and Ferry can be included at additional cost.
Day 1 – Home City to Victoria B.C.
Upon arrival in Victoria you will be transferred to The Empress. The Condé Nast number one ranked hotel of Vancouver Island 2009, The Fairmont Empress Resort regally captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today's traveler. So settle in and get ready to enjoy this “bit-of-England”. A light buffet dinner is included tonight. Stay four nights at The Empress Hotel (D)
Day 2 – Victoria on your own, New Year’s Eve Party.
After a continental breakfast the entire morning and afternoon is yours. You may choose to cross the street, to the Royal British Museum, walk the enchanting streets, visit Rogers Chocolates (for samples) or shop! Early this afternoon, enjoy “High Tea at the Empress”. This regal and delightful British tradition is honored beautifully. Before you know it, it will be time to begin the New Year’s Celebration. A cocktail reception gets the evening rolling, then gather in the Empress Hotel’s “Crystal Ballroom” for a scrumptious holiday dinner. The Empress goes to the extremes with a lively evening of music and dancing. You will be carried joyously into the New Year! Empress Hotel (CB,HT,CP,D)
Day 3 – New Year’s Day, Victoria Touring
Greet the New Year in this morning with a lavish brunch with all the fixin’s! Following brunch you’ll see such sights as the B.C. Parliament Buildings, Provincial Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Christchurch Cathedral and Graigdarroch Castle! Experience the lifestyles of the rich & powerful at the end of the 19th century! View exquisite stained glass, intricate woodwork & lavish Victorian-era furnishings. This evening you will be treated to a carriage ride to Gatsby’s Restaurant for a delightful dinner. Empress Hotel (BR,D)
Day 4 – Train ride to Chemainus, Butchard Gardens.
Following breakfast board the Victoria-Courtenay train (VIA Rail) with wonderful vistas en route to the charming community of Chemainus, famous for its historic murals. Board your motorcoach for the famous Butchard Gardens celebrating their 103rd year. Once a limestone quarry, this is now a tapestry of color spread across 35 acres. Feast your eyes on the winter blooming flowers, magnificent trees, rare shrubs, seasonal berries and a mirror-smooth lake. Truly an unforgettable experience! As the sun sets, twinkling lights appear like diamonds through the garden. You’ll finish your tour with a hosted dinner in the dining room. Empress Hotel (B,D)
Day 5 – Victoria B.C. to Home City
Enjoy a hosted breakfast this morning before your ferry ride begins back to the modern world as you leave Vancouver Island for your flight home. You will carry with you memories of this uniquely British New Year’s Celebration, a classic! (B)
Arrive Seattle/Tacoma Airport by 11:00 AM, departure flight after 3:00 PM
or Arrive Vancouver Airport by 2:00 PM, departure flight after 12:00 PM
Note: A two night extension is available to Seattle or Vancouver, site of the Winter Olympics!
