Upon arrival, if you purchased Vantage air, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel from the airport. After settling in, enjoy free time before a Welcome Dinner tonight.

Ottawa may well be one of the world’s most beautiful capitals, with its monumental Parliament Hill overlooking a mantle of gorgeous waterways, parks, and falls. You’ll discover its highlights on this morning’s city tour, beginning with the Canadian Museum of History.

Next, your city tour brings you past the War Memorial that stands on Confederation Square, one of Canada’s national historic sites. Then, at the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s oldest and largest open-air farmers’ market, you’ll be tempted by more than 260 stalls selling fresh local fare and gifts. Maybe you’ll sample a BeaverTails pastry, a scrumptious cinnamon and sugar-dusted fritter that got its start in Ottawa. Traveling along Sussex Drive, you’ll see the Prime Minister’s residence, then continue to stately Rockcliffe Park and the adjoining city of Gatineau, with its impressive Museum of Civilization. Heading back to town, you’ll cross the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, which slices through the heart of downtown and is a popular recreation area always filled with bikers or skaters. You’ll also see Major’s Hill Park, a peaceful green oasis in the heart of downtown Ottawa, and the city’s crowning glory, Parliament Hill, a collection of enormous sandstone, Gothic Revival buildings including the iconic, 302-foot-high Peace Tower.

Set out to uncover the delights of one of the world’s most surprising capitals. Laid-back and inviting, Ottawa exudes a sophistication and worldliness that make it irresistible for culture lovers. This former lumber town is today graced with stunning neo-Gothic buildings, lush gardens and green parks. Then, enjoy a panoramic tour of the downtown core, viewing the Prime Minister’s Offices, Parliament Hill, and the Supreme Court. See the ByWard Market, the main shopping street, and the Rideau Canal, which opened in 1832. You have the rest of the day free to explore on your own.

The afternoon is at leisure and lunch and dinner are on your own. Perhaps you’ll return to the ByWard Market for some last-minute shopping, take a sightseeing cruise along the Ottawa River, or browse the National Gallery of Canada.

Depart for Montréal and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of nature in Montebello. Visit Parc Omega and discover Canada’s wildlife such as moose, elk, bison, wolves, bears, and many more, all within their natural environment. Upon arrival at the park, you will board the Omega bus and drive around the 15-kilometer marked path with an animal guide, specifically trained for sharing their knowledges about the beautiful species and quickly spot the ones that are usually difficult to see. Some animals will greet you at the bus: You can open the windows and feed them with carrots if you’d like! Enjoy the ride and admire Canada’s wildlife… you will certainly come back with unperishable memories. After a delightful lunch, you will have some time to walk around the resort before traveling to Montréal to check in at your hotel and join Day 1 of the base tour.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Dublin and set off for Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most charming yet smallest cities, and home to several historic buildings and a number of breweries. You’ll start our tour with a photo stop at the Black Abbey, built in 1225, before continuing on by mini-train to Kilkenny Castle, a sprawling 12th-century manor and the onetime residence of several royal families.

Afterwards, we’ll explore the Kilkenny of more modern times — an arts and crafts hub — as you’ll soon uncover at the Kilkenny Design Centre, home of the National Design & Craft Gallery. This will be the perfect place to pick up gifts and specialty items before lunch on your own in the village.

Upon checking in to your hotel, you may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the stunning Lyrath Estate. At this 17th-century manor house, you’ll enjoy all-modern amenities with a true sense of history and luxury.

Dinner is at the hotel tonight.

Included Features:

• Kilkenny city tour
• Visit Kilkenny Castle via mini train

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit the Kilkenny Design Centre

The day is yours to explore Kilkenny as you wish. Perhaps you’ll explore the grounds of the magnificent Lyrath Estate Hotel, seeking out wildlife on its 170 acres of parkland, take part in an onsite falconry experience, unwind with a spa treatment, or head to the Leisure Centre for a swim. Alternatively, you might choose to go on an excursion to nearby Jerpoint Park, Jenkinston Woods, Kells Priory, and more — your City Host will be happy to assist.

Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

After breakfast, transfer to the Dublin airport for your flight home.

Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Dublin, arriving on Day 2.

If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, you’ll be met at the airport by a representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in Kilkenny — the magnificent Lyrath Estate Hotel. At this 17th-century manor house, you’ll enjoy all-modern amenities with a true sense of history and luxury.

Get settled in and enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight with your fellow expeditioners.

The day is yours to explore Kilkenny as you wish. Perhaps you’ll explore the grounds of the Lyrath Estate Hotel, seeking out wildlife on its 170 acres of parkland, take part in an onsite falconry experience, unwind with a spa treatment, or head to the Leisure Centre for a swim. Alternatively, you might choose to go on an excursion to nearby Jerpoint Park, Jenkinston Woods, Kells Priory, and more — your City Host will be happy to assist.

Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Dublin and set off for Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most charming yet smallest cities, and home to several historic buildings and a number of breweries. You’ll start our tour with a photo stop at the Black Abbey, built in 1225, before continuing by mini-train to Kilkenny Castle, a sprawling 12th-century manor and the onetime residence of several royal families.

Afterwards, we’ll explore the Kilkenny of more modern times — an arts and crafts hub — as you’ll soon uncover at the Kilkenny Design Centre, home of the National Design & Craft Gallery. This will be the perfect place to pick up gifts and specialty items before lunch on your own in the village.

This afternoon, you’ll return to Dublin to join Day 2 of the base tour and meet other expeditioners at a Welcome Reception.

Included Features:

• Kilkenny city tour
• Visit Kilkenny Castle via mini train

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit the Kilkenny Design Centre

Depart for Montreal and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of nature in Montebello. Visit Parc Omega and discover Canada’s wildlife such as moose, elk, bison, wolves, bears, and many more, all within their natural environment. Upon arrival at the park, you will board the Omega bus and drive around the 15-kilometer marked path with an animal guide, specifically trained for sharing their knowledges about the beautiful species and quickly spot the ones that are usually difficult to see. Some animals will greet you at the bus: You can open the windows and feed them with carrots if you’d like! Enjoy the ride and admire Canada’s wildlife… you will certainly come back with unperishable memories. Next, you will transfer to your hotel. After a delightful lunch, you will have some time to walk around the resort before traveling to Montreal to check in at your hotel.

Ottawa may well be one of the world’s most beautiful capitals, with its monumental Parliament Hill overlooking a mantle of gorgeous waterways, parks, and falls. You’ll discover its highlights on this morning’s city tour, beginning with the Canadian Museum of History.

Next, your city tour brings you past the War Memorial that stands on Confederation Square, one of Canada’s national historic sites. Then, at the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s oldest and largest open-air farmers’ market, you’ll be tempted by more than 260 stalls selling fresh local fare and gifts. Maybe you’ll sample a BeaverTails pastry, a scrumptious cinnamon and sugar-dusted fritter that got its start in Ottawa. Traveling along Sussex Drive, you’ll see the Prime Minister’s residence, then continue to stately Rockcliffe Park and the adjoining city of Gatineau, with its impressive Museum of Civilization. Heading back to town, you’ll cross the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, which slices through the heart of downtown and is a popular recreation area always filled with bikers or skaters. You’ll also see Major’s Hill Park, a peaceful green oasis in the heart of downtown Ottawa, and the city’s crowning glory, Parliament Hill, a collection of enormous sandstone, Gothic Revival buildings including the iconic, 302-foot-high Peace Tower.

The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll return to the ByWard Market for some last-minute shopping, take a sightseeing cruise along the Ottawa River, or browse the National Gallery of Canada. Be back in time to bid adieu to your new travel friends at this evening’s Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport and fly home.