Ontario- Lanark County: Christmas in the Valley
November 27-28, 2025
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Pakenham, Almonte, and Perth
This morning, we will depart Carlingwood Mall for our journey to Lanark County. Our first stop will be in the charming town of Pakenham. We will visit the historic Pakenham Bridge, a stone bridge with five arches that crosses the rapids on the Mississippi River and is the only one of its kind in North America. Built by Scottish stone masons at the beginning of the 20th century for horse and carriage use, the bridge was fully restored to its original state in 1984 and is now a treasured local landmark. We will then make our way to St Peter Celestine Roman Catholic Church, one of the most architecturally impressive churches in rural Canada. Built in 1892, the exterior takes inspiration from the 17th century stone churches of southern France and rural Quebec. Its incredibly preserved interior decoration is considered one of only three churches in Canada built in Classic Italianate style. After learning about the history and architecture of the church, we will make a stop at 1840s General Store & Bakery, a bakery dedicated to preserving local recipes passed down over generations. Its gift shop offers an eclectic mix of locally handcrafted items, antiques, and keepsakes that pay homage to the 1800s era. We will also visit local favourite Keeper’s Coffee Bar, a coffee and gift shop selling artisan products produced in Lanark County, before making our way to Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm. Voted one of Ottawa’s best winter attractions and often featured in Hallmark Christmas movies, the farm boasts rolling hills and stunning vistas, offers tractor-pulled wagon rides, and is home to a beautiful timber frame shop selling a variety of Christmas and winter products.
After our time at the farm, we will make our way to the lovely town of Almonte. We will explore Mill Street’s unique boutiques and historic architecture as well as the town’s Hallmark Christmas movie shooting locations before breaking for free time for lunch ($) and Christmas shopping. We will then visit Almonte’s Old Town Hall before a tour to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, where we will learn about the textile history of the region, visit the exhibitions, and receive a spinning and weaving demonstration.
After an enjoyable day, we will make our way to Perth and check in to The Best Western Perth Parkside Inn overlooking Stewart Park. Enjoy your included dinner before relaxing in the peace and quiet of your hotel room. (D)
Day 2
Perth, Smith’s Falls, and Carleton Place
After breakfast and check out at the hotel, we will begin our day with a walking tour of Perth. Voted the prettiest town in Ontario, we will explore many local attractions that make Perth special such as Perth Pies Co, Crystal Palace, Mammoth Cheese and the Perth Library. After free time for Christmas shopping, we will continue on to the Perth Brewery, where you can sample one of their many renowned craft beers.
From Perth we will head to Smith’s Falls, where we will visit Gemmell’s Garden Centre, a destination garden centre and greenhouse, to explore their seasonal botanical offerings. We will then make a stop at Hendry’s Christmas Tree Farm where you will have the opportunity to explore the farm and their indulge in their baked goods, homemade jellies, and Christmas products.
Our next stop will be Carleton Place, where we will break for free time for lunch ($) and shopping in the historic town centre. We will then visit the Carleton Place Gallery, a fine art exhibition space featuring work by local and Ottawa-area artists, before heading to the Wool Administration Warehouse– a renowned wool processing facility. Constructed in 1890 of local limestone, this building contained the roundhouse and engine repair shops for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) until 1939. In 1940, the building was purchased by the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers. Wool arrives here from across the country and is graded before being shipped out in compact bales. It also houses a lovely shop with a variety of wool, alpaca, bamboo, and cotton products.
After our time in Carleton Place, we will head back to Ottawa. Expect to arrive back at Carlingwood Mall in the early evening. (B)
Itinerary and hotel subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hotel Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa or similar
Hotel Address
82 Peter StPerth, Ontario
K7H 1S2
(613) 326-0082
Italy- The Italian Riviera, Tuscany and Florence
May 12-26, 2026
Very few regions of the world evoke the same romantic images as do the Italian Riviera, Tuscany and Florence. Italy is a gift to the senses and a foodie’s dream vacation. Join Travac Tours for a 15 day, 13-night holiday to this incredibly beautiful part of Northern Italy renowned for art, culture, and cuisine.
You will start your holiday in The Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre. The Italian Riviera, synonymous with Italy’s Liguria region, is a crescent-shaped strip of Mediterranean coastline spanning between the south of France and Tuscany. It is defined by its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, pastel seaside towns, colourful fishing villages as well as resort areas such as Portofino.
On to Tuscany to experience all that this province of Italy is world famous for. You’ll see picturesque medieval cities with their signature skylines of bell towers. Each day in Tuscany will offer spectacular rolling landscapes blanketed in grapevines and olive groves. You will enjoy lunch and a chance to sample recent vintages at a local winery after your tour with the vintner. This will surely be a highlight of your trip. Complete your visit of Tuscany with a trip to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower and inspirational cathedral.
From Tuscany, you will travel to Florence. This city was the cradle of the Renaissance and once the most powerful city in Europe. Florence holds world-class art collections that rival any city such as the Uffizi Museum and of course Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. To properly experience Florence our Italian guide will take you on a walking tour through its ancient streets and piazzas.
Travac’s tour to Italy includes round-trip flights from Ottawa, ground transportation, 13 nights’ accommodation and day trips throughout your holiday. This holiday is fully escorted by an experienced Travac Tours director whose first priority is your satisfaction.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Ottawa
This afternoon you will depart Ottawa with your Travac Tours Director to Montreal airport by private motorcoach.
Travac office staff will be happy to give you more flight details.
You will be served a dinner and a continental breakfast on board your overnight flights.
Day 2
Arrival in Italy
Upon arrival, you will meet your Travac Tours Director in the baggage claim area and then be transferred to your hotel. A welcome dinner is included tonight. Monterosso al Mare is a picturesque town in the province of La Spezia on the Italian Riviera that is part of the region of Liguria. It is one of the five villages in Cinque Terre. The area is known for its natural beauty and unbelievable vistas. (D)
Overnight in Monterosso 5 nights at Hotel Palme (or similar).
Day 3
Monterosso
This morning you will embark on a full day tour of Monterosso and some of the villages that make up Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera. Your local guide will take you through the villages of Vernazza and Manarola. Transportation for this tour will be by train and ferry (weather permitting). (B)
Day 4
Monterosso
Your day is free to rest and enjoy Monterosso. The city has one of the nicest beaches in Cinque Terre. Your tour host will offer some options for your free time. (B)
Day 5
Monterosso
This morning you will embark on a full day tour of more villages that make up Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera. Your local guide will take you through the villages of Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and Rapallo. Transportation for this tour will be by train and ferry (weather permitting). (B)
Day 6
Monterosso
Your day is free to enjoy the area. Spend your day in Monterosso or visit one of the nearby villages on your own by train or ferry. Your tour host will offer some options for your free time. (B)
Day 7
Siena
This morning we depart Monterosso for Siena. The drive from Monterosso to Siena is approximately 2 1/2 hours. We will make a stop enroute for lunch. Upon arrival we will embark on a 2-hour walking tour of Siena with a local guide to experience the history of this medieval city. (B)
Overnight in Siena 4 nights at NH Siena (or similar)
Day 8
Siena
Today we will explore the wineries and olive groves of Tuscany. You will have a chance to visit one of the region’s noted wineries (more details to follow). Lunch and tasting is included. (B, L)
Day 9
Siena
After breakfast we’ll embark on a full day tour of Tuscany with an included lunch at a local cheese factory. Tuscany is renowned for its history and art, its evocative landscape, and, perhaps most notably, its food and drink. Our tour will encompass eastern and central Tuscany. We’ll visit Cortona, with its spectacular hillside views and Montepulciano, known for its Renaissance palazzo. (B, L)
Day 10
Siena
Once a regional capital that challenged Florence’s power, Siena might be Italy’s prettiest medieval town. Its old alleys and its town square, the Piazza del Campo, possess a unique charm that captivates visitors to this historic town. Take the day to explore the sights of Siena on your own. (B)
Day 11
Florence
After breakfast, we depart Siena for Florence – the drive is approx. 2 hours. Once we arrive in Florence, we will meet our local guide at the hotel for a 2-hour walking tour of Florence. Our tour of Florence will encompass many of the city’s churches, monuments, and squares. Florence first began life as a Roman colony in 59 BC and has been ruled by some of the most notable Italian families. The most famous of these – the Medici family. During this time, Florence was the cultural and intellectual heart of Europe. Artists, architects, and sculptors flocked to the city and their work is still evident in the city’s fabric. (B)
Overnight in Florence 4 nights at Hotel Adriatico (or similar).
Day 12
Today we explore the western region of Tuscany. Our full day tour will highlight the city of Pisa. In its early days Pisa was famous for its powerful Navy, which had trade links to Spain and North Africa. We’ll see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, (admission into Tower not included) one of Italy’s best-known icons. Other stops on today’s tour will include Lucca, a Roman town dating back to 180 BC the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini and Leonardo da Vinci. (B)
Day 13
Today is free to explore Florence at your leisure. You might also consider walking through the eastern part of the city, which still retains a distinctly old-world Italian atmosphere. You may wish to visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia or The Academy of Fine Arts, where you can see Michelangelo’s David. A must-see is the richly decorated Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. The church’s dome, built by the famous architect Brunelleschi, was the largest and most impressive such construction of its time. (B)
Day 14
Today is another free day in Florence. Enjoy all the museums, shops and cafes Florence has to offer. Your Travac Tours Director can help you with ideas for sightseeing today. Tonight is our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 15
Today we depart for our return flights to Montreal. Upon arrival in Montreal, you will return to Ottawa by private coach.
Details will be provided by the Travac Tours office. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
*Please note that a visit to Italy entails a fair amount of walking to fully enjoy your holiday experience. You should feel comfortable being able to walk for extended periods of time and must be able to keep up with the group. Like much of Europe, many of the avenues and walkways are made of cobblestone – comfortable walking shoes are essential.*
Hotel Information
Hotel Palme
Hotel Address
Via IV Novembre, 5Monterosso, Italy
19016
+39 0187 829013
Hotel NH Siena
Hotel Address
Piazza La Lizza. 53100Siena, Italy
53100
+39 0577 382111
Hotel Adriactico
Hotel Address
Via Maso Finiguerra, 9, 50123Florence, Italy
50129
+39 055 27931
new Italy- The Italian Riviera, Tuscany and Florence
October 9-23, 2025
May 12-26, 2026
Very few regions of the world evoke the same romantic images as do the Italian Riviera, Tuscany and Florence. Italy is a gift to the senses and a foodie’s dream vacation. Join Travac Tours for a 15 day, 13-night holiday to this incredibly beautiful part of Northern Italy renowned for art, culture, and cuisine.
You will start your holiday in The Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre. The Italian Riviera, synonymous with Italy’s Liguria region, is a crescent-shaped strip of Mediterranean coastline spanning between the south of France and Tuscany. It is defined by its rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, pastel seaside towns, colourful fishing villages as well as resort areas such as Portofino.
On to Tuscany to experience all that this province of Italy is world famous for. You’ll see picturesque medieval cities with their signature skylines of bell towers. Each day in Tuscany will offer spectacular rolling landscapes blanketed in grapevines and olive groves. You will enjoy lunch and a chance to sample recent vintages at a local winery after your tour with the vintner. This will surely be a highlight of your trip. Complete your visit of Tuscany with a trip to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower and inspirational cathedral.
From Tuscany, you will travel to Florence. This city was the cradle of the Renaissance and once the most powerful city in Europe. Florence holds world-class art collections that rival any city such as the Uffizi Museum and of course Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. To properly experience Florence our Italian guide will take you on a walking tour through its ancient streets and piazzas.
Travac’s tour to Italy includes round-trip flights from Ottawa, ground transportation, 13 nights’ accommodation and day trips throughout your holiday. This holiday is fully escorted by an experienced Travac Tours director whose first priority is your satisfaction.