Maple Explorer

Fly from London Heathrow to Toronto, Canada's largest city and one of the most multicultural in the world.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Once you've checked in, there's plenty of time to rest after your long flight, or alternatively to start getting to know the city. Situated on the shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto has attractions galore - you could explore the historic Distillery District, take a ferry to the Toronto Island Park or spend your time amongst the city's cosmopolitan restaurants, bars, museums and art galleries.

Spend the day taking in the majesty of one of the world's most stunning natural landmarks - the Niagara Falls. A group of three spectacular waterfalls on the border of the USA and Canada, there's no sight on Earth quite like it.

Enjoy lunch at the falls, as well as time to soak up the breathtaking natural wonder, admiring the mighty thundering waters and boiling cataracts. In the early evening, you return to your hotel in Toronto via the scenic settlement of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a pretty town nestled at the point where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.

Take the train to the Canadian capital of Ottawa, travelling in VIA Rail's business class service. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay, dropping your bags before heading out to explore.

Set on the banks of the river of the same name, Ottawa is a particularly attractive city with acres of parks and gardens to show off. Take a cruise down the Rideau Canal Historic Site, wander the manicured lawns of Major's Hill Park, or experience a slice of the Canadian wilderness at the churning Hogs Back Falls.

Take a guided tour of Ottawa in the morning to explore the city's best loved sights, including Canada's Parliament Buildings, the Embassies and Rideau Falls and Green Island.

For the rest of the day, you're free to explore. You have many options here - you could return for a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings' interior, or explore the city's many museums and galleries.

Today is also a great opportunity to sample poutine, Canada's well-loved national dish of French fries, gravy and cheese curds. Alternatively, opt for something more upmarket with a visit to one Ottawa's well-regarded restaurants.

Head to the rail station and board the VIA Rail train for the short journey to Montreal, travelling in business class. Check into your hotel for two nights before some free time to explore.

Set on an island in the St Lawrence River, Montreal is one of Canada's most culturally rich cities and boasts a varied history and influences from a number of countries, including a strong French heritage. You could explore Old Montreal, an area of immaculately restored buildings and pretty cobbled streets, or take a stroll around the city's unusual but stunning Botanical Garden.

Enjoy more of Montreal as you set off on a morning sightseeing tour of the highlights of the second largest French-speaking city in the world, including Old Montreal, the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, Olympic Park and Mount Royal Park.

Because of its unique island location, Montreal boasts a harbour despite being situated over a thousand miles inland. The Vieux-Port de Montréal is a fantastic place to explore further in the afternoon, which you have free. This historic district features trendy taprooms and eateries aplenty, with something to suit everyone's taste.

Take the train from Montreal, following the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, the capital of New France until 1760. You spend your final two nights here, soaking up the sights and old world charm.

Quebec City's UNESCO-listed Old Town Old Town offers a labyrinth of winding, cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century buildings, all set within fortified city walls. Take in the history of this fortified city - the only one on the continent outside of Mexico - in your free time, perhaps admiring the Citadelle and browsing at the wares on display on the 'outdoor art gallery' of the Rue du Trésor.

Today is free to explore Quebec City further. Here, a mixture of unique French influences, stunning architecture and hundreds of years of history come together to create a city like no other.

You could take a café au lait in one of many traditional pavement cafés, treat yourself to an end meal in an upmarket French restaurant or take a group walking tour to take in the city's major sights. If you're keen to go a little more in-depth, set some time aside to visit the Fortifications de Québec National Historic Site, or the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica.

Bid farewell to Canada as you check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your evening flight to London Heathrow.