We depart from London to Toronto, arriving mid-afternoon. Our base for three nights is the Fairmont Royal York. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into the hotel or explore the surrounding downtown area. Toronto, resting beside Lake Ontario, is home to many diverse cultures. Perhaps visit Little Italy, Little India, Chinatown or Greektown for a fantastic array of dining opportunities.

Our full-day excursion to Niagara Falls is a real highlight. We begin with a buffet lunch overlooking the falls, from the Penthouse Restaurant of the Sheraton Hotel. After lunch you have some free time, so why not board the Maid of the Mist for a cruise on the lake to the foot of the thundering falls? Alternatively, there are several walks around the falls, a skywheel, which offers birds-eye views of Ontario and the falls, or the Journey Behind the Falls, which travels deep into the bedrock behind the raging waters.

Toronto is a melting-pot of cultures. Today we enjoy a guided coach tour, including a stop at the city's most famous landmark, the CN Tower. If you are feeling adventurous, there is time to ascend 1,122 feet (342m) to the Outdoor Observation Deck (ticket not included). Your afternoon is free for you to explore Toronto. Perhaps take a stroll along the shores of Lake Ontario, browse the hundreds of shops at one of the grand covered malls, or visit the excellent art gallery of Ontario.

Today we travel on VIA Rail's Corridor service to Ottawa, with lunch served on board. We stay at the landmark Fairmont Château Laurier, on Parliament Hill for one night. Upon arrival, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this vibrant, multicultural city. The capital of Canada, Ottawa was once a humble lumber town. There are many museums and galleries as well. Nature lovers will find plenty of trails throughout the city's parks, while Byward Market will please avid shoppers.

Your morning is spent at your leisure in Ottawa. Be sure to visit Parliament Hill, Canada's house of democracy overlooking the Ottawa River. We travel by rail to Montreal on VIA Rail's Corridor service, enjoying lunch on board. Upon our arrival, we enjoy a sightseeing tour after checking in at the stylish Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth for a two-night stay. The so-called 'cultural capital' of the province of Quebec, Montreal is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere. With the largest population of French speakers outside of Paris, Montreal retains a unique European feel. Visit the Old City to observe the 17th century architecture, stroll along the river or visit Le Plateau for excellent shopping and dining.

This morning we embark on an excursion to Quebec City on VIA Rail's Corridor service, enjoying breakfast on board. Our day in Quebec begins with a guided city tour, which includes the Citadel and the 'Plains of Abraham', the site of the battle between British and French forces, during the Seven Years' War. This afternoon you may wish to visit the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre Dame, a pilgrimage site and now housing an art gallery. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, a panoramic boardwalk overlooking the St Lawrence River. Old Quebec is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist. It has a wealth of historic and cultural sites and its tourist streets of rue Saint-Jean, rue Saint-Louis and rue Saint-Paul are always bustling with activity and lined with restaurants and boutiques. We enjoy dinner on the train on the return trip to Montreal.

Your day is at leisure, allowing you to explore Montreal before our journey back to London. Perhaps visit the Old City, with its cobblestone streets, grand old French restaurants, boutiques and street performers. The Old Port of Montreal is a recreational park featuring restaurants, entertainment and shopping. With its magnificent basilica dome, St Joseph's Oratory is one of the world's most visited shrines, second in height only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Olympic Park contains a tower that offers excellent views above the city. Considered by many to be among Montreal's best sights, the enormous botanical garden contains over 20,000 plant species in 31 different gardens. Located near Olympic Park, the gardens include plant ecosystems from all over the world. A stroll through this exotic environment is a wonderful way to finish off your time in Canada, a most cosmopolitan country. We depart Montreal this evening and arrive in London on Day 8.