The shores of Lake Ontario sparkle with World-class theatre in blissful Niagara wine country! Start off with a bayfront overnight stay on Lake Erie and tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Jewel on the Lake”—Graycliff. Cross into Canada and follow the scenic Niagara Parkway until it reaches the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, located at the mouth of the river on Lake Ontario. It was Canada’s first capital until 1867 and boasts tree- and flower-lined streets adorning clusters of early Canadian homes—and prestigious hotels! And for over six decades it has been home to the summer Shaw Festival, celebrating the life and spirit of George Bernard Shaw by creating theatre that is as entertaining and provocative as Shaw himself. The festival’s beginnings can be traced to 1962 when Brian Doherty and Calvin Rand staged a summertime “Salute to Shaw” at the Court House Theatre. Queen Elizabeth II, Indira Gandhi, and Pierre Elliot Trudeau were among those who attended performances at the Shaw Festival Theatre during its inaugural season in 1973.
See three featured performances, discover the region’s wine culture with dinner and a wine pairing at Peller Estates Winery. Breathe in the fragrant air and tranquility of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, and see thundering Niagara Falls from several vantage points, including dinner facing the falls!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.
The Prince of Wales is an historic property, encompasses three historic buildings and some rooms require stairs to access. You must advise when booking if you are unable to climb 8 to 16 steps.
Itinerary
Sun, June 20: Depart Indianapolis in the morning and travel to Erie, Pennsylvania and check into your bayfront hotel for an overnight stay and dinner. (Meals:Dinner)
Mon, June 21: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head towards Niagara Falls State Park. Along the way, stop to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterful lakeside retreat house, Graycliff. An 8.45 acre summer estate overlooking Lake Erie, the structure features the quintessential Wright style, seamlessly blending the home with the beautiful natural features surrounding it. The day then brings you to the Top of the Falls for an included lunch overlooking the Falls and some free time to enjoy the park. Next, cross into Canada (passport required) and on to the lovely town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Check in for your four-night stay at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel on flower-filled Queen Street—steps away from vibrant boutiques, theatres and restaurants. Rejoin the group for dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,L,D)
Tue, June 22: This morning, an optional adventure awaits—a helicopter ride around Niagara Falls! After the ride, return to Niagara-on-the-Lake to have lunch on your own and to see your first Shaw Festival show. This evening, feel the thundering roar of the falls on board the Voyage to the Falls boat tour on a state-of-the-art catamaran, with up close, front facing views of the magnificent Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls! (B)
Wed, June 23: Relax with a free morning and lunch on your own before meeting up to catch another Shaw Festival performance this afternoon, followed by a visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, first commissioned in 1885 and now home to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. The stunning grounds serve not only as a training ground for skilled gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and future horticulturists, but beautiful public parkland for all to enjoy. Stroll the manicured paths and enjoy the blooming gardens! While here, step into the Butterfly Conservatory, an indoor rain forest with more than 2,000 resident butterflies, many of which will delicately flock to you as you wander through the lush habitat. Learn about the different types of butterflies and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. Top off the day with dinner facing the falls at Table Rock House. Marvel at the fireworks bursting with color over the Falls before returning to the hotel. (B,D)
Thu, June 24: Enjoy the morning at leisure: relax with a spa treatment at the hotel, stroll through the charming streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, or go searching for those last-minute souvenirs. Later in the day, see another Shaw Festival performance. This evening, visit Peller Estates Winery for a lovely dinner and wine pairing. (B,D)
Fri, June 25: Depart after breakfast for Indianapolis with stops enroute and arrive in the evening. (B)
Hotels
Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Erie, Pennsylvania. Relax in luxury and take in views of serene Presque Isle Bay and Erie’s Marina District on your way to the falls. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, mini-refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant & lounge • coffee house • indoor pool and hot tub • fitness center • gift shop.
Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Located in heart of downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, the hotel boasts ornate Victorian style rooms, offering its guests traditional English Afternoon Tea, upscale dining, luxury spa treatments, and private wine tours. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • indoor pool and hot tub • fitness center.
Pricing
*Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
Documents Required: Valid Passport, visit travel.state.gov for specific requirements and visa
CANADA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Any person may be denied entry to Canada for reasons including, but not limited to, security risks, human or international rights violations, medical reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, failure to comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, having an inadmissible family member and involvement in criminal activity (regardless of degree or length of time since such crimes occurred) such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence, shoplifting, theft, and other crimes. It is recommended that a person who has ever been charged with, or convicted of, a crime obtain the necessary approval documents before attempting to enter Canada. To learn more about applying for and receiving these approvals and corresponding documentation, we strongly recommend that you visit the following website for details regarding the requirements and process: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html. This is only a guide. A Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you arrive at a port of entry.
