Afternoon: Arrivals and independent transfers to the program hotel after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon. You will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.

Dinner: Welcome buffet dinner in hotel restaurant.

Evening: The first presentation will focus on "Canada's Evolution from Colony to Nation". A brief survey of important events in the historical evolution of the Americas, with emphasis on their impact on the areas that would become Canada. Special attention is paid to the French fact in North America, and to the accommodation of different languages and cultures in the country that mushroomed quickly from inauspicious beginnings to a territorial land expanse second only to that of Russia.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel - Ottawa

Meals Included: Dinner

Federal Politics - How Canadians are Governed/Parliament Hill/Historical Ottawa/ Rideau Hall

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel

Morning: PRESENTATION: Canadian Federal Politics. Meet with an expert who will speak about federal politics and how Canadians are governed. Examine the Parliamentary Government in Canada and the roles of the Crown, the House of Commons and the Senate. Discussions will touch on the electoral system; the Prime Minister and the Cabinet; appointive powers; the legislative process and the judiciary. FIELD TRIP: Parliament Hill. Heart of Canadian federal politics. Learn first-hand about the inner workings of Canada's government. The Parliament Buildings are historical monuments, architectural treasures, and an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. It is within the walls of these buildings that Senators and Members of Parliament debate the important issues of the day, and make our nation's laws. Your visit is completed by exploring the outside grounds of Parliament Hill.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Empire Grill.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Historic Ottawa: Witness some of Ottawa's most famous landmarks and architectural treasures during a city exploration by coach. Canada’s Capital is renowned for the diversity of its historical monuments and architectural treasures such as the Parliament Buildings, an important national symbol cherished by all Canadians. Other notable landmarks include 24 Sussex Drive, the home of Canada’s Prime Minister, located on the edge of the Ottawa River, opposite the main entrance to Rideau Hall; the National Arts Centre, Foreign Affairs, the Supreme Court of Canada and the United States Embassy with a local expert. FIELD TRIP: Rideau Hall has been the official residence of Canada's Governors General for more than 130 years. Your guide will help you explore the 19th century elegance of the home where Canada welcomes world leaders and honours the accomplishments of Canadians from every part of the country and every walk of life. Learn about the role and responsibilities of the governor general within our parliamentary system and society and gain insight into the civic life of our governors dating back to Confederation.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy to local fare.

Evening: FREE EVENING: Free evening to explore Ottawa on your own; stroll the Byward Market or take in a show at the National Arts Centre.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel - Ottawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel

Morning: FIELD TRIP: National Art Gallery - Whether you're a novice or expert, historical or contemporary art-lover, the Gallery is constantly putting on engaging events to encourage learning in a stimulating, informal environment. Your guide will give you a fascinating new perspective on the works of art found throughout the collections.

Lunch: High Tea at The Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Enjoy an array of finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and scones with strawberries and cream...a truly exceptional experience for everyone!

Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore museums, galleries, walk along the Rideau Canal or enjoy a cruise on the canal or the Ottawa River.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare or join your Group Leader (at a local restaurant).

Evening: FREE EVENING: Free evening for a lovely stroll around Ottawa or just relax on your own. You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites or take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Ottawa.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel - Ottawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Cultural Diversity in Canada/US/Canada Relations/Museum of Civilization/Aboriginal Experience

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel

Morning: PRESENTATION: Meet with a local expert who will present Cultural Diversity in Canada. A discussion of some aspects of Canadian cultural expression that help to illustrate the diversity of the Canadian society. Followed by a Presentation on US/Canada Relations. The longest undefended border in the world boasts the largest bilateral trading relation on the planet. Canadians and Americans are hard-wired across politics, person-to-person, defence and cultural links and merrily claim 'we are each others' best friends, whether we like it or not!

Lunch: Enjoy lunch on your own at the museum

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Museum of Civilization. Following the morning presentations and discussions, depart for the Museum of Civilization, the nation's leading museum of human history and one of the largest museums in the world. Internationally recognized for its spectacular architecture, the CMC is acknowledged as a museological institution of international stature. Go behind the scenes with an expert curator and meet with one of CMC’s research divisions, the Canadian Centre for Folk Culture Studies for an incredible exploration of Canadian human history. The Museum also presents an ever-changing program of special exhibitions that expand on Canadian themes and explore other cultures and civilizations, past and present.

Dinner: Dinner on Victoria Island followed by a PERFORMANCE: “Taste of Native Spirit”. The Ottawa River, which runs through Ottawa, was once a major water highway, navigated by many native nations from across North America as they searched for food, technology and trade goods. At one time, all of the lands stretching on each side of the river were home to the Algonquin nation who were called Adawa, meaning people of the trade. Today, this rich history is brought to life for visitors on the historical and sacred Victoria Island, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa under the shadows of Parliament Hill. For thousands of years, the Algonquin nation used this very island as a meeting place for gatherings, trading and celebrations. You will experience this tradition today with a unique celebration of our contemporary urban native culture including a traditional dinner and ceremonial dance.

Evening: FREE EVENING: You may choose to take a leisurely stroll or even explore the nearby Byward Market or other points of interest.

Lodging: Novotel Hotel - Ottawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION: Foreign Affairs. Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) supports Canadians abroad, works towards a more peaceful and secure world, and promotes Canadian culture and values internationally. You will be educated about the many important roles carried out by this federal department. Learn about Canada's foreign policy priorities; relations with the US; international free trade; the UN and other levers, the Commonwealth, Le Francophonie; and international aid policies. PRESENTATION: Canadian Health Care. Meet with an expert on healthcare reform and healthcare economics. Learn about Canadian health care reform, strategic management and health economics (economic evaluation of health care programs). A presentation will examine Canada's healthcare system and common healthcare challenges in Canada and the US including an aging society and sustaining long-term costs.

Lunch: Lunch on your own in Byward Market.

Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore museums, galleries, walk along the Rideau Canal or enjoy a cruise on the canal or the Ottawa River.

Dinner: FAREWELL EVENING: Farewell dinner at the Metropolitain Brasserie

Lodging: Novotel Hotel - Ottawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel

Morning: Independent departures from the hotel after breakfast 9:00 am. Check-out is 12:00 noon.

Meals Included: Breakfast