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British Columbia

Victorian Christmas at the Grand Empress

Program No. 18099RJ

Wondrous festive lights illuminate Victoria and the Inner Harbour! Celebrate at the Fairmont Empress, enjoy a festive light display at the Butchart Gardens and tea at the Empress.

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

5 days

Program Begins

Victoria, BC

Program Concludes

Victoria, BC

Meals

10 ( 4B, 2L, 4D )

Activity Level

Revel in the spirit of the season amid the history and ambiance of charming Victoria and the opulent, turn-of-the-century Empress Hotel. Presentations and field trips and traditional singalongs as you immerse yourself in authentic Victorian Holiday spirit as you stroll the historic streets of Victoria and learn of Canadian holiday traditions. On Christmas morning, immerse yourself in holiday atmosphere as carolers wander the hotel halls.

Best of all, you'll...

Witness the magical holiday transformation of magnificent Butchart Gardens with a display of thousands of twinkling lights.
Be regaled with true accounts of how Christmas was celebrated during the days of Fort Victoria and the gold-rush era.
Take part in one of Victoria’s grandest traditions — afternoon tea at the Empress — and top off Christmas Day with a festive dinner.

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General Notes

Christmas dinner dress code is semi-formal, with a jacket and tie requested for gentlemen. Max of 90 participants, divided into groups for activities.

Featured Expert

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John Adams

John Adams is the author of “Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.” Part historian and part storyteller, John has turned a passion for the past into a long career in history. His family-owned business, Discover the Past, provides a variety of historical educational programs for the community. His natural, lively, humorous and clear style makes his presentations both informative and memorable.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

John Adams

Chris Adams

Chris was raised in Victoria and attended the University of Victoria where he received his BA in history. Chris spent many years of his early adult life in the UK and received a diploma in human ecology from Strathclyde University in Glasgow. He and his wife now live in Victoria with their two children. Chris is a historian, storyteller and interpretive leader. In his spare time, he is a hard-working urban farmer, tending flocks of chickens, ducks and quail, along with many hives of bees.

Routes Adventures Mobile Phone

Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.

Isabelle Maheux

Isabelle Maxeux has two decades of experience in the travel industry. Her skills and personality have given Isabelle the opportunity to lead participants around the world. Originally from Québec, she now calls Vancouver Island home. Fluent in French and English, she enjoys languages and is currently learning Spanish. When Isabelle is not traveling, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and teaching them about local flora and fauna.

Activity Level

Easy Going

Easy walking on relatively flat terrain; some stairs and uneven terrain.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.