Victorian Christmas at the Grand Empress

Activity note: Participants are encouraged to arrive a day or two before the program starts to be able to spend a little more time enjoying the city. The hotel offers reasonable rates on extra nights, and also on room upgrades. Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: In a private room at the hotel.

Evening: Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader and a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: You will be going outdoors today. Please dress warmly for winter weather. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Standing at museum.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel with a local expert, we’ll discover Christmas traditions and learn about the fascinating ways Christmas was celebrated in Victoria, from the days of Fort Victoria to the present day. Following the presentation, we will embark on an exploration by coach of Victoria’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch we will visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. Through unique galleries, the Museum showcases the human and natural history of British Columbia and temporary exhibits from other countries and cultures. Authentic artifacts and specimens are displayed in highly realistic settings, giving visitors the experience of another time and place. We’ll then head back to our hotel to learn about the rich background of the tradition of afternoon tea during a special presentation. This time-honored tradition will be explained as well as an explanation of the tea trade throughout the world, and the various kinds of teas and their health benefits.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy classic Christmas carols in the Lobby Lounge, or cuddle up on the verandah with a hot beverage and a warm blanket. Game activities are also available in a private room at the hotel.

Activity note: Leisurely Christmas day. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Free time. Take a walk by the waterfront, or enjoy Christmas morning church services nearby. The historic Empress Hotel Library is a great location to enjoy a peaceful Christmas morning as well.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress. Savor an array of gourmet finger sandwiches and delicate pastries, and sip the original blend of “The Empress Tea.” With its chic ambience, lovely moldings, and polished hardwood floors, this is truly an exceptional experience for everyone!

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy any other sites in Victoria you may want to explore on your own, before meeting for Christmas dinner.

Dinner: In the magnificent Shaughnessy Ballroom, beautifully decorated for the festive season. In appreciation of this special occasion, this event has a semi-formal dress code with a jacket and tie requested for gentlemen; women typically wear short or long, cocktail-style dresses or pantsuits. Cash bar available.

Evening: At leisure. End the evening on a cozy Christmas note in Q Bar and enjoy the beautiful view of the Inner Harbor, watch the lights on the yachts as they bob in the water, or find a warm spot around the fireplace.

Activity note: You will be enjoying outdoor activities today. Please dress warmly for winter weather. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking/standing for 3 hours on walk and at gardens.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, a presentation by a local historian will cover the history of Butchart Gardens. We will learn about the initial idea of the gardens to the process of its creation from 1904 to present day. We will learn about the Butchart family and how the gardens have been passed on through the generations. Following our presentation we will divide into groups for a walking exploration of Beacon Hill Park. We will stroll the grounds and enjoy the stands of Arbutus, Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar, birch, maple as well as the endangered Garry Oak trees. We may even spot the 11 meter long moss lady.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will depart by motorcoach for the renowned Butchart Gardens and enjoy a scenic ride on our way to the gardens. The Gardens boast fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, meandering paths and expansive lawns. Truly one of the loveliest corners in the world, the gardens are always in season. They are particularly intriguing during the holiday season, when tens of thousands of colored lights combine with evergreen swags and wreaths of holly and winter berries to line walkways and festoon lamp posts in the gardens. The ever-popular Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away within The Gardens, and a recreational skating rink creates a truly spectacular winter wonderland.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Victoria Harbour. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At the hotel, we’ll have a wrap-up session. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!