Discover Vancouver Island, recognized globally as a premier island destination, through a journey that showcases its distinctive coastal landscapes, old-growth forests, world-famous gardens, award winning wineries and the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Indigenous Coast Salish peoples. Explore Victoria’s historic Inner harbor and enjoy carefully curated west coast culinary events along the way. Spend two nights at the luxurious Villa Eyrie, featuring expansive views elevated above the inlet and where you can expect tranquility, immersion in nature and additional outstanding culinary experiences. This program exemplifies the diverse and refined experiences characteristic of the West Coast of Canada.
Special Notes:
•This program is accessible for guests who require use of a walker or cane only if they can walk for at least 15 minutes at a time and for up to 120 minutes, with breaks every 10-15 minutes.
•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Check-in time is 3:00pm. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee room availability upon arrival, or you may choose to store your luggage at Reception and begin to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel offers stylish accommodations with stunning harbor and mountain views, located just steps from Canada Place and the cruise terminal. Easily explore nearby attractions like historic Gastown, the Vancouver seawall, and Stanley Park, all within walking distance. A short taxi or car ride away is the Historical Granville Island with its eclectic shops, restaurants, amazing private galleries, craft breweries and spirit distilleries, and a world-renowned public market. Numerous upscale dining options are within close proximity of the hotel, many just a short walk away.
An RSSC Hospitality Desk will be available on Day 1 of the program to assist with any questions or arrangements.
Note: Couples or cruise bookings with two guests will transfer by private van and solo travelers will transfer by private sedan. Vans hold a maximum of four pieces or large luggage and two carry on pieces per person and sedans hold a maximum of two large suitcases and a carry-on. Transfers are with driver only.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel meet your guide and depart for a scenic 30-minute drive across the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore to the village of Horseshoe Bay. Enjoy the sights and commentary passing through the downtown core and Stanley Park and across the Lions Gate Bridge, this route offers striking views of the harbor, Burrard Inlet, and the forested Coast Mountains.
Before boarding the ferry, discover the sights of Horseshoe Bay Village — a picturesque waterfront community known for its marina, cafés, and mountain backdrop. Board the ferry for an hour and half crossing to Nanaimo, where coastal mountains, and Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley await. For a memorable start to the day, step on the viewing deck where there is a possibility of spotting porpoises, eagles, or even humpback whales and Orcas. The ferry also has a la carte food and beverage services and some shopping options.
At Nanaimo, enjoy a 45-minute drive south through the Cowichan Valley’s pastoral farmland’s coastal villages and towering forests, to the historic town of Duncan to explore its collection of 40 Coast Salish Totem Poles. Have an engaging experience learning what made the Coast Salish First Nations so different than most other North American First Nations.
Note: the visit to Duncan is on level sidewalks with no stairs.
Enjoy a visit to a lovely award-winning winery and vineyard including a delicious west coast lunch, and of course some wine tasting or a glass of wine with lunch. Following lunch, a short drive will take you to another award-winning winery and vineyard for a guided tasting paired with local cheeses and seasonal bites as you learn about how it has carved a niche in British Columbia’s wineries.
Note: There are approximately ten stairs to access the tasting room at the second winery.
Next, take a short drive into the coastal mountains to the “Malahat” to take in its amazing views and arrive for a seamless check-in at one of the top-rated Small Hotels of the World, the Villa Eyrie Resort, nestled into the mountainside and surrounded by nature and serenity.
After some free time, indulge in another west coast-inspired meal at a favorite local fine dining establishment, the Alpina Restaurant, to enjoy the meal with framed stunning views of Finlayson Arm accompanied by a local musician. After this culinary experience, consider watching the incomparable sunset from the lounge before retiring for the night.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel restaurant, enjoy a short scenic drive into one of Vancouver Island’s urban old growth forests. Here nature has been preserved and blended into the outskirts of Victoria.
You will have a choice to two trails to take – one that is on a boardwalk and wheelchair/walker accessible, or you might wish to take a more moderate trail on uneven dirt and rocks with some short moderate inclines. Each trail is guided.
Learn about one of the most primitive eco-systems on the planet and one of the most important. On this interpretive experience beneath a canopy of towering Cedars and Douglas firs, see and learn how trees communicate and collaborate to survive, an amazing experience connecting with the forest using all the senses to discover how the forest makes us healthy and happy.
Leave the old growth forest relaxed and rejuvenated and depart on an engaging drive into Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. Indulge at an inner harbor waterfront restaurant with a delicious three course meal of fresh coastal flavors paired with a glass of BC wine or craft beer.
The afternoon will be spent with your guide exploring the Inner Harbor, starting at Fisherman’s Wharf. See colorful floating homes and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this unique waterfront community. From there, enjoy a short ride on the iconic harbor ferry, offering marvelous views on a leisurely ride to the harbor in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
From the Empress, your guide will lead you on a walking tour showcasing historic landmarks such as British Columbia’s Parliament Buildings, and mostly the charming streets of Old Towne and the famous Chinatown and its opium dens; it is one of the oldest in North America. Discover the stories behind these sites and learn about Victoria's transformation from a Hudson's Bay Company trading post to a vibrant modern city.
Note: Several areas of this walking tour require climbing up to ten steps at a time. A detour is available
for those with walking difficulty that requires missing about 10 minutes of the experience
Enjoy some free time to explore boutique shops, galleries, and the Harbor front before regrouping for a scenic 30-minute drive back to Villa Eyrie.
After some free time to enjoy the facilities and grounds of the hotel, indulge in another west coast-inspired meal at the hotel’s restaurant, accompanied by a local musician.
As evening falls, consider staying up late tonight to experience a guided Dark Skies Stargazing tour under
the stars. Note: this activity requires walking for about 10-15 minutes along paved roads and/or
sidewalks.
This day offers a perfect blend of the nature, history, and cultures that formed this region and the historic city of Victoria, providing a comprehensive introduction to the South Island experience.
DAY 4
Following breakfast at your hotel, settle any incidentals and check out before meeting your guide for a short drive to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. For more than one hundred years, these National Historic Site gardens have been carefully cultivated and today showcase a spectacular array of design and color.
Delight in a guided walk through the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden — each offering its own story and seasonal highlights.
Note: the tour at the gardens is along paved walking trails; to view the Sunken Garden there are about
Fifteen steps. For those who wish to avoid the Sunken Garden due to the steps, a detour can be taken.
Later this morning, the journey continues with a scenic drive through the Saanich Peninsula to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, where there is free time to explore local cafés and shops before boarding the ferry to Tsawwassen. This 90-minute sailing reveals a myriad of Gulf Islands, coastal mountains, and the chance to spot marine wildlife, creating a memorable journey across the Coast Salish Sea.
Upon arrival on the mainland, enjoy a final scenic drive through the suburbs to the port which is located in downtown Vancouver. Here the program ends, and you will embark your ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to ferry schedules which are beyond our control. All program details including timings of ferries are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests who do not arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program without notice will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm. Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day two of the program.
•If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport
You are met just outside Canada Customs and Immigration in the arrivals area.
For any guests arriving on domestic flights, you will be greeted at the baggage carousel.
Transfer by private vehicle to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure
4:00pm Check in time at your hotel
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Fairmont Waterfront or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you cannot locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet & Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 30 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
6:00am Breakfast at the hotel
6:30am Meet your guide
7:00am Depart hotel for Horseshoe Bay
7:30am Arrive at Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal
8:30am Ferry departs for Nanaimo
10:10am Arrive Nanaimo
10:30am Depart for Duncan
11:20am Arrive Duncan for Totem Pole Walk
12:20pm Depart Duncan for Unsworth Winery and Restaurant
12:45pm Arrive Unsworth Winery
2:15 pm Depart to Blue Grouse Winery
2:30pm Arrive at Blue Grouse; guided tasting with cheese and food pairings
3:30 pm Depart winery for Villa Eyrie Resort
4:00pm Arrive Villa Eyrie; check in and free time at your leisure
6:30pm Dinner at Hotel’s Alpina Restaurant
8:00pm Dinner complete, the bar is open until 10:00pm
Overnight at Villa Eyrie Resort
DAY 3
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel (Alpina Restaurant)
9:00am Meet guide in the hotel lobby. Depart for old growth forest interpretive walk
9:30am Arrive at forest for guided nature walk (choice of two guided trails)
11:30am Depart for Victoria Inner Harbor
12:00pm Arrive in Victoria; three-course waterfront lunch
1:30pm Depart for walking tour: Fisherman’s Wharf and Harbor Ferry, Victoria’s Inner Harbor, Old Town, and Chinatown.
4:00pm Free time for shopping or exploring downtown Victoria
5:00pm Depart Victoria for scenic drive back to hotel
5:30pm Arrive back Villa Eyrie; free time at leisure
7:00pm Dinner at Alpina Restaurant
8:30pm Dinner complete, bar is open until 10:00pm
10:00pm Dark Skies Stargazing with guide
10:30pm Arrive back inside hotel
Overnight at Villa Eyrie Resort
DAY 4
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel (Alpina Restaurant)
9:00am Meet guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Butchart Gardens
9:45am Arrive Butchart Gardens for guided walk
11:45am Depart Butchart Gardens for Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
12:15pm Arrive Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and free time for shopping, enjoying the cafes
1:00pm Ferry departs Swartz Bay for Tsawwassen
2:30pm Arrive Tsawwassen and disembark
2:30pm Scenic drive to downtown Vancouver to Canada Place
3:30pm Drop off at Canada Place and check-in for embarkation
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes (ideally waterproof), weather appropriate clothing that can be layered, umbrella and/or rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, camera, charger.
Local Currency:
Canadian Dollars, most merchants accept debit and credit cards.
Electricity
We recommend you bring a universal travel adapter for electric devices.
Canada uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets, which are identical to those found in the United States.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements to Canada for your nationality.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Accommodation:
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Address: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6
Phone: +1 (604) 684-3131
Villa Eyrie Resort
Address: 600 Ebadora Ln, Malahat, BC V0R 2L0
Phone: +1 (250) 856-0188
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Please Note:
•Guests with limited mobility, and/or require walkers and/or folding portable wheelchairs, must identify this at the time of booking. Guests with limited mobility must travel with a companion to assist where needed.
•Accessible rooms may be available upon request and are subject to availability. Some rooms at Villa Eyrie require guests to manage 2-5 steps to access the room.
Program Includes for guests:
•All Transfers per the above itinerary
•1 night at the Fairmont Waterfront – Signature Harbour View
•2 nights at the Villa Eyrie Resort – Classic View Room
•All entrances and tours as noted in the above itinerary
•Hospitality Desk on Day 1 at Fairmont Waterfront from 9am-5pm
•Daily breakfast
•Three course Lunch on Day 2 & 3 including coffee/tea and one glass of wine or beer
•Three course Dinner on Day 2 & 3 including coffee/tea and two glasses of wine or beer
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•All meals not mentioned in the itinerary
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry, and room service
Please note:
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $4,099 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
