Air Canada Vacations is committed to not only providing the an exciting lineup of European destinations – they make it as easy as un, deux, trois to book!
From the Nordic wonders of Scandinavia to the archipelagoes of the Azores and Madeira, the rich beauty of Lombardy in Northern Italy to the Mediterranean jewel of Sicily, Air Canada Vacations’ tours are designed for travellers in search of unique and enriching experiences.
Scandinavia: A Nordic Odyssey
Air Canada Vacations’ Scandinavia product offers five unique tours departing from the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Hans Christian Anderson fans can discover the “Little Mermaid” statue, a local treasure on the Copenhagen City Break and visit the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
For travellers who want to see more than one country, a short train ride to Stockholm, the “Venice of the North,” combined with a canal tour and a stroll through Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets and medieval squares, the Copenhagen & Stockholm, by Rail tour is for them.
They say luck comes in threes. On the Capitals of the North tour, travellers can discover Copenhagen, Stockholm and a visit to Oslo, the capital of Norway for a guided tour of the royal palace, opera house and walk through Gustav Vigeland’s Sculpture Park. For independent travellers who want to create their own experiences, Scandinavia Your Way is the package that sets your clients up for success to lasting memories.
Known for its green spaces, Viking heritage, and friendly locals, On The Viking Trail is a 12-night comprehensive package that covers spectacular scenery, Norwegian fjords and significant Viking sites in the cities of Oslo, Sognefjord, Bergen and Aarhus.
Each itinerary is crafted to include airfare, train tickets, and hotel stays to ensure a hassle-free journey. The tours also include select meals and transfers as well as train tickets where applicable, allowing travellers to explore at their own pace. Air Canada Vacations also offers excursions and activities under the umbrella of ‘More Moments’. These provide opportunities for travellers to discover Scandinavia’s charm and have an immersive cultural experience.
Azores: Connect With Nature in Unparalleled Beauty
Air Canada Vacations recently launched an inaugural tour – Lisbon and Sao Miguel Azores, combining the vibrant capital of Portugal, Lisbon, and the pristine landscapes of the Azores. Travellers have the opportunity to spend 4-nights in each destination with More Moments activities included in Lisbon, Sintra, Sete Cidades and Furnas.
The combination of mainland Portugal, with its rich history, lively ambiance, and cultural significance, and the island of São Miguel, Azores known for its cascading waterfalls, blue lagoons nestled within ancient volcano craters, scenic hiking trails, and invigorating hot springs known as “caldeiras,” creates an unparalleled and diverse travel experience.
The package includes round-trip flights, accommodation, airport transfers, domestic flights, and More Moments activities.
“Azores and Madeira are very popular destinations with Europeans. We simply wanted to expand our mainland Portugal offering with more choice and options, thus introducing new and unique packages for Canadians,” Marigold Fortuna tells Open Jaw. “These islands are a real paradise, as the Portuguese Government has invested a lot into protecting the environment.”
Madeira: Unveiling Atlantic Treasures
Air Canada Vacations introduced its newest combination tour – Lisbon and Madeira Island. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese gem boasts lush landscapes, volcanic peaks, and a temperate climate year-round. Recognized as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira is a haven for active clients and nature enthusiasts, offering a unique natural landscape and the sub-tropical forest of Laurisilva, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve.
In the vibrant capital of Funchal, colourful markets, historic cathedrals, vineyards and wineries await exploration. Along Madeira’s rugged coastline, clients can indulge in the local cuisine, savouring Madeira wine and fresh seafood by the ocean.
With warm hospitality, diverse activities, and picturesque landscapes, Madeira promises an unforgettable escape for every traveller.
Lombardy: Northern Italy’s Charms
Air Canada Vacations introduces five distinctive tours in Lombardy, highlighting Northern Italy’s charm, alpine beauty, and rich history.
“To complement our Air Canada Flights to Milan, we exclusively provided flight and hotel options” says Fortuna. “To enhance the experience for those visiting Italy for the second or third time, we aimed to introduce tours that allow them to explore a region they haven’t visited before.”
All five tours depart from and return to Milan with included guided sightseeing tours of the city and a visit to the famous Gothic cathedral. A trip to northern Italy is not complete without a visit to the serene waters of Lake Como, and the majesty of the Italian Alps, Northern Italy’s Charm offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers to tour the lake by boat and take a walking tour of Bellagio, indulge in wine tasting in Bergamo and journey to St. Moritz aboard the Bernina Express.
Diving deeper into Northern Italy, the Lake Como and the Pearls of Po Valley captures the beauty of the countryside by rail to Mantua. Here travellers can explore the palazzos of Sabbioneta, often hailed as the “Little Athens of the Renaissance,” in the picturesque Po River Valley. Wine lovers will love the More Moments activity on the Northern Italy & Bernina Express tour with a visit to the largest terraced winery and wine tasting experience in Valtellina.
For a deeper cultural experience, Milan, Padua, River Cruise to Venice takes travellers through the hidden gems of Lombardy and Veneto, including Padua, historic Castelfranco, and picturesque Bassano Del Grappa and a river cruise to Venice, where your clients can uncover the timeless beauty of the city on the lagoon.
From coastal beauty to historic architecture and authentic Italian experiences, the self-guided Northern Italy – Stresa and the Italian Riviera tour encapsulates the allure of the Italian Riviera and its surroundings. Day trips to Santa Margherita, Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Lake Maggiore in Stresa are also included.
Sicily: Guided Tour to the Heart of the Mediterranean
At the heart of the Mediterranean, and approximately 2.5 kms from the southern coast of Italy, lies the island of Sicily. Boasting breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and wine tasting, ancient ruins and active volcanoes, Air Canada Vacations’ newest guided tour Journey Through Sicily is sure to be a big seller this year.
From the comfort of a train, luxury coach bus, and More Moments daily walking tours, your clients will experience an unforgettable island-spanning journey of Sicily. The tour begins in Taormina, a charming town with incredible views of the sea, and continues along the coast with a visit to Mount Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and active volcano.
The 11-day tour covers the baroque region of Ragusa, the ancient ruins in Agrigento and the cultural and historic capital of Palermo before concluding in the eternal city of Rome.
This Air Canada Vacations package includes round-trip international and domestic airfare, transfers, accommodations, select meals, train tickets, luxury coach on certain routes, a professional English/French-speaking guide, worry-free luggage service at the railway station and More Moments tours.
