WESTERN CANADA

The scenery of Western Canada is simply breathtaking. From the beautiful coastal waters and islands of British Columbia, through the valleys and canyons of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, and into the magnificent Canadian Rockies, a holiday here is a magical occasion. Unfortunately, most tour operators try to cover the ground too quickly, with the result that you travel every day or so, a tiring experience. At Furlongs, we do things differently. Our tours are far more leisurely, staying 3 or 4 nights in most destinations. This allows a perfect blend of planned activities and leisure time. Of course it helps that we also choose the best accommodations and suppliers. We've operated a number of tours in Western Canada before, but not for a few years, so Richard Furlong recently undertook an inspection trip in September 2007 to bring our knowledge right up to date. From this research we've devised a fabulous itinerary which features both British Columbia and Alberta, linked by the spectacular Rocky Mountaineer train trip. The holiday will be personally escorted by Richard and Dawn Furlong. Unfortunately we have strictly limited capacity, so please book quickly to avoid disappointment.

Our escorted tour starts on Sunday 24th August and concludes on Tuesday 9th September 2008. A colour brochure with all the holiday details is available on request, or you may download details here. Please call us on 01580 240240 with any enquiries and to check availability.

More holiday details are shown below. Follow these links or simply scroll down the page:-

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

Sun 24 Aug 2008, London / Vancouver
We fly from Heathrow with connections available from other UK airports. Arriving in Vancouver, we join our private coach and take the ferry to Vancouver Island for a 4-night stay at the beautiful Tigh-Na-Mara Resort near Parksville. (L,D)

Mon 25 Aug 2008, Central Vancouver Island
The central, east coast of Vancouver Island is famous for long stretches of sandy beaches. Today we visit Parksville and Qualicum Beach. We also tour inland to see the magnificent 800-year-old Douglas fir forest at MacMillan Park near Coombes. (B,D)

Tue 26 Aug 2008, Victoria / Butchart Gardens
We visit Victoria today, which is the provincial capital of British Columbia. The tea rooms, hanging flower baskets and horse-drawn carriages give this city a cosy, old-world feel. Our excursion includes plenty of freetime in the city plus entry to the nearby Butchart Gardens. These world-renowned gardens have been drawing visitors since 1904 and were recently designated a National Historic Site. (B,L)

Wed 27Aug 2008, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort
A day at leisure at the beautiful Tigh-Na-Mara Resort. Take a stroll along the beach to the Rathtrevor National Park or perhaps enjoy a spa treatment at Tigh-Na-Mara's award winning Grotto Spa! (B,D)

Thu 28 Aug 2008, Parksville to Vancouver City
A leisurely departure from Vancouver Island this morning as we take our private coach and the ferry back to the mainland. You'll enjoy the stunning scenery enroute! On arrival in the city of Vancouver we check-in at the deluxe Delta Suites Hotel for a three night stay The hotel is ideally situated in the Heritage District, close to all the best shopping, entertainment, and local attractions. (B,D)

Fri 29 Aug 2008, Vancouver City Tour
Our morning City Tour takes you to some of the key attractions including Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown and Canada Place. Lunch is included today, with your afternoon and evening at leisure. (B,L)

Sat 30 Aug 2008, Vancouver Free Day
There's so much to see and do in this vibrant city. From exceptional museums to botanical gardens, from aquariums to harbour cruises, and plenty more. Enjoy a day at leisure with plenty of options including excursions to Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. (B,D)

Sun 31 Aug 2008, Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops
Early morning we board the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver Station. Today the train trip will take us through the fertile fields of the Fraser Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Here we'll see the thundering waters of Hell's Gate and then follow the Thompson River to historic Kamloops, gateway to the Interior of British Columbia. We stay overnight in a comfortable hotel in Kamloops. (B,L,D)

Mon 1 Sep 2008, Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper
We rejoin the Rocky Mountaineer to follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus into the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. We pass Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Alberta Icefields before passing Mount Robson which, at 12,972 feet, is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In the late afternoon we arrive at Jasper Station and transfer to the 4-star Chateau Jasper for a 3-night stay. (B,L,D)

Tue 2 Sep 2008, Jasper Tour
Nestled within the largest mountain park in Canada, Jasper is set amid some of the most rugged peaks in the Rockies. The town is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada's premiere protected areas. Our excursion today will tour Jasper and the nearby attractions of Maligne Canyon, Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, with an optional lake cruise. (B,D)

Wed 3 Sep 2008, Jasper Freeday
A day at leisure. Options to take the Jasper Tramway, join a comfortable rafting trip on the Athabasca River, or book a chauffeured Harley-Davidson ride! Or simply take things easy? (B,D)

Thu 4 Sep 2008, Icefields Parkway
Built in 1940, the famous Icefields Parkway links Jasper and Banff National Parks along one of Canada's highest mountain roadways. The drive is often referred to as one of the most scenic roads in the world. Aboard our private coach we'll climb from the low valleys to nearly tree line and we'll experience three life zones enroute;- the montane, sub-alpine and alpine. Along the way we'll stop at some major viewpoints of the Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake. At the Icefields Centre you'll ride the amazing sno-coach onto a glacier some 1,000 feet thick. Continuing to Banff with a late afternoon arrival, we check-in at the deluxe Rimrock Resort Hotel for a leisurely 4-night stay. (B,D)

Fri 5 Sep 2008, Banff Freeday - Gondola Option
A day at leisure with an opportunity for an optional ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. At the top, you may enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the Bow Valley. (B,D)

Sat 6 Sep 2008, Lake Louise
Excursion to Lake Louise included. This legendary lake is surrounded by Rocky Mountain peaks and showcased by a magnificent glacier. The world-famous Chateau Lake Louise is here too, and a sumptuous buffet lunch is included in your excursion. (B,L)

Sun 7 Sep 2008, Banff Freeday
Banff has excellent local museums and attractions, and great shopping too. And just a short walk from our hotel is Upper Hot Springs, a splendid historic spa and bath house. (B,D)

Mon 8 Sep 2008, Banff to Calgary
A leisurely departure from the magnificent Rimrock Resort Hotel, as we head through the Bow Valley with a stop at the impressive Hoodoos. From here, a scenic drive to the stampede city of Calgary where we join our evening flight departure to the UK. (B, Dinner in flight)

Tue 9 Sep 2008, Arrive UK
Our scheduled flight lands at London Heathrow around lunchtime (local time). (Breakfast in flight)

HOLIDAY PRICE AND WHAT'S INCLUDED

The holiday cost is from £3,675 per person sharing a twin or double bedded hotel room, inclusive of:- Scheduled economy class flights from Heathrow to Vancouver, and from Calgary to Heathrow, Airport transfers, Return ferry crossings between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, 4 nights at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, 3 nights at the Delta Vancouver Suites, 2-day Rocky Mountaineer rail trip RedLeaf Service, 1 night in Kamloops, 3 nights at the Chateau Jasper, 4 nights at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, 15 breakfasts on tour, 15 main meals on tour, Full board on train days, Vancouver Island tour, Victoria city tour, Entry to Butchart Gardens, Vancouver city tour, Jasper area tour, Icefields Parkway sightseeing, Athabasca Glacier Sno-Coach Ride, Excursion to Lake Louise, Private motorcoach transportation throughout, Luggage service, Hotel, train, coach and guide gratuities, and Current airport and departure taxes. We guarantee no currency surcharges. The holiday will be personally escorted by Richard and/or Dawn Furlong, proprietors of Furlongs Travel.

SINGLES AND TWIN-SHARES

Subject to availability the holiday cost including hotel rooms for sole occupancy is £4,925.

HOTELS

On Vancouver Island, we've chosen the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort. Nestled within 22 acres of Cedar, Arbutus and Fir forest, and on the doorstep to miles of sandy beaches, we've booked the Oceanview studios that feature panoramic views overlooking the Georgia Strait and Coastal Mountains. The deluxe Delta Vancouver Suites will be your home in Vancouver. Located in the Heritage District of the downtown area, you are close to all the best in shopping, entertainment and local attractions. And the accommodations are excellent, featuring very comfortable "Delta Sanctuary" beds. In Kamloops, our overnight stay is organised by the Rocky Mountaineer. Hotels used are generally 3-star, and all rooms feature private facilities. For our 3-night stay in Jasper we've selected the Chateau Jasper. This hotel is conveniently located, and the bedrooms are spacious and well appointed. Public rooms include a lounge, bar and restaurant, and leisure facilities boast an indoor swimming pool. The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff is one of the most luxurious hotels in Western Canada with service and accommodations to match. Bedrooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, and the hotel has a choice of restaurants, lounges and leisure facilities. Superior bedrooms are included, with an option to upgrade to deluxe or premium rooms offering mountain views. Ask for details.

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN TRIP

This holiday includes the award-winning, two-day (all daylight hours) train trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. One day one we travel from Vancouver to Kamloops and one day two, from Kamloops to Jasper. The holiday price includes "Red Leaf Service" which features assigned seating in a Classic rail car with large picture windows. Seats recline and have extended legroom. Forward-facing seats can rotate to accommodate groups of four if requested. Chilled breakfasts and lunches are served onboard each day at your seat. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also included. Wine and beverages may be purchased. As an option, subject to availability, "Gold Leaf Service" features bi-level Dome Coaches offering panoramic views from full-length dome windows. Seats recline and may be rotated to accommodate groups of four. Complimentary snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served at your seat throughout the day. Gourmet breakfast and lunch selections are served in the dining room downstairs. GoldLeaf upgrade costs £395 per person.

FLIGHT ITINERARY

Sunday 24th August 2008
British Airways flight departs London Heathrow at approximately 1pm, flying direct non-stop to Vancouver.

Monday 8th September / Tuesday 9th September 2008
Our British Airways flight departs Calgary approximately 9.30pm on Monday 8th September, flying overnight, and landing at London Heathrow around 1pm local UK time on Tuesday 9th September 2008.

Flight Upgrades
This tour includes scheduled flights with British Airways in World Traveller economy class. British Airways also offers an enhanced economy service called World Traveller Plus in a quieter, smaller cabin area (normally with a maximum of 5 rows) and provides seating with an additional 7 inches of leg room and added seat comfort with additional recline. Subject to availability, you may upgrade to World Traveller Plus either one-way at a cost of £325 per person, or round trip for an additional £625 per person. Business Class upgrades may also be available, please ask for details.

DOOR TO DOOR AIRPORT SERVICE

We offer complimentary door-to-door airport transfers (round trip) if you live in our Kent and East Sussex Weald area. We generally organise a luxury mini-bus which starts from our offices and may pick-up a few guests en-route. The complimentary service is roughly based on a 15-mile radius from our offices in Cranbrook, but we're fairly flexible and will do our best to include airport transfers for you if practical. Alternatively you can drive to our premises near Tenterden, park your car free of charge and travel with our free airport service. If it is easier to meet us at the airport, we offer discounted airport parking and airport hotel booking service.

USEFUL INFORMATION

This holiday is ATOL protected. Our ATOL number is 3710.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Europ Assistance, but we are happy for you to arrange your own cover so long as it provides suitable cover. For details of the recommended insurance please call Holiday Extras direct on 0800 171 000 and quote "Furlongs Travel ABTA V0086", or book your insurance online here.

For health information and vaccination advice you should consult your GP. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo) publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may also telephone them on 0870 6060290. The Scottish NHS website (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk) is also worth visiting. Health advice for travellers is also available in a free leaflet printed by the Department of Health (telephone 0800 555 7777) and from their website (www.doh.gov.uk). Canadian hospitals and medical services are generally very good. However, the cost of medical treatment can be very expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. The British High Commission and Consulates-General cannot assist with medical expenses.

HOW TO BOOK

To check availability without obligation call Richard or Dawn on 01580 240240. To confirm a reservation please send us a completed booking form, which is on the back of our colour brochure and also included in our downloadable pages. The deposit to pay upon booking is £500 per person. We welcome payment by cheque to "Furlongs Travel", or by Access, Switch and Visa cards. There's no surcharge for payment by card. We have a secure payment form this web site if you wish to send card details via the internet.

CONTACT US

Please contact us with any questions you may have. We're generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm, although we're often open longer hours, in the evenings and at weekends. We have a friendly and efficient answer phone service so, if we're away from the office, please leave a message and we'll phone you back as promptly as possible. Our telephone number is 01580 240240 and email mail@furlongs.co.uk

� Furlongs Travel, PO Box 44, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4TQ, England