New York and Toronto Holiday

A holiday to New York and Toronto offers the perfect blend of vibrant city life, iconic landmarks, and cultural experiences. Start your adventure in New York, where you can explore world-famous attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, while indulging in Broadway shows and diverse culinary delights. Then, head north to Toronto, Canada’s largest city, known for its stunning skyline, multicultural atmosphere, and must-visit spots like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and nearby Niagara Falls. Whether you're seeking thrilling cityscapes, rich history, or unforgettable dining experiences, this trip promises an exciting and memorable getaway.

New York City: 4-Night Adventure

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is packed with iconic sights, delicious eats, and incredible experiences. Here’s your perfect itinerary:

Day 1: The Classics & Skyline Views

• Morning: Kick off your trip with a visit to Times Square and snap those famous neon-lit photos. Then, head over to Rockefeller Center and take in the panoramic city views from Top of the Rock.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Central Park, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and grab a bite at a cozy café nearby.
• Evening: Hop on a sunset cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, or catch a Broadway show for a memorable night.

Day 2: Downtown & Brooklyn

• Morning: Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum before heading up to the One World Observatory.

• Afternoon: Walk through Wall Street, pose with the Charging Bull, and take a scenic stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.

• Evening: Have dinner in DUMBO while admiring the stunning city skyline.

Day 3: Neighbourhood Gems

• Morning: Start the day in Greenwich Village, grab coffee at a local café, and enjoy the atmosphere at Washington Square Park.

• Afternoon: Explore SoHo, then wander through Chinatown and Little Italy for a taste of diverse cuisines.

• Evening: Take in the city lights from the Empire State Building or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Day 4: Culture & Local Favourites

• Morning: Choose between the American Museum of Natural History or The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

• Afternoon: Walk the High Line, browse through Chelsea Market, and soak in some art at the Whitney Museum.

• Evening: Wrap up your NYC stay with dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Midtown.

Toronto: 4-Night Urban Escape

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, offers a mix of modern architecture, historic districts, and vibrant cultural scenes. Here’s your four-day plan:

Day 1: Toronto’s Downtown Icons

• Morning: Start your day at the CN Tower, where you’ll get incredible 360° views. Then, visit Ripley’s Aquarium and check out Rogers Centre.

• Afternoon: Take a walk along the Harbourfront, enjoy the lake views, and take a ferry to Toronto Islands for a scenic break.

• Evening: Wander through the Distillery District, where cobblestone streets meet trendy shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Day 2: Museums & Local Vibes

• Morning: Dive into history at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), then explore high-end boutiques in Bloor-Yorkville.

• Afternoon: Grab lunch in Queen Street West, then discover the funky shops and cafés of Kensington Market and Chinatown.

• Evening: Experience Toronto’s nightlife in the Entertainment District, or catch a show at the Mirvish Theatre.

Day 3: Day Trips & Exploration

• Morning: Take a day trip to Niagara Falls, just a 90-minute drive from Toronto.

• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries or head back to Toronto for a visit to Casa Loma, a historic castle in the city.

• Evening: Unwind with a cocktail at Lavelle or enjoy a gourmet dinner in King Street West.

Day 4: Hidden Gems & Final Stops

• Morning: Visit the St. Lawrence Market, a foodie paradise with fresh local goods.

• Afternoon: Take a streetcar to The Beaches, a charming lakeside neighbourhood perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

• Evening: End your trip with a farewell dinner overlooking the skyline or a relaxed evening in a cozy speakeasy.

10 Nights Toronto & Montreal Trip by Rail

 A Canadian Journey – 10 Nights Toronto & Montreal Trip by Rail

Imagine a 10-night Canadian getaway that blends Toronto’s bustling cityscape with Montreal’s historic allure, all connected by a scenic rail journey. Starting with a direct Virgin Atlantic flight to Toronto, this itinerary promises an adventure rich in culture, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.

First 5 Nights: Toronto – A City of Iconic Attractions

Upon arrival in Toronto, Canada’s largest city will invite travellers to dive into its rich cultural offerings and vibrant neighbourhoods. Here are three unique experiences awaiting:

1. Niagara Falls Day Trip: Just a short drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls will offer an exhilarating day trip. Travellers will have the chance to take a Hornblower Cruise, bringing them up close to the powerful cascades, and to explore the surrounding scenic Niagara Parkway.

2. Distillery District: Known for its cobblestone streets and historic charm, the Distillery District will be perfect for an afternoon of art, cafes, and boutique shopping in a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly area.

3. Kensington Market: Toronto’s most colourful neighbourhood will be a must-visit for foodies and art lovers. With an eclectic mix of cafes, street art, and unique shops, Kensington Market will offer a glimpse into Toronto’s creative spirit.

Rail Journey to Montreal

After Toronto, travellers will experience a scenic transition to Montreal on the VIA Rail. The comfortable rail journey will provide beautiful views of rural Ontario and Quebec, offering a peaceful segue into the next part of the adventure.

Final 5 Nights: Montreal – A Fusion of Culture & Charm

Arriving in Montreal, travellers will discover a city that feels like a blend of Canadian and European influences. Here are three more memorable stops on this itinerary:

1. Jean-Talon Market: Located in Montreal’s Little Italy, Jean-Talon Market will offer a feast for the senses with its fresh produce, local cheeses, and baked goods. Exploring this market is a great way to taste the flavours of Quebec.

2. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: This esteemed museum will provide an enriching experience for art lovers, with exhibits that span Canadian, Indigenous, and international art. It’s a perfect place to delve into Montreal’s artistic legacy.

3. Little Burgundy: Known for its jazz clubs and trendy eateries, Little Burgundy will be an ideal spot for a night out in Montreal. Visitors can savour the local music scene and enjoy gourmet dining, capturing the essence of Montreal’s nightlife.

This well-rounded Canadian itinerary will take travellers from Toronto’s modern marvels to Montreal’s historic streets, all while capturing the beauty and charm of each city. From direct flights to scenic rail travel, every part of the journey promises to be as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Toronto & Niagara Falls

Toronto!.............Diversity!

Canada’s largest city with a population close to 6 million, that, since the end of the Second World War, has seen a continuous influx of newcomers, mainly from the developing world. Maybe this is one of the reasons for the popularity of its street markets, St Lawrence & Kensington the two largest. Or maybe this is a reason for more than 8000 restaurants including cuisine from all corners of the globe, be careful though, some of these encouraging a standard 20% tip!?



We can submerge to the ‘PATH’ the largest underground pedestrian system in North America, twenty eight kilometres in length, with five subway stations & a railway terminal of which is the staring point to one of our wonderful Explore Canada by train journeys.Toronto was recently tipped as the world’s fourth most liveable city, boasting 301 days of sunshine a year, historic highest recorded temperatures of 41 centigrade & lowest of -44 C, 30% of the population speaking a language other than English or French, over 200 public works of art, 1600 named parks with over 10 million trees & some 35000 hotel rooms……….did I use the word diversity!

Anyway, that’s some of the facts out of the way; let me give you the ‘heads-up’ on some of those 35000 hotel rooms.

‘Downtown’ is a safe & vibrant area, easy to get around on foot, by public transport or cab. Three hotels that come highly recommended & very close to Union train station are the ‘Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square’, ‘Fairmont Royal York’ & the ‘Intercontinental’ all within a few minutes’ walk. Also worth a decent shout come the ‘Eaton Chelsea’ or the ‘Renaissance’ hotel.



The construction of Toronto’s skyline saw a major boom from the 1960’s, with the third most sky-scrapers in North America spawning the reason for the CN Tower. Toronto simply had to have a tower for television & radio purposes that superseded the skyline.

A couple of movie stars that hail from Toronto include Jim Carrey & Mike Myers, comedy at its best! Speaking of comedy, Toronto’s premium sports team is the ‘Toronto Maples’ ice hockey team, which hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967. Not helped then, by the 52 outdoor ice skating rinks!?

Niagara Falls

Born during the last ice age, some 1.7 million years ago from glaciers nearly two miles thick covering the Niagara frontier region, we have one of the most dramatic, natural beauties the world has given us. With four of the five great lakes draining into it,(Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) before emptying into lake Ontario, making up one fifth of the world fresh-water supply. Currently, 3160 tonnes of water per second flowing over Niagara, giving America 20 % of its drinking water…..Yup.



Many people wouldn’t even realise, it’s beaten by over 500 falls in the world for height, but it’s the sheer volume of water that makes Niagara possibly the fastest moving body of water on the planet! In fact, you are almost guaranteed to see a rainbow from the Canadian side, to capture this phenomenon, visit from noon to sunset. Niagara’s ecosystem also supports many animals, from the endangered Lake Sturgeon to the Bald Eagle & Peregrine Falcon, but rare trees & plants too.

Perhaps the most miraculous of all, is the event that took place in July of 1960. A local man took a small boat for a ride on the upper Niagara River with his two children. The boat developed major motor trouble, capsizing all three of them. The father went over the falls to his death, but, amazingly, his 17 year old daughter was plucked just 20 feet from the falls. Even more amazing, her seven year old brother, Roger Woodward, went over ‘Horseshoe Falls’ wearing only a swimsuit & lifejacket. The pleasure boat, ‘Maid Of The Mist’ was just making a turn below the falls, when one of the crew spotted a bright orange life jacket. The veteran Captain maneuvered his boat and after two unsuccessful attempts, plucked young Roger to safety, suffering only slight concussion. This Iconic vessel is still in use today, making the daily trip beneath the falls, thrilling visitors within metres of the dramatic water.



If you are going to make the trip to Niagara, it really would be a sin to not house yourself in a ‘Falls View Room’ at one of the many hotels. The Sheraton, Marriott, Wyndham and Radisson, all worth a mention. Plus as always with Charter Travel we love to find a way for our money to go further so why not take a look at our most popular East Coast New York, Toronto and Niagara holiday.