Day 1 Tinley Park, IL
“On the first day of Christmas”...this song will fill your head as we head out on a magical Christmas tour to Niagara Falls during the Winter Festival of Lights. Niagara Falls is transformed into a palette of breathtaking color with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays. Today will be spent getting acquainted with our fellow travelers while hearing all about our trip ahead.

Day 2 Niagara Falls, ON
Making our way through Illinois and into Michigan, we will arrive in Frankenmuth, Michigan’s little Bavaria and home to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. Explore this festive store that is the size of one and a half football fields. Next, we check-in to the Bavarian Inn Lodge for our overnight stay. Tonight, dinner is included at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 3 Niagara Falls, ON

This morning we board our bus and a local guide will show us around Frankenmuth. Afterwards, we’ll experience Pretzel Rolling at the Bavarian Inn. There will be some time to have lunch and stroll around here before we depart for Niagara Falls. Christmas will fill the air as we enter Niagara Falls with glowing lights of the Winter Festival and holiday decor. We’ll check-in to our hotel located right next door to the Skylon Tower for a three night stay. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)

Day 4 Niagara Falls, ON
This morning a local guide will join us to give us a tour of Niagara Falls. We’ll see and learn about the sights of Niagara including Minolta Tower Centre, Rainbow Bridge, Power Plant Disaster Area, The Great Whirlpool and of course the three majestic waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. A visit to the Annual Poinsettia Show at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse is a must stop while visiting here during Christmas time. This iconic show features beautiful cyclamen, amaryllis, orchids and at the center of it all, poinsettias. Lunch is included today before we take the Journey Behind the Falls and stand directly behind the roaring sheet of water and get a literal behind-the-scenes peek at this magnificent natural attraction. Take a little down time at the hotel this afternoon before a wonderful meal at Skylon Tower’s Revolving Restaurant. The restaurant silently rotates 360 degrees every hour, giving you a constantly changing view while eating a delicious dinner. After, check out the Skylon Tower observation deck for a spectacular view of the Falls and surrounding area all lit up for the Christmas season. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Niagara Falls, ON
We begin our day at Welland Canal, a ship canal that connects the Great Lakes and forms an integral part of the deep waterway that allows large lakers and ocean vessels to navigate to and from the heart of North America. From there we head towards Niagara-on-the-Lake know for it’s historic downtown area and local wineries. Along they way we will visit CFX, a chocolate factory and do a tour the facility. After, sample some of the most popular items. What goes great with chocolate? Wine, of course! Next up, wine tasting at one of the many wineries that make this area popular. On arrival to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will have time to have lunch on your own downtown and do something shopping. Our afternoon will be spent at the Shaw Festival Theatre taking in their production of “A Christmas Carol.” Before we depart, climb aboard a horse drawn carriage for a tour of this charming town. After dinner on your own this evening we will board our motorcoach and drive around Niagara Falls for a tour of the dazzling Niagara Festival of Lights that adorn the city. (B)

Day 6 Cleveland, OH
We cross back into the United States today and travel to Cleveland for an included lunch. Then we visit the House from a Christmas Story, the fictional boyhood home of Ralphie Parker. We tour the home that is now restored to it’s movie splendor. Directly across from the house is a museum which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind the scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. We will overnight in Cleveland this evening. (B, L)

Day 7 Rockford, IL
As we make our trek back towards home, we’ll travel as far as Rockford, Illinois. Tonight, we will gather for an included farewell dinner at the Machine Shed. (B, D)

Day 8 Home
Today our travels will take us through Wisconsin back to Minnesota. Spend the day reminiscing with your new found friends about our Christmas adventure to Niagara Falls. (B)