1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

Eastern Ontario Retired Teachers
Travel Council
RTO/ERO -- Districts 20 & 48
John Kitney, Travel Council Chair, 227 Glengarry Road,
Kingston, O- K7M 3J6 Tel: 613-546-6378 [email protected]
April, 2013
Greetings, Travellers!
Once again we are very excited about our tours for the remainder of 2013, and our full line-up for 2014.
The hottest new item on our list is our Spectacular Fall Colours tour. We will spend two nights at Killarney Mountain
Lodge before heading to the famous Agawa Canyon. The familiar call of “All Aboard!” will signal the departure from
Sault Ste. Marie as we head north on the Algoma Central Railway and travel deep into the Canadian Shield, hugging the
sheer valley walls before settling on the silent canyon floor below. The tour continues with a visit to Manitoulin Island as
we make our way back, by ferry, to the Bruce Peninsula. Our final night will be spent in the quaint harbour town of
Tobermory before heading home.
This is just one of a number of programs that I hope you will take a look at in this package of travel opportunities.
The Eastern Ontario Retired Teacher’s Travel Council (EORTTC) brings together travellers from RTO/ERO Districts 20
and 48 and friends. Our two newest council members are Sue Taylor and Barbara Canton. Sue Taylor has been an avid
traveller with us in the past and brings her own experience as a leader with the “Road Scholar” programs. Barbara Canton
has recently retired from teaching but always seemed to find ways of combining her teaching with travel opportunities.
We look forward to the experience that Sue and Barbara can bring to our future planning and tour leadership.
By the way, if you are looking for Anna Kovachis and the Merit Group Travel crew (Brian, Sue, Christine & Lise) on
Princess Street, you may be surprised to know that they have moved to a new ground floor location at 214 Wellington
Street. Feel free to drop by and say hello, and check out their new home. The telephone contact numbers for Merit Group
Travel remain the same except for their fax number: 613-545-3534. As usual, expressions of interest for priority
registration should be directed to Sue Parkinson, MERIT GROUP TRAVEL at 613-549-3342 x3377, or email:
[email protected].
We hope you enjoy reading the information we have put together for you. Please contact Merit Group Travel as soon as
possible for registration details on the remaining 2013 tours to Agawa Canyon and Egypt / Jordan. Looking ahead to
2014, the list includes the following: Panama (Jan), Portugal Longstay #15 (Feb/Mar), Scandinavia (May), Croatia
(Sept/Oct), Fall Colours to the Gaspe Peninsula (Sept) and Western & Central Australia (Nov). A couple of 2014 tours
are still in the final development stage so we do not have firm pricing or detailed itineraries yet. Please contact us and we
will put you on a priority list to receive this information if any of the tours interest you.
As always, we look forward to helping you find a great travel experience!
John Kitney
Eastern Ontario Retired Teachers Travel Council
Travel Chair:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
John Kitney
Bill Leroux
-adene Strange
613-546-6378
613-342-2512
613-542-5796
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Members:
Karen Kitney
Sue Taylor
613-546-6378
613-544-1706
[email protected]
[email protected]
Travel Partner:
Merit Group Travel
214 Wellington Street, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y7
Tel: 613-549-3342 Toll free: 800-263-0050
TICO # 50017676
Lisa Leroux
613-342-2512
Barbara Canton 613-353-2812
[email protected]
[email protected]
Advisor:
Anna Kovachis ex 3371 [email protected]
Registration: Sue Parkinson ex 3377 [email protected]
BOSTO- & THE BERKSHIRES
July 3 - 8, 2013
BOSTO- POPS PERFORMA-CE - FREEDOM TRAIL - HARBOUR CRUISE - HARVARD and more!
Join us for a fabulous summer trip to Boston to experience the history and culture of this iconic city.
Package Includes:
Deluxe motor coach transportation from Toronto/Kingston to Boston return
•
•
Five nights accommodation (three nights Marriott Copley, Boston; two nights Crown Plaza,, Pittsfield)
•
Old Town Trolley pass with Boston Harbour Cruise
•
Breakfast Daily and Two Dinners
•
Tickets to the Boston Pops Performance at Tanglewood for Sunday, July 7th
•
Hosted by Anna Kovachis and local guides throughout the tour
•
Taxes, gratuities and baggage handling
Contact Anna at 613-549--3342 ext. 3371 or Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342
3342 ext. 3377.
COST: $1,785.00 per person double occupancy
Singles add $ 700.00
KILLAR-EY, AGAWA CA-YO- & TOBERMORY
SPECTACULAR
PECTACULAR FALL FOLIAGE
~
September 23rd to 28th, 2013
Sit back and enjoy the scenic and colourful countryside as we travel by coach to Northern Ontario. For the first two nights you will
stay at Killarney Mountain Lodge, a casual, comfortable resort on the north shore of Georgian Bay. Family owned and operated for
50 years, the lodge is famous for friendly ambiance, distinctive cuisine and an exciting outdoor wilderness adventure program
program. Red
granite shores of the Bay, white quartzite hills and sparklin
sparklingg interior lakes of Killarney Provincial Park beckon the canoeist, kayaker
and hiker. There's no other place like this!
Your next destination is Sault Ste. Marie which is one of the oldest settlements in North America. For at least two thousand years
Jesuit Missionaries, explorers, voyageurs, artists, soldiers, and traders lived beside the rapids of the St. Mary’s River. S
Sault Ste. Marie
(also known as "the Sault" or "the Soo") is the third largest city in Northern Ontario. Residents of the city are called Saultites.
Next you will be welcomed aboard one of the most popular train tours in North America. Your one
one-day
day wilderness excursion will
transport you 184 kms (114 miles)
s) north of Sault Ste. Marie over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers,
through awesome granite rock formations and vast mixed forests of the Canadian Shield. Through the large windows of the newl
newly
refurbished coaches, the beautyy of the region will unfold and you will experience the same rugged landscapes that inspired the Group
of Seven. As the train pulls to a stop at “Mile 114”, you will have time to experience the pristine beauty of Canyon Park.
The final leg of this spectacular
ular fall colours journey will take you via Manitoulin Island and a ferry crossing to the Bruce Peninsula.
The last evening will be enjoyed in Tobermory, considered to be a paradise by naturalists and photographers.
Contact Sue Taylor at 613-544-1706 orr Sue Parkinson at 613
613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
COST: $1,575. 00 per person double occupancy
Singles add $ 400.00
Egypt & Jordan ~
-ovember 04 – 23, 2013
Escorted by John & Karen Kitney
The Land of the Pharaohs, Egypt is located at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and
Europe and is centered around the fertile Nile Valley. Jordan is a land that is
also steeped in history. It has been home to some of mankind's earliest
settlements and villages. Both countries are known for their remarkable
architectural and geological features. Explore the wonders of Egypt and Jordan
with this new RTO itinerary.
We begin in Egypt with visits to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza before moving
south along the Nile to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Tours include visits to
famous temples, sphinxes, monuments, markets and a river cruise on the Nile.
From Egypt we fly to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Here the itinerary will
include a trip to Jerash, an ancient Roman city; Madaba, a city known for its
mosaics; the Dead Sea; the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea; the desert east of
Aqaba; and of course - Petra, the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. This
package includes all flights, transfers and gratuities and most meals.
EGYPT HIGHLIGHTS:
Six nights in Egypt with visits to the National
Museum and Catacomb of Alexandria, Valley
of the Kings, an overnight train to Luxor,
Aswan High Dam, an internal return fight to
Abu Simbel from Aswan and a three night
cruise on the Nile.
JORDA- HIGHLIGHTS:
Eleven nights in Jordan. Visit Bethany
Beyond the Jordan, swim in the Dead Sea,
snorkel in the Red Sea, sleep under the
stars in tented desert accommodation at
Wadi Rum, and wander through the
ancient ruins at Jerash and Petra.
Tour Includes:
All international and domestic flights, as indicated in itinerary
17 nights accommodation - 6 nights Egypt, (two nights hotel, one overnight train from Cairo to
Aswan and a three night Nile Cruise), 11 nights Jordan, based on double occupancy
17 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches, 14 Dinners
Fully escorted by John and Karen Kitney
All in country transportation and admissions as indicated in itinerary
Gratuities to drivers and guides, all taxes and service charges.
Cost: CAD $ 6,895.00 per person based on double occupancy. Singles add $1,100.00
Contact John or Karen Kitney at 613-546-6378 or Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
IMAGI-E YOU I- PA-AMA!
Watch for this exciting opportunity
Jan/Feb ~ 2014
Join us on this amazing journey through the Panamanian countryside and experience Panama in a way few
people do. We are putting together an itinerary that will include the most beautiful and interesting destinations
in the country... Places you can't miss when visiting Panama.
Highlights
Hiking to hidden waterfalls in the rainforest.
Snorkeling around tiny tropical islands.
4x4 adventures to off the beaten path locations.
Visiting the world famous Panama Canal.
Swimming in beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Experiencing life in an indigenous community.
Wildlife in their natural environment.
All this and more with the full support of an expert local guide taking care of all the details so you can focus on
enjoying the trip and making the most out of your visit.
Contact Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
COST: $TBA double occupancy
Singles add TBA
PORTUGAL 2014 – 15th Anniversary
Departing Canada on February 18th, 2014 for 3 weeks or 4 weeks
-adene Strange has 14 years of experience hosting groups in the Algarve!
The VILLAS D’AGUA, built in 2003, is a 4 star property in an attractive location. The townhouses of the
VILLAS D’AGUA are two story units arranged in four blocks around a large central swimming pool with a
restaurant & terrace bar. The units feature a kitchen, eating area and sitting room with a fireplace on the main
level, with the bedroom(s) and bathroom on the lower level and a private patio and walk out to the spacious
grounds. The modern kitchens are equipped with a full sized fridge, a dishwasher & washing machine, plus a
full suite of appliances including microwave, toaster, coffee maker & kettle.
The 2014 package includes:
Detailed information package.
Overnight Air Transat flight Toronto – Faro and return.
Transfers from the airport to the Villas d’Agua return.
Lunch on the day of arrival and a group farewell dinner.
Group meeting and orientation upon arrival and weekly meetings to share adventures and plan activities.
Special 15th Anniversary Celebration
A compact car (standard transmission) for the duration of your stay, with full Collision Damage Waiver, zero
deductible. Car will be delivered to and picked up from the Villas d’Agua. Automatic transmission car available
at extra cost.
Optional activities that you can join in on such as car convoys, card nights, special events and dining options.
There will be opportunities to book tours through our local travel representative to LISBON, FATIMA,
SEVILLE, GRENADA, GIBRALTAR AND TANGIERS – for a taste of MOROCCO
Optional fitness component includes:
Nature walks in the beautiful Portuguese countryside, nature reserves or natural parks
Beach walking on the 6 mile long Fusetta Beach and other selected beaches
Join us to escape Canadian winter and enjoy the health benefits and sunshine of beautiful Portugal!
Contact Nadene Strange at 613-542-5796 or Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
One Bedroom Villa
Two Bedroom Villa
3 weeks $ 3,900.00
3 weeks $ 4,200.00
4 weeks $ 4,200.00 per person double occupancy
4 weeks $ 4,500.00 per person double occupancy
Scandinavia & St. Petersburg
May 20- June 10, 2014
We will travel by plane, ferry, coach, train, boat and troll car for a
comprehensive and extensive tour of the following five incredible countries
Denmark
See the vibrant capital of Copenhagen. Visit the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the colourful canal district, the Chistiansborg
Palace, the Tivoli Gardens and the famous Little Mermaid.
-orway
In Oslo visit the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park before heading north to ride the world famous Flam
train and cross fjords such as Hardanger, Sognefjord and the UNESCO World Heritage Geiranger Fjord. We will see
stunning views and travel to the very snout of glaciers to experience the breathtaking blue ice.
Sweden
The highlights of Stockholm will include the Royal Palace and the 24,000 islands of the archipelago. We will also visit
the WASA museum, home of the “Wasa” that sank in 1628 and was brought to the surface in 1961. The “Wasa” is the
only preserved 17th century ship in the world. We will stop for a beverage at an Ice Bar (warm clothes provided).
Finland
Helsinki has 13 distinctive gilded cupolas and the Temppeliaukio Church, which is carved into solid rock. We will also
see the site of the 1952 Olympics, the Uspensky Cathedral and Suomenlinna Fortress followed by a traditional Lapland
dinner.
Russia
We will end our tour by spending 4 magnificent days in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter
the Great and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It will dazzle you with splendid palaces, stylish monuments,
straight avenues, bridges and other attractions. St. Petersburg is filled with history and mystery with the focus on art and
design. We will visit the Winter Palace, the Amber Room at Catherine’s Palace, the babbling fountains and gardens of
Peterhof, the palace of the Sea God as well as having time to spend at the Hermitage Museum containing over 3,000,000
works of art. Our time in St. Petersburg will not be rushed so that you can truly absorb its magnificence.
These are just some of the highlights in each area. Our tour includes all transportation, accommodation including
overnight ferries, porter service, breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 14 dinners, as well as a local guide in each area.
Optional Extension:
We will be offering an optional extension in Iceland at the end of this incredible journey. Details
will be available upon registration.
Contact Nadene Strange at 613-542-5796 [email protected] or Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
COST: $8,395.00 double occupancy
Singles add $2,400.00
A CROATIAN ODYSSEY
September 25- October 15, 2014
Join us as we visit Croatia, situated on the eastern coast of the Adriatic
Sea and experience this, emerging and vital tourist destination.
Croatia’s rare blend of beautiful scenery, glamour and authenticity
make this Europe’s ‘it’ destination. Its’ latest tourism campaign says it
all “The Mediterranean as it once was “.
For a small country Croatia is incredibly diverse. Our tour will takes
us to the major cities of Zagreb, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. We will explore these ancient cities and witness
the emergence of a truly modern culture.
While touring we also visit Zagorje Castle region, Plitvice National Park
several UNESCO World Heritage sites including Trogir. At the end of the
tour we will also cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit
Mostar and Sarajevo. During 2014 Sarajevo is being celebrated as The
European Capital of Culture, which demonstrates the way the country has
bounced back from the brutal war in the 1990’s.
Our travel from Split to Dubrovnik will be a splendid seven day, island
hopping cruise on our private, chartered ship. Planned stops are the Islands
of Vis, Brac , Hvar. Korcula and Mljet.
The islands of the Dalmatian Coast are one of the true wonders of Europe. With the clearest waters in the
Mediterranean and great historic and cultural interest, experiencing this special region by our private yacht is by
far the most rewarding way to travel. Each day we travel to a new island to take in the sights and then spend a
quiet night moored there , while the waves rock you to sleep.
Bill and Lisa Leroux will be your tour
hosts for this adventure to an ancient yet
up and coming region not to be missed!
Space on board the charter ship is limited.
Register your interest now and a complete
package will be sent to you.
Contact Bill or Lisa Leroux at 613-342-2512 or Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
COST: $ 6,995.00 per person double occupancy
Singles add $ 1,200.00
WEST, CENTRAL & NORTH AUSTRALIA
-ovember 2014
Escorted by John & Karen Kitney
The ‘Land Down Under’ is known for its beautiful beaches, stark scenery, exotic animals, fabulous wineries
and aboriginal dreamtime. Our trip to west, central and north Australia will include all of these. We begin our
tour in Perth, Australia’s western most city, which is framed by the vineyards of the Swan Valley on one side
and the beaches of the Indian Ocean on the other. Our
itinerary will include a wildlife park as well as a chance to
enjoy Rottnest Island. Next we head south to Bunbury and
the Margaret River area. The attractions include a visit a
dolphin sanctuary as well as a local winery. As we travel
eastward, our next city stop is Adelaide, South Australia’s
elegant and cultured capital. We will have time to explore the
city and also visit the famous wineries of the Barossa Valley.
Our journey continues into Central Australia. Here we arrive at the
“cross roads of Australia” and the gateway to the Flinders Ranges,
the Outback and Spencer Gulf. Our next stop is Coober Pedy, an
opal town where most of the residents live underground. Our
accommodation is, indeed, an underground hotel. Travelling again
we come to the Northern Territory where we will have the
opportunity to visit Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) and learn about the
aboriginal people and the mystery of their dreamtime legends.
Moving further north we will venture to the Olgas and also
to Kings Canyon before arriving in Alice Springs. This is
the midway point between Adelaide and Darwin and is
home to the Royal Flying Doctor program and the historic
Old Telegraph Station. Next we fly to Darwin at the very
top of the sub-continent, and have the opportunity to
explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.
Contact John or Karen Kitney at 613-546-6378 or Sue Parkinson at 613-549-3342 ext. 3377.
COST: $ TBA
per person double occupancy
Singles add $ TBA