“CHRISTMAS ESCAPADE”

Select the day of your choice, or we can customize a program for you!

DAY 1

10:00 a.m. ARRIVE in WINDSOR!

10:30 a.m. GUIDED TOUR of WILLISTEAD MANOR. Tour the elegant mansion built by Hiram Walker's son, Edward Chandler Walker. The manor is beautifully decorated as befits the Yuletide season, each room having its own themed seasonal decor.

11:45 a.m. It’s a short distance to the beautiful ST. MARY’S CHURCH. St. Mary’s woodcarvings, by Johannes Kirchmeyer, are the envy of the Smithsonian.

12:45 p.m. LUNCH at restaurant of choice, but do leave room for a treat!

2:15 p.m. TOUR of WALKER'S FINE CANDIES. Learn about the history of chocolate and see how this family-run business still hand-dips all its truffles the old-fashioned way. Try their decadent sweets... and make your dentist's day!

3:30 p.m. ARRIVE AT HOTEL. Check-in and relax before feasting on a sumptuous dinner at one of our numerous downtown dining establishments or for a bit of excitement try dinner at WINDSOR RACEWAY & SLOTS ... followed, of course, by a few bets on the races!!!  Did you bring your ice skates? Stop at Charles Clark Square for some fresh air, at the outdoor rink!

DAY 2 

9:00 a.m. BOARD COACH and proceed to Kingsville.

10:00 a.m. GUIDED TOUR of JOHN R. PARK HOMESTEAD. Experience Christmas festivities and preparations as they might have been at this 19th century homestead. Home-made decor, music, baking on the hearth, children's activities, live nativity scene, gift shop, etc...

12:00 p.m. LUNCH at COLASANTI'S TROPICAL GARDENS. After lunch, browse through the interconnected greenhouses filled with cacti, houseplants, exotic birds, a craft area, old-fashioned country store and miniature golf course. The Poinsettia Festival will be in full swing and will get you in the holiday spirit!

2:30 p.m. More time for a little holiday shopping at CINDY'S HOME & GARDEN.  Their 4,000 sq. ft. gift shop offers unique gifts! 

3:30 p.m. Proceed to a local WINERY. Essex County is home to an ever-growing number of fabulous wineries.  Learn what goes into creating their product, including the exclusive 'ice wines'... the grapes for which stay on the vines through the winter season!  Pick up some wine for the coming holiday festivities.

5:00 p.m. BOARD COACH to enjoy a drive past Kingsville's FANTASY OF LIGHTS display at Lakeside Park.

6:00 p.m. To keep you in the spirit of Christmas, enjoy an evening of seasonal DINNER THEATRE in the County OR proceed directly to Windsor for dinner on own (or as arranged) before experiencing the excitement of the clanging bells at CAESARS WINDSOR!

DAY 3

8:00 a.m. GOOD MORNING! Check-out after breakfast.

9:00 a.m. BOARD COACH. Proceed to Amherstburg via Old Sandwich Towne, the oldest English-speaking community west of Montreal, passing by the (former) Zoli Antiques, Dominion House Tavern, Mackenzie Hall, St. John's Church, Ojibway, Windsor Raceway and Canadian Salt.

10:00 a.m. GUIDED TOUR of PARK HOUSE MUSEUM. This home was originally built in Detroit in 1797. When the Jay Treaty gave control of Detroit to the Americans, the owner dismantled the house, floated it downriver and reassembled it in Amherstburg. Enjoy the old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere created by the Victorian decorations, and watch their tinsmith in action (items available for purchase.)

11:00 a.m. Down the road to FORT MALDEN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK. Visit this authentic fort and barracks for a glimpse of 1800s holiday traditions. Costumed staff, decorated barrack, samples of Christmas treats. Stop at the Garrison Gift Shop for that unique item.

12:15 p.m. VISIT the GIBSON GALLERY, a beautifully restored railroad station now displaying a wide variety of local, and regional artists, as well as visiting exhibits from the likes of the Royal Ontario Museum.

1:00 p.m. LUNCH at an Amherstburg eatery.

1:30 p.m. BOARD COACH for return trip home.