Agri-Cultural Tours will customize itineraries for pre-formed groups both for travel by Canadians wanting to visit farms or for visitors to Canada.

Agri-Cultural Tours is a founding member of ATOI (Agricultural Tour Operators International) with members throughout the world.

Day 1, BRISBANE, Monday, October 10th 2011 (D) - Arrive to Brisbane the balmy sub-tropical capital of Queensland where you are met and transferred to your well located hotel – across the street from the Botanical Gardens and within easy walking distance to the main shopping precinct. There will be a welcome dinner this evening for you to get to know your Tour Manager and discuss the days ahead. Royal on the Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 2, BRISBANE to TOOWOOMBA, Tuesday, October 11th 2011 (B L D) - After a short tour of Brisbane which will include a trip to the lookout on Mount Cootha you travel into the Lockyer Valley. First visit this morning will be to breeders of Waguy cattle – specifically breed for premium grade beef destine for export to Japan or the top end of the domestic restaurant trade. During the afternoon you will visit one of the largest vegetable growers in Australia producing a range of fresh vegetables for domestic and export markets. It is only a short drive from here up the range to the city of Toowoomba where you check into hotel for two nights. Burke & Wills Hotel (or similar)

Day 3, TOOWOOMBA, Wednesday, October 12th 2011 (B L) - Today is spent on the Darling Downs, a world famous cropping area that is also now becoming the centre of the Australian feedlot industry. You will see some of the intensive cropping and irrigation practices that have made this area of Queensland famous for its production capacity and efficiency. Crops such as cotton, soybeans, maize and sorghum are grown utilising innovative water harvesting and production techniques together with the latest technology in farm machinery and processing equipment. You will visit a family cropping enterprise, where cotton is an important crop. You will inspect the private irrigation project where water is ‘harvested’ in good times for storage in ‘ring-tanks’ for use in the dry times. Also during the afternoon you visit one of the major feedlots in the district which prepares cattle for domestic as well as export markets. Issues that will be discussed will concentrate on QA schemes and how they impact on management techniques; pen design and layout, ration mixing and handling, shade, effluent control and pad maintenance. The treatment of manure into fertilizers will also be shown. Burke & Wills Hotel (or similar)

Day 4, TOOWOOMBA to GYMPIE, Thursday, October 13th 2011 (B L D) - This morning you visit a world class florists & flower growers which includes 10,000sq m of highly efficient hydroponic farm specialising in gerberas and chrysanthemums. Later continue into a region known as the South Burnett – where you will visit a Droughtmaster Cattle Stud – for an inspection and discussion about this unique breed developed as a fixed cross between Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus breeds. Lunch will be enjoyed with the family. During the afternoon you travel across the South Burnett an area becoming a significant wine growing area and a visit will be made to one of the vineyards to sample the vintage. Later continue to the town of Gympie for overnight accommodation. Dinner tonight in hotel restaurant. Great Eastern Motor Inn (or similar)

Day 5, GYMPIE to SUNSHINE COAST, Friday, October 14th 2011 (B L D) - Most of the day will be spent in the sub-tropical farming region around Gympie. First visit will be to one of Australia’s largest pineapple farms – producing 4,000 tonne of fruit a year. A little further north you will meet the people who has developed an aquaculture complex to be one of the largest Redclaw (Cherax quadricarinatus) aquaculture facilities in Queensland with 57 ponds. You will be able to assess the quality of Queensland Redclaw (fresh water crayfish) over lunch today. During the afternoon we travel south and visit a family who own and operate Brahman & Charbray studs. The owner is also a Director of the Australian Brahman Breeders Association – so discussion can focus on the way breed societies operate in Australia. Later travel south to the Sunshine Coast and check into accommodation for the next 3 nights. Twin Waters Resort (or similar)

Day 6, SUNSHINE COAST, Saturday, October 15th 2011 (B) - Today you will be able to enjoy the holiday lifestyle of a surf side resort. There will be the opportunity for tennis or golf, swimming, walking or just relaxing. Those who need some retail therapy can take the shuttle to nearby Noosa Heads to check out what is on offer at some of the most exclusive shops and boutiques on the coast. Twin Waters Resort (or similar)

Day 7, SUNSHINE COAST, Sunday, October 16th 2011 (B) - You will have another full day to enjoy the holiday resort. Optional tours can be arranged to World Heritage listed Fraser Island or Australia Zoo (made famous by the late Steve Irwin). Twin Waters Resort (or similar)

Day 8, SUNSHINE COAST to DALBY, Monday, October 17th 2011 (B L D) - This morning you travel due west past the Glass House Mountains where visits will be made to a large strawberry farming operation as well as a major pineapple plantation. After lunch you cross into the Brisbane Valley and visit an intensive tree nursery before ascending onto the Darling Downs where you intersect the direction you were travelling four days earlier. During the afternoon you will continue to Dalby for overnight accommodation. Dalby Manor Motor Inn (or similar)

Day 9, DALBY , Tuesday, October 18th 2011 (B L) - This morning you travel out of town and visit a young couple who have put together one of the most impressive Santa Gertrudis stud herds in the country – with the amalgamation of two premier studs. There will be the opportunity to discuss the holistic farm management that is at the core of their business decisions, including benchmarking. After lunch with family you continue nearby to the Bunya Mountains National Park - which forms a microcosm for nature and environmental studies. Set in a wilderness location and featuring the largest forest of bunya pines in the world, enthusiasts flock here to study the remarkable variety of rare bird species, flora and fauna. Later you return to Dalby for second night. Dalby Manor Motor Inn (or similar)

Day 10, DALBY to GOONDIWINDI, Wednesday, October 19th 2011 (B L D) - After breakfast you can visit the weekly cattle sale before travelling west into Maranoa district –once covered in Brigalow scrub, now cleared for cereal crops (wheat and barley) and sheep and cattle. There should be time to visit Glenmorgan, a small community which is home to Myall Park Botanic Garden, an internationally recognised collection of semi-arid plants. Later continue to the border town of Goondiwindi where visits will be made to a vertically integrated company established by local cotton growers – to process and market their own produce. Check in to accommodation in Goondiwindi with dinner included. The Sundowner Motor Inn (or similar)

Day 11, GOONDIWINDI to MOREE, Thursday, October 20th 2011 (B L D) - Travel south this morning into NSW and onto the major cotton town of Moree where we will meet the people who immigrated from USA in the mid 60’s to develop the Pecan industry. Today they operate Australia’s largest pecan orchard with over 70,000 mature trees. Later in the day we will visit the head office for an aggregation of seven properties spread over 360kms in the `North West of NSW running through to Goondiwindi in Southern Queensland. To minimise income risk through droughts and commodity cycles this family owned business has added to the traditional cattle income base by diversifying into irrigation and dryland farming. The entire business produces up to 10,000 bales of cotton, up to 15,000 tonnes of grain and runs approximately 10,000 head of cattle annually. Barbecue dinner tonight with family and some invited locals. Later we check into accommodation in Moree for 2 nights. Spa Village Travel Inn (or similar)

Day 12, MOREE, Friday, October 21st 2011 (B L) - The day will be spent in Moree district with extensive visit to two large scale operations. Firstly another immigrant family – this time from Northern Ireland where we meet a chap who immigrated in the late 60’s with nothing other than a diploma from Greenmount Agricultural College and a vision to succeed. Today he runs a 32,000 acre property growing irrigated cotton and running commercial cattle – including a 20,000 head feedlot - he also has farming interests in China. The second visit for the day will be to one of three farms run across North West NSW by another family farming opeartion. The farming business focuses on intensive dryland and row cropping, and offers a geographical risk spread, with a wide range of summer and winter crops. The visit is an excellent opportunity to see how a progressive farm family manages the challenges of dryland cropping. Later return to Moree for second night. Spa Village Travel Inn (or similar)

Day 13, MOREE to DUBBO, Saturday, October 22nd 2011 (B L D) - After breakfast this morning we will visit an olive grove consisting of 160 ha or 48,000 olive trees where there will be an opportunity to discuss the development of this relatively recent new industry on the Australian landscape. Later continue south and spend time in the Warrumbungle National Park where a wide range of flora and fauna can be seen against a backdrop of interesting mountain formations. Later arrive in Dubbo and check into accommodation for two nights – dinner tonight included. Comfort Inn Blue Lagoon (or similar)

Day 14, DUBBO, Sunday, October 23rd 2011 (B L) - Today will be spent in the Narromine district and visit the rose production farm for one of Sydney’s largest nurseries, with more than 5,000 bushes on display. Another visit during the day will be one of the largest containerised tree seedling growers in Australia, supplying more than 18 million tree seedlings annually. And also meet the lady who established Australia’s largest lime orchard – with 10,000 lime trees. During the afternoon we return to Dubbo and visit the Western Plains Zoo for a behind the scenes visit with the game keepers. Comfort Inn Blue Lagoon (or similar)

Day 15, DUBBO to SYDNEY, Monday, October 24th 2011 (B L) - Travelling south east this morning first to the Wellington district where a visit will be requested to a major horse stud. The 3,000 acre property incorporates the historic "Gobolion", which hosted the first race meeting in the area in 1845. Later continue through the Blue Mountains with sightseeing opportunities and then into Sydney and settle into well located hotel. Grace Hotel (or similar)

Day 16, SYDNEY, Tuesday, October 25th 2011 (B L D) - A city and beaches tour this morning, taking in the historic `Rocks' area at the southern end of the Harbour Bridge, the fashionable Eastern Suburbs, and famous Bondi Beach. On returning to the city you are taken for a luncheon cruise on the magnificent Sydney Harbour. This afternoon is free for you explore the city on your own – perhaps a walk around the world famous Opera House, or a trip Taronga Park Zoo. This evening you enjoy a farewell dinner, in one of the waterfront restaurants at King’s Wharf – which is part of Darling Harbour. Grace Hotel (or similar)

Day 17, SYDNEY to HOME, Wednesday, October 26th 2011 (B) - Free time after breakfast then transfer as required to Sydney Airport for homeward flight.

Price double occupancy land only $6,995 Canadian, single supplement $1495

Day 2, Thursday, Central Alberta (B, L) - Depart to see beef ranch of central Alberta, a buffalo (bison) ranch,. and elk ranch. Lunch planned at ranch. Proceed to Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 3, Friday, Calgary (B, L) - Follow the Icefield Parkway, claimed by National Geographic as the most scenic highways, along the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies, observing any wild life and the natural beauty. Stop at Columbia Icefields to ride the Sno-Coach over 1,000 feet thick moving glacier. Check-in to Calgary hotel. This evening have reserved seats to Chuckwagon Races and awarding winning Grand Stand show.

Day 4, Saturday, Calgary (B) - With our C-train pass (Calgary rapid transit) we may browse, shop or explore downtown shopping areas, Heritage Village Park or come and go to the Stampede Grounds with reserved seats at Rodeo.

Day 5, Sunday, Banff (B, L, D) - We head to Banff visiting scenic highlights such as Lake Lousie, Emerald Lake, Morraine Lake on our tour. Tonight a special dinner theatre performance of ‘Oh Canada eh!’ a comic look at Canada and its history.

Day 6, Monday, Banff (B, L) - Ride the Banff gondola, enjoy the 1km walkway. Lunch cruise on the largest lake in Banff National Park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Free time in Banff this afternoon.

Day 7, Tuesday, Central British Columbia (B, D) - Follow the Trans-Canada Highway through the Rocky Mountains, crossing the Continental Divide we enter Yoho National Park, stop at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/bc/rogers/visit/visit2.aspx , whose architecture replicates the structure of an 1880’s railway snow shed, for theatre and exhibits about railway history, avalanches and wildlife Continue through Glacier National Park www.pc.gc.ca/glacier and Revelstoke National Park www.pc.gc.ca/revelstoke Overnight.

Day 8, Wednesday, Central British Columbia (B, L, D) - Visit to farms in the morning, such as large apple orchard where they also make ice apple cider, and hazelnut farm. Continue on to Harrison Hot Springs for mid-afternoon check in around 3PM.

Day 9, Thursday, Vancouver Island (B) - Time to relax and enjoy a hot springs pool before departing mid morning for Vancouver Island taking ferry to Victoria. Check into hotel

Day 10, Friday, Victoria (B, L) - Tour of Victoria area. Lunch followed by entrance to Butchart Gardens with time to visit this 130 acre floral extravaganza carved out of an old limestone quarry. Free evening in Victoria

Day 11, Saturday, Vancouver (B, D) - Depart for ferry to Vancouver, lunch on own. City tour of Vancouver with evening farewell dinner.

Day 12, Sunday, Vancouver (B) - Free time in greater Vancouver before transferring to the pier for your Alaska cruise or to the airport for onward flights

All farm visits are subject to change based on availability of the hosting farm.

Day 2, Thursday, Southwest Ontario (B, D) - Option to walk across the road to one of largest farmer’s markets in Canada, and if operating, view livestock auction with its overhead catwalks. Depart for Niagara Falls with time to explore the many tourist sights included on your pass such as “Maid of the Mist” (boat ride up to the Falls), a Journey behind the Falls (take elevator to tunnels behind the Falls, White Water Walk (boardwalk along category 6 rapids), Fury (newest animation) and all-day free transportation around the Falls. We have dinner with a view overlooking Niagara Falls. Return to our hotel.

Day 3, Friday, Southwest Ontario (B, D) - Tour maple syrup operation, after which we visit a ginseng farm operation along with other crops such as tobacco, maize and Soya beans. Today we will also visit a diary operation and/or with time permitting another livestock such as sheep, goat or elk as we travel through Canada’s richest agricultural land.

Day 4, Saturday, Southwest Ontario (B, L, D) - Visit beef cattle operation, followed by cash crop operation including a non-GMO program. After lunch visit large dairy farm. Dinner at local area country hotel.

Day 5, Sunday, Eastern Ontario (B, L) - Tour of Mennonite Country, discussing their history, culture and ways. Visit as group to Canoe Museum which illustrates Canadian history through water transport from First Nations, through fur traders to the settlers/pioneers. Overnight Ottawa

Day 6, Monday, Ottawa (B, D) - City tour of Ottawa including parliament buildings, prime minister and governor general residences and the UNESCO Rideau Canal including changing of guard, restrictions permitting. Free time in Ottawa to browse or take in one of the fine museums or art gallery.

Day 7, Tuesday, Montreal (B, L) - Visit to Parc Omega where animals roam free, with 10 km driving path that we journey along in special bus (to allow windows to open so we may feed the animals carrots) seeing black bears, buffalo, wapitis (elk), deer (red & fallow), We depart for Montreal airport stopping on the way for lunch at Quebecois Sugar Shack for lunch.

Day 8, Wednesday, Montreal (B) - Transfer to Trudeau Montreal Airport or continue with onward journey

All farm visits are subject to change based on availability of the hosting farm.

Inclusions
Tour of Mennonite Country
All day pass at Niagara Falls including free transportation between venues
City tour of Ottawa
Visit to Parc Omega (drive through where animals roam free)
All coach parking and other coach associated fees
Services of A.C.T. guide
Accommodation taxes and imposed charges at time of quote
Meal gratuities and taxes at time of quote.

Not included
Any imposed changes in taxes by governments
Any imposed fuel surcharges
Any items not included above
Any items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, alcohol drinks
Tips the tour director, step-on guides and driver

Day 2, Wednesday, Ontario (B, L) - We will visit beef feedlot, robotic dairy, cash crop arable farm, sheep finishing operation and time permitting beef cattle farm.

Day 3, Thursday, Ontario (B, L) - Visit farmer’s market (see the morning livestock auction if available). View Mennonite mixed farm with maple syrup production, apple orchard and livestock. After which we have lunch on the way to Royal Winter Fair. (Based on past schedule the “Sale of Stars” National Holstein Show will be around 5PM) Overnight Toronto next three nights.

Day 4, Friday, Ontario (B, L) - Full day attendance at Royal Winter Fair, National Holstein Show, Senior Calf to Mature Cow Classes with Holstein Grand Champion Parade late afternoon.

Day 5, Saturday, Ontario (B, L) - City sightseeing tour of Toronto in morning, followed by lunch at CN Tower. Free time to enjoy downtown Toronto or return to RWF (admission not covered).

Day 6, Sunday, Ontario (B, L) - Proceed to Niagara Falls, lunch at Skylon Tower. Depart for onward journey, continue stay in Ontario or proceed to Toronto airport.

Farm visits and schedule of Royal Winter Fair is subject to change. We will endeavor to adjust itinerary if changes occur