NORTHERN USA & CANADA FARM TOUR

26 DAYS

Dep: 20 Jun 2016

DAY 1: Mon 20 Jun MELBOURNE – FLY TO MINNEAPOLIS (-) Meet your fellow passengers and tour escort then check in for your flight to St. Paul, Minnesota via Los Angeles. Upon arrival be met by our driver and guide then transfer to the hotel where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to explore the city or rest. Overnight: Minneapolis

DAY 2: Tue 21 Jun MINNEAPOLIS – BENSON – WATERLOO (BD) This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast cruise along the mighty Mississippi River with the city of Minneapolis lining both banks. Afterwards a tour to see the history of the city which is abundant in water with 20 lakes and wetlands in the surrounding area, plus the Mississippi River, creeks and waterfalls. Depart for Benson and visit the Tyler Self Propelling Sprayer Factory which is now home to the red sprayer line including the SPX Patriot then on to our overnight stop in Waterloo on the Cedar River. Originally a center for sawmills and flour mills, Waterloo is a trade and industrial centre in a rich farming and livestock area. The city's chief industries are meatpacking, soybean processing, and the manufacture of farm machinery, plastics and fabricated metal products. Overnight: Waterloo

DAY 3: Wed 22 Jun WATERLOO – DES MOINES – GRAND ISLAND (BD) Today we tour the most modern and efficient factory in the world, the John Deere tractor factory, to see each stage of the manufacturing process of the equipment that shaped the nation. The factory produces 6R, 7R, 8R/8RT and 9R/9RT series tractors. Afterwards continue south west through Des Moines, into Nebraska and to our overnight stop in Grand Island. The prairie on which Grand Island lies was, along with the majority of North America, once home to Native American Indians. The introduction of rail seen a boom for the town which is now a rich agricultural base predominately for cropping with some livestock farms. Overnight: Grand Island

DAY 4: Thu 23 Jun GRAND ISLAND – RAPID CITY (BD) After breakfast tour the Case IH plant, home to the Case IH Axial-Flow Combine plus several types of hay and forage equipment which are manufactured at this facility. Continue to South Dakota and marvel at the majestic beauty of the Black Hills and visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial to view the four presidents that are carved into the granite cliff face. Overnight: Rapid City

DAY 5: Fri 24 Jun RAPID CITY – BILLINGS (B) This morning we take a trip back in time and learn some American history. Travel to Little Big Horn – the site of Custer’s last stand situated on the Crow Indian Reservation to hear about and explore this historical site and gain a true insight into the turbulent time of days gone by. Continue to Billings, small city in the centre of the cattle state of Montana which services the vast rural community. Enjoy a short orientation tour then visit a stud and commercial beef ranch which caters for the export market. Overnight: Billings

DAY 6: Sat 25 Jun BILLINGS (BD) Today visit a local livestock centre and attend cattle market day to see how the North American sale system operates compared to back home. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in this charming city surrounded by six mountain ranges, maybe visit a museum to learn the history of the Old West characters including Calamity Jane, Sitting Bull and Custer to name a few. Overnight: As Above

DAY 7: Sun 26 Jun BILLINGS – YELLOWSTONE NP – JACKSON HOLE (BD) A stop will be made at the Aerial Control Centre as we make our way into the state of Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park straddles the border between Wyoming and Montana and is the world’s first national park, established in 1872 and approximately 2.22 million acres in size. Marvel at the spectacular countryside scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife which may include moose, bear, elk and bison. The Park is renowned for its large thermal basins and you have the opportunity to witness the spectacle of steaming water gushing from the many geysers in the park, the most famous one being “Old Faithful”. Arrive into Jackson Hole this afternoon for our two night stay. Overnight: Jackson Hole DAY 8: Mon 27 Jun YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS (BD) They say that “every road is scenic when you’re roaming in Wyoming” and today will verify this statement. Spectacular mountain ranges, fast-flowing rivers and breathtaking vistas flank your route through one of America’s most scenic areas. Few landscapes in the world are as striking and memorable as that of Grand Teton National Park – mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers are home to diverse and abundant forests, wildflowers and wildlife. The park has a rich cultural history with old homesteads and cattle ranches to explore and photograph. Overnight: As Above

DAY 9: Tue 28 Jun JACKSON HOLE – SALT LAKE CITY – SEATTLE (B) Today’s travels take you into the state of Idaho passing Lava Hot Springs then into the state of Utah. View the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and fourth largest terminal lake in the world. Board your mid-afternoon flight to Seattle, Washington and transfer to the hotel where the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight: Seattle

DAY 10: Wed 29 Jun SEATTLE – EVERETT – BOEING FACTORY (BD) This morning enjoy a city tour of Seattle including the renowned Pike Place Market which is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront area. The Market was founded in August 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. After lunch (own expense) visit the impressive Boeing Factory, an airplane assembly building owned by Boeing. Located on the northeast corner of Paine Field, it is the largest building in the world by volume at 13,385,378 cubic metres and covers 98.3 acres. It is where Boeing 747s, 767s, 777s, and the new 787 Dreamliner are built. Overnight: As Above

DAY 11: Thu 30 Jun SEATTLE – FERRY TO VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA (B) A ferry crossing today will take you through the San Juan Islands and into Victoria, the capital city of the province of British Columbia, located on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Victoria which is known for its art galleries, antique shops and tearooms with a free evening at leisure to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes this charming spot has to offer. Overnight: Victoria

DAY 12: Fri 01 Jul VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA (B) Happy Canada Day!! A highlight of your stay in Victoria will be visiting the world famous Butchart Gardens, a glorious gardener’s delight built in an abandoned quarry site and spread over 20 hectares. The whole day has been allocated for you to enjoy this beautiful and enchanting garden with its impressive floral displays, fountains and themed gardens. Other optional visits can include high tea at the Empress Hotel or a double decker tour through this British inspired city. Overnight: As Above

DAY 13: Sat 02 Jul VICTORIA – VANCOUVER ISLAND – NANAIMO (B) Travel north on Vancouver Island this morning to the unique community of Chemainus, known as the mural capital of Canada to see the boutique outdoor art. Afterwards visit the massive cedar trees that inhabit this region before arriving into Nanaimo for a scenic cruise on the bay to possibly glimpse some seals and sea lions while enjoying delicious Nanaimo Bars, British Columbia’s most renowned confectionery. Overnight: Nanaimo

DAY 14: Sun 03 Jul NANAIMO – FLY TO CALGARY – INNISFAIL, ALBERTA (BD) A leisurely breakfast this morning before transferring to the airport for a mid-morning flight which will travel across the Canadian Rocky Mountains into Calgary. From the airport you will transfer into the central Alberta region of Innisfail, your home for the next two nights, and this evening travel to a family run farm for a tour and enjoy some true Canadian hospitality for a BBQ dinner with local farmers. Overnight: Innisfail

DAY 15: Mon 04 Jul INNISFAIL (BD) This morning we will visit Hutterite Colony; a communal farm which has on average fifteen families living and working to raise livestock and produce manufactured goods for self-sustenance. Afterwards visit the Discovery Wildlife Park where it is possible to have your picture taken with a ‘movie star’ - typically animals that have been raised and trained for the movie industry, the highlight being having the opportunity to get your picture taken with a grizzly bear. A possible visit to a local organic vegetable farm may be included. Overnight: As Above

DAY 16: Tue 05 Jul CANADIAN ROCKIES – JASPER NATIONAL PARK (BD) Departing Central Alberta we travel into the Alberta foothills to the heart of the renowned Canadian Rocky Mountains. Highlights today will include Lake Abraham—one of the largest “earth dams” in Alberta created for water management and hydro power production, the Glacier Skywalk—a glass walkway hanging over a vast valley, as well as the Columbian Icefields in Jasper National Park. Enjoy a unique snow coach ride on the icy slopes of the Icefields—the largest glacier south of the Arctic Circle. Overnight: Canadian Rockies

DAY 17: Wed 06 Jul ICEFIELD PARKWAY – BANFF NATIONAL PARK (B) Today travel on the “most scenic highway in the world” - the Icefield Parkway. This magnificent drive will offer spectacular mountain vistas and possibilities for wildlife sightings such as bighorn sheep, deer and bears. A visit to Peyto Lake and Lake Louise - considered to be one of the most beautiful and photographic areas in Canada. Arrive into Banff for a scenic gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain where you will take in breathtaking views of the mountain skyline. Overnight: Banff

DAY 18: Thu 07 Jul BANFF – LETHBRIDGE (BD) This morning stop at Bow Falls and the world famous Banff Springs Hotel before travelling on the TransCanada Highway into Kananaskis Country, a provincial park known for its unspoiled beauty. Continue over the “Highwood Pass” the highest highway in Canada and exit the Canadian Rocky Mountains onto the plains of the Canadian Prairies and the community of Lethbridge. This region accounts for one third of primary industry farm gate sales on only 17% of the province’s arable land. Overnight: Lethbridge

DAY 19: Fri 08 Jul LETHBRIDGE FARM VISITS (BD) This morning visit UNESCO listed “Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump” to learn about the killing of the buffalo by the native Indian people and afterwards visit a wind farm with over 50 turbines taking advantage of the strong winds in the area. Visits will also include a large commercial domestic beef feedlot and a potato chip factory - around 81% of all potatoes grown in Alberta are turned into French fries and potato chips. Overnight: As Above

DAY 20: Sat 09 Jul LETHBRIDGE – CALGARY STAMPEDE (B) Travels today takes you into the city of Calgary, a city built on oil and cattle and home to the world famous Calgary Stampede “the greatest outdoor show on earth” offering all things agricultural and cultural. The Stampede has been an annual event since 1923 and this evening we have reserved seating to the famous “Chuckwagon Races”, Grandstand Show and fireworks. Note: this will be a late evening. Overnight: Calgary

DAY 21: Sun 10 Jul THE CALGARY STAMPEDE (B) A leisurely breakfast this morning before transferring to the Stampede Grounds for a morning at leisure to explore. This afternoon we have tickets to the renowned Stampede Rodeo featuring the world’s best competitors and animals where cowboys and cowgirls face off in a furious display of skill and grit. Afterwards more time at leisure to perhaps sample some food, see some agricultural shows and demonstrations or just soak in the atmosphere of this magnificent event. Overnight: As Above

DAY 22: Mon 11 Jul CALGARY – SASKATOON (B) Sadly depart Calgary this morning and travel to Davidson, Saskatchewan, where a local farming family will host us for a tour of their large scale farming operation. This afternoon arrive into Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Canada. The name "Saskatoon" comes from the Cree Indian word which refers to the sweet, violet-coloured berry that grows in the area. Popularly described as the "Bridge City", for its seven river crossings the city has more hours of sunshine annually than any other major Canadian city. Overnight: Saskatoon

DAY 23: Tue 12 Jul SASKATOON (BD) This morning we tour Flexi-Coil, Canada’s largest farm implement manufacturer. Flexi-Coil has earned a reputation for product quality and superior design in seeding, tillage and chemical application equipment - in particular the Flexi-Coil air seeding systems stand alone in terms of innovation, efficiency and effectiveness. This afternoon we visit the Western Development Museum which features the history of the province. This evening enjoy our final dinner together as we reminisce about the events of the past 23 days. Overnight: As Above

DAY 24: Wed 13 Jul SASKATOON – VANCOUVER – FLY HOME (B) Transfer to Saskatoon airport to connect with the flight home via Vancouver. For those wishing to do an Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise, transfer to the port of Vancouver upon arrival to board the cruise ship. The remainder of the group will transfer to their connecting flight home.

DAY 25: Thu 14 Jul CONTINUE FLYING HOME (-) Continue flying home across the international date line today.

DAY 26: Fri 15 Jul ARRIVE HOME (-) Arrive home today, so ending a truly memorable trip through Northern USA and Canada.

COST: $14,950.00 per person twin share* *Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations

Based on a minimum of 25 passengers travelling

Non-refundable deposit required: $1,000.00 per person

Balance required no later than: 06 May 2016

Single Supplement: $2,880.00 per person

Cancellation: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply. See Booking Conditions

MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: Billings * 2 Nights Victoria BC * 2 Nights Calgary * 2 Nights

Jackson Hole * 2 Nights Innisfail * 2 Nights Saskatoon * 2 Nights

Seattle * 2 Nights Lethbridge * 2 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Mississippi River breakfast cruise

Little Big Horn – Custer’s last stand

Butchart Gardens, Victoria BC

Canadian Rocky Mountains, TransCanada Hwy

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Banff Nat Park & Gondola ride

The scenic Icefield Parkway

2 days at The Calgary Stampede

FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: Tour cost includes:

Economy airfares and pre-payable taxes Australia to Minneapolis and return from Vancouver

Internal flights as listed in the itinerary; Salt Lake City-Seattle, Nanaimo-Calgary & Saskatoon-Vancouver

Air-conditioned vehicle throughout with experienced driver/guide

A local tour manager/host travelling with the group throughout

Twin share 3-4 star accommodation throughout with en suite facilities

Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

All sightseeing entries and farm & technical visits as indicated in the itinerary

Standard Travel Insurance for those aged up to and including 70 years (a surcharge applicable for passengers with a pre-existing health condition or aged 71 or over)

Gratuities for the coach driver/s and tour manager

Tour cost does NOT include:

Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone calls etc

Any item listed as optional in the itinerary

All beverages & meals not listed in the itinerary

Cost of passport and any medication required

Gratuities (except for driver & tour manager)

ESTA United States Visa Waiver form – required for entry into the United States, done via the internet and paid with by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Diners). Note you will require a valid passport to obtain this form. Please read the information closely on the following website prior to applying https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/, and please do not process and pay for a waiver form until you have been informed by us that the tour is guaranteed

Tyler Self Propelling sprayer factory

Case IH plant, Grand Island

Local livestock centre, Billings

Hutterite Colony

Potato chip factory

Large scale farming operation, Davidson

John Deere tractor factory, Waterloo

Stud and commercial beef ranch

Boeing Factory, Everett

Domestic beef feedlot

Commercial beef feedlot

Flexi-Coil, Saksatoon

Inside Stateroom From: $1895.00 per person, twin share. Single supp $1550.00.

Ocean View Stateroom From: $1995.00 per person, twin share. Single supp $1680.00.

Mini Suite Stateroom From: $3375.00 per person, twin share. Single supp $2995.00.

Price Includes:

Port Fees and taxes

Tea and coffee (water and juice are complimentary in the main dining room only)

Meals in traditional dining/casual venues

Price Does Not Include:

Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks

Meals in specialty venues (additional supplement)

Shore Excursions

* * OPTIONAL ALASKAN INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE * *

8 Day Roundtrip – Vancouver to Vancouver dep 13 Jul 16

NOTE: Prices above are indicative only and are subject to change, availability and currency fluctuations.

Prices can only be confirmed upon booking request.

Arrival Time Departure Time

Day 1 13 Jul Depart Vancouver, British Columbia - 5:00pm

Day 2 14 Jul Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage - - Day 3 15 Jul Tracy Arm, Alaska 10:00am 10:30am

Juneau, Alaska 1:00pm 10:00pm

Day 4 16 Jul Skagway, Alaska 7:00am 9:00pm

Day 5 17 Jul Glacier Bay 7:00am 4:00pm

Day 6 18 Jul Ketchikan, Alaska 10:00am 6:00pm

Day 7 19 Jul Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage - -

Day 8 20 Jul Arrive Vancouver, British Columbia 7:00am

IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare and fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Minneapolis. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75 per person (plus extra touring and insurance costs).

PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police.

FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will

be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.

* Changes and alterations may take place from details listed in the itinerary *

Luxurious bedding (2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed)

Private shower with bathtub

Some have a sofa bed

Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities

100% Egyptian cotton towels

Flat-panel TV and DVD player

Complimentary fresh fruit on request

Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage

Magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers

Inside Stateroom: 182–293 sq. ft.

Luxurious bedding (2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed)

Private shower

Some have a sofa bed

Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities

100% Egyptian cotton towels

Flat-panel TV and DVD player

Complimentary fresh fruit on request

Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage

Magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers

Outside Stateroom: 140–319 sq. ft.

Luxurious bedding (2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed)

Private verandah plus floor to ceiling windows

Private whirlpool bath with shower

Sofa bed

Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities

Oversize bath towels

Premium duvet and soft cotton bathrobes and slippers

Binoculars for the use of the voyage

Flat-panel TV and complimentary DVD libarary

Refrigerator and no-host mini-bar for easy entertaining

One touch telephone concierge service

Magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers

Mini Suite Stateroom: 297–379 sq. ft.

HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:

SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473)

GEELONG WEST VIC 3218

P: 1800 808 491 E: karen@swagmantours.com.au W: www.swagmantours.com.au

TOUR ESCORT; TBA