Hiking Portugal 2024
Hiking Tours / by Air and Land
10 Day
Itinerary
HIKING & SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF PORTUGAL (LISBON & ALGARVE) WINTER 2024
Date: Feb 17 - 27, 2024 (11 days/9 nights)
Group size: Maximum 25 participants
Date: Feb 17 - 27, 2024 (11 days/9 nights)
Group size: Maximum 25 participants
THIS TOUR IS FOR INTERMEDIATE HIKERS
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THIS TOUR WILL BE CONDUCTED BY "IAN CLARK", ONE OF THE BEST CANADIAN-AMERICAN HIKE LEADERS, Photographer, Sunset & Waterfall lover, and much more :)
This is Ian's profile in Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/TrailHike-RichmondHill/members/14275143/
THIS TOUR WILL BE CONDUCTED BY "IAN CLARK", ONE OF THE BEST CANADIAN-AMERICAN HIKE LEADERS, Photographer, Sunset & Waterfall lover, and much more :)
This is Ian's profile in Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/TrailHike-RichmondHill/members/14275143/
***************** ITINERARY *******************
Day 1) SAT 17 FEB 2024: Flight Toronto >> Lisbon
Flight from Toronto Pearson Airport to Lisbon (Portugal’s Largest and Capital city).
Direct Flight by Air Transat: Toronto (YYZ) - Lisbon (LIS) @ 20:55 08:50 +1 (Flight arrives next day) Flight# TS480, Duration 7 h
Your tour conductor will meet you at Toronto Pearson International Airport 1 hour prior to departure at the gate.
Day 2) SUN 18 FEB 2024: Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon Airport @ 8.50 AM. Our local representative will meet and greet you at the airport and lead you outside the terminal to our private motorcoach. Transfer to your centrally located hotel (HF Fénix Lisboa 4-star). Although the hotel’s official check-in time is 3:00 PM, they start to check us in one by one when we arrive. However, they do not guarantee to give out all keys before 3 PM.
In the afternoon, you will have free time, and we can suggest two options:
>>1st option: Enjoy your free time to relax and stay at the hotel and use the hotel's facilities such as the swimming pool... or stroll in Parque Eduardo VII (very close to the hotel)... or enjoy a nice walk at Avenida da Liberdade (very close to the hotel), or enjoy many dining options available around the hotel.
>>2nd option: 4-6.30 PM: Join our guided walk to discover some streets of downtown Lisbon on foot. This walk will take approximately 2.5 hours. Some people can stay longer for dining if they wish.
>>1st option: Enjoy your free time to relax and stay at the hotel and use the hotel's facilities such as the swimming pool... or stroll in Parque Eduardo VII (very close to the hotel)... or enjoy a nice walk at Avenida da Liberdade (very close to the hotel), or enjoy many dining options available around the hotel.
>>2nd option: 4-6.30 PM: Join our guided walk to discover some streets of downtown Lisbon on foot. This walk will take approximately 2.5 hours. Some people can stay longer for dining if they wish.
During your 3-night stay in Lisbon, the following 2 private sightseeing tours are INCLUDED in your package
Day 3) MON 19 FEB 2024: Lisbon - Sintra - Cascais
Breakfast @ 7-8.30 AM
FULL DAY Private City Tour of Sintra. Including admission to Visit Pena Palace, visit Centro Historico de Sintra, lookouts of Azenhas do Mar and Cabo da Roca, and Centro Historico de Cascais.
Departure from the hotel by bus to Sintra. Sintra, former summer residence of kings and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magical place. Visit of Pena Palace and free time in the city centre. Time for lunch during the tour. Continue to the westernmost tip of the European continent, the "Cabo da Roca", with its steep cliffs in the Atlantic Ocean. Then, drive along the picturesque coast to the elegant seaside resort of Cascais (stop), a former fishing village that has become a small but beautiful cosmopolitan city. We will then head to Estoril, where royal families lived during World War II and where the famous (panoramic) casino is located. Continue up the coast to Lisbon and return to the hotel.
Day 4) TUE 20 FEB 2024: Lisbon
Breakfast @ 7-8.30 AM
FULL DAY Private City tour of Lisbon (combination of walk and bus): From its glorious past as the capital of the Maritime Discoveries remain the sculpted stones of the monuments, the picturesque neighbourhoods with houses decorated with tiles and flowerpots. Visit Lisbon downtown “Baixa” and Alfama an old Moorish quarter with narrow streets and winding stairs. Free time for lunch during the tour (if not included). We continue our exploration with the Belém quarter: the Tower of Belém (masterpiece of Manueline architecture - exterior), the monument to the Maritime Discoveries (exterior), and visit to Jerónimos Monastery.
Day 5) WED 21 FEB 2024: Lisbon >> Évora >> Algarve
Breakfast @ 7-8.00 AM
8:00 AM: Private motorcoach to Evora to visit a castle, a Temple, and the Chapel of Bones (Évora) before being transferred to your hotel in Algarve.
6.00 PM: Check in to your hotel in Albufeira "Hotel PortoBay Falésia". Award-winning 4-star Algarve hotel, with beach-front access, lounges, stunning views, indoor and outdoor pool.
| The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking sandy coves were transformed in the 1960s, and now its central coast between Lagos and Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars, and restaurants. |
Day 6) THU 22 FEB 2024: "BY LAND & BY SEA" Hike + Cruise
Breakfast @ 7-8.00 AM
* Full-day private tour of (7 HANGING VALLEYS HIKING TRAILS + 2 HOURS BENAGIL CAVES CRUISE). The departure date may change due to weather conditions.
The tour starts from your hotel at 9:00 AM and ends around 5:00 PM.
Day 7) FRI 23 FEB 2024: Western Algarve + Hiking Coastal Trails (Part 1)
Breakfast @ 7-8.00 AM
Full-day Private Sightseeing Tour + Coastal Hikes
* Praia do Vale de Centeanes
* Farol da Ponta da Piedade Lagos
Duration: 10-12 hours
THE DETAILS OF THIS TOUR WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FINAL ITINERARY
Day 8) SAT 24 FEB 2024: Treasures of the Eastern Algarve + Coastal Hikes
Breakfast @ 7-8.00 AM
Full-day Private Sightseeing Tour + Coastal HikesDuration: 10-12 hours
THE DETAILS OF THIS TOUR WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FINAL ITINERARY
Day 9) SUN 25 FEB 2024: Western Algarve + Hiking Coastal Trails (Part 2)
Breakfast @ 7-8.00 AM
Full-day Private Sightseeing Tour + Coastal Hikes
* Rota Vicentina Coastal trail
Duration: 10-12 hours
THE DETAILS OF THIS TOUR WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FINAL ITINERARY
Day 10) MON 26 FEB 2024: FREE DAY
Breakfast @ 7-8.00 AM
FULL DAY FREE TO DO OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES, such as Visting Loulé Market.
Day 11) TUE 27 FEB 2024: Albufeira >> Faro >> Flight to Toronto
Transfer to Faro Airport at 6.00 AM. The ride will take approx. 40 min. The flight departs Faro at 9:35 and Arrives in Toronto at 13:05. Flight# TS233, Duration 8h30m, Aircraft A330-200
NOTE: Itinerary/schedules are subject to change as needed due to various circumstances
Price & Inclusions
Package Includes (Flights, Accommodations, Tours, Transfers, Admissions, Taxes, and the services of the tour leader)
| Accommodation Type | Per person in Double Occupancy | One person in Single Occupancy | Availability |
| Standard Room in Algarve Hotel | $ 3500 | $ 4000 | Available now |
| Sea View Room in Algarve Hotel | $ 3900 | $ 4800 | Limited Availability |
>> Prices are in CA$
>> Taxes are included
>> If you need a roommate, please ask.
>> Prices are subject to change without notice.
>> Please note that the Standard Rooms in Algarve Hotel have an undefined view, which may include views of the parking, the hotel access road, and other buildings.
What’s Included:
o Round-trip airfare (Direct Flights on Air Transat, Toronto- Lisbon & Faro-Toronto) - Standard seat
o Airport Transfers
o Airport Transfers
o 3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Lisbon (HF Fénix Lisboa 4-star).
o 6 nights in a beach-front hotel in Albufeira, Algarve (Hotel PortoBay Falésia 4-star)
o 9 Full Buffet breakfast at the hotel
o Transfer from Lisbon Hotel to the resort in the Algarve by private motorcoach
o A 2.5-hour guided walking tour of Lisbon
o A FULL-DAY PRIVATE City Tour of Lisbon
o A FULL-DAY PRIVATE Tour of Sintra and Cascais, including Admission to Visit Pena Palace, and some amazing lookouts (with Lunch)
o Visiting a castle, a Temple, and the Chapel of Bones in Évora
o 4 FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOURS IN ALGARVE REGION:
>>BY LAND & BY SEA (7 HANGING VALLEYS HIKING TRAILS + 2 HOURS CRUISE)
>>Western Algarve + Hiking Coastal Trails (Part 1)
>>Treasures of the Eastern Algarve + Hiking Coastal Trails
>>Western Algarve + Hiking Coastal Trails (Part 2)
o All Admissions
o All Transportation for the hikes and sightseeing tours
o All Airport taxes
o All Airport taxes
o Services of your Tour Leader
What’s NOT Included:
o Meals other than the ones that are mentioned in the inclusions
o Gratuities
o Travel Insurance
o Gratuities
o Travel Insurance
o Optional Activities
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Payment & Cancellation Schedules:
* A deposit of CA$300 is required to secure your spot - due at the time of booking and is fully refundable until (15 OCT 2023 see details below)
* The balance is due 120 days prior to departure (by 15 OCT 2023). You can pay the balance HERE
* If you book after this date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
* The balance is due 120 days prior to departure (by 15 OCT 2023). You can pay the balance HERE
* If you book after this date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
* 50% Penalty if canceled between 16 OCT 2023 and 15 DEC 2023
* 100% Penalty if canceled between 16 DEC 2023 and the departure date
* 100% Penalty if canceled between 16 DEC 2023 and the departure date
**************** FLIGHT INFORMATION ****************
Direct flights on Air Transat
17-FEB-2024: Toronto (YYZ) - Lisbon (LIS) by TS480 @ 20:55 08:50 +1 (duration: 7hr) - Flight arrives next day
27-FEB-2024: Faro (FAO) - Toronto (YYZ) by TS233 @ 9.35 13:05 (duration: 8hr 30min)
ONLINE CHECK-IN: You will be able to check in and change/upgrade your seats individually 24 hours before the departure HERE.
Wearing a mask: As of October 1, 2022, masks are no longer mandatory at the airport, throughout the flight, during transfers, and on excursions. The choice to wear a mask or not is at your discretion.
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This Group booking includes 1st Checked bag FREE
Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)
Max. linear dimensions per bag: 158 cm (62in)
Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)
Max. linear dimensions per bag: 158 cm (62in)
If you have any questions about baggage allowance (Fees, Weight, and Dimensions), please check Air Transat’s baggage allowance
**We need the following information from each participant BASED ON PASSPORT DETAILS, after making the final payment. Please email the information to: info@FunTours.ca
LAST NAME // FIRST NAME // MIDDLE NAME // TITLE (Mr. Ms, Mrs...) // GENDER // DATE OF BIRTH
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SEAT SELECTION: You have 2 options:
- 1) You will be able to check in online and choose your seats (Aisle/Window) for FREE individually 24 hours before the departure
- 2) If you need to (upgrade your seat/choose in advance to secure your seat), please see the following fees and information.
AIR TRANSAT - Advance seat selection
o If you would like to secure a particular seat early (select/upgrade your seat to Aisle/Window/more Legroom or Exit row), you need to contact us and be ready to pay a non-refundable fee upfront (based on the below table). In this case, we need the following information from you immediately BASED ON PASSPORT DETAILS. LAST NAME // FIRST NAME // MIDDLE NAME // TITLE (Mr. Ms, Mrs...) // GENDER // DATE OF BIRTH. We also need your credit card details to give to Air Transat since they will charge you directly for the seat selection. The seat selection process takes 5-7 business days. Please be patient.
o If you would like to secure a particular seat early (select/upgrade your seat to Aisle/Window/more Legroom or Exit row), you need to contact us and be ready to pay a non-refundable fee upfront (based on the below table). In this case, we need the following information from you immediately BASED ON PASSPORT DETAILS. LAST NAME // FIRST NAME // MIDDLE NAME // TITLE (Mr. Ms, Mrs...) // GENDER // DATE OF BIRTH. We also need your credit card details to give to Air Transat since they will charge you directly for the seat selection. The seat selection process takes 5-7 business days. Please be patient.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT UPGRADING YOUR SEAT
- o A "standard" seat will be assigned for you automatically by Air Transat. But we don't know what seat you will get (Aisle/Middle/Window) until 24 hours before the departure (when you do your online check-in).
- o You will be able to change/upgrade your seats FOR FREE individually 24 hours before the departure (when you do your online check-in). However, there is a chance that you can not find seats with more Legroom or Exit row at that point.
- o The Group seat block is located in the middle to the back of the aircraft typically over the wing. The block does not include any exit row or special request seating.
- o Please note that based on Air Transat policy, if you use the first leg of your flight (YYZ-LIS), the 2nd leg (FAO-YYZ) will be automatically non-refundable. This is the Air Transat rule that applies to all of their European flights.
- o Please note that if you select/upgrade your seat /or/ buy a deviation flight (go earlier or come back later), Air Transat charges us a $100 (non-refundable). This amount will be deducted from your deposit if you decide to cancel your booking.
CHANGING YOUR FLIGHT / DURATION OF STAY
>> All seats in our group block are standard seats. If you need a Club class (First Class seat), you need to book it for yourself directly through Air Transat.
>> If you would like to book your own flights, CA$ 1000 will be deducted from your package price.
>> This package has a FIXED Departure Date, FFIXED Return Date, and FIXED Inclusions. *If you would like to extend your stay by going earlier (or) returning later, you need to book your own flight and accommodation and transportation for pre or post-tour. *And if you would like to shorten your stay, we recommend you NOT to purchase this tour since the hotels do NOT accept deviations on group bookings.
>> Airport transfers for the group will be arranged based on the group flight details (above). If your departure or return flight is different, you need to make your own Airport Transfer arrangement.
>> This package has a FIXED Departure Date, FFIXED Return Date, and FIXED Inclusions. *If you would like to extend your stay by going earlier (or) returning later, you need to book your own flight and accommodation and transportation for pre or post-tour. *And if you would like to shorten your stay, we recommend you NOT to purchase this tour since the hotels do NOT accept deviations on group bookings.
>> Airport transfers for the group will be arranged based on the group flight details (above). If your departure or return flight is different, you need to make your own Airport Transfer arrangement.
Tour Attractions
| SIGHTSEEING AND HIKING TOURS IN AND FROM LISBON |
FULL-DAY Private City Tour of Lisbon
FULL DAY Private City Tour of Sintra, Pena Palace, amazing lookouts, and Cascais
Évora Castle, Temple, and Chapel of Bones
| SIGHTSEEING AND HIKING TOURS IN THE ALGARVE REGION |
Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour of "Treasures of the East" + Coastal Hikes
• Visit the beautiful and charming villages facing Ria Formosa. • Learn about Olhão and its history. • Tavira’s charming old town with unique “scissors roofs”. • Get to know Faro, Algarves capital • Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
TWO (2) Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tours and Coastal Hikes in Western Algarve
Includes visiting: Silves, Monchique mountains, Lagos, Sagres, Cape St. Vicente,...
THE DETAILS OF EACH TOUR WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE FINAL ITINERARY
Coastal Hikes in Algarve
FULL-DAY PRIVATE TOUR: BY LAND & BY SEA (7 HANGING VALLEYS HIKING TRAILS + 2 HOURS CRUISE)
The Algarve is not all golden beaches and sparkling seas – there is much, much more!
Duration: 7 hours
If you want to get closer to nature join us on a walking tour through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Algarve – the 7 hanging valleys trail, followed by a fantastic cruise to visit the famous Benagil grottoes.
Elected as the best hiking trail in Europe by European Best Destinations based on votes from over 28.000 travelers from 153 countries, it is described as “breathtaking & unforgettable”. This scenic route is situated in Carvoeiro area and offers a string of notable stops at Benagil and Carvalho beaches, among others. The walk takes place along the top of coastal cliffs defined by deeply sculpted shapes and beautiful ocher and golden Cliffs. Crowning the cliffs near Praia da Marinha, the dense juniper and mastic undergrowth provides shelter to a variety of animals that include rabbits and several species of birds and butterflies. All this greenery bursts into flower in early spring, making for an especially perfumed and colourful ambiance.
The hike is led by an experienced guide. Moderate/medium-high difficulty; some stretches can be more difficult for the elderly. Length: 5,7 kms; Average Completion Time: up to 3 hours.
Our next Experience is the visit to the beautiful grottoes of the Algarve in our comfortable boats! We depart from Ferragudo and cruise at ease towards the east to Carvoeiro, passing by beautiful secluded beaches. Relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way…
Cruising towards Algar Seco and Benagil we will take you into different grottoes, where you will find natural rock formations that have been formed due to the sea and wind erosion to amaze us with their beauty. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Don’t miss this magical experience!
** Recommended to bring: **
• Comfortable clothing and hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• This route/activity is moderately arduous. Good physical condition is necessary.
• The boat trips will run throughout the Winter. Please bring a good coat. The average temperature in Algarve is 13*C in February.
** This activity is not recommended for pregnant women/people with heart problems and other sensitive conditions. **
Tour includes a light snack at the end of the walk and 2 hours cruise.
The Algarve is not all golden beaches and sparkling seas – there is much, much more!
Duration: 7 hours
If you want to get closer to nature join us on a walking tour through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Algarve – the 7 hanging valleys trail, followed by a fantastic cruise to visit the famous Benagil grottoes.
Elected as the best hiking trail in Europe by European Best Destinations based on votes from over 28.000 travelers from 153 countries, it is described as “breathtaking & unforgettable”. This scenic route is situated in Carvoeiro area and offers a string of notable stops at Benagil and Carvalho beaches, among others. The walk takes place along the top of coastal cliffs defined by deeply sculpted shapes and beautiful ocher and golden Cliffs. Crowning the cliffs near Praia da Marinha, the dense juniper and mastic undergrowth provides shelter to a variety of animals that include rabbits and several species of birds and butterflies. All this greenery bursts into flower in early spring, making for an especially perfumed and colourful ambiance.
The hike is led by an experienced guide. Moderate/medium-high difficulty; some stretches can be more difficult for the elderly. Length: 5,7 kms; Average Completion Time: up to 3 hours.
Our next Experience is the visit to the beautiful grottoes of the Algarve in our comfortable boats! We depart from Ferragudo and cruise at ease towards the east to Carvoeiro, passing by beautiful secluded beaches. Relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way…
Cruising towards Algar Seco and Benagil we will take you into different grottoes, where you will find natural rock formations that have been formed due to the sea and wind erosion to amaze us with their beauty. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Don’t miss this magical experience!
** Recommended to bring: **
• Comfortable clothing and hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• This route/activity is moderately arduous. Good physical condition is necessary.
• The boat trips will run throughout the Winter. Please bring a good coat. The average temperature in Algarve is 13*C in February.
** This activity is not recommended for pregnant women/people with heart problems and other sensitive conditions. **
Tour includes a light snack at the end of the walk and 2 hours cruise.
By Land & By Sea – 7 Hanging Valleys Trail + 2-hour Benagil Grottoes Cruise – including:
- transport of the group in exclusive from Hotel Alfagar to the start of the Trail and back
- guided walk with our specialized guides
- snack at the end of the trail including 1 sandwich, 1 drink, and 1 fruit
- the Benagil grottoes cruise with an approx duration of 1,5 to 2 hours
SCHEDULES: The tour starts from your hotel at 9:00 AM and ends around 4:00 PM.
ACCOMMODATION
LISBON: HF Fénix Lisboa (4 Star) - 3 nights
Located on the central Praça Marquês de Pombal, this non-smoking hotel features soundproofed rooms with a flat-screen TV and picturesque views of the city. All rooms at HF Fénix Lisboa offer free WiFi, a well-lit work desk, and access to cable channels. Each air-conditioned room has its own safety deposit box. Espaço Jardim Restaurant serves Portuguese and European dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
ALGARVE: Hotel PortoBay Falésia (4 Star) - 6 nights
in Albufeira: Award-winning 4-star Algarve hotel, with beach-front access, lounges, stunning views, indoor and outdoor pool.
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* Optional Tours from the Algarve
Your package already includes many private group tours that cover the best things to do in the Algarve. However, you have 1 FREE day in your itinerary you may be interested in discovering more of the destination.
You can purchase your optional tours/excursions from different suppliers through different channels, online or in person: Viator/TripAdvisor, OR Follow Me Tours, OR hotel's front desk, OR local sales reps. When you book any public tour, please make sure they have a pickup close to our resort. Also, check their reviews and ratings online. Public tours can be multilingual, so make sure the English language is guaranteed. Some have many pickups, so the quality time at the destination will be limited.
Note
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>> Please READ the itinerary and make sure it suits your interests/physical ability before making any booking
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>> Level of difficulty: THIS TOUR IS ONLY FOR INTERMEDIATE HIKERS. The hikes are 2-4 hours, and some of them are challenging.
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>> You will be invited to a WhatsApp group chat 2 months before the trip. We believe this is a great way to connect, deliver information and updates in real-time, and distribute photos during our trip.
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>> Regarding roommates: We can introduce you to a prospective roommate to share a room, but it is ultimately your responsibility to choose the right person to share space during your stay and determine beforehand if you are compatible. Please note that if things don't work out with your roommate and you face any issues during your stay and wish to change your room, you will have to pay the associated cost.
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>> Itinerary Changes: The itinerary is subject to change at any time without prior notice due to various circumstances and weather conditions.
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>> We strongly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to protect the investment you made on your trip.
TRAVEL PROTECTION PLANS
For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, and interruption (and ask them about their COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plans). Here is a list of some Travel Insurance companies for Canadian Travellers:
Travel Insurance Coverage on your credit card: If you have travel insurance on your credit card, please make sure about the details of their insurance coverage.
Entry requirements to Portugal
You don't need a visa for Portugal if you have a Canadian passport. No proof of vaccination/negative test is required for Portugal. Source: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/446781
- >> Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of leaving Europe.
WEATHER in Algarve, Southern Portugal in February
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If you have any questions, please email to info@funtours.ca - or call: 416-897-3020