A grand adventure North America

Black Tomato x Agatha Christie

Agatha in North America

From the mountains and volcanoes of New Zealand, Agatha made her way across the Pacific to Hawaii and America’s western seaboard. This was really a moment to gather herself, to unwind from the pressing schedule of the first months of her tour.

Alongside husband Archie, she would resume her newfound passion for surfing, “rushing through the water at what seems a speed of two hundred miles an hour”. She socialised and visited family. She lapped up every opportunity to experience life ‘across the pond’.

From her first seasickness in the Bay of Biscay, months before, she arrived in Hawaii a fearless and experienced adventurer – ready to take on the world.

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The trip

Inspired by Agatha’s journey through North America, this thirteen-night trip follows closely in her footsteps.

From £13,490 per person based on two travelling

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Hanging out in Hawaii

Beloved for its historic charm and relaxed energy, you’ll post up at the Moana Surfrider – moments from the waves of Waikiki. It was here that Agatha continued her love affair with surfing – “rushing down, we hired our surf boards and plunged into the sea”. As will you. From here, you’ll enjoy an intimate, homestyle luau with views reaching from downtown Honolulu to the Waianae Mountain Range. A century later, the view is as uplifting as ever.

In the following days, you’ll visit the famous North Shore of Oahu (and its surfing villages) before embarking on a catamaran cruise along Oahu’s sublime South Shore – set against the backdrop of the Ko’alau Mountains, much as Agatha did in 1922.

City living and mountain vistas

Arriving in the region of Vancouver Island, you’ll start things off with a metropolitan meander through neighbouring Victoria – exploring Canada’s oldest Chinatown, the Butterfly Gardens, and Craigdarroch Castle. Staying at the Fairmont Empress (like Agatha) – the ‘castle on the coast’ – you’ll also enjoy the fermented fruits of the region’s local wines and afternoon tea while overlooking the beautiful Olympic Mountains beyond. Later, you’ll enjoy the panorama by private seaplane.

From here, it’s off to Banff and Alberta with a private transfer to the stunning Fairmont Banff Springs, where Agatha also stayed. Your horizons will be accented by the snow-capped peaks and mountain vistas, offering plenty of opportunities to make the most of this winter wonderland – with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, hot springs and horse-riding. Agatha described this region as “the most beautiful place I had ever seen”, with “great, long lakes and low mountains [of] a most glorious shape”. You’ll also visit a memorable hot spring that was frequented by Agatha Christie herself.

The approach to Niagara Falls

Next is glacial Lake Minnewanka and on to the Fairmont Palliser, where Agatha rested her head. Departing for Toronto, you’ll settle in at the Omni King Edward, located in the city’s historic Old Town. This is a grand and luxurious place, and it’s where Agatha Christie herself also set up during her stay.

The shining highlight of this leg of your journey is a private flight up to Niagara and its legendary Falls – a modernised take on a journey that Agatha also took. Raise a glass in the surrounding wine country and enjoy a gourmet lunch in a local vineyard. By the end of the day, you’ll soak up the magnificence and splendour of one of the world’s most powerful and dramatic waterfalls.

New York, New York

From the big falls to the big apple, you’ll arrive at the Mandarin Oriental, enjoying the floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park. Readers might recognise in this vista the park-side apartment of Miss Van Schuyler from 1937’s Death on the Nile.

Agatha’s father was originally from New York, so it’s no surprise that she’d take every opportunity to enjoy it like a local. After her, you’ll dine, wine and wander through the city’s delis, eateries and restaurants. There’ll also be plenty of time to shape your days in New York around your tastes and preferences – be it art or music, cafes or walks.

Where you’ll visit

Over the course of 13 nights, you’ll start in far-flung Hawaii before heading for the expanses of Canada, making your way east to your eventual arrival in New York

Agatha Christie North America map

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Drop us a line – by email, phone, or our online form – and our Travel Experts will promptly be in touch, helping you to plan a journey fit for the queen of mystery herself.

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