Overview:

Seeing Eastern Canada and New England in The Fall is seeing nature at its best and most colourful. Our relaxed coach touring programme commences in Toronto and we then travel to the magnificent Niagara Falls before crossing the border and heading off through New York State to Massachusetts and historic Boston. In New Hampshire, the grandeur of the White Mountains and Mt Washington contrast with the gentility of the small villages and towns that dot the landscape. Enjoy the country roads, red barns and covered bridges of Vermont before we cross back over into Canada for a special treat with an overnight stay at the wonderful Chateau Montebello. Then on to the nation’s capital, Ottawa, across into Quebec and Montreal before we reach Quebec City where our coach touring finishes. But it’s not over yet …

The “icing on the cake” is the 8-night cruise which takes us down the St Lawrence River and into the Gulf of St Lawrence, and on to New York.

Tour Highlights:
• Vancouver for a 2-night stay
• Toronto
• Niagara Falls for a 2-night stay
• Boston for a 3-night stay
• Touring Vermont & New Hampshire
• A night at the magnificent Chateau Montebello
• Ottawa for a 2-night stay
• Montreal for 2-night stay and Quebec City
• 8 nights aboard the Princess Caribbean in balcony staterooms cruising the Gulf of St Lawrence and Maritime Provinces

INTINERARY

Tuesday 03 October                            Home – Vancouver                                                     

We depart this evening for Vancouver. The flight crosses the international dateline en route and arrives Vancouver early afternoon. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 2-night stay. This evening we get together for dinner.

Wednesday 04 October                                  Vancouver                                                                 

This morning, we enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour of Vancouver, rated the world’s most liveable city. Highlights include the lovely Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Bay and Park, English Bay, Gas Town, Granville Island  and the downtown area. The afternoon and evening are free.

Thursday 05 October                          Vancouver – Toronto                                                  

This morning, we are transferred back to Vancouver Airport in time to join our flight to Toronto. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Friday 06 October                              Toronto – Niagara Falls                                        

This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this cosmopolitan city. Toronto is a city of towers and spires where the old blends in with the new. Cultural institutions, theatres, parks, restaurants, fine stores and an intriguing variety and mix of peoples are making this city one of the great cities of the world.  A short drive from Toronto takes us to the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario’s premier wine-producing region to Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada’s prettiest towns. 27 wineries are scattered amidst a landscape of vineyards and orchards stretching along the picturesque Niagara River Parkway. Culinary excellence is a trademark of this town, from the abundance of local produce and world-class wineries to the many renowned restaurants and Signature Kitchens. We will visit the Vinelands Estate for our lunch.  Enjoy a two night stay at our hotel overlooking the falls.

Saturday 07 October                           Niagara Falls                                                   

We enjoy a tour of the Niagara Falls area including the famous floral clock and the “Hornblower” cruise that takes us right up to the falls. Formed by melting glacier water over 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls flows majestically at the crossroads of the United States and Ontario, Canada. On the Ontario side, the Horseshoe Falls span nearly 0.8 km, stand 17 storeys high and push 155 million litres of water per minute over the brink into the raging Niagara River below. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together with the illuminated falls as a backdrop.

Sunday 08 October                                         Niagara Falls – Albany                         

We cross the border into the USA and enjoy a day on the road, travelling through rural farmlands and fruit growing areas skirting the Erie Canal. Our overnight stop is in Albany, capital of New York State. There is time to see the Empire State Centre with a diverse range of architecture exhibited in the government buildings before we check-in to our hotel.

Monday 09 October                            Albany – Mohawk Trail – Boston                     

A lovely drive today as we sit back on our coach and enjoy the autumn colours of the Mohawk Trail. We travel through many small towns and colonial villages including Williamstown, known as the prettiest village in America and snugly nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Berkshire Mountains. At Shelburne Falls visit the only Bridge of Flowers in America.  We will also enjoy a guided tour at a Shaker Village to learn about their way of life. Later this afternoon, we arrive into the great city of Boston for a 3-night stay.

Tuesday 10 October                            Boston – Freedom Trail                                     

Our morning tour shows us Boston City, the capital of Massachusetts and the most liveable large city in the USA. It is the cradle of independence, rich in history and culture, and it still retains much of the charm from an earlier age. We visit North Church, associated with the immortal Paul Revere and the Freedom Trail, and visit areas that in the past we have only read and heard about – “The Boston Tea Party”, Bunker Hill, Boston Pops Symphony Hall, Boston Common, and Beacon Hill.

Wednesday 11 October                                  Boston – Cape Cod                  

Our tour today takes us down to Cape Cod – “Kennedy Country” and home to the rich and famous – along the rugged coastline through fishing villages and coastal estates. During the morning we visit Plymouth Plantation, a recreated village depicting life at the time of the Pilgrim Fathers. After lunch, we see Plymouth Rock at the harbour’s edge, commonly regarded as the stone on to which the “Mayflower” passengers first stepped ashore when they disembarked, and we visit a full-scale replica of the “Mayflower”. Then it’s down to Cape Cod and Hyannis and the JFK Memorial before we return to Boston late afternoon. Keep an eye out for the cranberry bogs which are a common sight in the area.

Thursday 12 October                          Boston – White Mountain National Park          

After a good breakfast to start us on our way, we continue our journey with a stop at the historic town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s only seaport. This is a delightful town with many vintage Georgian mansions and colonial structures dating back to the 1690s and the time of the original English settlers. Our lunch stop is Concord and we have time for a visit to the State House, which at almost 200 years old is the oldest in the country where the state legislature still meets in the original chambers. We continue to our overnight stay in beautiful White Mountains.

Friday 13 October      White Mountain National Park – Burlington, Vermont                 

Our journey today takes us through White Mountain National Park. Spreading across New Hampshire into Maine, the White Mountains are the biggest in New England, noted for their spectacular scenery and many natural attractions – especially in the autumn. Dominating the rest is Mount Washington at nearly 7000ft. Then it’s across the border into Vermont where a “must do” is a stop at a maple syrup factory shop. We spend the night at Burlington located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Dinner tonight will be onboard the Harvest Moon Dinner Cruise, hopefully watching the moon rise over Lake Champlain.

Saturday 14 October                                       Burlington – Cornwall – Ottawa      

Today, we return to Canada via Cornwall.  Our first stop is the Kinsmen Farmer’s Market, an all local, producer-only market which means everything for sale is grown or made by the people selling it. Come on out and visit fresh seasonal farmers’ market offering locally grown produce, fresh meats, homemade preserves, baked goods, and artisan vendors.  After a lunch break (not included), we continue to Ottawa for an evening at leisure. Settle into our hotel, which is located in the heart of Canada’s capital next door to the Parliament Buildings.  Dinner is included at a local restaurant.

Sunday 15 October                                         Ottawa                         

We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ottawa. The wonderful autumn colours in the parks and gardens, the grounds of the Prime Minister and Governor General’s residences, the Houses of Parliament and the embassies make a wonderful display. At the end of the tour, why not enjoy a lunch break at the Fruit Markets with a wide range of restaurants and coffee shops. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.

Monday 16 October                                        Ottawa – Montebello             

Today is a full day of adventure.  We start with a trip to the Canadian Museum of History for a special cultural exchange.  Indigenous Experiences is situated on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History on the shores of the Ottawa River, within the traditional territory of the Algonquin people.  Afterwards, we have some free time to experience the museum on our own.  Afterwards, we travel to Omega Park, located just outside of Montebello. From the comfort of the “Omega Bus”, experience Canada’s wildlife up close. A nature guide will accompany and help to spot elk, bison, moose, wolves, bears, beavers, eagles and foxes in their natural habitat. Feed local deer carrots, attend an animal presentation, and consider an easy walk through one of the many nature trails. Consider walking the First National Trail to view totems, inukshuks and more.  We arrive at our historic hotel, modeled after a hunting chateau.  Our dinner is included at our hotel.

Tuesday 17 October                            Montebello – Montreal                          

With massive grounds for hiking, gorgeous lakes for canoeing and yachting, a full service spa and golf course, the Chateau Montebello has so much to offer.  This afternoon, we depart our hotel for Montreal where we will have ample free time in old town for lunch in local cafes.  After lunch, we start our Montreal city tour with a local guide in charming Old Town. We start our sightseeing at the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica with its wood interior and stained-glass windows illustrating biblical scenes as well as the city’s history. The Old Town area offers a range of buildings covering the centuries since the foundation of the city and our drive-up Mont Royal provides  panoramic views over the city and the St Lawrence River Valley.

Wednesday 18 October                                  Montreal                            

Founded in 1642, Montreal is decidedly “French”, yet it is also very cosmopolitan with many immigrants from all over the world who have made the city their home. We have left the day at leisure, a chance to explore the underground city which protects the locals from the harsh conditions of the northern winters.

Thursday 19 October                          Montreal – Quebec – Commence Cruise                

From Montreal, it’s just a 3 hour drive through to Quebec City, the capital and “soul” of this French-Canadian province. The city is one of the oldest and most historic in North America with its preserved walls and Old Town that is so reminiscent of 17^th century Europe. The city is dominated by Chateau Frontenac which sits atop the cape overlooking the St Lawrence River. We board our cruise ship this afternoon and become familiar with our home for the next 8 nights.

Friday 20 October                                          Quebec                            

Today you have the option to join a tour and explore this marvellous city, or just relax on board before we set sail at 6pm.

Saturday 21 October                                       Cruising Gulf of St Lawrence                 

The largest estuary in the world, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence fringes the shores of half the provinces of Canada and is a gateway to the interior of the entire North American continent. Geographically, the Gulf is defined by stunning coast line and beautiful islands, including Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands. Thousands of migratory birds make this area their home during the spring and fall migration period.

Sunday 22 October                                         At Sea                                              

Monday 23 October:                                      Halifax, Nova Scotia                         

It’s big enough to be the economic and cultural capital of eastern Canada, but small enough to be easy-going and hospitable. Halifax residents have it good, the city is located on one of the planet’s great natural harbours and adorned with landmarks like the Citadel fortress, Pier 21 (Canada’s Ellis Island), and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Outside the city, cruise visitors can discover the weather-beaten landscape of Nova Scotia’s south shore. See craggy coastlines, the bouldered topography of Peggy’s Cove, and the German village of Lunenburg, so meticulously restored it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tuesday 24 October                                        Portland, Maine                        

Modern Portland, first settled in 1633, carries the marks of both subsets of Mainers. The restored brick buildings and warehouses of the Old Port and the fine upright houses of prosperous captains, merchants and shipbuilders make the city’s past a living part of its present. And the waterfront is a going concern, not a museum: Fishing boats chug into and out of their berths, buoys clang, harbour seals bark. Wander through the terrific art museum, take a tour of one of the city’s historic homes or maybe head to the coast—craggy, windswept, dramatic—a glorious and undeniably New England panorama.

Wednesday 25 October                                  Boston                         

Today sees us back in one of America’s favourite cities. There is something nice about Boston, a big city but with a sense of small-town parochialism that is never more evident than when their sports teams like the Red Sox, Patriots or the Celtics are playing at home. There is a lot more to see that you may have missed in our first visit. Maybe enjoy a leisurely lunch at Quincy Markets, get lost in the Prudential Shopping Centre or again stroll the grounds of Harvard with the “freshmen”.

Thursday 26 October                                      Newport, Rhode Island          

Once referred to as “America’s First Resort,” Newport has been welcoming visitors from around the world for nearly 400 years. Recently named by Conde Nast Traveler one of the top destinations in the nation, it never disappoints. Surrounded by water on all sides, it was once a summer destination for some of the country’s wealthiest residents, who built the famed Newport Mansions. Now friendly to all, its beautiful architecture, history, galleries, shopping, restaurants, and activities thrill vacationers.

Friday 27 October                                          New York                                          

Sadly, its time to disembark from our cruise this morning. Today, we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in New York. There is plenty to see – Times Square, Central Park, Harlem, lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Empire State building, United Nations, Central Park …. . We will even have time for a harbour cruise which will take us past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For the night owls, what about a Broadway show this evening.

Saturday 28 October                                       New York – Home                         

The day is left totally free to allow you to pursue your own interests.  There are museums and galleries a plenty, Fifth Avenue for shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park etc …   We have arranged for a late check out before we depart to the airport at 5:30pm for our direct flight home at 8:55pm.

Monday 30 October                            Arrive Home

Arrival time is early morning.

**** Please note that for those who wish to stay longer in New York we can make arrangements on your behalf. *****

Images courtesy of Maher Escorted Tours