Savor the diversity and history of the great cities of New England and Eastern Canada on this enchanting vacation featuring a 7-night cruise aboard Holland America’s MS Maasdam. Begin your trip in exciting Boston, where your sightseeing tour focuses on historic sites, such as the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and the Old State House. Then head to New Hampshire and the scenic White Mountains, New England’s greatest range and premier outdoor playground. Take a thrilling gondola ride up Wildcat Mountain to the 4,397-foot summit. Cross into Vermont and visit a working maple syrup farm in Montpelier, drive to Stowe, and overnight in Vergennes.Next: travel to Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city, for a sightseeing tour and visit to Notre Dame Basilica. Then, embark the MS Maasdam for your 7-night cruise to some of Canada’s historic towns and beautiful places. Ports of call include Québec City, Canada’s only walled city; Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island; Sydney, originally settled by Highland Scots; Halifax; Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine’s oldest summer resort; and Boston. This incredible vacation through New England and Eastern Canada is packed with adventure—both on land and at sea!
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Boston. Welcome to Boston! At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
Day #2 Boston–Pinkham Notch–Mount Washington. Enjoy a Boston sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, featuring the prominent landmarks such as the historic sites near Boston Common, including the Old State House; Old North Church, from where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride; and Faneuil Hall. Depart Boston for New Hampshire and the scenic White Mountains, New England’s greatest range and premier outdoor playground. At Pinkham Notch, board the Wildcat Mountain GONDOLA for a thrilling ride to the 4,397-foot summit. Savor the 360-degree panorama of Mount Washington Valley and the famous Presidential Range, whose peaks are named after many U.S. presidents. Also enjoy a [LF] RAVEN INTERPRETIVE WILDLIFE PROGRAM focusing on the endemic flora and fauna. (B,D)
Day #3 Mount Washington–Montpelier–Stowe–Vergennes. Depart for a beautiful drive to Stowe, stopping in Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, en route to visit a working [LF] MAPLE SYRUP FARM. Free time in Stowe gives you the chance to explore this classic 200-year-old village with character reminiscent of great European mountain resorts. Continue to Vergennes, overlooking Lake Champlain with views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. (B,D)
Day #4 Vergennes–Shelburne–Montréal. Visit nearby SHELBURNE HERITAGE PARK, which exhibits one of the nation’s most extraordinary collections of American decorative, folk, and fine art. It showcases buildings from around New England and New York, including an 1890 railroad station, a lighthouse, a stagecoach inn, and an Adirondack lodge. Travel northwest to Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city. As Montréal has a unique mix of historical, natural, and cultural offerings, you may like to visit the Old Port Montréal, McCord Museum, or Olympic Park, or stroll around Mount Royal Park. (B)
Day #5 Montréal (Embarkation). This morning, sightseeing with a Local Guide includes NOTRE DAME Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and a drive to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy a panorama of the city. This afternoon, transfer to Montréal’s port to embark on Holland America’s MS Maasdam for your 7-night CRUISE. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Québec City. Visit Canada’s only walled city, which, until the British victory of 1759, was the center of New France and today is a World Heritage Site. Stroll within the walls and see the Place d’Armes, the Laval Seminary, and ancient Place Royale. Also see Old World houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River and the historic Plains of Abraham. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Scenic Cruising: Gulf of St. Lawrence. Québec City marks the start of Saguenay Fjord. This 200-mile-long natural canal brings saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean inland and creates a beautiful environment for waterfront living for the communities of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Spend the day at leisure aboard the ship, taking advantage of the numerous amenities. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Charlottetown. Today is spent in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, the provincial capital named after Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. Within Canada, the city is famous for hosting the 1864 conference that three years later led to the creation of the independent Dominion of Canada. Perhaps take a trip to Cavendish and visit the famous Anne of Green Gables homestead. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Sydney. So green and Gaelic is Cape Breton Island that Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell called it home for the last 37 years of his life. In fact, Cape Breton was principally settled by Highland Scots whose families had come out on the wrong side of rebellions against the Crown. You can still see this heritage in the accents in some remote villages—and in the great popularity of Scottish-style folk music. Today, you may choose to travel along the scenic Cabot Trail or visit historic Louisbourg Fortress, which recreates life in French-occupied Canada. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Halifax. Arrive in Halifax, where lighthouses stand sentinel on cliffside ledges and tiny villages huddle in rocky inlets. Take time to explore Citadel Hill with its early 19th-century star-shaped fort, the tree-shaded walks of the public gardens, and Fairview Cemetery, the final resting place for more than100 people who perished on the Titanic. (B,L,D)
Day #11 Bar Harbor. Arrive in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine’s oldest summer resort, and stroll around the charming waterfront with its many shops, galleries, and boutiques. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to picturesque Acadia National Park, one of America’s most visited parks. (B,L,D)
Day #12 Boston (Disembarkation). The tour ends this morning. Guests depart on individual schedules; airport transfers are provided. Please schedule your flights after Noon. (B)
