Compare Passage through New England & Eastern Canada by Globus vs Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 3,468 | $ 7,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 289 | $ 475 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | If you didn’t cruise through North American history as a student, now’s the perfect chance. This enlightening tour through the great cities of New England and Eastern Canada – including a 7-night cruise – is the ultimate hands-on field trip. Explore the revolutionary city of Boston, the exhilarating White Mountains of New Hampshire, and an idyllic maple syrup farm in Stowe, Vermont before the sweet experience of cruising through Eastern Canada’s most scenic cities, straits, and sounds. Sail through the greatest chapters of the past aboard a Holland America cruise ship, including the lighthouse-lined St. Lawrence River, the French-infused cities of Montréal and Québec, the green and Gaelic Cape Breton Island, and the pleasing provincial capital cities of Charlottetown and Halifax where walkable Victorian streets await. Cruising through centuries of history, this East Coast tour perfectly balances learning and laughter with one last recess at Bar Harbor, Maine’s oldest summer resort. | See the top destinations in two countries on this 16-Day guided tour of Canada and the U.S. Stroll the urban-but-regal Queen's Park in downtown Toronto, then get up-close to the world’s most infamous waterfall, Niagara Falls. Wander the grand mansions of Montreal and step inside the Notre-Dame Basilica — a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring a gold and azure-hued sanctuary — with a Local Expert. In Maine, dine on decadent, authentic local lobster caught fresh from a nearby harbor. Walk with a guide along the Freedom Trail in Boston, a 2.5-mile trail with 16 historically significant sites, including the house where the Boston Tea Party was planned in 1773. In Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell, rung throughout history to announce some of the country’s most historical moments, such as the death of George Washington. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Welcome to Boston! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: BOSTON–FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK, NEW HAMPSHIRE–JACKSON
Treasures of New England Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Boston including Boston Common, the State House, and Faneuil Hall. Depart Boston for New Hampshire and the scenic White Mountains, New England’s greatest range and premier outdoor playground. Then, visit Franconia Notch State Park. Tonight, enjoy a [LF] Raven Interpretive Wildlife Program presentation by a Local Naturalist. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Hear historical and ecological insights into New Hampshire nature from a Local Naturalist at the Raven Interpretive Wildlife Program. Discover the flora and fauna of New England in a fun and fascinating evening to enjoy your vacation even more!
Day 3: JACKSON–MONTPELIER, VERMONT–MONTRÉAL
Sweet Tastes & Small Towns Visit Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, for a tour at a historic maple syrup farm, where you’ll learn the art of making maple syrup and enjoy a local treat. Travel northwest to Montréal, Canada’s second largest city. Montréal has a unique mix of historical, natural, and cultural offerings. After a city tour, enjoy leisure time to visit Old Port Montréal, the McCord Museum, or stroll lively St. Catherine Street before dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Visit a local farm where maple syrup is produced in the tradition of their ancestors who helped settle Central Vermont and learned the art of tapping maple trees from Native Americans. The farm has been boiling the sweet sap ever since.
Day 4: MONTRÉAL–QUEBEC CITY
Royal Mountain Views This morning, sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice and a drive to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy a panorama of the city. Continue to Québec City for an orientation tour and free time in one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Named for Mount Royal on an idyllic island on the Saint Lawrence River, Montréal is the largest city in Canada's Québec province. At its heart are cobblestone lanes of French colonial Vieux-Montréal – with the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and a hilltop panorama view from Mount Royal itself.
Day 5: QUEBEC CITY (EMBARKATION)
French Canadian Treasures Free time this morning in the heart of Old Quebec City to stroll through historic streets and experience genuine French culture. This afternoon, transfer to Quebec City’s port and wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver as you embark on your ship for a 7-night cruise.(Breakfast,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Canada’s only walled city, which, until the British victory of 1759, was the center of New France and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll within the walls and see the Place d’Armes, 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.
Day 6: ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
River Views and Villages Explore the ship and numerous amenities while watching charming fishing villages and lighthouses illuminate the passing shores. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Day 7: GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
Atlantic Adventures Spend the day at leisure aboard your ship, taking advantage of the numerous amenities. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCRUISE VIEWS Saguenay Fjord is a 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.
Day 8: CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Royal Beauty Spend the day in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE on Prince Edward Island town of Charlottetown, the provincial capital named after Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. 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. Your GlobusGO app has maps and tips for a great day on the island.
Day 9: SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA
Cape Breton Calling Free time to explore Cape Breton Island. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE So green and Gaelic is Cape Breton Island that Scotsman and inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, spent the last 37 years of his life here. In fact, Cape Breton was principally settled by Highland Scots who 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. Your GlobusGO mobile app can point you in the right direction!
Day 10: HALIFAX
Lighthouses & Legendary Resting Places Free time to explore Halifax. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Halifax, where lighthouses stand sentinel on cliff side ledges and tiny villages are huddled together 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 than 100 people who perished on the Titanic.
Day 11: BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Magnificent Maine 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. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion to picturesque Acadia National Park, one of America’s most visited parks – for good reason! This 47,000-acre Atlantic coast paradise on Maine's Mount Desert Island is blessed with lush woodlands, dramatic rocky beaches, and glacier-carved granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the America’s East Coast. Keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, including moose, bear, whales, and seabirds.
Day 12: BOSTON (DISEMBARKATION)
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule flights departing from Boston Logan International Airport after noon. (Breakfast)
Day 1: Thrilling Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, full of fine restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of cultures. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.
Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara Relaxed Start
Travel up University Avenue to see Queen's Park and the Parliament Buildings, before venturing on to spectacular Niagara Falls. Take in this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls. Browse quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto.
Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa
Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City and view the old buildings, churches and fortifications, with many of them being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a Make Travel Matter® experience with the culinary experts of C’est Bon at the Just Food community farm. You’ll learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine. Ingredients include Canadian staples such as maple sugar, haskaps, labrador tea and wild flowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.
Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal
Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, you'll join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project which aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain
Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal, the grand mansions of Mount Royal, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.
Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City Relaxed Start
Depart Montreal and head to Montmorency Falls today.Stop at a traditional Sugar Shack and learn how maple syrup is created and harvested.After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (83 metres) tall. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside.Continue on to Quebec City.
Day 7: Quintessential Quebec Relaxed Start
Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert, who will guide you along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale. You'll also walk past the Citadel, which offers great view of the city and Château Frontenac. In the evening you’ll choose from a selection of top local restaurants on a Dine-Around Evening.
Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor
Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself.
Day 9: Explore Acadia National Park
Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.
Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston
Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy, New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.
Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty
Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.
Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple
Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with stunning views of the New York skyline. Alternatively, take a scenic bike tour of Central Park and explore its iconic sights.Your hotel is in the heart of Midtown and a short, 10-minute walk from the United Nations Headquarters and just steps away from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.
Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start
Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.
Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening before spending the night at the luxurious Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown.
Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time
In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.
Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.
A morning transfer at leisure will take you to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay at your own pleasure.
