Compare Exploring Maritime Canada, from Southern Nova Scotia to Campobello Island by Road Scholar vs Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands with Canada & New England Cruise Option 2022 with Canada and New England Cruise Option Vista Suite Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Halifax, Nova Scotia D Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Arrive to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Program Registration 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to meet the Group Leader and register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a welcome dinner.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Day 2
Intro to Nova Scotia, City Exploration, Maritime Museum
Halifax, Nova Scotia B,L Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 20 miles, about 2 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local historian for a presentation on the history of Nova Scotia and the city of Halifax. We’ll then depart by motorcoach for an expert-led exploration of the city of Halifax including the Citadel and “Titanic” cemetery.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for a field trip with local experts including a presentation on the maritime history of Atlantic Canada. The museum is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum, first created by a group of Royal Canadian Navy officers who envisioned a place where the nation’s naval past could be preserved. We’ll learn about the age of steamships, local small craft, the Royal Canadian and Merchant Navies, and World War II convoys. The museum also tells the story of famous historical events such as "The Battle of the Atlantic," the Halifax explosion of 1917, Nova Scotia's role in the aftermath of the “Titanic” disaster, various shipwrecks and more.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Pier 21, Farmer's Market, Free Time
Halifax, Nova Scotia B,L,D Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Activity note: Walking 1.5 miles, about 2 hours, on pavement, boardwalks, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet breakfast.

Morning: Step into the past and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada through Pier 21. This was the entry point for one in five Canadians between 1928 and 1971. At the Museum of Immigration, discover how different waves of immigration have impacted our global tastes and pastimes. You may also want to take some time to visit the history centre, a free reference service to help you trace your own family's immigration story.

Lunch: At The Halifax Seaport Farmer Market.

Afternoon: After lunch at the seaport there will be some free time to explore independently at the waterfront. Then, we will depart to Chester, NS for dinner and check-in.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg Walk, Museum
Chester, Nova Scotia B,L,D Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 130 miles, about 3 hours. Walking 2 miles, about 3 hours, on pavement, boardwalk, some uneven terrain. Use caution near the shoreline at Peggy’s Cove.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We leave Halifax and head for Peggy's Cove. The town is named after the sole survivor of a schooner shipwrecked on Halibut Rock off Lighthouse Point: Peggy (Margaret) of the Cove. The most well-known lighthouse in Canada, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, was built here in 1914. Positioned on a granite ledge, it served as the local post office until November 2009.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll explore Lunenburg's narrow streets on foot with a local expert, visiting its historic churches and examining the Victorian architecture of the Old Town, the first British colonial settlement in Nova Scotia outside Halifax. Next, we’ll visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. While at the museum, we’ll experience life in a fishing community and discover, up close, life at sea with a local expert, exploring the living fish exhibit and wharf-side vessels.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Take advantage of the on-site amenities such as kayaks, bikes and beach.

Day 5
Windsor, Grand Pre, Wolfville
Chester, Nova Scotia B,L,D Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 110 miles, about 2 hours. Walking 1.5 miles, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we depart for the north shore to visit Windsor, Grand Pre and Wolfville. We’ll stop at Grand Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the north east end of the Annapolis Valley, it borders on the Minas Basin and the tidal lands of the Bay of Fundy. The area was settled in the 1600s by French settlers from Port Royal who reclaimed the lands from the tides and made a fertile land. We’ll be joined by a local expert and learn about this exceptional living agricultural landscape. We’ll also hear the story of the Acadian deportation during the wars between the English and French, and the many villages in the area that were destroyed.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. Learn about both the native plant species of the area as well as the plants that have been introduced by the Acadians. This outdoor classroom experience will teach us about the Acadian community and their efforts towards educating about gardening, ecosystems, and the critical relationship between greenery and ecology.

Dinner: At the resort.

Evening: We’ll enjoy a cookout and campfire under the stars, listening to the waves while sitting on the beach.

Day 6
Kejimkujik National Park, Port Royal, Ferry to Saint John
Saint John, New Brunswick B,L Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John
Activity note: Getting on/off ferry. Ferry ride is about 2.5 hours. Docks may be slippery. Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 100 miles, about 2 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile, around 1 hour, on some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: En route to catch the ferry to Saint John, we will make some stops along the way. Visit Kejimkujik National Park to learn about the First Nations who inhabited this area and see evidence of their existence. On a walking field trip with a local expert, we will see some of the park’s petroglyphs. These fascinating stone-carved stories are one of North America’s largest such collections and have been vital clues for reconstructing regional history, some of the only remaining evidence of the ancient Mi’kmaw’s written history. Next, we’ll visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens for a self-guided visit before lunch. Named the 2015 Canadian Garden of the Year, the gardens tell the story of Nova Scotian history in this area through its plants. Explore the rich tapestry of heritage in one of the oldest European settlements in North America.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Our next stop is at Port Royal, France’s first successful settlement in North America. We’ll learn how Port Royal was established in 1605 and served as the capital of Acadia until it was destroyed by the British. It became the first European settlement north of Florida. We’ll hear about the history of the settlement that, while in existence only a few years, proved to be a model for future exploration of the continent. We’ll also learn how the French settled along the shores of the river at Port-Royal and began the distinctive dyke-land agriculture still in use today. Explore a replica village built using original plans, a gateway to the past where costumed interpreters take us back to the 17th century. Resuming our transfer, we’ll arrive in Digby and check in to the ferry terminal in Digby, Nova Scotia for the ferry trip to Saint John, New Brunswick.

Dinner: Dinner on own on the ferry.

Evening: Check-in to the hotel in Saint John, approximately 8:30 p.m.; the rest of evening is at leisure.

Day 7
Fundy Shore, Sea Caves, Fundy Tides & Trail
Saint John, New Brunswick B,L,D Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving approximately 75 miles, about 2 hours. Walking 2 miles, about 3 hours, on pavement, boardwalk, some slippery and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a breakfast buffet.

Morning: We will drive to the shore to discover quiet beaches, cliffs, sea caves, lighthouses, and covered bridges, while also learning about the tides, geology and history of the area with a local expert. We’ll watch the highest tides in the world sweeping in and out and learn how they carve sea stacks and caves into the rugged red cliffs that surround the village. Our expert will also discuss the legacy of the Loyalists and the shipbuilding history of this area.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: With a local expert, we’ll explore the phenomenon of the Bay of Fundy tides, the highest in the world, and learn about this natural wonder that draws many each year. We will explore on foot the Fundy Trail and breathtaking areas of the Bay of Fundy coastline that were previously unreachable.

Dinner: At a local inn.

Evening: We will return by motorcoach to Saint John after dinner.

Day 8
Campobello Island, Head Harbor Light
Campobello Island, New Brunswick B,L,D Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 125 miles, under 2.5 hours. Walking 1 mile, about 2 hours, on some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After breakfast, we will depart for Campobello Island. Campobello Island is one of the three Fundy Isles, located in the Bay of Fundy, just offshore of Lubec, ME, in the United States. The fishing industry remains the backbone of this area, including the harvesting of lobster, scallops, clams, herring, cod, pollock, mackerel, and farmed salmon.

Lunch: On Campobello Island.

Afternoon: Enjoy a presentation about life in Campobello Island from a seventh generation Campobello resident. Next, we will set out to explore Roosevelt Campobello International Park, named in honor of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s splendid summer home, preserved as a nature park and museum. The park is an extraordinary example of international cooperation, jointly run by the Canada and the United States.

Dinner: On Campobello Island.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Campobello Library & Museum, Whale Watching or Free Time
Campobello Island, New Brunswick B,L,D Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Activity note: Walking 1 mile, about 1.5 hours. Getting on/off whale watching boat, cruising approximately 30 miles over 2.5 hours on board. The group will be divided for the whale watching activity, with free time either Day 9 afternoon, or Day 10 morning.

Breakfast: At one of the cottages in the park, we will enjoy our breakfast.

Morning: The Campobello Public Library and Museum evokes the memories of bygone days, from its construction over a century ago. We will discover why FDR called Campobello his “beloved island” during a presentation at the island’s library and museum by the museum’s historian. We’ll also learn how this became the 19th-century summer retreat of well-to-do families like the Roosevelts. The museum houses many other links to the past, such as the Owen Carriage and a dining room table once owned and used by Captain William Owen himself.

Lunch: On Campobello Island.

Afternoon: One half of our group will then head out into the Bay of Fundy by boat to look for whales. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for minke, finback, humpback, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales as we enjoy the fresh air and blue waters. Our second group with enjoy free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On Campobello Island.

Evening: An evening presentation from a local expert will focus on marine ecology and whale rescue.

Day 10
Whale Watching or Free Time, Summer Home, Tea with Eleanor
Campobello Island, New Brunswick B,L,D Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Activity note: Walking 1/2 mile, about 1.5 hours. The group will be divided for the whale watching activity on Day 9 & 10, with free time either Day 9 afternoon, or Day 10 morning.

Breakfast: Cottage breakfast.

Morning: Completing yesterday’s activities, the second half of our group will whale watch on the Bay of Fundy, while the other enjoys free time.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will visit the Roosevelt's summer cottage and have tea with Eleanor. Local experts will tell of Eleanor Roosevelt's life on Campobello Island and her life in activism and public service, accompanied by Eleanor's favorite tea and cookies. We’ll see a special exhibit of rare photos of Eleanor on Campobello Island and a sample of her My Day Columns. Next, we will enjoy a presentation about the Atlantic Charter, a personal victory for FDR and Winston Churchill, in which goals like self-determination, international cooperation, and commitments to peace and disarmament were laid out for the postwar world.

Dinner: At one of the cottages in the park.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Transfer to Portland, Bar Harbor, Farewell Dinner
Portland, Maine B,L,D Holiday Inn by the Bay
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 215 miles, about 5.5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles, around 2 hours, on mostly paved roads.

Breakfast: Cottage breakfast.

Morning: Departing Campobello Island by motorcoach, we will cross the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge, with stops en route to Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park, home to much diverse flora and fauna, granite peaks, historic carriage roads, and Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast in the United States. We’ll explore Bar Harbor on an expert-led walk in what was once the premier summer resort in New England in the 19th century. We’ll see beautiful historic properties and Saint Saviour's Episcopal Church, with its 10 original Tiffany stained glass windows.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Bar Harbor.

Afternoon: Learn about the development of Acadia National Park, spearheaded by wealthy summer residents such as Joseph Kennedy and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. We’ll also learn about the devastating fire of 1947 and its effects on the island. We’ll then transfer to Portland to check into our last hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will have a farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for checkout and departure in the morning.

Day 12
Program Concludes
Portland, Maine B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet breakfast, with coffee, tea, water included. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty

Welcome to Boston, described by many as the most European city in the U.S., you can expect a thriving art scene, delicious variety of seafood delicacies and plenty of charm. On arrival, you'll transfer from Boston Logan International Airport to your downtown hotel, the Hyatt Regency Boston. You are just steps from Boston's most desirable area-attractions such as the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and Boston's famous shopping destination, Newbury Street. A 10-to-15 minute walk will bring you to the South End, Back Bay or the Charles River Esplanade. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests.

Day 2: Historic Boston Relaxed Start

Explore the city with your Travel Director and learn about the city's transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Sights include Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colourful neighbourhoods of Back Bay and historic North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy. Make sure you try the neighbourhood's famous cannoli and grab yourself some of the best espresso in town. From hitting the shops to exploring the area’s art galleries and patio cafes, the rest of the day is free to pursue your own interests.

Day 3: Pilgrim heritage and on to Sandwich

This morning you will discover Plymouth's history at the first pilgrim settlement.Visit Pilgrim Hall Museum, the oldest continuously operating public museum in the country and America’s museum of Pilgrim possessions. Meet a direct descendant of the Mayflower party that landed on America's shores in 1620 and hear their family stories.Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Plimouth Patuxet museum. This living memorial is dedicated to preserving the histories of the Native and English inhabitants of this region and educating the public on early settlers and the Wampanoag People in an immersive and engaging environment.Later you'll get to know the Cape more intimately as you make your way to the coastal haven of Sandwich.Experience the techniques of the English and Irish glassmakers at the Sandwich Glass Museum.Relax at your charming inn tonight and indulge in a Dinner with wine.

Day 4: Sandwich, oldest town on the Cape

Head out to Salt Pond on Cape Cod's National Seashore and learn about the natural wonder and human history represented on the Cape, from its First People and European settlement to modern lifestyles and communication technology. An optional experience on the Sand Dunes of the National Seashore may present itself later today. Roll through the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, catching sight of Pilgrim Lake and the famed artists’ dune shacks while Local Experts share the history and ecology of these striking and inspiring dunes.

Day 5: Martha's Vineyard, a Presidential Paradise

Board a ferry this morning to Martha's Vineyard. Home to pristine sandy beaches, outdoor attractions and heavenly harbour towns, this summer hangout is no stranger to presidential visits. The island has hosted the Clintons and the Obamas, while the former U.S. First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, maintained a home here. After disembarking, make your way to Oak Bluffs, known for its rainbow-coloured, gingerbread-like cottages with gothic storybook decorations, high-peaked roofs, and dainty verandas. You’ll also find the oldest operating platform carousel in America here. Get acquainted with the island accompanied by your driver guide, before reaching your hotel. Tonight's Sea-to-Table Highlight Dinner at Bettini Restaurant is sure to delight with the season’s freshest offerings from local farms, fishing boats, foragers and markets.

Day 6: Nantucket Island

Depart Martha's Vineyard in style on a high-speed catamaran for the picturesque island of Nantucket. Not only has it retained the charm of a bygone era, it is one of the most exclusive coastal communities in the U.S. During your visit, take in the beauty of the antique cobblestone streets, lined with high- end boutiques and breathtaking architecture. The simple homes date back to its whaling days which also influenced much of the culture on the island. In the past, the style of home directly correlated to a whaler's ranking. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon to relax at your luxurious hotel.

Day 7: Newport, the Queen of Summer Resorts Relaxed Start

The elegant town of Newport is lined with the Gilded Age mansions of America's wealthiest families. Choose to visit the Breakers, the grandest of Newport's summer cottages and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial pre-eminence during the late 19th century. Alternatively, choose the visit the Alms, a distinct mansion inspired by 18th century French chateaus. Another option is to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.The seaside city is also famous for being the home of the America's Cup for more than 50 years and is known as the Sailing Capital of the World. Explore in nautical style onboard the Adirondack II, an 80-foot (24 metre) schooner, as you cruise around the coastline. You’ll sail out and pass some of the nearby islands, old historical buildings and homes of the rich and famous, as you learn about the region’s exciting history, including its pirate activity. In the evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner at La Forge Casino restaurant, known for local fare, fresh seafood and many New England favourites. Afterwards you'll head back to your boutique hotel, registered with the Historic Hotels of America.

Day 8: Back to Boston Relaxed Start

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you return to Boston. As you will be embarking on the Canada & New England Discovery cruise, you will stay in Boston and transfer to the port the following morning to board the MS Zaandam.

Day 9: Join Canada & New England Discovery Cruise

Welcome to your Holland America Line Canada & New England Discovery cruise for a voyage along the Canada and New England coasts.

Day 10: Bar Harbor, Maine

Continue south to Bar Harbor, a quintessential New England coastal town on Mount Desert Island that serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. This retreat for outdoorsy types offers freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains.

Day 11: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Today you’ll head to Halifax, a maritime destination which offers a perfect mix of sea breezes and cultural charm. The ramparts of the citadel defending the city await you here.

Day 12: Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cruise past the Highlands of Nova Scotia to the port of Sydney, where lighthouses stand on cliff-side ledges and tiny villages huddle in rocky inlets.

Day 13: Prince Edward Island

Call in at Charlottetown where red double-decker buses motor along streets lined with regal Victorian houses. This picturesque city is perfect for walks along the harbour and taking a moment at one of its many coffee shops.

Day 14: The Gulf of Saint Lawrence

The Gulf of Saint Lawrence fringes the shores of half the provinces of Canada and is defined by stunning coast line and beautiful islands, including Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands.

Day 15: Quebec City

Continue on to Quebec City. Set atop sheer cliffs and with a strong French influence both in its culture and architecture, this elegant city comes with plenty of charm. Take the funicular steps down to the Lower Town where you’ll see Notre Dame des Victoires, the Petit Champlain district and the port.

Day 16: Disembark in Montreal

Your trip ends in the old-world French city of Montreal. A departure transfer to Montreal International Airport is provided arriving at approximately 10:30.