Compare Signature City Toronto by Road Scholar vs Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 6 days | 16 days |
Price From | $ 1,479 | $ 5,750 |
Price Per Day | $ 247 | $ 359 |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Countries Visited | N/A | |
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
Activities | N/A |
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Description | Walk the streets of Old Town Toronto with a historian, visiting must-see cultural sites, learning about iconic architecture, exploring renowned museums and tasting traditional cuisine. | 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
Arrival and Check-In, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Toronto, Ontario D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Check-in is 4:00 p.m.
Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a welcome dinner
Evening: We’ll begin our evening with an orientation session where we’ll get to know each other as well as review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes. We’ll go over important information as well as have time for questions. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in for the night. You may also wish to explore what the city has to offer. The hotel is in downtown Toronto, surrounded by restaurants, City Hall and historical sites.
Day
2
Old Town Toronto, St. Lawrence Market, Urban Planning
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Walking approximately 2 miles over two hours. Driving about 50 miles over 3 hours.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Join a local expert for an entertaining and enlightening presentation on the city of Toronto, past and present. Then set out to experience Canada's largest city. See places that even locals don't even know about - the hidden gems often overlooked. Explore Old Town Toronto on foot with stops at St Lawrence Hall, St. James Cathedral as well as various historical sites along the way. The fusion of classic architecture and modern amenities is enhanced by the stunning view of Toronto's skyline. At St. Lawrence Market discover some Canadian delights; the restored 1845 market building is home to more than 50 specialty vendors.
Lunch: At the market, a variety of options are available to suit any taste.
Afternoon: We will embark on a coach exploration of the city with our local expert; discovering Toronto’s famous landmarks, unique architecture and we learn more about urban development. Enjoy an onboard presentation that will examine urban planning and design, and the revitalization projects underway in the city, including Regent Park.
Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Day
3
Multicultural Toronto, Chinatown, Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Public transit will be used today. Walking approximately 2 miles over 3 hours; multiple flights of stairs, busy streets
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and celebrates over 100 different cultures with over 180 languages spoken. A local expert will provide us with an in-depth talk on Toronto's vibrant multicultural landscape. Then set off on foot to explore Chinatown and Kensington Market - the very epicenter of the city - it is a combination of Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and the Meatpacking District with the culture and excitement of a great multicultural city. We’ll continue to learn about this area's fascinating history from our expert as we work our way to our lunch destination.
Lunch: Lunch at the market
Afternoon: Uncover the treasures of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on an expert-led exploration. Founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens as the Art Museum of Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America. The AGO expanded its facility in 2008 with an innovative architectural design by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The Canadian collection vividly documents the development of the nation's art heritage since pre-Confederation, including one of the largest and finest Inuit art collections in the world. The AGO also houses the world's largest public collection of works by internationally renowned British sculptor Henry Moore.
Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Day
4
Harbour Cruise, Free Afternoon
Toronto, Ontario B Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Walking approximately 1 mile, busy streets. Option for additional walking during free time
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: This morning we will take a cruise to see Toronto from a different perspective. See the Toronto Islands, harbourfront, CN Tower and the city's iconic skyline.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions
Afternoon: 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. Some options you may find of interest are: Performing Arts (Sony Centre, Young Peoples Theatre, Canadian Stage Theatre); Gardens & Historic Homes (Toronto Sculpture Garden, Mackenzie House, Allan Gardens Conservatory, Casa Loma); Museums (Art Gallery of Ontario, Bata Shoe Museum, Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Tatar Gallery, University of Toronto Art Centre, Gardiner Museum) and many more interesting sites.
Dinner: Dinner on your own (at your own expense) to explore the many dining options in Toronto.
Day
5
Queen's Park, Royal Ontario Museum, Farewell Dinner
Toronto, Ontario B,L,D Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
Activity note: Public transit will be used today. Walking approximately 2 miles over 3.5 hours; multiple flights of stairs, busy streets
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Visit Queen's Park, the seat of Ontario's Parliament. Discover the architecture of the Legislative buildings and learn about the history of the provincial legislature and the inner workings of the legislative process. We will explore the notable historical statues and monuments on an expert-led walk of the grounds (details of visit dependent on Parliamentary activity).
Lunch: At the ROM, we'll enjoy lunch
Afternoon: Embark on an expert led exploration of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for an overview of the many galleries and exhibits followed by free time to explore on our own. Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries throughout the Museum, spanning both world cultures and natural history. Learn about the evolution of the ROM's architecture, and the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The ROM is the fifth largest museum in North America and contains more than six million items and over 40 galleries. It is also the largest museum in Canada and has notable collections of dinosaurs, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history.
Dinner: We’ll enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Day
6
Departure, Program Concludes
Toronto, Ontario B
Activity note: Check-out is 12:00 noon.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Program concludes
Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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.