AUTUMN IN NEW ENGLAND & EASTERN CANADA
10 days
Experience the heart of New England and Eastern Canada! Begin in Boston, the Cradle of Liberty, with sightseeing that includes the historic North End, Boston Common, and the State House. In Maine, explore charming Ogunquit, coastal Kennebunkport, and picturesque Portland; then, take in the scenic landscapes of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Franconia Notch, and the Presidential Range.
Cross through Vermont to Quebec where you’ll visit an award-winning vineyard, sample homemade cheeses and cider at the Abbey of Saint Benoit du Lac, and tour a sugar shack to learn the art of making maple syrup. In Quebec City, Canada’s only walled city, see the Plains of Abraham and Chateau Frontenac before heading northwest for a cruise on beautiful Lac des Sables in the picturesque Laurentian Region. Your journey concludes in Montreal with sightseeing that features Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal.
Day 1 Arrive in Boston, MA
Welcome to Boston, the “Cradle of Liberty.” Your vacation begins with tonight’s WELCOME RECEPTION hosted by your Tour Director. (WR)
Day 2 Boston
This morning, enjoy a TOUR of the downtown sights featuring the historic North End, Boston Common, the State House, Faneuil Hall, and Copley Square. This afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to enjoy more of this vibrant city. (B)
Day 3 Boston–Ogunquit–Kennebunkport
This morning, travel into Maine with a stop in charming Ogunquit, where there’s time to stroll the beach or browse the unique shops and boutiques. Folks settling this area were bound to the sea, and even today the seafaring culture is still much in evidence. Early this afternoon, arrive at Kennebunkport on the Maine shore, with time to explore the galleries of Dock Square. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive LOBSTER DINNER. (B,D)
Day 4 Kennebunkport–Portland–North Conway
We continue along Maine’s coast with a stop in picturesque Portland. An orientation tour highlights downtown, the Old Port, and the bustling waterfront area. Travel through Maine’s lake region to New Hampshire and spend the evening in North Conway, northern New England’s outdoor adventure capital. (B,D)
Day 5 North Conway–Eastern Township Area
Today, enjoy scenic landscapes as you wind your way through the White Mountains. Visit Franconia Notch, taking an included ride up the CANNON MOUNTAIN TRAMWAY for a panoramic view of the Presidential Range. Next, travel north through Vermont and enter the French province of Quebec. We’ll visit one of the region’s award-winning vineyards and enjoy a tour and WINE TASTING before arriving at your resort for an overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 6 Eastern Township Area–Quebec City
This morning we’ll visit the beautiful ABBEY of Saint Benoit du Lac where you’ll sample some of their homemade cheeses and cider and enjoy incredible views of the lake. We’ll then continue through the Quebec countryside and arrive in historic Quebec City for a 2-night stay. Your guided CITY TOUR of Canada’s only walled city includes the historic Plains of Abraham, the narrow cobblestone streets in Lower Town, and the great turrets of the Chateau Frontenac. (B,D)
Day 7 Québec City. Choose Your Experience
A PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, today you select how you wish to spend your day. Choose from a lunch CRUISE along the scenic St. Lawrence River or a WALKING TOUR of historic Chateau Frontenac with a buffet lunch. The remainder of the day and evening is yours to explore more of this charming city. Your Tour Director will have recommendations for the best places to shop and dine. (B,L)
Day 8 Quebec City–Laurentians
Before leaving Quebec we’ll stop at a SUGAR SHACK where you’ll enjoy a guided tour, learn the art of making maple syrup, and enjoy a traditional sugar shack breakfast. We then travel northwest to the Laurentian Region, home to lakes, rivers, forests, and rich agricultural land dotted with picturesque villages. This afternoon, enjoy a CRUISE on the beautiful Lac des Sables where you’ll learn about the history of the area and enjoy picturesque scenery. Overnight in the resort area of Mont Tremblant. (B)
Day 9 Laurentians–Montreal
Time this morning to relax at your resort or perhaps take a stroll along the quaint village streets. Later, head to the bustling river port of Montreal, one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities and a cosmopolitan center of arts and culture. Your CITY TOUR includes Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, and Mount Royal. This evening, enjoy a FAREWELL DINER in Old Montreal with your traveling companions. (B,D)
Day 10 Montreal
The vacation ends this morning after breakfast with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)
INCLUDED FEATURES
BOSTON: Guided sightseeing, Welcome Reception
KENNEBUNKPORT: Festive lobster dinner
PORTLAND: Orientation tour
FRANCONIA NOTCH: Scenic tram ride
EASTERN TOWNSHIP: Vineyard with wine tasting; Abbey of Saint Benoît
QUÉBEC CITY: Guided sightseeing; a “Choose Your Experience” activity; visit a sugar shack
LAURENTIANS: Scenic cruise
MONTRÉAL: Guided sightseeing including Notre Dame Basilica; Farewell Dinner
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS
Welcome reception (WR); American breakfast daily (B); 1 lunch (L); 5 dinners (D), including a Farewell Dinner in Montreal.
SUPERIOR HOTELS
BOSTON Westin Boston Waterfront (SF), KENNEBUNKPORT Colony Hotel (F), NORTH CONWAY Red Jacket Mountain Resort (F), EASTERN TOWNSHIP AREA Manoir des Sables (F), QUÉBEC CITY Loews Le Concorde (SF), LAURENTIANS Fairmont Tremblant (SF), MONTRÉAL Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (SF)
Departure Date:
September – October 2008
Prices
From approx $2,539 US per person based on double occupancy