Day 1 – Saturday, September, 29, 2007
Home – Halifax
Today we will fly from our home towns to begin a truly amazing adventure as we travel the ‘Magical Maritimes’.
Day 2 – Sunday, September, 30, 2007
Halifax
Our adventure in the Maritimes begins with a city tour of Halifax, the Gateway to Atlantic Canada, has flourished as a prominent port situated on the world’s second largest natural harbour. The highlights will include a visit to the Victorian Public Gardens, the Old Town Clock, the Titanic Grave Sites, the Maritime Museum, Province House and so much more of this historic city. This afternoon we will spend time at Pier 21. This 40,000-square-foot National Historic Site is the last surviving ocean immigration shed in Canada. Through its halls, about a million immigrants, refugees, war brides and children began their lives as Canadians, 3,000 guest children were sheltered and almost 500,000 Canadian troops departed to fight in the Second World War. Artifacts and interactive multi-media technology preserve this heritage. Tonight we may choose to dine in unique surroundings at the Five Fisherman Restaurant – the building once served as a funeral home for some of the Titanic’s doomed passengers.
Hotel: Cambridge Suites – 3 nights
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Day 3 – Monday, October 1, 2007
Halifax
This morning we will visit to the famous Halifax Citadel. Completed in 1856, the present Citadel is the fourth in a series of forts since 1749 to occupy the hill overlooking the harbour. Although never attacked, the fort was occupied by the British army until 1906 and by Canadian forces during the world wars. Now operated by Parks Canada, the Citadel is Canada’s most visited National Historic Sites. A completely different tour is planned this afternoon, as we take an informative and interactive tour of the Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery. Actors in period costume will lead us back in time as we learn about the beer, the brewery and life in Halifax in 1863. We will visit the Stag’s Head Tavern where we will listen to toe tapping music, play games and of course sample Keith’s fine ale. This evening is free to relax and enjoy our surroundings.
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Day 4 – Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Halifax – Bridgewater
Known as the idyllic fishing village, Peggy’s Cove is one of most popular stops in Atlantic Canada. Set on rocky shores, the lighthouse and village at Peggy’s Cove are a photographer’s paradise. Despite its popularity this tiny fishing village has been able keep the same relaxed atmosphere that has made it famous. Peggy’s Cove is certainly one of Canada’s gems, and this morning we will visit this beautiful area. We will then continue on to Mahone Bay – considered one of the most beautiful towns in Eastern Canada. Situated on a bay of more than 100 islands, it is a treasury of history, culture and 19th century architecture. The charming main street hosts an assortment of art galleries, shops and living museums. We can enjoy a lovely lunch at the famous Salt Springs Café. After lunch we will take a short drive to the breath-taking Lunenburg. The waterfront is the home of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and this afternoon we will spend time at this world-class facility. The Museum commemorates the fishing heritage of the Atlantic coast of Canada. Housed in brightly painted red buildings, with floating vessels at wharf side, the Museum offers a host of attractions, and a maritime gift shop. We will overnight in the lovely town of Bridgewater
Hotel: Wandlyn Inn – 1 night
Day 5 – Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Bridgewater – Saint John, New Brunswick
Now we will travel north to Annapolis Royal – a beautiful community nestled in the Annapolis Valley. The National Historic District of Annapolis Royal continues to thrive after many centuries of exciting history. Originally inhabited by a strong Mi’kmaq community, the area became home in 1605 to some of North America’s earliest European settlers. With an amazing history and an exciting present day, Annapolis Royal is a pleasure to behold for the visitor. Late morning we will arrive in Digby and board a ferry for a scenic crossing on the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, New Brunswick. We can enjoy a leisurely lunch aboard the Princess of Acadia. This evening we can browse market square located on the waterfront.
Hotel: Fort Howe Hotel – 1 night
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Day 6 – Thursday, October 4, 2007
St. John – Hopewell Rocks Motel & Country Inn – 1 night
Today we will witness the unique phenomenon of the Reversing Falls caused by the tremendous rise and fall of the tides of the Bay of Fundy, which are the highest in the world. We will then journey through the lovely Fundy National Park, which encompasses some of the last remaining wilderness in southern New Brunswick. Here, the conifer dominated Caledonia Highlands roll down to meet the fog-generating Bay of Fundy. We will continue to enjoy the scenery as we travel to Hopewell Rock, where we will overnight. Twice each day the highest tides in the world — up to 46 feet — flood the beach, and we will explore the floor of the Bay of Fundy at low tide! Created over thousands of years by the Bay of Fundy’s awesome tidal forces, the Hopewell Rock formations are a natural wonder not to be missed!
Hotel: Hopewell Rocks Motel & Country Inn – 1 night
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Day 7 – Friday, October 5, 2007
Hopewell Rock – Charlottetown
Today we will travel uphill without power on Magnetic Hill in Moncton on our way to Charlottetown, PEI? We will stop for a photo opportunity of The World’s Largest Lobster, which is found in the village of Shediac. After lunch we will experience another Canadian wonder as we visit the Anne Murray Centre. The center pays fitting tribute to the achievements of Springhill’s internationally acclaimed singing superstar, Anne Murray. A series of award-winning three-dimensional and audio-visual displays feature awards, memorabilia and highlights of her exciting career together with a special exhibit of the dramatic story of her hometown. We now will cross the 9 mile Confederartion Bridge to Prince Edward Island. This evening is free to relax in our new destination – Charlottetown, PEI.
Hotel: – Holiday Inn Express – 3 nights
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Day 8 – Saturday, October 6, 2007
Charlottetown
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“Unique Among Cities”, Charlottetown is small and compact, with a skyline that doesn’t even top the local church spire, it nestles along the scenic harbour front like some city from the past and this morning we will enjoy a city tour. Some highlights will include Founders Hall and Province House and St. Dustan’s Basilica. After lunch we will travel to Cavendish National Park and explore Anne of Green Gables Museum and Heritage Site. Tonight we will feast at the Original P.E.I. Lobster Supper. This family restaurant has been serving lobster in New Glasgow since June 24, 1958. We can choose the size of lobster we want – they are kept in their own holding tanks. For those who would like to pass on the lobster, the roast beef is also excellent.
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Day 9 – Sunday, October 7, 2007
Charlottetown
This morning we may choose to rest a little later or to shop or continue exploring Charlottetown. After lunch we will spend some time at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. Bruce MacNaughton first established the company in 1985 with the idea of making and selling high quality preserves. The business was relocated from just outside Charlottetown to New Glasgow in 1988. and now days they manufactures and sell high quality specialty foods made primarily from Island produce including preserves, vinegar, antipasto, fruit sauces and syrups; and barbecue sauce. The company’s main site is a restored 1913 butter factory. We will tour the factory and, of course, we will have the chance to buy some of their wonderful products. Tonight another fabulous fun-filled evening is planned, as we board the Menada II for wonderful ceilidh (pronounced cayley). Be prepared to stomp your feet, clap your hands or do a jig as island performers entertain us as we cruise down the Montague River.
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Day 10 – Monday, October 8, 2007
Charlottetown – Sydney, Nova Scotia
Happy Thanksgiving! And what a wonderful day awaits us! We will leave Prince Edward Island and travel to Sydney, Nova Scotia via the Canso Causeway. The scenery is once again amazing as we travel on the shore of the Bras d’or Lake. This afternoon will be special thrill for those of us who love the music and charm of Rita MacNeil. Our afternoon coffee stop will be at the Rita MacNeil Tea House, Perhaps she might be there to share tea with us! To quote Rita! “In 1982, I purchased and renovated a one room school house which was built in 1939. I lived there for a few years and was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery for which Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is famous for. Over the years of performing, I invited many people to drop by for tea – a well known Cape Breton tradition. Many took me up on my offer, so the idea to open a Tea Room came about”. We will continue on to Sydney, NS. Tonight we will be part of a truly unique thanksgiving celebration as we attend the Celtic Colours International Festival. For nine days in October, Cape Breton Island is home to this unique celebration of music and culture. A traditional turkey dinner will be followed by a concert featuring a harvest of talent from Prince Edward Island., Cape Breton, Scotland and Denmark
Hotel: Cambridge Suites – 2 nights
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Day 11 – Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Situated on one of the most picturesque coasts of Cape Breton Island, is Fort Petrie. One of seven fortifications that were situated along Sydney Harbour during World War II to protect the harbour and convoys from enemy submarines, we will tour the two- story underground fort with it’s two gun emplacements. On a 15-acre site filled with wild roses and grasses, is the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum, and this is one of our fascinating stops today. The Museum pays tribute to the region’s long and rich history of coal mining. Those of us who are adventurous can take an underground tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery, a coal mine located beneath the Museum building. Retired coal miners are our guides for this excursion underground, and promise to entertain and inform us in a custom that has become treasured by visitors all over the world. This afternoon another fabulous destination awaits us as we visit Louisbourg. The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park is the crown jewel of the Canadian Park Service and the largest historical reconstruction in Canada. Fortress Louisbourg was built to protect France’s interests in the new world and to serve as the centre of its massive seasonal fishing industry. Tonight is free to enjoy our unique surroundings.
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Day 12 – Wednesday, October 10, 2007
And now we will enjoy another beautiful area as we travel the Cabot Trail. One of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world Cabot Trail was named for famous explorer John Cabot, the Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This magnificent highway is carved into the sides of mountains that rise high above the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Look offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline, where pods of whales can often be seen just offshore and bald eagles soar aloft on the ocean breezes. Tonight we may relax and reflect on lovely day.
Hotel: Silver Dart Lodge – 1 night
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Day 13 – Wednesday, October 11, 2007
In 1885, Alexander Graham Bell, his wife Mabel, and their two young daughters, arrived by boat from the Strait of Canso. They fell in love with Baddeck and returned to build their beautiful home on Beinn Bhreagh. This morning we will visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site – located in the Village of Baddeck, on a beautiful 25 acre park overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes, a saltwater inland sea. This complex, with its three exhibit halls, contains the largest collection of Bell’s artifacts and inventions, including replicas of the first telephones and a full scale model of the HD-4 hydrofoil craft. This afternoon we will drive back to Halifax Airport for our flight home.
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Features of This Package:
- First class transportation on an air conditioned, washroom equipped motor coach
- All accommodations – 13 breakfasts – 2 dinners
- All taxes
- Services of experienced tour directors and driver
- Halifax City Tour including: – Pier 21 – Citadel – Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour
- Peggy’s Cove
- Lunenburg – Anapolis Royal
- Bore Tide at the Bay of Fundy – Hopewell Rocks – Magnetic Hill
- Anne Murray Centre, Springhill
- Anne of Green Gables Tour
- Founders’ Hall “The Birthplace of Confederation”
- Rita McNeil’s Tea Room
- Fortress of Louisbourg
- Cabot Trail
- Ocean Deeps Colliery
- Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Rates Per Person:
Two per room
$2,395.00 per person
One per room
$3,295.00 per person
The rates quoted are in Canadian currency and are those in effect at the time of printing – should the tariff or exchange rates vary at any time prior to date of your deposit we reserve the right to change the stated rates without notice.
Reservations:
Deposit of $500.00 per person is due within 48 hours of booking. Final payment is due July 25, 2007.
Cancellation Charges:
91 days from departure full refund
90 – 61 days from departure deposit amount
60 – 31 days from departure 50% refund
30 days – day of departure no refund