Maritimes Landscapes 2013

Day 1 - ARRIVE SAINT JOHN
Welcome to New Brunswick! On arrival at Saint John International Airport, your airport transfer takes you to your tour hotel. This evening gather with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception, drinks and a light informal meal. (Welcome Reception)

Day 2 to Day 3 - THE KING OF TIDES, CHARLOTTETOWN AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Set out this morning along the phenomenal Bay of Fundy - a marine wonder, home to the world’s highest and wildest tides. Depending on when you visit, the fascinating Hopewell Rocks could tower nearly four stories high – or appear as tiny islands barely surfacing in the bay. Then drive across the modern Confederation Bridge, the spectacular entry to Prince Edward Island and its capital of Charlottetown. This evening, your Tour Director offers you a selection of local restaurants for your dining pleasure. Return to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep. Next morning visit Founders’ Hall to walk through the ‘Time Travel Tunnel’ learning all about Canadian history, starting with the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 and concluding with the joining of Nunavut in 1999. Then, immerse yourself in local history with a guided walking tour of graceful Charlottetown. Travel up the north shore to explore the wind-sculpted sand dunes, beautiful beaches and broad inlets of Prince Edward Island National Park. Take a guided tour of Green Gables, the farm house that inspired the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables.” This evening is at leisure. (Full Breakfast / Dine Around / Full Breakfast)

Day 4 to Day 5 - INGONISH BEACH, THE CABOT TRAIL AND CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia and travel on to charming Pictou, renowned as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” See the full-sized replica of the three-masted ship Hector, docked on the waterfront, commemorating the voyage of the first Scottish immigrants in 1773. Continue across the Canso Strait before reaching Ingonish Beach at the foot of the Cape Breton Highlands. Settle into your hotel, superbly located on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After dinner, learn about the diversity and ecology of Nova Scotia’s coastal and inland habitats at an enlightening slide-show presentation by a naturalist. The following day is devoted to the Cabot Trail, one of the most spectacular drives on the continent. Travel the full length enjoying stunning vistas of rust-coloured cliffs, the deep blue ocean and postcard-perfect fishing harbours. Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park, an exceptional wilderness area where you may spot a moose among the lakes and streams. (Full Breakfast / Dinner / Full Breakfast)

Day 6 to Day 7 - HALIFAX, THE QUINTESSENTIAL MARITIME DESTINATION
Bid farewell to the highlands and travel to Baddeck Bay and tranquil Bras d’Or Lake. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site where models, photo displays, artifacts, and films commemorate the genius and compassion of the great inventor. Travel south to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s lively harbour-front capital. This evening is entirely at leisure. Perhaps stroll along the waterfront, with its intriguing shops, take-outs and pubs? Enjoy a sightseeing tour the next morning, including the Public Gardens, waterfront and Spring Garden Road. Learn about the Halifax Explosion and the city’s connection to the Titanic. Towering over downtown Halifax, the Citadel is a testament to the city’s military past. Visit this National Historic Site and marvel at the panoramic views. Continue to Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque seaside village on the scenic Lighthouse Route along the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Upon your return to Halifax, perhaps explore the boutiques and restaurants nestled in the three square blocks of Historic Properties, Canada’s oldest shipping warehouses. Tonight, raise a glass to your newfound friends and your Maritimes sojourn at a lively Celebration Dinner. (Full Breakfast / Full Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 8 - Depart Halifax
Your tour ends with a departure transfer to Halifax International Airport. (Full Breakfast)