Day 1: Travel to Albany, NY
Sit back, relax and enjoy the drive through eastern Ontario. We pick up guests along the way as we head for the border and cross into the US at Gananoque. After a lunch stop in Watertown, travel south through lush farmland and forested hills, with picturesque, quaint villages in the valleys. Get to know your fellow travellers during dinner at the hotel.
Stay:
Holiday Inn Express, Albany, NY (1 night)
Meals: D
Day 2: Albany to Boston
This morning the journey continues to Boston. After a short orientation tour of the area, proceed to the cruise terminal to board your home away from home for the next 7 nights. Be sure to check out what’s happening onboard each day, so you don’t miss out on something special.
The Zuiderdam is a classic ship with modern amenities and numerous entertainment activities. Experience BBC Earth in Concert, spoil yourself with a massage at the spa, or visit The Music Walk venues where the best tunes are performed while at sea. Dining, too, has many options. It can be a culinary adventure at the Dining Room, Tamarind, or Pinnacle Grill, or casual and relaxed, poolside at the Dive-In. There’s something for everyone!
Stay: Holland America cruise ship, Category D Outside Cabin (7 nights)
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Bar Harbor, ME (7am - 5pm)
Tender Required, wheelchair access limited
Stop in Bar Harbor, a picturesque town with
charming streets lined with boutique shops and locally sourced restaurants. The free Island Explorer buses take guests to Acadia National Park’s major sites and other nearby destinations. Holland America offers many exciting day trips so check out the ship's offerings.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Halifax, NS (11am - 7pm)
Located on a rocky inlet on the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax, Nova Scotia’s provincial capital, has been defined by its maritime geography. The city has lots to see and do within easy walking distance of the Cruise Ship pier. Holland America offers trips a little further afield to Peggy's Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse on a rocky outcropping, and to Lunenburg, whose colourful Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also soak in the charming sights of Mahone Bay, home to artists' studios and a trio of steepled churches.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Sydney, NS (11 am - 6 pm)
Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island and the attractions start at the harbour. Visitors can shop for locally made crafts and see the world’s largest fiddle, which towers beside the port’s cruise pavilion. Some of the city’s historic houses and churches date back to the 1700s and 1800s and are open for tours. Day trips offered by Holland America include the Cabot Trail, a boat ride on Bras d’Or Lake, a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg, or a trip down a coal mine.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 6: Charlottetown, PEI (9am-6pm)
Exclusive included Shore Excursion
Despite its modest size, Charlottetown, the capital of Canada’s smallest province has an impressive number of Victorian houses and buildings and great parks waiting to be explored. For Canadians, it is most famous as the Birthplace of Confederation.
Today you will enjoy an exclusive shore excursion on PEI with a visit to the PEI Preserve Co., a Lobster lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf, and a visit to Green Gables Heritage Place.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 7: Cruising the St. Lawrence River
Enjoy the panoramic views as the St Lawrence River streams past on its way to the ocean. This is a perfect day to explore some of the things available aboard the ship or find a nice relaxing place on deck to watch the world go by. You will receive details of the day’s events so you can choose what’s best for you.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 8: Québec City Guided tour, Cable Car Ride & Lunch at Montmorency Falls
Few places in North America are as steeped in history as Québec City. Founded before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, it is the only city north of Mexico whose original fortifications remain intact. Today, see the sights with a local guide, then enjoy a drive out to Montmorency Falls.
Take in the panoramic views of the falls from the perspective of a cable car, and enjoy lunch at the Manoir Montmorency overlooking the falls.
This evening, with the ship docked overnight in Québec City, you will have extra time to explore the streets of the old town.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 9: Homeward
After enjoying breakfast on the ship, disembark with the group in the morning and board the motor coach for the journey home. The farewell lunch will be a good opportunity to bid a fond farewell to the new friends you have met. There are sure to be stories and great memories of your adventures to share and cherish.
Meals:
B, L
