Eastern Highlights and New England Discovery Cruise

Welcome to Canada! On arrival at Toronto International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. After check-in, you are free to explore the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada. This evening, join a pre tour briefing.

Today, you will see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Travel through the countryside before arriving at Niagara for a thrilling cruise to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Get up close to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world as you feel the mist washing over you. After some free time or an optional helicopter ride over the falls, visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto early this evening. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

• DiscoverMORE Experience a spectacular helicopter flight over the falls (extra expense)

This morning, take a journey to the top of CN Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Americas for some spectacular views over Toronto. Travel up University Avenue to take in the sights of Ontario’s Parliament Buildings, Queens Park and museum row. Travel east following Lake Ontario to the colonial city of Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River.

Board your vessel for a cruise of one of the most picturesque areas in Eastern Canada. Travel through the islands and canals and view spectacular old buildings, attractive neighbourhoods and abundant birdlife. Continue through rolling farmlands, following the rivers and lakes to Canada’s national capital. (B)

This morning, our local guide joins us for a tour of Ottawa, famous for its stately boulevards, imposing buildings and tulip filled gardens during spring. See the green-peaked roofs of the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the National Gallery. We view the residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Rideau Canal. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS: Visit Madahòkì Farms, an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome spend some time with their cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation.

Bienvenue! Welcome to the French-Canadian province of Québec. Head for the quintessentially French city of Montréal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing the Olympic Complex, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mt. Royal. Montréal abounds with sightseeing options, such as taking a stroll, bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets of the famous Parisian-style historic district, which is filled with cultural landmarks, museums, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. (B)

Departing Montréal make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. Visit Deschambault a quaint village along the St. Lawrence River before a scenic drive along the “Chemin du Roy” (King’s Road), the oldest roadway in Canada. This historic “New France Route,” takes you to Québec City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site spectacularly perched atop Cap Diamant. French is the primary language in this unique city, founded in 1608 as a trading post.

Arrive into Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. You will then embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. This is truly a remarkable city, every building in Old Québec tells a story and every square exudes the spirit of New France with a history dating back many hundreds of years. (B/L)

• EmeraldPLUS: Enjoy French Canadian country charm and hospitality and learn how to make maple candy, then partake in a delicious lunch that showcases the local country cuisine.

Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets, ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people. (B/D)

This morning, transfer to the pier and Farewell your Tour Director as you check into your comfortable ocean view stateroom (upgrade to verandah stateroom additional expense) on the luxurious Holland America cruise ship ms Zuiderdam. Settle-in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage through the St. Lawrence River and New England. (B/D)

The nearly 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a lighthouse lover’s paradise, with more than 40 of them lining the Québec portion alone. Some 200 miles of the river are called the whale route, along which some 13 resident species thrive, including blue, beluga and right whales. (B/L/D)

The largest estuary in the world, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence fringes the shores of half the provinces of Canada and is a gateway to the interior of the entire North American continent. Geographically, the Gulf is defined by stunning coast line and beautiful islands, including Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands. Be sure to keep an eye out for whale and seal sightings. (B/L/D)

This morning, arrive into the charming city of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. There is plenty of free time to explore the city famed for being the birthplace of Canada. Be sure to visit Confederation Centre or perhaps enjoy an optional tour to the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ homesite (own expense). (B/L/D)

A hundred thousand Gaelic welcomes await you in Nova Scotia, Latin for “New Scotland.” At the northeast end of the province sits Cape Breton Island, whose wild and lovely topography includes Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Bras d’Or Lake, and miles of rugged coastline. Sydney is the gateway to it all.

There are highland villages to see, the scenic Cabot Trail to explore, golden inland seas to sail, and the Fortress of Louisbourg to inspect – where every barn, barracks and pipe and drum corps appears just as it did when King Louis’ troops occupied the site in 1744. Spend the day in Sydney or take an optional sightseeing tour (shore excursions are at own expense). (B/L/D)

Arrive into Halifax spending the day docked in one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Explore this fascinating and historic city on your own or perhaps take an optional tour to delightful Peggy’s Cove (shore excursions at own expense). (B/L/D)

Enter the waters of the United States, as you sail along the coast of New Brunswick. Arrive into Portland, first settled in 1633. The restored brick buildings and warehouses of the Old Port and the fine upright houses of prosperous captains, merchants and shipbuilders make the city’s past a living part of its present. This evening, enjoy your final night aboard your ship as you sail south towards the historic city of Boston. (B/L/D)

Arrive into Boston. After disembarking, you will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight.

Please book your flight to depart out of Boston after 02:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)