Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario known for its food and wine scene and eclectic restaurants. After settling in, feel free to explore the town and discover what it has to offer.
Later, savour dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers. (DW) Stay: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
See Toronto's top sights including Queen's Park, before venturing on the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a 19th century village that offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. See the flowers and old-world architecture of the city before heading to the spectacular Niagara Falls. Experience the thrill of Niagara Falls up close on a state-of-the-art eco-catamaran. Feel the mighty power, thundering water and mesmerizing mist on this memorable boat ride to the base of the falls.
Next, you can choose to soar above Niagara's stunning landscapes on an exhilarating helicopter flight. Witness the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, American Falls, Skylon Tower and the mesmerizing Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where rainbows appear in the mist.
Later, return to Toronto for an afternoon at leisure or choose to visit the top of the iconic CN Tower which defines the Toronto Skyline. Interact with visual exhibits to learn fascinating stories about this engineering marvel and enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering skyline and Lake Ontario. (B) Stay: Hilton, Toronto
Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City. Here you'll view the city's storied buildings, churches and fortifications, many of which being constructed from limestone itself.
Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you'll join a cooking demonstration at a local barn owned by Just Food, a non-profit organization that brings dining experiences focused on sustainable food and farming practices. Learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine using staples from the Canadian terroir such as maple sugar, haskaps, Labrador tea and wildflowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel. (B/DW) Stay: Novotel Hotel, Ottawa
Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city's stately boulevards. Then, visit Mādahòkì Farm and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and how they revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec. (B) Stay: Marriott Chateau Champlain, Montreal
Today you'll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal. The narrow cobblestone streets draw you in with their lively little plazas, shops and cafes. From the grand mansions of Mount Royal to the iconic old port, Old Montreal is a historic neighbourhood that is now a major hot spot with beautiful architecture, vibrant street art and plenty of opportunities for photo-ops, especially at the top of Mount Royal.
Next, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada and marvel at its breathtaking architecture and exceptional stained glass windows. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please. (B)
Depart Montreal and immerse yourself in authentic Canadian culinary adventures as you indulge in the sweet delights of maple syrup, harvested and crafted right on-site. Savour traditional maple-infused dishes and experience the warmth of hospitality and the rustic charm of a genuine sugar shack.
After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (84 m) tall over the Saint Lawrence River. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge between both sides of the park, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside. After taking plenty of pictures, you will continue to Quebec City. (B/L) Stay: Hilton, Quebec
Discover more of Quebec City's history and charm with a Local Expert. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale, while learning about the city's long history as one of the oldest European settlements in North America. No visit to Old Quebec would be complete without seeing the grand hotel Château Frontenac, designated a National Historic Site of Canada and UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the first grand railway hotels completed in Canada. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
In the evening enjoy your Celebration Dinner in historic old Quebec. (B/DW)
Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint. (B/D) Stay: Harborside Hotel Spa & Marina, Bar Harbor
Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats.
This evening, visit the Bar Harbor Historical Society's charming waterfront building to meet a local Wabanaki storyteller for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of Indigenous oral traditional music. (B)
Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns. (B) Stay: Hyatt Regency, Boston
Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned.
The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats. (B)
Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit one of the city's newest attractions, Summit One Vanderbilt with stunning views of the New York skyline, or explore Midtown's fascinating architecture on foot with a Local Expert.
This evening, your hotel is in the heart of Time Square and a short walk from iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center, Brayant Park, and Broadway Theater. (B) Stay: Marriott Marquis, New York
Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Later, visit Essex Lower East Side Neighbourhood Market for a food tour and demonstration. (B/D)
Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening to see the capital's sights in a new light. (B) Stay: Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Washington, D.C.
In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and the sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial.
Next, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution and the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories. (B/DW)
Depart at your leisure to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay to depart at your leisure. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Niagara Falls: Get up close and personal with the mighty Falls. Experience the awesome power, thundering water and amazing mist from a state of the art eco-catamaran, making it a perfect and memorable way to experience this natural wonder. After the rush of excitement and rush of water, slow down and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautifully preserved 19th century village in the heart of Ontario wine country. The flower-filled, tree-lined town features old world architecture, boutique shopping and plenty of character allowing for a truly charming time.
- Montreal: Join a local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal and Mont Royal. View the Notre-Dame Basilica, the colorful old port and Place Jacques-Cartier, both at the magnificent heart of the old city.
- Montreal: Discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada, an important witness of Montréal's foundations and breathtaking architecture, gold leaves, infinite blue, thousands of stars and exceptional stained glass windows.
- Quebec City: Discover more of Quebec's unique European charm with a Local Expert. Get an in-depth look at why Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site as you see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall, Palace Royale and views of the grand Chateau Frontenac.
- Acadia National Park: Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well known spots such as Thunder Hole.
- Kennebunkport: Follow the rocky Main shoreline to the picturesque town of Kennebunkport. Here you'll dock square in the center of town and have a chance to check out its quaint boutiques and local craft shops, selling everything from art to hand crafted jewelry.
- Boston: Explore the great city of Boston, with your Travel Director and learn about its transformative past. You'll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Journeying to other historically significant sights that include the Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colourful neighbourhood of Back Bay and the lively North End, otherwise known as Boston's Little Italy.
- New York City: Take a bite of the Big Apple, as a Local Expert shows you the very best of what the city has to offer. Including intimate looks at Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Also view other icons of the famous city skyline such as the Empire State Building, and the Art Deco filled Chrysler Building.
- Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see the famous crack that runs down the Liberty Bell, whose inscription has inspired so many in history to "proclaim liberty.” It is the first and only institution in America established by Congress to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution on a nonpartisan basis among the American people.
- Washington, D.C.: Take a city tour of the history lined streets of Washington, D.C. and learn about the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the somber World War II Memorial.
- Ottawa: Gain new culinary skills and learn more about regional cuisine with a local chef during a cooking demonstration at C'est Bon.
- New York City: This late afternoon, enjoy a visit to Essex Market, a cornerstone of the Lower East Side for over 100 years. Meet and hear the stories of local vendors while tasting their noteworthy specialties from around the world. Enjoy and learn from a live cooking demonstration while hearing how our visit to this nonprofit run market contributes to countless programs aimed to provide quality, affordable food to the community and foster entrepreneurship as well as economic development.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Quebec City: Experience Montmorency Falls, the remarkable natural wonder that towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge between both sides of the park with roaring water below for a unique, adrenaline filled perspective. If you're feeling more adventurous, take the 487 panoramic staircase down along the cliff.
- Quebec City: Get up close and personal discovering metal craftsmanship at the Copper Art Studio. Learn how – beginning with a Jewlery box decorated with tin and embossed copper panels -- the repoussé technique has been passed down in the Gilles family for over 90 years. After seeing a collection of fascinating copper art, experiment for yourself using thin sheets of copper and tools to create your own work or art.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- New York City: Newly constructed in Midtown Manhattan, Summit One Vanderbilt has amazing views of the NYC skyline, especially the Chrysler Building. Summit One has four levels of multi-sensory space that represent art and design. With amazing views of the NYC skyline, guests will walkthrough a five-part-story-driven immersive art experience that includes reflective glass, optical illusions and art installations meant to challenge your perspective. Outside, there is also a wrap-around viewing deck that allows for amazing views and photos
- New York City: Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour walking tour through the heart of New York City, starting at the iconic Grand Central Terminal and learn the storied transportation legacy of this historic landmark. Immerse yourself in the luminosity of Broadway in the Theatre District, marvel at the architectural opulence of Radio City Music Hall, pause to contemplate the grandeur of St. Patrick's Cathedral, and explore the legendary Rockefeller Center with its Art Deco splendour. Traverse the celebrated Fifth Avenue, discovering both highlights and hidden gems in this renowned shopping and cultural district. Conclude the journey at your hotel.
- Ottawa: Learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project, a key initiative that aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans who fashion mukluks and moccasins in the traditional way. After receiving the prestigious TreadRight Heritage Initiative grant, the project now endeavours to expand its partnerships, teaching opportunities and artisan support network.
- Ottawa: Visit Mādahòkì Farm and learn about diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and how dance has helped revive the traditional arts. Your experience advances UN Global Goals 10 & 11: Reduced Inequalities & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Bar Harbor: Get up close and personal with the indigenous community and their history meeting a local Wabanaki storyteller for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Step inside Bar Harbor's Historical Society's waterfront building to delve into the world of Indigenous oral traditions and music through an insightful presentation. You'll be fascinated by the stories of the Wabanaki people's homeland from this family operated and woman-owned business. This experience addresses United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 by preserving local traditions, protecting natural and built heritage sites and promoting cultural vibrancy.
- Washington, D.C.: This striking museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts that reflect history, politics, sports, arts and entertainment. Explore the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped shape this nation.
- Toronto: Delve into Canadian specialties during dinner in the nation's largest city.
- Ottawa: Join a cooking demonstration at Just Food Community Farm, nestled within Ottawa's lush 150-acre Greenbelt. Discover the meaning of forest to table as your chef prepares your meal using local foraged ingredients. This entertaining cooking experience is hands on, and you may find yourself participating as a sous chef for a day. Savour a 3-course feast, perfectly paired with wine.
- Trois-Rivieres: Guests enjoy a traditional Sugar shack (Cabane sucre) lunch full of traditional staples and the French-Canadian hospitality.
- Quebec City: Savour the evening in an intimate setting as you enjoy a Highlight Dinner in historic Old Quebec.
- Bar Harbor: Enjoy an authentic Maine Lobster dinner as you feast on the fresh and local delicacy known for its tender and rich flavour. Raise a glass as you mingle with new friends over this delectable Highlight Dinner.
- Washington: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.
- Dining Summary: 4 Dinners with Wine (DW), 15 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), 2 Dinners (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (8) View All Most Recent 'Best of Eastern Canada & USA' Reviews
Todd was a walking encyclopedia throughout the entire trip. I'm sure we were very lucky to have a really friendly group of people and I must commend Todd for very efficiently dealing with a medical emergency with one of our ladies whilst in Washington.
A useful point to note was the use of a free laundry at our hotel in Bar Harbour. The main purpose of the trip for me was to see the autumn colours but I think a later trip may have had a better show. There was plenty of colour but I did expect more (can't predict the weather) and a couple of our travel days were wet which didn't impact too much.
Although this was a quite long tour I would have liked more time in Quebec and with hindsight should have spent an extra couple of days in New York. I chose to return to Washington and spent 4 days trying to cover the Smithsonian Museums but barely scratched the surface. The tour did cover visits to most of the monuments.
Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
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