Fourth of July Getaway - 5 nights, July 2013

Boston and Cambridge are inseparable cities, both bustling metropolis, divided only by the Charles River. Your tour will begin by crossing the Charles River, to Cambridge where a short stroll through the quaint student neighborhood brings you to Harvard Yard, the heart of America’s oldest university.

Built in 1723, Old North Church is the oldest standing church in Boston and features chandeliers from England and tall box pews. It was here, on 18th April 1775, that Paul Revere ordered two lanterns will be hung to signal that the British Redcoats were approaching. You will have a short time to browse for souvenirs at the Old North Church Gift Shop.

Your fascinating narrated drive takes you past the ‘new’ State House, Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, Public Garden, the Boston Common and Beacon Hill. Follow the ‘Freedom Trail’ past the King’s Chapel, Old South Meeting House - where the Boston Tea Party began - as well as the Old Corner Bookstore. You will even get a glimpse of Quincy Market and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour may occasionally pass through tunnels to avoid traffic. Guests are advised that there will be approximately one square block to walk during the tour to Harvard Yard. To access Old North Church there is a walk of 160 yards. The highlights of the tour may operate in reverse order.

Located in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan, a little more off the beaten track, is Chelsea Market, the ultimate indoor speciality food market. Here you can gain a glimpse into the local life of Manhattan.

A guided walk around the bustling indoor market will allow you to learn the history of the 112 year old building, admire the surrounding artwork and granite sculptures as you become immersed in the atmosphere. The highlight of your visit is the opportunity to sample a selection of tasty foods ranging from sweet to savoury.

After your food sampling, work it off by walking the High line, an old elevated railway situated 30 feet above the city’s west side. Today it has been transformed into a park with street artwork and views that look down over the busy city streets and it is amongst New York’s most visited attractions.

Heading back to Chelsea Market, you will sample a selection of wine and enjoy a brief last minute wander through the Market before heading back to the pier.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion operates by minibus and on foot. This tour involves around two hours of walking and standing at Chelsea Market. The terrain is relatively flat. The walk at High Line is around 30 minutes over varying terrain. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. US Dollars are accepted for purchases.

Passing by Boston’s busy waterfront, you’ll soon arrive at Long Wharf to embark on a 45-minute harbour cruise. As your captain expertly navigates the historic waterfront, your guide will point out the many landmarks of the Boston skyline and the surrounding harbour. You’ll also get an up-close-and-personal view of ‘Old Ironsides’ at her home in the Charlestown Navy Yard with the Bunker Hill Monument in the background.

Afterwards, you will re-board your coach for a tour by land to one of the city’s most attractive spots, Copley Square, bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Continuing through the upscale residential area of Back Bay, you’ll pass a number of quaint boutiques and trendy cafés en route to the Public Garden. In the heart of the city overlooking the Boston Common, lies one of the most elegant and wealthiest neighbourhoods of the city, Beacon Hill.

During your scenic drive, you’ll pass by the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House,

This excursion will operate by coach and motor vessel. Please note that the tour itinerary may vary in sequence. Although there is very little walking, passengers must be able to negotiate the steps onto the boat and coach.

Setting off from the port, your Old Town Trolley will take you on a ride through Boston. Your driver-guide will bring Boston’s history to life, weaving together colourful anecdotes, humorous stories, and historical information.

During your trolley ride, you will pass by the site of the famous Boston Tea Party, often described as the spark that ‘ignited the American Revolution’. Continue through the city and view some of the highlights including, the Old State House, Boston Common, Trinity Church, the well known Cheers Bar, and Fenway Park. Head to the Historic North End, home to the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House and cross the harbour to Charlestown, where you’ll see the beautiful Bunker Hill Monument and view the celebrated war ship, the USS Constitution.

At the end of the tour, you will be given the option to disembark your trolley at Quincy Market area for some free time. For those guests who choose this option, complimentary transport will be provided for your return to the ship.

This excursion will operate by trolley. This tour involves limited walking however passengers must be able to negotiate four steps onto and off the trolley. There are no stops during the tour.

In 1775, the British advance travelled a route through Lexington to Concord where the opposing ranks met in battle and consequently this was designated the Battle Road. Today, Lexington remains a place that has the classical elements of a small New England town.

Visit Lexington Green, where Paul Revere rode to warn the Minutemen that the British were coming. Old North Bridge is the site in Concord where 400 Minutemen faced the British and fired the shot that started the Revolutionary War. Inside Old North Church, you will notice the unusually tall pew boxes, which kept out winter draughts and enabled worshippers to sit around communal foot-warmers.
br> Enjoy a delightful luncheon at the atmospheric Union Oyster House, America’s oldest continually operating restaurant.

The return route will take you through Cambridge and Harvard Yard, where you will have an opportunity to stroll past the hallowed halls of America’s oldest and most prestigious university. Your guide will also point out the country homes of renowned authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests with walking difficulties may opt to remain on the coach during the stops. There is approximately 2½ hours of walking included on flat pavements.

Step aboard your Duck and enjoy a drive through Boston’s Back Bay district, as you meander through the Parisian-inspired boulevards you’ll pass beautiful Victorian brick and brownstone mansions. Lining Newbury Street are the fabulous boutiques, unique galleries, and trendy cafés. Look out for the century-old swan boats at the Public Garden and have your camera at the ready as you pass the famous Bull & Finch Pub that inspired the TV series Cheers.

In the heart of the city, overlooking Boston Common lies the elegant neighbourhood of Beacon Hill. On entering Old Boston, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, admire the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House, whose cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere in 1795. You’ll also see the Old South Meeting House where colonists gathered on the eve of the Boston Tea Party.

Then it is time for your driver to become your Captain as your Duck splashes into the Charles River. Cruising along the river you’ll see Craigie Drawbridge and the Longfellow Bridge linking Boston with Cambridge.

Upon returning to dry land you’ll return to the ship via Quincy Market.

>strong> This excursion will operate by amphibious vehicle and on foot. This tour involves very little walking, however guests must be able to negotiate ten steps to board the Amphibious Duck. The Duck has no storage for wheelchairs. At the end of the tour, you may leave at Quincy Market for independent shopping. This applies to morning departures only and guests will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship. The advertised order of the sights visited may vary.

Tall ship, ‘Silva’ is located in the heart of Halifax’s waterfront. After a short walk you’ll board the classic tall ship and set sail, enjoy the fabulous views of Halifax from the deck.

Discover the historic seaside city with miles of shoreline guarded by George’s Island and its graceful lighthouse. Keep a look-out for marine life whilst the crew and captain haul the lines and raise the sails. Quench your thirst by sampling a selection of local beers such as Halifax’s own Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale dating back to the 1800’s, or let your taste buds journey to the Annapolis Valley, Atlantic Canada's richest agricultural region when you sip the wine. There is also a wide range of culinary delights from succulent seafood favourites, such as Atlantic Salmon and Digby Scallops to locally produced cheeses and lamb tenderloin.

Enjoy a toe tapping performance by a local fiddler and when the music breaks there will be a commentary highlighting the points of interest along the way.

To board the tall ship there is a 15 minute walk each way on flat paved ground. The Tall Ship sailing is around two hours. The gangway has a slight incline and once on board there are several steps down to the lounge area and facilities. The raising of the sails is weather dependent and it may be necessary for the ship engines to be used. The open deck has a canopy covering in case of inclement weather.

Begin your fun tour of the town by land aboard a double-decker bus to see the highlights of Halifax and its historical sites. Let your guide provide you with interesting information as you enjoy the scenery.

After touring the city by land, it is then time to see Halifax from its best vantage point – the water. Board an amphibious vehicle and let your captain plunge the vessel into the world’s second largest natural harbour for an exciting cruise along the Halifax waterfront. Sail past the dockyards and continue along the beautiful Halifax waterfront, taking in the incredible perspective of the city’s modern skyline.

At the end of your tour, you may remain in the downtown area to visit the sights at your own pace. Hop aboard any double-decker bus throughout the day to return to the ship at your leisure.

This excursion will operate by double-decker bus and amphibious vehicle. In the event of small craft warnings, the cruise portion of the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a 25% refund. The Harbour Hopper is partially covered, therefore, it is recommended to carry a raincoat in case of inclement weather. There is no walking during this tour, but guests must be able to negotiate 8 –10 steps onto the amphibious vehicle. Please note the ride may be bumpy. The advertised itinerary may operate in reverse.

Climb aboard an authentic London double decker - dressed in pink to support breast cancer awareness and journey through the historic streets of Halifax, stopping at over 15 different downtown locations on 3 separate tour loops.

You’ll have the opportunity to hop-off at a variety of locations such as the Halifax Citadel, Public Gardens, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Point Pleasant Park. Stop off at great shopping destinations such as Historic Properties and Spring Garden Road. With your full day pass, you will have the choice of staying on board the double-decker for a full tour on 3 separate tour loops (1 loop at 60 minutes and 2 loops at 30 minutes each) or hopping off at your leisure to explore at each stop. This tour will even allow you to go back to the ship for lunch, while using your full day pass to return again to the city whenever you like.

Either way, this tour offers you a number of choices that allow you to enjoy the city of Halifax the way you want to see it.


This excursion will operate by double decker bus.This tour departs from the quayside approximately every 15-30 minutes throughout the day, depending on traffic. Guests are requested to present their ticket/pass every time they wish to re-board the bus. This tour is not exclusive to Cunard. A portion of the proceeds from this tour are donated directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation On selected days, big pink buses may be used in conjunction with double deckers.

Set off on a Boston sunset cruise.

Sit back and relax, as you sail around the open harbour, passing by the private yachts that call the city home during the summer. Whilst on board enjoy appetisers and unlimited drinks as you admire nature’s show in the air conditioned saloon or take a seat on the open deck and relish the sea breeze as the sunset unfolds before you.

A memorable experience.

This excursion will operate by boat. This tour will operate rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. A visible sunset cannot be guaranteed.

This tour unveils some of the gems of Nova Scotia, from the power of the Atlantic Ocean and one of the most famous lighthouses; to a world heritage site known as the ‘prettiest town in Canada’.

Upon reaching Peggy’s Cove, your kilted guide will lead you on a walking tour of the Lower Cove and village including the famous lighthouse. Learn about the lobster fisheries and the various traps used at the cove and take the opportunity to see and touch a live lobster. You will have some free time to shop in the small nautical souvenir shops and take some wonderful photographs.
br> Lunenburg was once considered to be the busiest shipbuilding town in the world, and the birthplace of the world-famous racing schooner Bluenose. The town’s distinctive architecture and extraordinary scenic beauty is a colourful reminder of Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage. A lobster luncheon will be served at a local restaurant and then you will have some free time to browse the narrow streets and many galleries in this small quaint town.

On the return drive to the ship a brief stop, will be made at Mahone Bay, famous for its three waterfront churches. This is a real VIP tour to visit two of the best highlights in Halifax, Novia Scotia.

Guests are advised that in Peggy’s Cove your executive coach will drop off at the Upper Cove and pick up at the Lower Cove, in order to make the best use of time at the site. Guests are advised to take local currency, Canadian dollars for souvenir shopping. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

A relaxing, enjoyable and interesting tour starting with a brief stop at Central Park and a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums.

You will head off to the ‘Upper West Side’, where you will see many homes of celebrities as well as the Lincoln Center featuring the Metropolitan Opera House. A brief stop will be made at the famous Dakota building, where John Lennon lived, followed by a short walk to Strawberry Fields, the area of Central Park devoted to him. Central Park is over 150 years old, has over 25 million visitors each year and more than 200 movies have been filmed within the Park. Continue by bus along the world famous Fifth Avenue, famous for all its designer shops and department stores.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world featuring over two million works of art. The institution’s permanent collection spans history, from a transported Egyptian temple to a large collection of 19th and 20th century European paintings. There is also the chance to see many special and temporary exhibits while visiting the Museum. Enjoy 2½ hour’s free time with an audio guide to explore the exhibits. There are several cafés in the museum where you can purchase a coffee or snack.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This tour will operate by bus and on foot. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, flat, walking shoes. Please be aware that there is approximately 2½ hours of walking and standing throughout the tour.

Beginning in Midtown, you will be transferred by bus from Manhattan Cruise Terminal to Pier 84 to board a water taxi. Absorb the imposing views of Manhattan as you cruise along the Hudson River, New York Harbour and get an up close view of the Statue of Liberty.

Battery Park is located at the southern tip of Manhattan and is the starting point of your walking tour to the World Trade Center. Around every corner are famous sights and locations like Broadway, and the famous “Charging Bull” Statue which has become the unofficial symbol of Wall Street.

The newly completed 9/11 Memorial consists of two massive pools set within the original footprints of the Twin Towers with 30-foot waterfalls cascading down their sides. Take some time to reflect and pay your respects to those that lost their lives there. A short stop at the Visitors Centre will give you chance to purchase souvenirs and also view the on-going construction of the site which, when finished will be home to New York’s tallest building, One World Trade.

A final walk through the financial district will allow you to see many of the iconic places that New York is so famous for including Wall Street, The NY Stock Exchange and Trinity Church.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by water taxi, bus and on foot. All guests and baggage are subject to security screening and inspections at the Memorial. No large bags will be permitted onto the Memorial. This is mainly an outside tour so please dress appropriately. The itinerary may be adjusted to ensure that you arrive at the Memorial as scheduled.

In the mid-19th century, Salem evolved into an important manufacturing and retail centre, however in 1914 a great fire swept through the city leaving thousands of families homeless. Today Salem has developed into a colourful coastal city with one of the highest concentrations of historic sites and museums as well as wonderful shopping opportunities. Most notably, Salem is famous for its witch trials and you will see reference to this throughout the city.

Step back in time to 1692, when witchcraft hysteria overwhelmed superstitious Salem Village, when young women fell ill and innocent townspeople were accused of sorcery. The Witch Museum offers a theatre with stage settings, a narrator and the voices of actors and actresses who, accurately and dramatically, present the truth of the hangings in the dark period of the Witchcraft Trials.

Salem’s Derby Wharf dates back to the fabled China Trade period after the Revolution, when Salem’s Yankee Clipper ships sailed around the globe to Canton and the South Seas. In this period, Salem was the wealthiest city in the United States. You will have time to independently explore the historic buildings along the waterfront and browse the unique shops on the wharf.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests with walking difficulties may opt to remain on the coach during the stops. There will be approximately 40 minutes of walking and standing involved at the Witch Museum.

Whether you’re an experienced cycling enthusiast or a beginner, this is the perfect way to connect with Halifax’s natural and architectural beauty.

Once you’ve received an orientation, you’ll follow your guide and make your way up into the charming and historical South End area. Here, you’ll see the home of the Titanic Millionaire, George Wright and the Point Pleasant Park. You’ll weave your way back through the tree lined streets and into the heart of the city, before returning to the ship.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

Children under the age of six years may not participate. The tour is a combination of quiet paved streets, with a few small inclines and gravelled areas or beaten pathways. The distance travelled is approximately 6 miles. When operating at the weekend or during a public holiday the itinerary may vary, due to park restrictions. All participants must be at least 4’ 10” and safety helmets will be provided and are mandatory. Guides will give a safety and equipment orientation before departing. This tour is recommended to those who consider themselves to have a good level of physical fitness.