North American Highlights - 12 nights, July 2013

Get a taste of the ‘Big Apple’ on this leisurely sightseeing adventure and discover New York’s most celebrated landmarks.

Begin your sightseeing drive of Manhattan and view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You will travel through quintessential New York neighbourhoods such as trendy Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and Fifth Avenue with its designer stores and boutiques. You will also see glimpses of Central Park, which covers some 843 acres at the core of this bustling metropolis, and provides the people of the city with a green oasis.

The highlight of your New York exploration will be a visit to St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. St. Paul’s Chapel is currently the home to exhibits and memorabilia relating to the 9/11 attacks. A short stroll from St Paul’s Chapel will lead to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, here you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artifacts.

Following your stop at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, you’ll resume your travels on the pulsing streets of the city. With your hunger to discover the ‘Big Apple’ satisfied, you’ll return to your ship.

Note: There will be approximately 30 - 45 minutes of walking during the stop at St Paul’s Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary. The majority of this tour is spent on the coach. Tour sequence may vary. Depending on traffic or street closures, some sights may not be accessible.

Cruise the Hudson River and take in the famous New York skyline. See many of the city’s famous sites on this land and sea tour.

On land, make your way to Lower Manhattan by coach, stopping at the historic 18th century South Street Seaport, complete with historic tall ships, museums, exhibits, shops and restaurants.

Board the Zephyr, a custom-built, luxury catamaran for a sixty minute tour of New York’s waterways. You will experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative narration whilst you cruise by the amazing spectacle of New York.

Sail by Brooklyn Bridge, see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, World Financial Centre and the famous boroughs of Brooklyn, Staten Island and Ellis Island, the immigrant gateway to America. Have your camera ready for the highlight of the trip as your captain briefly lingers directly in front of the Statue of Liberty for a fantastic photograph opportunity.

After your harbour cruise, you will re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to the ship which will include passing the 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade.

Note: Guests are advised that this itinerary may operate in reverse order and that it is not possible to disembark at the Statue of Liberty. The Zephyr has two enclosed climate-controlled decks and an open top deck. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary.

Visit two of the most viewed areas in Nova Scotia – Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg, combined with a wonderful lobster luncheon.

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.

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.

Note: 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 seaport that is overflowing with history and atmosphere. Walking is the ideal way to explore the sites and tranquil gardens.

Set off from the quayside by bus with your kilted guide for a short drive to the heart of Halifax. Discover the downtown area the way it is seen best - on foot.

Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Public Gardens, encompassing 17 acres of Victorian paths, lush flowerbeds and sparkling fountains. Founded in 1866, these are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America.

Enjoy the bustle of Spring Garden Road, lined with boutiques and cafés and walk past elegant Georgian and Victorian arches, which help the city retain its historic charm. Stroll through the lovely Grand Parade Square and see the oldest Anglican church in Canada. Learn of the history of Province House and City Hall, overlooked by the picture-perfect Town Clock, perched on Citadel Hill.

At the end of your walking tour, you will have time to browse the quaint shops and heritage buildings of the Historic Properties, located on the Halifax waterfront.

After your guided tour, you may wish to remain in the city and return to the ship at your leisure or walk with your guide back to the ship.

Note: Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for this tour.

Discover the historic streets of Halifax as your kilted guide introduces you to one of North America’s most captivating cities.

A tranquil setting amidst the bustle of commercial Halifax, the Public Gardens encompass 17 acres of lush flowers, duck ponds, sparkling fountains and Victorian footpaths.

The Halifax Citadel is one of Canada’s most visited national historic sites and lies on a natural drumlin overlooking the entire city with super views of the harbour. Explore the restored barracks, magazines and corridors, or take in an audio-visual show on the Fort’s history.

The Historic Properties area on Halifax waterfront is a collection of restored buildings, including stone warehouses built to hold privateers’ booty at the turn of the 18th century. Many of the buildings now house quaint pubs, cafés and lovely shops that feature local handicrafts.

En route through downtown Halifax, you will pass Province House, the Halifax Metro Centre, the Halifax Clock Tower along with the financial and residential areas.

Note: At the Citadel there is a fair amount of walking on uneven ground with steps to negotiate to at the panoramic viewpoint. Guests may stay on board the coach during the stops. Total walking time is expected to be around 45 minutes.

A unique tour that combines a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – two of the world’s most renowned landmarks.

On this tour you will stand at the base of ‘Lady Liberty’, delve into the history of this iconic statue and visit Ellis Island Museum to catch the spirit of the important role this island played in American history.

After a brief drive to Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, you will board the ferry and take in the sites of New York Harbour including beautiful views of the city including Brooklyn and its famous bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Upon reaching Liberty Island, you will have time to walk around the base of this magnificent statue. There will also be a short time to visit the gift shop and enjoy some of the exterior exhibits. Your guide will provide detailed information about ‘Lady Liberty’, its completion in 1886 and her unique history.

Re-boarding the ferry, you will continue on to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until World War II. More than 12 million immigrants were processed at the island, and today over 40% of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. You will have approximately 1½ hour to explore the museum on your own.

Note: Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. Guests will be required to pass through an airline-style security check before boarding the ferry. Some queuing may be experienced due to the popularity of both attractions. Food and beverages are available for purchase at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Cruise the Hudson River and take in the famous New York skyline. See many of the city’s famous sites on this land and sea tour.

On land, make your way to Lower Manhattan by coach, stopping at the historic 18th century South Street Seaport, complete with historic tall ships, museums, exhibits, shops and restaurants.

Board the Zephyr, a custom-built, luxury catamaran for a sixty minute tour of New York’s waterways. You will experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative narration whilst you cruise by the amazing spectacle of New York.

Sail by Brooklyn Bridge, see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, World Financial Centre and the famous boroughs of Brooklyn, Staten Island and Ellis Island, the immigrant gateway to America. Have your camera ready for the highlight of the trip as your captain briefly lingers directly in front of the Statue of Liberty for a fantastic photograph opportunity.

After your harbour cruise, you will re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to the ship which will include passing the 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade.

Note: Guests are advised that this itinerary may operate in reverse order and that it is not possible to disembark at the Statue of Liberty. The Zephyr has two enclosed climate-controlled decks and an open top deck. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary.

Enjoy the scenic delights of Beaulieu Estate including the National Motor Museum and Palace House with its beautiful grounds.

Beaulieu is a top visitor attraction located in the heart of the beautiful New Forest. The estate features many highlights including the National Motor Museum, an Ancient Abbey, Palace House and a variety of gardens including a Victorian, kitchen and wilderness garden.

Within the fascinating National Motor Museum you can see some of the earliest examples of motoring from the 1890s through to legendary world-record breakers, such as Campbell’s jet powered Bluebird which broke the world land speed record in 1964.

New for 2012 is BOND IN MOTION, the world’s largest collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating 50 years of Bond, with 50 vehicles from the films, this exhibition includes iconic on-screen favourites such as Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Zao’s Jaguar XKR loaded with weapons from Die Another Day and Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace.

Take some time to admire the remains of the picturesque 13th century Abbey with its timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere. One of the buildings now houses a monastic multimedia exhibition which illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks.

Historic Palace House has been the stately home of the Montagu family since 1538. With its combination of 13th century Gothic and 19th century Scottish Baronial architecture, the House offers an insight into the past with many fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs.

Note: The grounds are spread out over a vast area, however there is a monorail and Veteran Bus which connect the main attractions. There will be approximately three hours of free time to explore the Beaulieu attractions at your own leisure.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Halifax with three tours in one on this fully guided tour aboard a pink double-decker bus.

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 12 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 and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. 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 to complete all tour loops (three 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.

Note: 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.

New York after dark – see the lights of Broadway and the ‘strings of pearls’ that suspend from the Brooklyn Bridge.

An experience not to be missed as you head to Brooklyn and take in the dazzling illuminated lights of Broadway.

You will see the spectacular art deco building of the steel-capped Chrysler building, and take in sites such as the Rockefeller Center, the Woolworth Building and in the distance the magnificent site of the Statue of Liberty.

You will travel from the East River to Brooklyn from where you will be able to take in the famous New York City skyline from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

A stop at Times Square gives you the chance to stroll and shop or just relax and sip a coffee and watch the world go by.

Note: You will have approximately one hour of free time on the tour during the stop at Times Square.

Discover the history and natural beauty of the New Forest with its famous ponies, quaint villages and picturesque landscapes.

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.

Note: The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst. There is a small charge to visit the exhibits in the New Forest Visitor Centre.

Sit back and relax in the comfort of your coach as your guide introduces you to Boston’s most important historical landmarks.

From the harbour you’ll head towards Copley Square, one of the city’s most attractive spots. The Square is surrounded by some of Boston’s most striking buildings, including the stunning Romanesque Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, known for its magnificent Italian Renaissance-style exterior.

Along Newbury Street, you will see the elegant Victorian mansions, which have been converted into chic restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy the sights of the beautiful formal flowerbeds of the Public Garden and century-old swan boats, as you make your way past Boston Common to the heart of the old city.

You will see the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House perched atop Beacon Hill, whose cornerstone was laid in 1795 by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Following along the ‘Freedom Trail’, you will view the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was read on 18th July 1776, as well as the site of the Boston Massacre. You will also see the famous Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Bustling Fanueil Hall is now popular with tourists and locals alike, but was once a key meeting point for Boston’s revolutionaries. At the end of your tour, you may remain at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and return to the ship independently if you are on a morning departure only.

Note: This tour may occasionally pass through tunnels to avoid traffic and, depending on traffic conditions, it may not always be possible to make stops for photographs.

A tour that takes you back in time and presents the close connection that Halifax has with the birth of the Cunard Cruise Line.

Cruising on a Cunard Line ship would not be complete without a close look at Samuel Cunard’s Halifax connection. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of a master carpenter and timber merchant, Samuel Cunard became the world's foremost shipping magnate in the nineteenth century.

His company created and operated the finest passenger liners and transformed navigation of the world's oceans. On this tour you will learn of Samuel Cunard’s transatlantic steamship service, which was inspired by his ferry system in Halifax. The tour also focuses on the city’s compassionate relief efforts and recovery operations after the Titanic tragedy.

You will also visit the renowned Cunard and Titanic exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. See the property where Samuel Cunard’s childhood home once stood; visit St Paul’s Church, the oldest Protestant church in Canada and where Samuel Cunard was baptized. Journey to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the largest resting place of the Titanic victims and drive by the beautiful home of George Wright - the only Haligonian to perish on the Titanic.

Note: Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. In the event that St Paul’s Church is unavailable due to a funeral or wedding, a stop will still be made offering a photograph opportunity of the exterior of the Church along with historical information from your guide.

Discover many of Boston’s treasures: historic buildings, gracious parks and charming churches.

Boston and Cambridge are inseparable cities, both bustling metropolis, divided only by the Charles River. Your tour will take you across the Charles River, where you’ll pass through Cambridge. You’ll have an opportunity to stroll through 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.

Note: 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.

Discover the World Heritage City of Bath with its beautiful Georgian architecture, Roman history and stunning scenery.

The Roman City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it, has been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a 2,000 year old fabulous spa town, built around Britain’s only hot mineral springs.

Bath offers a multitude of fantastic places to visit and is very easy to navigate on foot. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the city has some of the finest architectural sites in Europe and boasts a unique and diverse range of historic features, which attract people the world over.

Your visit will begin with a panoramic tour of the city, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the city’s parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be free time to explore at your own leisure, enjoy the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre or wander around the fabulous shops.

Note: The transfer time to Bath is approximately 1¾ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling). Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.