New England and Canadian Wonders - 19 nights, October 2013

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.

Combine a visit to Acadia National Park with a true ‘downeast’ Maine lobster bake.

One of the most scenic drives on the east coast is the 27 mile drive on Park Loop Road, offering spectacular coastal, mountain and forest scenery.

Have your camera at the ready to capture the wonderful views from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard. Here, you can admire the natural beauty of the coastline and Mount Desert Island. You will have free time to browse the small gift shop for souvenirs.

From your coach you can see Acadia’s storm-beaten coastline as you drive along Ocean Drive.

A traditional Maine lobster bake awaits you at a beautiful setting in Bar Harbor. Fresh, home-made clam chowder and steamed Maine mussels followed by a 1¼ pound Maine lobster drizzled with butter and served with potatoes and corn on the cob. For dessert, enjoy fresh Maine blueberry pie along with tea or coffee. Bon appetite.

Note: The stop at Cadillac Mountain will not be made in foggy or adverse weather conditions; alternatively, time will be spent at the Visitor Centre. Guests are advised to wear layers as it can be windy at Cadillac Mountain. Additional drinks may be purchased during luncheon, please bring US$.

Make the most of your day in Quebec and combine the city highlights with picturesque countryside.

From Dufferin Terrace, enjoy spectacular views of the St Lawrence River and beyond. After a brief city overview from your guide, you will have approximately 20 minutes of free time to visit the nearby Chateau Frontenac, a magnificent green-turreted castle or browse the local boutiques.

Heading to the heart of the Lower Town, Place Royale is a beautifully restored market square of typical 17th and 18th century stone architecture, and was the site of Champlain’s first settlement.
Crossing the bridge to Ile d’Orleans, admire the stunning scenery and quaint rural villages, before stopping at a local restaurant for luncheon.

Upon arrival at St Anne de Beaupré, enjoy some free time to explore the lovely grounds, Basilica, Scala Santa and Memorial Chapel.

At Montmorency Falls, view the thunderous waters cascading down a 272 foot cliff, a wonderful example of the force of Mother Nature. Enjoy breathtaking views and see where the Montmorency meets the great St Lawrence River.

From Cap Diamant, take a photography of the Battlefield Park and St Lawrence River from this panoramic lookout point.

Note: Please be advised that there is a ten minute walk on level ground at the top of the Falls. To avoid congestion, this tour will either visit the top or the bottom of Montmorency Falls.

Enjoy a VIP tour of the medieval town of Romsey with its stunning Abbey, interesting history and links to Florence Nightingale.

Discover the medieval 7th century market town of Romsey. This quaint town with its tudor character and historical buildings is where the Prince and Princess of Wales began their honeymoon in 1981.

Your first stop will be at the country estate of Embley Park, former home of Florence Nightingale. Florence, also known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ was the founder of modern nursing which began during the Crimean War. You’ll be shown an interesting presentation illustrating her pioneering work on nursing and sanitary reforms which she achieved during her life before taking a guided tour of the west wing of the grand house and gardens. Florence is said to have had a calling from God whilst seated beneath a giant cedar tree in the grounds. Refreshments of tea, coffee and cake will be served in the library.

Nearby, at St Margaret’s Church, you’ll be able to see Florence’s grave with its ornate headstone. Thousands of people from all over the world come here annually on her birthday, the 12th May (International Nurses Day), to celebrate her contribution to health reformation.

On arrival in the historic town centre of Romsey, you will receive a VIP welcome from the Mayor, in his colourful official robes, before visiting the beautiful stone 10th century Romsey Abbey. Inside the Abbey you’ll discover the fine Norman architecture, elaborate stonework, magnificent stained glass windows and interesting memorials as you hear of its history and how it managed to survive the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1538.

Before returning to the ship, you’ll have around 30 minutes of free time to explore the historical town further or browse the boutiques and shops.

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Enjoy Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain by land and then board your schooner for a relaxing trip around Frenchman Bay.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Acadia National Park’s spectacular coastal, mountain and forest scenery. Pass through the quaint town of Bar Harbor to view some of the charming Victorian mansions built by America's rich and famous at the turn of the century.

Following a brief photograph stop at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, you will return back to sea level to embark the Margaret Todd, a 151 foot schooner, for a relaxing sail around Frenchman Bay. Your captain will navigate this magnificent vessel around the Porcupine Islands, offering panoramic views of the seaside village of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park with the imposing Cadillac Mountain as a backdrop. Your captain will provide commentary on the geological points of interest as well as wildlife such as porpoise, seal, osprey and Bald Eagle that are often sighted in the area.

Note: The sailing portion of the tour will be approximately 1½ hours depending on wind and weather. Please be advised the schooner may be under both sail and motor power depending on wind conditions. The itinerary may operate in reverse order and will operate rain or shine, so dress in layers and bring along a rain jacket. Do not forget your binoculars. The stop at Cadillac Mountain will not be made in adverse or foggy weather conditions.

Visit Queen Victoria’s much loved home on the Isle of Wight, for an insight into the life she shared with Prince Albert.

Osborne House was the treasured summer home of Queen Victoria and her family; a secluded seaside retreat away from public life and the formalities of London.

Take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for the short drive to the impressive estate of Osborne House. Enjoy a tour of the main house and admire the beauty of the opulent interior with its architectural design and decoration. You will gain an insight into the private life of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as you wander around the Royal bedrooms and see the many family photographs which adorn the desks and walls.

One of the most impressive rooms in the house is the richly decorated Durbar Room, with its intricate ceiling inspired by medieval temple structures, which celebrates Queen Victoria's role as Empress of India. The room itself contains art, furniture and many trinkets sent as gifts to Queen Victoria from India.

To the rear of the house are the beautiful Italian-style terraces and at the bottom of the estate stands the wooden chalet style, Swiss Cottage, which belonged to the children. The children each had a vegetable garden where they planted and grew produce which they sold to the main house, providing them with a valuable lesson in gardening and commerce.

Note: The main house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, however the nursery and Swiss Cottage are not. Photography is not permitted inside Osborne House. To derive full enjoyment of the estate will involve two hours of walking. Luncheon is not included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Cycle the famous carriage roads of Acadia National Park and pass by some of the most famous landmarks.

Acadia National Park boasts glacier-carved mountains, cobblestone beaches, and verdant valleys. Awed by its beauty, wealthy families such as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors built extravagant summer homes here in the late 1880s. The 45 miles of carriage roads that weave through the heart of the park and its 17 unique granite bridges were built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. between 1913 and 1940. Rockefeller prohibited cars on the roads back then and to this day, motorised vehicles are not allowed, which makes it a perfect opportunity to cruise the carriage trails and see the park on a bike.

Your professional guide will provide you with a 24-speed mountain bike and a safety helmet. Enjoy the stories of Mount Desert's colorful history, lore and legends. As you pedal through the park, your guide will maintain a comfortable pace so everyone can experience an enjoyable ride along the trail's gently rolling terrain. During your 2½ hour tour several stops will be made along the way to take in the spectacular scenery and to take photographs. Be on the lookout for Acadia's wildlife such as deer, squirrels, foxes, porcupines, and rabbits. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons may soar overhead or a flock of chickadees, Maine's state bird, may surprise you by quickly darting out of a pine tree. As you loop around the breathtaking scenery, you'll cycle past crystal clear lakes and evergreen forests thick enough to shield you from the sun.

Note: Guests are advised to bring a bottle of water. The minimum age for participation on this excursion is 12 years old. The trails are hard-packed gravel and easy to ride on. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Take a guided tour through the quaint colonial streets of Newport, which read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of American architecture.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the heart of Newport’s National Registered Historic Landmarks District. Along the quaint and shady streets, you will hear the stories of how this long neglected neighbourhood became one of the most celebrated communities of American colonial restoration. Along the way, you will pass by the Brick Market, now a museum, the Old Colony House, White Horse Tavern and the Quaker Meeting House. You will also stroll past Trinity Church and its burial grounds as well as Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the country and one of the many sites visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others.

During your tour, you will probably spot pineapple carvings on many of the colonial buildings in Newport. Let your guide entertain you with the stories behind this and how the pineapple has become a sign of hospitality throughout New England.

Note: There is approximately 1½ hours of walking, at a slow and leisurely pace, some side walks can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. At the end of the tour, you may opt to remain in town and return to the ship independently.

Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Royal residence of Windsor Castle followed by free time to explore the historic town of Windsor.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.

Note: The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Treat yourself to an authentic Quebecois tradition at the Sugar Shack, with good food, traditional music and a maple taffy treat!

An overnight stay in Quebec would not be complete without a visit to the famous Sugar Shack, a traditional log cabin restaurant. Upon arrival you will be greeted by staff and guided through a unique Maple Museum, where you will learn how the maple sap is transformed into the delicious syrup.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with live French Canadian folkloric music, song and dance. A traditional Quebecois all you can eat family style meal will be served. The evening wouldn’t be complete without sampling a real Quebecois hot maple taffy poured over snow, just one of the many highlights of the evening.

Note: The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the dress code is relaxed and casual. The meal includes tea and coffee and two alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy Boston’s highlights on this panoramic tour, taking in the city’s most important and scenic sights by both land and sea.

Passing by Boston’s busy waterfront, you will 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 will 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 will 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 will pass by the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House, completed in 1978, as well as the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party began.

Note: Please note that the tour itinerary may vary in sequence. Although there is very little walking, guests must be able to negotiate the steps onto the boat and coach.

Experience spectacular summit views, step back in time at Turrets Mansion and visit Maine’s lobster museum.

Stand on the summit of Cadillac Mountain and experience stunning views of Bar Harbor and its surrounding islands. You will have some free time to browse the small gift shop for souvenirs.

Heading along the looping road of the Acadia National Park you will see from the comfort of your coach famous sites such as Jordan Pond House and Otter Hills.

Visit one of the last remaining summer mansions in Bar Harbor and enjoy the unique ambience of one of the most opulent lifestyle examples of the Gilded Age. Your guide will be more than happy to share tales from a bygone era when America’s wealthiest made Bar Harbor their summer playground.

The Lobster Oceanarium and Museum has been dedicated to Maine’s lobstermen and industry. The Museum features fascinating displays on the life-cycle of the lobster, as well as a demonstration by a licensed lobsterman.

Note: The stop at Cadillac Mountain will not be made in foggy or adverse weather conditions; alternatively time will be spent at the Visitor Centre. Guests are advised to wear layers as it can be windy on Cadillac Mountain. There is uneven terrain at some of the stops, however guests may remain on board the coach, if you wish. Highlights of the tour may operate in reverse order.

Enjoy a drive around Boston’s historic city sights aboard an amphibious DUCK, and then take a splash into the Charles River for a scenic cruise.

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.

Note: Guests are advised that the duck tour is approximately 35 minutes in duration. At the end of the tour, you may leave the tour 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.

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.

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.