Eastern US & Canada Grand Vacation

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions.

This morning, enjoy an included sightseeing tour with a local guide. You will see Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and more. This afternoon, head for Boston—the “Cradle of American Liberty.”

On your morning guided tour of Boston, visit the historic landmarks that have played an important part in the history of the United States. See Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, Boston Common and the Old North Church where Paul Revere signaled that British troops were approaching by sea which ignited the American Revolutionary War. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Enjoy some Italian cuisine this evening at an optional dinner in Boston's North End, also known as Little Italy. (B)

Journey through New Hampshire to the scenic White Mountains, crossing into Vermont and continuing to the Canadian border. Here you'll notice a change in language and tradition as you enter the French-Canadian province of Québec and historic Québec City on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. (B)

This morning, join your traveling companions on a unique optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack. Visitors to the sugar cabin will enjoy a typical Québec breakfast, along with a guided visit and presentation to explain the process of maple extraction.

Afterward, return to Québec City for a guided tour of Canada's only walled city, crowned by the turrets of Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France; today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls reside the Place d'Armes, Laval Seminary, the Citadelle, a star-shaped fortress with grand vistas from its bastions, and ancient Place Royale. See the Old-World houses crowding narrow cobblestone streets in Lower Town and the historic Plains of Abraham, where the battle was fought that left control of Québec City to the British.

The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps join an optional guided tour of the iconic Chateau Frontenac to learn more about the famous people and historical events that have been a part of this majestic landmark hotel. (CB)

Today, drive to cosmopolitan Montréal, Canada's second largest city, known for its unique blend of European charm and North American flair. Included guided sightseeing includes St. Joseph's Oratory, the lookout atop Mount Royal, once-walled Old Montréal, Notre Dame Church, the Seminary of St. Sulpice (built by the first missionary settlers), and modern Montréal. This evening, have time to explore the city's famed diverse and delicious culinary scene. (CB)

Drive west to Ottawa, Canada's beautiful capital. Guided city sightseeing includes the Gothic buildings of Parliament Hill, the Canadian Mint, the Rideau Canal, the National Gallery of Canada, and stately residences and embassies. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this vibrant city. You could visit ByWard Market with its artisan shops and culinary treats. Then perhaps go on an optional excursion to the Canadian Museum of History, Canada's oldest and most popular museum, known for its exceptional exhibitions and extraordinary views of Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River.

Follows the Rideau Canal south to the amazing Thousand Islands National Park. The Thousand Islands are a group of 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River. They are home to history, recreation and yes, Thousand Island salad dressing! Enjoy a scenic cruise around the many wooded islands where the wealthy built their opulent summer homes. Continue on to Canada's largest city, Toronto.

Setting Toronto's exciting architectural tone are City Hall; the downtown banking district; Roger's Center; and stunning CN Tower, more than a third of a mile high. See all this and more on your morning city sightseeing tour. Then, spend the rest of the day exploring city sights such as Harbourfront, Ontario Place, and Chinatown on your own or get a view of Toronto from Lake Ontario on a scenic Harbour Cruise. This evening, consider an optional dinner atop the CN Tower where, with clear skies, you can see for miles!

Travel south along the lakeshore and through the rich farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to Niagara Falls. Stop at Table Rock and hear the raging waters. Then board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for an amazing experience you won't soon forget! Feel the mist and hear the roar as you get close to the base of the Falls where 600,000 gallons of water come crashing down every second! For an added thrill, consider an optional flightseeing tour aboard a helicopter for breathtaking views high above the Falls.

Please Note: Operation of the Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. Favorable conditions usually exist from May to October. When weather is unfavorable, a visit to Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.

Leave Canada and head southeast through the Appalachian Mountains and along the Susquehanna River into Pennsylvania Dutch farm country. Tonight, join an optional excursion to experience an authentic Amish meal at an Amish Homestead.

This morning, stop at the Amish Farm & House where a Local Guide explains the faith, culture, and way of life of these people for whom tradition forbids the use of electricity or telephones in the home. Then on to Washington DC with an afternoon arrival. Consider an optional evening dinner and Monuments by Night Illumination tour to see this historic capital in a different light.

The nation's capital is a sightseeing treasure trove. Your half-day tour with a Local Guide visits the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and has photo stops at Capitol Hill, the White House, and other well-known sights. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps visit the National Museum of American History to see Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz or the National Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond! Your Tour Director will also have suggestions for exploring this historical and culturally rich city.

Travel north this morning to Philadelphia. Upon arrival, take a city tour including a stop at Reading Terminal Market, one of America's oldest public markets. Check out the many vendors and perhaps enjoy a Philly cheesesteak or other local cuisine. Then visit Independence National Historical Park, home of the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American freedom. Enjoy time to explore the Park and other places in what is referred to as “America's Most Historic Square Mile” on your own before checking into your hotel.

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Philadelphia further.