Compare Maple Leaf Trail Self-Drive by Audley Travel vs Hawaii: Ocean and Islands Adventure by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,147 | $ 4,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 244 | $ 656 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
| Description |
Oversized objects and other Americana along Route 66, the beaches and glitzy cities of California’s coast, steaming geysers in Yellowstone National Park… on a tailor-made holiday to the USA with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our USA specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
From towering volcanoes to some of the world’s best beaches, Hawaii is defined by its stunning natural beauty. On these islands, everything is more extreme - the ocean is bluer, the rainforests are greener and the warmth of the locals is exemplified by the Aloha state of mind. But if you dig deeper below the surface, you’ll quickly see that the ancient Hawaiian people have left a legacy of indigenous wisdom and sustainability that can serve as a model for many of today’s pressing issues. From tackling climate change to protecting biodiversity, innovative practices are being pioneered on these remote Pacific Islands. |
Day 1 : Boston
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Boston. On arrival in Boston make your own way to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 : Boston
There are many things to do during your time in Boston; don't miss taking the Freedom Trail to visit the city's iconic sights and gain an insight into its fascinating history. Other sights include Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the red-brick houses of Beacon Hill.
Day 3 : Jackson, NH
Collect your hire car and drive northwest, passing lovely lake-land scenery en route to New Hampshire's impressive White Mountains. The afternoon is free to go walking, hire a bicycle, or look for wildlife in the mountains.
Day 4 : Jackson, NH
Relax in the heart of the White Mountains. You might like to take the Cog Railway to the summit of Mount Washington, northeast USA's highest mountain. Nearby lies the little village of Bethlehem which offers a good selection of antiques shops and lovely views of Twin Mountain.
Day 5 : Québec City
Drive through northern New Hampshire and cross the border into the Canadian province of Québec. Continue your journey north to magnificent Québec City.
Day 6 : Québec City
Join a small guided walking tour of old Québec which will give you a fascinating insight into the city's history. Later, don't miss exploring the narrow cobbled streets and the many art galleries.
Day 7 : Montréal
Leaving the picturesque old walled city of Québec behind, head west towards Montréal following the St. Lawrence River. There are plenty of interesting places to stop at en route.
Day 8 : Montréal
The day is yours to explore the city - there is lots to see and do! You may wish to take a bateau mouche cruise along the St. Lawrence River, visit the Planetarium, Insectarium, Botanical Gardens or the Biosphere.
Day 9 : Toronto
Your drive today takes you along the northern shores of Lake Ontario to Toronto. Upon arrival, the afternoon is free for you to explore Canada's largest, and perhaps most cosmopolitan city.
Day 10 : Toronto
Enjoy a full day exploring Toronto. This eclectic city offers a diverse range of shops, restaurants and nightlife as well as world-renowned art galleries, theatres and sports events. Don't miss a trip to the top of the CN Tower or a boat trip on Lake Ontario.
Day 11 : Niagara Falls
Drive south to Niagara Falls. There is time to admire this immense waterfall and perhaps visit the fascinating museum there before continuing on to the pretty historic village of Niagara on the Lake. Don't miss a boat trip on the "Maid of the Mist" or you may wish to take a thrilling helicopter flight over the falls.
Day 12 : Ithaca
Drive back into the USA, entering the state of New York. You will pass the city of Rochester before arriving in the leafy town of Ithaca, nestled in New York State's Finger Lakes region.
Day 13 : Ithaca
Enjoy a full day in the Finger Lakes region. This beautiful area offers a wide range of activities such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking and fishing. Don't miss visiting some of the many wineries to sample some of the excellent local wines.
Day 14 : New York
Drive across upper New York state today to Albany. You drop your car off here then take the train into central New York.
Day 15 : New York
Spend a day at leisure exploring New York City. You may wish to take a boat trip to Liberty Island and marvel at the Statue of Liberty or take a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Don't miss a visit to Ground Zero and iconic Central Park, where you can take a horse and carriage ride.
Day 16 : International return flight
Today you make your own way to New York Airport to board your onward flight.
Day 17 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu and Meet the Group
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival in Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, you’ll be be met at the airport and taken to your hotel just steps from the world famous Waikiki beaches. After a relaxing welcome dinner together, we’ll get to know one another and discuss the schedule for the week ahead.
Day 2: Journey to Oahu’s North Shore & Experience the Aloha Spirit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll set out for Hawaii’s iconic North Shore, famous for its big waves and stunning landscapes. Spend the morning in the historic Waimea Valley with a local organization helping to preserve the valley’s cultural heritage and rainforests. Assist with a reforestation initiative, swim in waterfalls, and see why the ancient Hawaiians deemed the valley sacred centuries ago. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Na Mea Kupono, an eco-farm that is home to Hawaii’s staple crop, taro. We’ll be hosted by this local family for a Hawaiin-style paina, or gathering, for our dinner as we learn more about their role in farming on the island.
Day 3: Climb Diamond Head & Sail out to Sea on a Catamaran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hawaii’s South Shore is crowned by the now extinct Diamond Head volcano. We’ll take a hike this morning to the top of the rim to get a panoramic view of Waikiki from above. For those who opt not to hike, we’ll have the option to visit the Bishop Museum, home of the royal Kamehameha family and now housing an array of artifacts covering Hawaii’s vast Polynesian heritage. After lunch in Waikiki, we’ll hit the sea on a catamaran ride over the turquoise Pacific waters.
Day 4: Fly to Maui & Explore the Tropical‘Iao Valley State Park
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a free morning to explore Waikiki. Head to the beach for a surf lesson with the Waikiki beach boys, check out the area’s cafes and shops or simply relax on white sand beaches only steps from your hotel. We’ll take a short mid-day flight across the Hawaiian archipelago to the Valley Isle of Maui. After landing, we’ll head over to the towering emerald peaks of the ‘Iao Valley on Central Maui for a guided hike of the state park. A location revered by the ancient Hawaiians, the valley also served as the site of one of Hawaii’s most important battles as King Kamehameha I tried to unite the islands in the 1700’s. Later in the evening, unwind at our Kaanapali beachfront hotel.
Day 5: Snorkel off Lana’i & Lend a Hand Protecting Sea Turtles
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
We’ll have an early breakfast before cruising to the scenic coastline of Lana'i island with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Spend the morning with breakfast on the boat (expect large boat with other travelers) and then 1.5 hours of snorkeling. Scout for wild dolphins, including acrobatic spinner dolphins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and curious spotted dolphins. Conservationists from the Foundation will narrate your journey and take about everything from whale migration to plastics in the ocean to reef health.
We’ll return to Maui and, after lunch, spend our first afternoon volunteering alongside the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. Home to one of Hawaii’s largest sea turtle rescues and land based coral nurseries, we’ll join their staff on beach and marine debris cleanu , specifically collecting coral fragments. Take these pieces of coral back to the research center and aid in cutting them into smaller pieces to be grown at the center for a period of 8 months - something that would take the reef 20 years to regenerate! This coral is eventually placed back into the reef to bring back areas that are dead or dying.
Day 6: Maui Ocean Center Volunteering & Farewell Luau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll spend another morning helping the conservation team at the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. On Maui and other Hawaiian islands, sea turtles are being threatened as their habitat is increasingly depleted. Green turtle populations are being impacted by events such as the 2018 hurricane that washed out the most important nesting beach for this species in the entire archipelago. We’ll continue to lend a hand on our projects while learning about some of the initiatives in place to preserve the fragile ecosystem both on land and underwater, including going out with the team to find turtles and tag them for research purposes.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to enjoy the beach, swim in the ocean or venture into the coastal town of Lahaina. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner together along with a traditional island luau.
Day 7: Depart Maui or Continue on for the Post-Trip Extension
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check-out of your rooms. The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or explore nearby Lahaina until your flight home, or continue on to our optional post-trip extension along the gorgeous road to Hana.
