Compare Historic Cities of Eastern Canada by Globus vs Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: ARRIVE IN TORONTO, ONTARIO

Welcome to Toronto! At 6 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director prepares you for your upcoming adventure.

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Day 2: TORONTO

Elevated Experiences This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Legislature Building; the cultural neighborhoods; the University of Toronto; and Eaton Centre, the city’s number-one tourist attraction, with more than 300 stores for world-class shopping. The tour concludes with lunch atop the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, where you’ll enjoy incredible views of the city and harbor below you. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NEW HEIGHTS Toronto’s soaring CN Tower puts a new spin on elevated dining with lunch served 1,151 feet above the ground. Your table is ready in the 360 Restaurant, which completes one rotation every 72 minutes, giving you an ever-changing, full-circle view of Toronto while you dine. Step out to the Main Observation Level after your meal, so you can take in the spectacular panorama while standing on the transparent glass floor inviting you to walk on air above the sights 114 stories below.

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Day 3: TORONTO–NIAGARA FALLS

Waterfalls & Wine Leave bustling Toronto and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Then, board a cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Stop in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, where there is time to browse the shops of Main Street. Enjoy dinner tonight with a spectacular view of the falls including [LF] local ice wine. Later, you may wish to see the illumination of the falls as they are lit in every color of the rainbow. A special treat not to be missed! (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Experience the best in regional wines with dinner tonight. What better way to conclude your breathtaking day than by enjoying regional ice wines served with a stunning view of the magnificent falls.

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Day 4: NIAGARA FALLS–ROCKPORT–THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK–OTTAWA

Islands in the Streams Travel this morning to Rockport, where you’ll board a boat for a scenic cruise through the waterways of Thousand Islands National Park. Continue to the nation’s capital of Ottawa, pleasantly framed by the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, for a 2-night stay. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Journey through the picturesque granite islands, windswept pine trees, and vast estates of Thousand Islands National Park. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the “Garden of the Great Spirit,” the tranquility of the area belies a history of adventures, wars and rebellions. See the Canadian Palisades, Zavikon Island, and the vast estates through Millionaire’s Row.

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Day 5: OTTAWA

Oh, Canada! Enjoy guided sightseeing this morning through the legendary landmarks of the Canadian capital city of Ottawa. Sink your sweet tooth into a beloved Canadian treat, [LF] a Canadian beavertail. The afternoon is free. You may wish to visit the world-renowned Canadian Museum of History, shop for souvenirs, or spend time at the National Gallery of Canada. (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
TASTES & TRADITIONS Enjoy a delicious Canadian specialty, a Canadian beavertail, a pastry stretched to the shape of a beaver tail with toppings added for extra bite!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Explore the city of Ottawa to see its famous landmarks, including the residences of the Governor General and Prime Minister, the hexagonal National Arts Centre, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal.

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Day 6: OTTAWA–CAP-DE-LA-MADELEINE–QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC

French Sights & Bites Drive north to Cap-de-la-Madeleine for a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a national shrine famous for its fine stained-glass windows. Time to stroll through the grounds of the sanctuary and see the miraculous Madonna in the old chapel. Continue to romantic Québec City, one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America. This evening, enjoy regional French cuisine at a special dinner in Old Town Québec. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE Explore the beautiful city of Québec, the French-founded city, port, and capital of Canada’s Québec province. One of the oldest cities in Canada— Québec City retains more than 400 years of tradition, architecture, and Old-World charm in the only remaining walled city in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a romantic city of narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and rich French-Canadian culture and cuisine. Take in the city’s splendid views of the surrounding landscape and unique character, which prompted Charles Dickens to call it the “Gibraltar of North America.”

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Day 7: QUÉBEC CITY

French-Canadian Treasures Visit a locally owned [LF] Sugar Shack for a guided tour to learn the art of making maple syrup and to enjoy a traditional sugar shack breakfast. Then, tour Canada’s only walled city with a Local Guide. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France. Within its walls are Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, and ancient Place Royale. Also, see the old-world houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River and historic Plains of Abraham. The afternoon is free to explore the historic sites or stroll the streets of Old Québec City. (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Collecting maple water and turning it into maple syrup has been a local tradition for generations of families who trudged through the snow to collect maple water from buckets in preparation for a hearty meal of homemade delights. Join us for a visit to a Sugar Shack to learn the art of making maple syrup and enjoy a traditional breakfast in the old tradition.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE with free time in Old Québec City. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. This evening, consider an optional dinner that includes a visit to 274-foot-high Montmorency Falls and dinner at Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent - a restored 17th-century flour mill.

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Day 8: QUÉBEC CITY–MONTRÉAL

Magical Montréal On to Montréal, where sightseeing with a Local Guide includes Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and a drive to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy a panorama of the city. Free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner in the heart of Old Montréal—the perfect ending to your vacation! (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the cultural capital of Canada where the traditional Québécois style is celebrated along its cobblestone streets and grand buildings in European flair. See the Basilique Notre-Dame with its stunning stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal with spectacular views of Vieux-Montréal.

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Day 9: MONTRÉAL

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Montréal? Additional nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)

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Day 1: Thrilling Toronto

Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, full of fine restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of cultures. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.

Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara Relaxed Start

Travel up University Avenue to see Queen's Park and the Parliament Buildings, before venturing on to spectacular Niagara Falls. Take in this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls. Browse quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto.

Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa

Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City and view the old buildings, churches and fortifications, with many of them being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a Make Travel Matter® experience with the culinary experts of C’est Bon at the Just Food community farm.  You’ll learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine. Ingredients include Canadian staples such as maple sugar, haskaps, labrador tea and wild flowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.

Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal

Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, you'll join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project which aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain

Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal, the grand mansions of Mount Royal, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.

Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City Relaxed Start

Depart Montreal and head to Montmorency Falls today.Stop at a traditional Sugar Shack and learn how maple syrup is created and harvested.After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (83 metres) tall. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside.Continue on to Quebec City.

Day 7: Quintessential Quebec Relaxed Start

Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert, who will guide you along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale. You'll also walk past the Citadel, which offers great view of the city and Château Frontenac. In the evening you’ll choose from a selection of top local restaurants on a Dine-Around Evening.

Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor

Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself.

Day 9: Explore Acadia National Park

Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.

Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston

Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy, New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.

Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty

Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.

Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple

Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with stunning views of the New York skyline. Alternatively, take a scenic bike tour of Central Park and explore its iconic sights.Your hotel is in the heart of Midtown and a short, 10-minute walk from the United Nations Headquarters and just steps away from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.

Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start

Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.

Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening before spending the night at the luxurious Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown.

Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time

In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.

Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.

A morning transfer at leisure will take you to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay at your own pleasure.