Compare Hawaii: Ocean and Islands Adventure by Discover Corps vs Passage Through New England & Eastern Canada by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 4,595 | $ 3,850 |
| Price Per Day | $ 656 | $ 321 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
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| Description |
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. |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation. GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Immerse yourself in the beauty of New England and Eastern Canada on this enchanting 11-night vacation! Start off with stays in Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Montreal. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of historic Boston, a visit to Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica, and a tramway ride up to the 4,080-foot-summit of Cannon Mountain in gorgeous Franconia Notch! Then depart on a 7-night cruise through Canada's most scenic towns and landscapes! Aboard a 5-star Holland America ship, you'll travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quebec City, charming Charlottetown on Price Edward Island, stunning Sydney, Halifax, famous for its lighthouses and coastal cliffs, and Bar Harbor in Maine, surrounded by spectacular Acadia National Park. |
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.
Day 1 Welcome to Boston!
Touch down in the charming, historical city of Boston. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel and check-in. Once you're all settled, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink! Say "cheers" to an amazing journey.
Day 2 Boston - Franconia Notch State Park - North Conway
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy an interesting orientation tour of Boston including Boston Common, the State House, Faneuil Hall, and more! After a fun morning, you'll depart Boston and head for New Hampshire and the scenic White Mountains! Upon arrival at Franconia Notch State Park, you'll board the Cannon Mountain Tramway for a thrilling ride to the 4,080-food summit! On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states and Canada! As you explore, enjoy input from the Raven Interpretive Wildlife Program, which focuses on the flora and fauna of the area.
Day 3 North Conway - Stowe - Vergennes
Rise and shine! Today, embark on a beautiful drive to Stowe, stopping for a tour at a maple syrup farm! Learn the art of making maple syrup and enjoy a local treat. Midday, continue onto Vergennes, overlooking Lake Champlain with views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains!
Day 4 Vergennes - Shelburne - Montreal
This morning, visit nearby Shelburne Heritage Park, which exhibits one of the nation's most extraordinary collections of American decorative, folk, and fine art. It showcases buildings from around New England and New York, including an 1890 railroad station, a lighthouse, a stagecoach inn, and an Adirondack lodge! After a fun start to your day, you'll travel northwest to Montreal, Canada's second-largest city! Check-in to your hotel, then explore this unique hub of culture and history. You may want to visit Old Port Montreal or stroll around Mount Royal Park!
Day 5 Montreal - Cruise Departure
Enjoy a yummy breakfast, then get ready for a morning of sightseeing! Join a local guide to the Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and take a drive up to the top of Mount Royal, where you'll enjoy a stunning panorama of the city. This afternoon, you'll be transferred to Montreal's port, where you'll embark on your ship for a 7-night cruise!
Day 6 Quebec City
First stop on your cruise: Quebec! Visit Canada’s only walled city, which, until the British victory of 1759, was the center of New France and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll within the walls and see the Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, and ancient Place Royale. You'll also want to see the historic Plains of Abraham and the Old World houses that crowd the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River.
Day 7 Quebec City - Scenic Cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Take in the beauty of the Saguenay Fjord, a 200-mile-long natural canal that brings saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean inland and creates a breathtaking environment for the communities of the St. Lawrence River. Spend the day at leisure aboard the ship, taking advantage of its numerous amenities!
Day 8 St. Lawrence - Charlottetown
Spend the day in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, the provincial capital named after Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III! This beautiful city is famous for hosting the 1864 conference that, three years later, led to the creation of the independent Dominion of Canada. Later, you might want to take a trip to Cavendish and visit the famous Anne of Green Gables homestead.
Day 9 Charlottetown - Sydney
Cape Breton Island boasts so much greenery and Gaelic culture that Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell called it home for the last 37 years of his life. You can still hear this heritage through the accents in some remote villages, and in the great popularity of Scottish-style folk music. Today, you may choose to travel along the scenic Cabot Trail, or visit the historic Louisbourg Fortress!
Day 10 Sydney - Halifax
This morning, arrive in Halifax, where lighthouses stand sentinel on cliff side ledges and tiny villages huddle in rocky inlets. Take time to explore Citadel Hill, with its early 19th-century star-shaped fort, the tree-shaded walks of the public gardens, and Fairview Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 100 people who perished on the Titanic. Tonight, indulge in a delicious dinner! Unwind with a cocktail and reflect on a great day.
Day 11 Halifax - Bar Harbor
Arrive in beautiful Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine’s oldest summer resort area! Stroll around the charming waterfront with its many shops, galleries, and boutiques. Alternatively, you might want to take an optional excursion to picturesque Acadia National Park, one of America’s most renowned areas of natural beauty.
Day 12 Depart Boston
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and wave goodbye to the beauty of the northeast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport for your flight home!
