Eastern USA & Canada Explorer - 12 Days

Begin your Eastern USA & Canada adventure with anticipation! Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in the morning before setting off from New York to Boston. On the way, we will stop in Newport, Rhode Island, where you will have free time to explore this charming coastal town and perhaps enjoy lunch. Known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, Newport is a true New England treasure.

Afterwards, we continue our journey through Connecticut to Boston. This evening, an included welcome dinner awaits, offering an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with your travel companions and tour leader. Settle in for the night, ready to recharge for a new day of exploration.

Discover Boston at your own pace. After enjoying breakfast, we'll embark on a driving tour led by your tour leader to experience some of the city’s key landmarks, including Quincy Hall and Boston’s oldest park.

The rest of the day is yours to personalise. You might choose to hop on the convenient city tour bus, which allows you to visit major attractions such as Beacon Hill and the historic Bunker Hill Monument, standing 221 feet tall.

Alternatively, you could join an optional excursion to Boston and Harvard University, offering insights into one of the world’s most esteemed institutions.

Farewell, Boston! Today, we set off towards Quebec City. Our first stop is Flume Gorge in New Hampshire, nestled in the White Mountain National Forest. This natural marvel stretches 800 ft with walls that narrow to just 12 ft in some places. We will walk along the boardwalk through the gorge, perfect for unforgettable photographs.

Afterwards, you'll have free time for lunch in the charming town of Littleton. Then, we cross the border into Canada, making our way to Quebec City—the country's only fortified settlement. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel, and the evening is yours to relax or explore the city's vibrant nightlife.

Prepare to explore Quebec on a full day of discovery. In the morning, we'll join a local guide for a walking tour that unveils historical gems, including Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and notable landmarks such as the Château Frontenac, Place Royale, and the Citadel/Musée Royal 22è Régiment.

The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to delve into the city's vibrant cultural scene or embark on adventures in the surrounding natural splendour. Consider an optional excursion to Montmorency Falls, a stunning waterfall on the Montmorency River. This day trip also features a visit to an Indigenous site and an opportunity to sample local cider.

Your day begins with breakfast and unfolds with enriching experiences at your pace, inviting you to immerse yourself in the charm and allure of Quebec.

We leave the charm of Montreal behind as we journey to Ottawa, the capital of Canada. En route, we visit Old Montreal, where you can savour poutine—a classic Canadian dish of chips, cheese curds, and gravy—perfect for lunch.

Upon arrival in Ottawa, we check in to the hotel briefly before embarking on an orientation tour. This tour, by foot and coach, introduces us to landmarks such as Parliament Hill and other notable city highlights. We conclude the day's exploration at ByWard Market, a vibrant area where you can take a photo with the OTTAWA sign and enjoy a delightful dinner. Afterwards, return to the hotel to relax and unwind for the evening.

Departing Ottawa, we make our way to Toronto, pausing for a quintessential Canadian experience at a maple farm. Here, we tuck into a breakfast featuring pancakes, French toast, and, naturally, authentic maple syrup. Following our meal, we explore the farm and its museum, gaining insight into the rich tradition of maple syrup production in Canada.

Upon arriving in Toronto, we embark on a guided tour of the bustling city centre, led by our knowledgeable tour leader. Afterwards, you'll check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure. Feel free to ask your tour leader for dining suggestions or perhaps seize the chance to visit the iconic CN Tower.

No Canadian adventure is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. Today, we leave the shores of Lake Ontario and head towards this iconic natural wonder. En route, we stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town celebrated for its wineries. Here, we enjoy a wine tasting session featuring Ontario's renowned ice wine.

Next, prepare to be awed by the majestic Horseshoe Falls. For a closer look at the region, you may choose to take an optional boat tour or a thrilling helicopter ride. The evening is at your leisure; seeing the falls illuminated at night is highly recommended.

After breakfast, we'll head back to the United States, arriving in Detroit by the afternoon. Known for its iconic muscle cars and the vibrant Motown music scene, Detroit has reimagined itself in the post-recession era.

We'll participate in a guided driving tour to explore the city's fascinating journey through prosperity, decline, and revival. In the evening, you have the freedom to explore independently or opt for an additional walking tour, which unveils more of Detroit’s prominent attractions and rich history.

We depart Detroit, making our way to Pittsburgh with a stop in Cleveland. Here, you have some free time to explore the buzzing entertainment district. Perhaps enjoy a meal or visit the renowned House of Blues. If you're keen to sample something local, try the famous Polish Boy sandwich, a satisfying blend of grilled kielbasa, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and chips on a bun.

For music enthusiasts, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an enticing optional outing, celebrating the legends of the music world. Later, we arrive in Pittsburgh, where we'll ride the historic Duquesne Incline. This takes us up to Mt. Washington's observation deck, offering stunning views over the city.

Next on our American journey is Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and home to many of the nation's most iconic landmarks. We will begin with a visit to Arlington Cemetery, where you will pay your respects at the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy.

As we travel to our hotel, we'll pass several famous sights, providing the perfect opportunity for a photo stop at the White House. We will also take a moment to honour the veterans at the WWII Memorial.

Once we've checked into our accommodation, the evening is yours to explore D.C. at your leisure. Whether you choose to visit museums, unwind in local parks, or discover the vibrant dining scene, the city offers plenty to see and do.

Begin your morning with a guided driving tour of the National Mall and the renowned Smithsonian Museums. Afterwards, enjoy free time to further explore Washington, D.C.'s many attractions.

You might visit the National Museum of Natural History for an educational and enjoyable experience. Conveniently navigate the city using the Old Town trolley, a great way to see all major sights.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Extended Washington D.C. Sightseeing Tour, offering a deeper dive into the city's rich history. This includes visits to moving memorials such as the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials, as well as iconic sites like the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials.

On the final day of our Eastern USA and Canada tour, we depart from Washington, D.C., heading towards New York City with a stop in Philadelphia. You have free time in downtown Philadelphia—perfect for enjoying a meal, exploring independently, or joining the optional walking tour.

This tour offers an opportunity to see iconic sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin's Grave, and the Betsy Ross House, providing insight into the birthplace of the United States. In the afternoon, we continue to the vibrant New York City, where our tour concludes.