Welcome to New York City!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
The Big Apple & Brotherly Love
Orientation drive through New York City en route to Philadelphia for a city tour focusing on the highlights of this historic city, the "Birthplace of the Nation." During your free time, you may want to visit the Liberty Bell, National Constitution centre, or enjoy lunch and shopping at the Bourse Food Hall. Continue south to Washington DC, the nation's capital, for a free evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHILIGHT
HISTORIC SIGHTS The City of Brother Love, The Cradle of Liberty, or just plain Philly. All of these names apply equally to the city of Philadelphia where its proud history spans the American Revolution to a major force in modern culture, sports, music, and business. See the sights in the birthplace of the nation with an orientation tour through its historic buildings where a country of patriots was born.
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Philadelphia with a visit to the legendary Liberty Bell, bearing timeless message: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof" where it rang out from Independence Hall to summon lawmakers to work and the citizenry to gather for news. Benjamin Franklin noted while writing a letter, "Adieu, the bell rings, and I must go among the grave ones and talk 'politicks.'" Go beyond the iconic crack to learn how this State House bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol of civil rights with a message of freedom and hope.
Monumental Memorials
Sightseeing with a Local Guide to see the nation's legendary capital landmarks. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure where you may wish to visit the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, tour the National Cathedral, wander the stacks at the Library of Congress, or walk through the historic Georgetown neighbourhood lined with brick rowhouses, unique restaurants and stylish shops. Join us for an optional dinner tonight at one of Washington's favourite restaurants, followed by an illumination tour of some of the city's most beautiful monuments. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Your Local Guide shares the iconic and patriotic monuments to American sacrifice and freedom commemorated in moving memorials. Marvel at the stately and sometimes sombre remembrances of heroes and visionaries who shaped the American legacy. See the Martin Luther King, Jr., Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials on the National Mall. Stop for photo opportunities at the Washington Monument, the White House, and historic Capitol Hill.
Pennsylvania's Past & Present
Journey further through Pennsylvania to Williamsport, a former leader in the lumber industry located at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains and on the Susquehanna River. Today the lumber barons are long gone but their Victorian mansions still stand, and the town has traded lumber for America's favourite pastime, baseball. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION
Onward to Canada!
Travel north through the rolling Appalachian Mountains and enter New York State. Cross the border into Canada for magnificent Niagara Falls. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Drive north from Pennsylvania to experience a piece of America's oldest mountain ranges in the Appalachian Mountains. This 2,200-mile-long mountain range spans 14 states and extends into Canada with sloping forests and natural beauty that touches all who visit. Here, the legendary Appalachian Trail is a mecca for the adventurous nature-lovers along the longest footpath in the U.S. Pass through this beautiful part of America on your way to cross the Canadian border to Niagara Falls.
Taking the Plunge
Board a Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Later, drive around the "Golden Horseshoe" of Lake Ontario and through vineyards and rich farmlands to Toronto. Tonight is free. You may wish to join an optional outing to visit the top of the famous CN Tower for great views of Toronto's harbour and skyline while enjoying dinner. (B)
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 conditions are unfavorable, Journey Behind the Falls will be substituted.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The famous natural wonder of Niagara Falls consists of three massive waterfalls - American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls - plummeting from the southern end of Niagara Gorge. Spanning the border between Canada's Ontario and America's New York State, the largest of the falls is Horseshoe Falls - also known as the Canadian Falls - which straddles the border of both countries. Take a thrilling sightseeing cruise on the waters below the thunderous cascades of Niagara Falls and feel the mist and magic of this stunning spectacle of nature.
Oh, Canada!
Take a sightseeing tour of Toronto with a Local Guide. View Toronto's two city halls, the Ontario legislature buildings, the university, and local neighbourhoods, including Chinatown. Then, drive east to Canada's beautiful capital, Ottawa. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, Ottawa offers a unique blend of culture, history, and outdoor beauty. Tonight is at leisure. Consider a visit to the ByWard Market, walk along Rideau Canal or enjoy one of Ottawa's many special restaurants. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Explore the sights of the capital of Ontario with a guided sightseeing tour of Toronto's landmarks amid its soaring skyscrapers (all dwarfed by the iconic and stratospheric CN Tower). You'll see Toronto's two city halls, the Ontario legislature buildings, the university, and local neighbourhoods, including the open-air markets and shops of Chinatown.
Tour with a Local Guide to see Ottawa in-depth. The remainder of the day is free. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Explore the city of Ottawa to see its famous landmarks, including Canadian Mint, residences of the Governor General and Prime Minister, the hexagonal National Arts Centre, Parliament Hill, the stately residences and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.
Magical Montreal
Travel to Montreal to enjoy a sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. This evening is at leisure, perhaps stroll through the underground shopping area of Place Ville-Marie or visit historic Old Montreal. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Explore the cultural capital of Canada where the traditional Quebecois style is celebrated along its cobblestone streets and grand buildings in European flair. Wander the historic streets of Montreal to see Notre Dame Basilica and Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and visit the Old Port of Montreal for delightful dining, entertainment, to try an urban zipline or watch the sunset from the Montreal Observation Wheel.
French-Canadian Treasures
Travel east to Québec City and spend the next two nights in this romantic city located on the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the centre of New France, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, consider a night out for regional French cuisine with dinner in Old Town Québec. Your GlobusGo app and tour director have insider tips for a memorable night out. (B)
French Sights & Bites
Join your Local Guide this morning for an included tour of Quebec City, Canada's only walled city, including the Place d'Armes, ancient Place Royale, and the Plains of Abraham. The rest of the afternoon is free for independent sightseeing. Tonight's included dinner outing takes you to Montmorency Falls and over to Ile d'Orleans for a delightful dinner at a fine restaurant in a restored 17th-century flour mill. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent is filled with a rich history originating from the era of the French Regime in Quebec as a flour mill which formerly served the villagers of Ile d'Orleans. Take in the charming ambience of this lovingly restored stone wood-beamed restaurant to experience the treasured traditions of French Quebec.
Treasures of New England
Journey south to capture inspiring views of New England's natural beauty through Vermont and New Hampshire. Next, pass New Hampshire's state capitol dome at Concord and continue to Boston. This evening is at leisure. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Drive through some of America's most beautiful natural masterpieces in the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont. Here, the grandeur of mountain scenery and forest greenery are dotted with deep-blue lakes and panoramas for the perfect photo opportunities. Continue through the rich beauty of New Hampshire to the majestic beauty of Franconia Notch State Park in the stunning White Mountains.
The Freedom Trail
This morning, a sightseeing tour focuses on the city's most prominent landmarks of the Freedom Trail. See Boston Common, the Old State House, the Old North Church, and Faneuil Hall. The balance of the afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner and end the evening with a Boston favourite, an authentic handmade
Italian cannoli. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES After a day of exploring the iconic sites along the Freedom Trail, take a seat in Boston's legendary North End district for a farewell dinner in the American tradition. Dinner is finished with authentic handmade Italian cannoli, a Sicilian pastry filled with a sweet creamy filling and usually topped with chopped pistachios, candied fruit, or chocolate chips. Yum!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)