Day 1
Arrive in Toronto
After arriving at Toronto International Airport, you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to your downtown hotel. After you have checked into your hotel, take some time to explore Canada's largest and most cosmopolitan city. As big as it is, Toronto is easy to navigate and fun to explore. Travel to the top of the CN tower for a panoramic view of the area, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame or take in a first run Musical at one of the many theatres.
Overnight - Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 2
Niagara Falls Full Day Tour
Today, you will be taken on a narrated day tour to Niagara Falls. You will enjoy a boat ride on the "Maid of the Mist" to the foot of the falls for a spectacular, close up view. Lunch is also included in today's tour. Before returning to Toronto, the tour will pass through the charming 19th century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Return to Toronto at approximately 7:30pm.
Overnight - Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 3
VIA Rail - Toronto to Montreal
This morning, the Fairmont Royal York Bell Services department will transfer your luggage to the VIA Rail Station, accessible by an underground walkway from the hotel. Upon arrival at the train station, go straight to the Panorama lounge which is reserved for VIA 1 passengers. You'll be able to unwind as you wait for departure. The day's newspapers, coffee and juice will be yours to enjoy, free of charge. You will depart downtown Toronto and travel to Montreal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Travel in total comfort and ease and forget the hassles of driving. You will travel in VIA 1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA 1 lounge in the service-car.
Overnight - Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont Gold Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 4
Greater Montreal Guided Tram Tour / VIA Rail - Montreal to Halifax
Experience the best of Montreal on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing tour. A complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest, including a stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory (photo stop), residential and financial districts, Old Montreal (photo stop), French Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site (photo stop), McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with an uninterrupted commentary by a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual guide.
VIA Rail to Halifax
In the evening, transfer to the Montreal train station, accessible by an underground walkway from the hotel, where you will board VIA Rail for your overnight journey to Halifax. Leaving Montreal in the evening, you'll travel along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, and then take the Matapédia Valley. Enjoy panoramic views in the Park car's observation dome. The journey on the Ocean will take about 21 hours and will carry you through Eastern Quebec, Northern New Brunswick and central Nova Scotia on your way to Halifax.
Overnight - VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 5
VIA Rail - Arrive Halifax
This morning, you'll awake in the province of New Brunswick. Fresh coffee and a well prepared breakfast will get you ready for another day of great scenery as the train rolls on into the picturesque province of Nova Scotia. By midday the journey will end in the beautiful and historic city of Halifax. When you arrive in Halifax you can walk to the Westin Nova Scotian, located next door and accessible by walkway. You will have lots of time to explore the waterfront and its historical buildings. You might want to hike up the hill to the Citadel and watch the changing of the guard. Tonight, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many fine seafood restaurants within walking distance of your hotel
Overnight - The Westin Nova Scotian - Harbour View Room
Day 6
Halifax Exploring / Depart Halifax abaord Pearl Seas Cruises
There's still time to explore the shops and galleries of Halifax this morning. In the afternoon, you will meet the Captain and crew of your luxury cruise vessel. Get acquainted with them and settle in to your gracefully appointed stateroom where all the comforts of home surround you in a casually elegant atmosphere. Watch from your private balcony as the busy harbor of Halifax slowly slips away.
Overnight - Pearl Seas Cruise Ship - Category H
Day 7 & 8
At Sea / Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Relax today and enjoy the ambiance and quiet luxury of your ship. The beautiful shorelines of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia slip by and create a gentle backdrop for our last day of cruising.
Cruise along the shores of pastoral Prince Edward Island and view the magnificent beaches, lush fields and world famous golf courses. You'll dock in the heart of Charlottetown, home of the "Fathers of Confederation" and birthplace of the Canadian nation. Take time to visit the old farmhouse immortalized in Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables and experience state-of-the-art exhibits at Founders Hall. The true architectural jewel of downtown Charlottetown is the majestic St Dunstan's Cathedral. Its three copper spires will dominate the skyline as you set sail later in the evening.
* Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Beaconsfield Historic House, Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Walking Tours & Historic Reenactments
with the Confederation Players. *
Overnight - Pearl Seas Cruise Ship - Category H
Day 9 & 10
At Sea / Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec
These islands of Quebec are home of some of the most relaxing beaches in Canada as well as some of the most charming ancient villages in North America. Inhabited by French speaking Acadians in 1755 the land has been farmed continually ever since. On the other side of the island communities began as survivors from more than 400 shipwrecks were washed ashore. The few fishing families who still make this island their home have taken to painting their cottages in bright and beautiful colors to show their pride and love of their community.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Verrerie La Meduse Glass Blower, A l'abri de la Tempete Brewery Tour, Island Farm Tour via Horse-drawn Carriage ride.
Overnight - Pearl Seas Cruise Ship - Category H
Day 11 & 12
Sydney / Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island is a true enigma. Cut off from the mainland by a small strait of water, Cape Breton Island is rugged, beautiful and mysterious. The picturesque village of Baddeck is situated on the shores of beautiful Bras d'Or Lake in the heart of the island. This was the summer home of Alexander Graham Bell and his family and is the site of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site complete with photos, models, and artifacts describing his fascinating life and works.
Founded in 1785, Sydney was first settled by Loyalists from New York State, who were followed 20 years later by immigrants from Scotland. It is a charming small town that was built on mining and fishing. Sydney is the home of the oldest church on Cape Breton Island dating back to 1828.This picturesque village is a highlight of any trip to Cape Breton Island.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Alexander Graham Bell Museum, Bras d'Or Lakes & Watershed Interpretive Center, Marconi National Historic Site, Island Sightseeing Tour.
Deluxe: Overnight Pearl Seas Cruise Ship - Category H
Day 13
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Early this morning your adventure in luxury cruising comes to and end as you dock in Halifax harbor. Upon arrival, transfer by private sedan to the Halifax Airport in time for your departure flight.