Day 1 - Arrive Montreal / Dinner at Bonaparte Restaurant
Upon arrival at the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to your hotel.
Tonight you will dine at the Auberge Bonaparte, one of the jewels of Old Montreal. The Bonaparte restaurant includes beauty and charm. The perfect Empire decor, the harmonious choice of colors, the orchid on your table lighted from the ceiling and the refined presentation of the dishes create a very inviting atmosphere. The classic French cuisine is of an intact freshness and is a pleasure for the eyes and the palate. A gastronome's delight, this evening you will enjoy a six-course menu consisting of smaller portions So that you can sample several of the house specialties. The Bonaparte promises you a memorable adventure in the heart of Old Montreal, where past meets present.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Choice of Montreal Tour / Dinner Cruise
This morning you have a choice of activities, choose between a Walking Tour of Montreal and a Guided Tram Tour of Montreal.
Walking Tour of Old Montreal (Daily: Mid Jun to Late Sep / Sat & Sun: Mid May to Mid Oct, 2008)
Your tour begins in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica boutique in Old Montreal. A walking tour including lots of information on history and architecture, and many anecdotes revealing the secrets of Old Montreal, from yesterday to today! From Place d'Armes to Place Jacques-Cartier, including the Royal Bank, Notre-Dame Basilica, Cours Le Royer, St. Jacques, Notre-Dame and St. Paul Streets, City Hall, the Champ de Mars and the old Bonsecours Market.
Guided Montreal Tram Tour (Daily)
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), Latin 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.
Experience a fabulous Dinner-Cruise on the historic St. Lawrence River aboard a Paris-style river boat. While you're enjoying spectacular panoramic views, you'll savour the fine cuisine, served at your table by our attentive waiters. Let yourself be entertained by the romantic and uplifting repertoire of our musical duo, singer Hélène Cardinal and accordionist Mario Bruneau, who perform traditional French songs, accordion waltzes and jazz tunes. You will be seated on the Main Deck and enjoy a 4 course dinner including gratuity.
Note: Dinner cruise operates from approximately Mid May to Mid October. If the dinner cruise is not operating, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Montreal Exploring / VIA Rail - Montreal to Moncton
Today is at leisure to explore Montreal on your own. In the evening transfer (on own) to the Montreal train station, where you will board VIA Rail for your overnight journey to Moncton. Leaving Montreal in the evening, you'll travel along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, and then take the Matapédia valley. Enjoy comfortable private sleeping accommodation onboard the train this evening.
In Easterly Class you will experience train travel with the thrill of discovery. Through the guidance and companionship of an onboard Learning Coordinator, you will learn the way to the region's past and traditions. In a setting reminiscent of the legendary transcontinental trains, the Learning Coordinator will provide the cultural backdrop to the rolling Maritimes seascapes through informative, yet entertaining presentations carefully intertwined with the passing scenery, while setting the course to create an interactive environment open and inviting to everyone. Through planned vignettes, short movie viewings, workshops and impromptu presentations, you will be guided through the history and culture of the Maritimes, helping you create your own masterpiece: memories that last a lifetime. Come celebrate this journey of discovery!
Note: VIA Rail’s Easterly Class, including meals is only available from June 15 to October 15, 2008. If traveling outside these dates, your accommodation will be in Comfort Sleeper Class and no meals or Maritime Learning Experiences are included.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 4 - Moncton to Charlottetown / Dinner & Musical Theatre
When daylight arrives you will be traveling through the province of New Brunswick, a region immersed in the history of the Acadians, a group expelled from the Maritimes by the English in 1755. The train will arrive in the late morning in Moncton, New Brunswick. Upon arrival at the Moncton Train Station, you will be met by your private sedan & driver for your transfer to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. You will travel to Cape Tourmentine where you will cross the Confederation Bridge 'the longest continuous multi-span bridge in the world', the bridge will take you to Prince Edward Island. Located just off the Confederation Bridge, is Gateway Village, Prince Edward Island's premier Welcome Centre. You will be introduced to the history and culture of the Island and learn of the transportation modes across the Northumberland Strait. The village features a variety of food services in addition to handcraft and gift outlets. Gateway is the home of Cavendish Figurines, North America's only figurine economuseum. Depart Gateway Village and continue your journey to Charlottetown, with a stop en route at Victoria by the sea.
This evening you will enjoy a pre theatre 3-course dinner at Mavor's Bistro. Your meal will be prepared with the freshest Island ingredients served in the comfort of the newly renovated dining facilities. After dinner, browse in the gift shop & art gallery before attending your theatre presentation. Experience an award-winning Canadian musical theatre at the Charlottetown Festival. An exciting playbill of musical theatre and Maritime music and entertainment are being planned for 2008 Festival from June 12 - September 27, 2008.
Performances include:
- Anne of Green Gables - The Musical (June 12 to September 27 - select dates)
- America Strikes Back: British Invasion II – A Musical Revue (June 18 to August 29 - select dates)
- The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom (July 4 to September 20 - select dates)
- Stones in His Pocket (July 17 - August 29 - select dates)
Note: The Charlottetown Festival Theatre performances runs from June 12 to September 27, 2008 - if traveling outside of this time period the Theatre Tickets & Pre Theatre Dinner will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Best Western Charlottetown
Superior: Overnight Rodd Charlottetown
Deluxe: Overnight Delta Prince Edward – Premier Harbour view Room
Day 5 - Private Sedan Tour of Green Gables & Private Carriage Ride with Picnic Lunch
This morning you will depart on a half day private sedan tour of the area and the Anne of Green Gables Museum. View rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbours along the Blue Heron Drive as we get ready to tour the North Shore area. Brief photo stops at quaint little fishing villages, lighthouses and the world class Cavendish Beach. Tour on your own at Green Gables House - This old farm site inspired L.M. Montgomery's first novel, Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908. Enjoy the beautiful grounds overlooking the Lake of Shining Waters that inspired L. M. Montgomery's work at Silver Bush and Anne of Green Gables Museum. Here you will embark on a private romantic carriage ride, this peaceful journey through the beautiful flower gardens, along the Lake of Shining Waters, over the rolling pastoral hills down to a private white sand beach where you will enjoy a picnic lunch before returning.
Moderate: Overnight Best Western Charlottetown
Superior: Overnight Rodd Charlottetown
Deluxe: Overnight Delta Prince Edward – Premier Harbour view Room
Day 6 - Private Transfer from Charlottetown to Halifax
This morning you will be met by your private sedan & driver for your transfer to Halifax. Leave Charlottetown and travel to Wood Islands where you will board a ferry to Caribou on the mainland. Relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea and the sky during your 75 minute ride. From Caribou, you will travel a short distance to Pictou where you will have some time to explore the Hector Heritage Quay. Located on the beautiful Pictou waterfront, the Hector Heritage Quay offers unique insight into the journey of early Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia, and their arrival in Pictou. The centerpiece is the continuing construction of a full-scale three-mast sailing ship, a replica of the Hector that carried the early pioneers from Loch Broom, Scotland in 1773. You can experience the rolling motion of the deck as the passengers disembark the Hector to begin their new lives. The Hector Heritage Quay provides a glimpse into 18th century life. The site features a working carpentry shop, blacksmith shop, resident artist's studio, and Ship Hector Company Store. From Pictou, you will travel along the highway to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Premium Harbour view room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 7 - Choice of Peggy's Cove Tour OR Nature & Whale Watching Cruise
Morning is at leisure to explore this beautiful port city. Today you have your choice between an exhilarating Nature & Whale Watching Cruise OR a sightseeing tour to Peggy's Cove that will enchant you by the picturesque scenery.
Peggy's Cove Tour (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday - Jun 1 to September 30) - Join a kilted guide in "New Scotland" for an enchanting Grayline tour of Peggy's Cove. Peggy's Cove has been an artist and explorers paradise for well over 150 years. This picture postcard village, on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, stands on solid rock above the crashing surf. The lighthouse, the only one in North America to have a post office within it, is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Enjoy some free time to exploring the rocks, the trails, the village and the gift shops.
Nature & Whale Watching Cruise (Mid May to Mid October) - Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the cliffs of Chebucto Head at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, the waters are rich with sea life - Minke, Pilot and Fin whales, dolphins and seals. Join us on a two & a half hour cruise guided by a qualified naturalist and experience nature from a unique perspective.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Premium Harbour view room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 8 - Depart Halifax
Today your tour ends. Transfer by private sedan to Halifax International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
VIA Rail to Montreal - You may wish to travel back to Montreal aboard Via Rail's overnight train The Ocean and transfer by private sedan to the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail from Montreal to Moncton
- 6 course Tasting Menu at the Bonaparte Restaurant including gratuities
- 4 course dinner on 3.5 hour Montreal Dinner Cruise including gratuities (SUBSTITUTION: If dinner cruise is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Choice of Old Montreal Walking Tour OR Montreal Guided Tram Tour
- Choice of Peggy's Cove Tour OR Nature & Whale Watching Cruise
- Tickets to Musical Theatre during the Charlottetown Festival with 3 course Pre-Theatre dinner (SUBSTITUTION: If traveling outside operation date, the theatre & dinner will be removed from your package)
- 1 hour Private Carriage Ride with picnic lunch
- Ferry from Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, NS
- Admissions: Green Gables House, PEI National Park, Anne of Green Gables Museum, and the Hector Heritage Quay
- Private sedan transfer from Moncton train station to Charlottetown, Half Day Green Gables Tour, and Charlottetown to Halifax including gratuities
- Airport transfer by private sedan in Montreal & Halifax including gratuities
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Optional activities
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)