Great Cities of the East - an escorted tour

Day 1 - Fly UK to Toronto

Day 2 - Explore Toronto

For this morning we have arranged a sightseeing tour to introduce you to Toronto, including views of some of the splendidly-restored 19th century buildings in contrast to the glistening skyscrapers. The remainder of the day is yours to independently explore this friendly city; don’t miss the far-reaching views from the observation deck of the CN Tower, over 500m high and with a partly-glazed floor for a fuller view over the city.

Day 3 - Niagara Falls

Toronto is ideally located for a full-day excursion to experience one of the great spectacles of nature - Niagara Falls. Picturesque in their parkland setting and awe-inspiring in their power, the Falls are a true icon of world travel. An optional excursion is available here to take a boat trip to the base of the falls. We include a stop at Niagara on the Lake; a charming 19th century village on the bank of Lake Ontario. We return to Toronto in the evening.

Day 4 - Toronto to Ottawa

Following the north shore of Lake Ontario we reach Rockport from where we take a cruise around the lovely Thousand Islands archipelago, surrounded by the St Lawrence River. Take in the scenic views and magnificent historical estates and buildings that rise from the islands. Continue to Ottawa where we see some of the highlights of Canada’s strikingly-attractive capital city with its fine parliament buildings and parks. Our hotel for two nights is the Lord Elgin or Hotel Indigo Ottawa Downtown City Centre

Day 5 - Explore Ottawa

Today is at leisure to explore this characterful city.

Day 6 - Ottawa to Montreal

We depart for Montréal, delightfully situated at the confluence of the St Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. We check in at the Best Western Plus Ville-Marie orHotel Faubourg for the night.

Day 7 - Montreal to Quebec City

Montréal is one of Canada’s oldest cities, and the second largest in Canada. A guided coach tour will help familiarise you with its rich history, founded more than 350 years ago by French explorer Jacques Cartier. We then travel onwards to Québec City, where we spend the next two nights at the Hotel Chateau Laurier Québec. The city is often referred to as North America’s fine-dining capital but there are casual options too, with an abundance of pavement cafés and bistros to choose from for your culinary experience this evening.

Day 8 - Explore Quebec City

Enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide to see this great city’s classic architecture. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this enchanting, romantic city. Perhaps visit the historic Château Frontenac, now a renowned top-class hotel, which stands high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St Lawrence River, take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride, or explore Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. The grand gates of the walled city open onto picturesque cobblestone streets and an open air art gallery.

Day 9 - Quebec City - Charlevoix Coastline - VIA Rail Ocean Train

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Our scenic drive takes us along the Charlevoix Coastline - its bayside views overlooked at a number of vantage points by the winding cliff top road. On leaving the city we pass Chute Montmorency Falls before descending into Baie-Saint-Paul. On arrival in Baie-Sainte-Catherine we join our three-hour whale watching cruise and enjoy lunch on board. You may see fin, minke and beluga whales as well as harbour porpoise and seals. Late afternoon we travel back to Sainte-Foy and have dinner at leisure before boarding the Ocean Train. Settle into your Sleeper Plus cabin as we start our overnight journey to Moncton.

Day 10 - Moncton - Saint John

Breakfast is served in the dining car as we reach New Brunswick. Visit the Observation Car for panoramic views of the many points of interest along the Ocean’s route. Interpretative talks and wine tastings are often offered on board. We arrive into Moncton this afternoon and transfer to Saint John and our hotel for the next two nights. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Day 11 - Moncton to Baddeck

We visit Kings Landing Historical Settlement, a living history museum with over 40 exhibits and a community of costumed characters in 70 historic buildings. From the American Revolution to the turn of the 20th Century, Kings Landing is a collection of stories and events that shaped New Brunswick through settlement, the birth of the great nation of Canada, and to the age of progress. We continue on to Moncton, for an overnight stay. 

Day 12 - Moncton - VIA Rail Ocean Train - Halifax

This morning we see the highlights of New Brunswick with a visit to the spectacular natural phenomenon - Hopewell Rocks carved from the coastline by the powerful Bay of Fundy tides. Tides permitting, there is even the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor. We’ll then make our way back to the train station and board the Ocean Train for our final journey. We say goodbye to New Brunswick as we reach Amherst, the gateway to Nova Scotia, pass through Truro and on to Halifax. Founded by Britain in 1749 along the world’s second largest natural harbour, Halifax became known as the ‘most British Imperial City in the Western Hemisphere’ and today is an affluent and cosmopolitan city offering a wealth of attractions. 

Day 13 - Halifax - Peggy's Cove - Lunenburg - Halifax

After an orientation tour of the city, we travel to Peggy’s Cove, a quaint fishing village and home to Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses. We head on to Lunenberg, a colourful port town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow streets and unique architecture. We return back to Halifax late afternoon. 

Day 14 - Explore Halifax

Free time to explore Halifax - the must-sees include the Citadel, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Waterfront. 

Day 15 - Halifax in flight

A further day at leisure for last-minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Maybe visit the Seaport Farmers’ Market with its beautiful glass structure or try some local beer at the Alexander Keith’s Original Brewery. We take an included dinner this evening at a restaurant, before driving to the airport for your return flight to the UK

Day 16 - Arrive UK

VIP Inbound Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where you will be met for the journey home.