Atlantic Maritimes

Day 1
Those on the group flights arrive the daye before. The group will meet in the hotel lobby in Boston at 07:30hrs to begin the tour - please ensure that you have packed, checked out of your room and had breakfast by this time. After leaving Boston, we travel north through New Hampshire and into the state of Maine. Our destination is Baxter State Park - a large wilderness area in Piscataquis County in the northern-central part of the state and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. On arrival we will check into our hotel where we will spend the next two nights.

Day 2
We have a whole day free to explore the wonders of Baxter State Park, which is the largest and most remote natural reserve in eastern USA. It was named after its donor and former Maine governor, Percival. P. Baxter, and covers an area of 809 square kilometres. At its heart lies Mount Katahdin which is a mountain with many peaks. At 5267 feet (~1605m) one of these peaks, Baxter Peak, is the highest point in Maine. There are many optional activities that you can enjoy here. Hiking, canoeing and scenic flights are but a few ways to enjoy this rare and wonderful wilderness.

Day 3
We cross the border into Canada and stop at coastal Fundy National Park in the province of New Brunswick. The main features of this park include the seaside habitats and the highland Acadian forests. We get the chance to enjoy a walk in these forests and perhaps even stop by some waterfalls. The Bay of Fundy is known to have the highest range in tide levels of anywhere in the world with an average variance of 47.5 feet (~14.5m) and an extreme variance of an amazing 53.5 feet (~16.3m).

Day 4 - 5
After driving past the forests and farmlands of New Brunswick, we cross the Gulf of St Lawrence to Prince Edward Island. This is the smallest of all the Canadian provinces with a total population of 141,000. Often referred to as 'PEI', the province actually consists of one major island called Prince Edward Island as well as a collection of smaller islands. It is also referred to as the 'Birthplace of Confederation' as the Charlottetown Conference held in 1864 was one of a few events that established the framework that led the British colonies to confederation in 1867. We enjoy free time here to relax and choose from various activities at this popular summer retreat such as biking and beach combing. Prince Edward Island was the childhood home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery, whose best-selling novel, 'Anne of Green Gables' (published in 1908), was also set here. It is possible to join a tour of the Green Gables House, as well as stroll around on the Balsom Woods and Haunted Hollows trails that feature in the book.

Day 6 - 7
From Prince Edward Island it is a short ferry ride to Caribou Provincial Park. We then drive towards the impressive headlands of Cape Breton Highlands National Park in the province of Nova Scotia - Canada's second smallest province. Sheer cliffs rising from the sea at the base of the coastal range help to form the spectacular coastline. During our time here we can hike beside the many forested lakes and to the top of the various rugged peaks for outstanding views, or take to the sea for some fantastic kayaking along the remote and beautiful coastline. Consisting of Acadian and boreal forests this park is home to various species of wildlife such a Black bear, coyote and moose. If we are lucky we may even see some Bald eagles flying overhead or perched high up in the trees.

Day 8
Next we travel to the World Heritage listed town of Lunenburg and Nova Scotia's provincial capital and largest city, Halifax. A walk down the streets of Lunenburg is sure to remind us of a journey back to a bygone era with its unique architecture exemplified in the colourful wooden structures that date back to colonial times, reflecting the towns position as a seaport and a centre for shipbuilding. With its large natural harbour, Halifax has historically been one of the busiest ports on the eastern seaboard. We spend tonight in town.

Day 9
We have time to enjoy some of the many parks, museums, landmarks, art galleries and waterfront cafes of Halifax. The Maritime Museum in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) tells the story of the city's seafaring origins whilst the fortress on Citadel Hill with its iconic Town Clock overlooks the modern glass towers of the city, providing that link between the past and the present. We then catch an afternoon ferry across the Bay of Fundy to St John, the largest city in New Brunswick. We get to sample some of the city's nightlife.

Day 10 - 11
Leaving Canada, we travel back to USA and the verdant State of Maine. Our destination is Acadia National Park - the only national park in New England. Situated on a series of rocky coastal islands, this reserve was originally named Lafayette National Park in 1919 and took on its present name in 1929. It's the perfect place to enjoy trekking and mountain biking, or there is also the chance to partake in an optional deep sea fishing excursion. Maybe catch something for dinner or haul up a lobster?

Day 12
We make our way back to Boston where we recommend that you stay on after the tour ends and book yourself a few extra nights' accommodation to explore the many attractions of one of America's oldest cities. Founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists, it has been in the forefront of American history and in particular the country's fight for independence. Events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party played pivotal roles in that struggle and have become part of American Folklore. Faneuil Hall has been a government centre and a market place for centuries and even today it makes the hive of activity in the city centre. By walking on the Freedom Trail, we get to visit many of these historic sites and learn about the story of America's own road to independence. Some may wish to pay a visit to Harvard University, located in the suburbs of Boston. New England is renowned for its delicious seafood, in particular the thick seafood soup known as New England clam chowder. For Land Only travellers this tour ends at our hotel in Boston at approximately 17:00 hrs. If you are planning to depart this evening please not not book a flight that departs before 21:00hrs as we can not guarantee that you will make it in time to catch the flight. For those travelling on the group flights, you will depart this evening for your overnight flight, arriving into London the following day.