A Week In... Nova Scotia - 8 Days

Duration

8 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Halifax

End

Halifax

Rating

*****

Operator

Tauck

This is a journey of contrasts – between lively port cities and remote fishing villages, rugged headlands and rolling vineyards, storied forts and quiet trails. But what ties it all together is the enduring sense of place and pride that defines Nova Scotia.

From Halifax to Digby, each day brings you deeper into the heart of the region, culminating in a farewell dinner where the week's experiences come full circle. Whether it's your first time here or a return to familiar shores, this journey invites you to explore Nova Scotia not just as a destination, but as a living story – told in the stories of its people, the rhythm of its tides, and the beauty of its coastal light. Cradled by the Atlantic and shaped by centuries of seafaring, migration, and cultural exchange, Nova Scotia is a place where history isn't confined to museums – it lives in the salt air, the rhythms of coastal life, and the warmth of its communities. From rugged cliffs to colourful harbours, this is Canada's East Coast at its most soulful, where each experience feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1: Welcome to Halifax

A transfer is included from Halifax International Airport to Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in the heart of downtown Halifax, ideally positioned along the city's scenic waterfront boardwalk. Kick off an exciting week with a welcome reception in Halifax at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, "Gateway to Canada," which features exhibits chronicling 20th-century Canadian immigration and the poignant multimedia production, Oceans of Hope.

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Dinner

Day 2: Pretty Peggy's Cove & 18th-century Lunenburg

From Halifax, start the day with a visit to Peggy's Cove – a picturesque Nova Scotia fishing town that's one of the most-photographed spots in North America – before continuing along the rugged Atlantic coast to the fishing village of Lunenburg, renowned for its rich shipbuilding and maritime legacy. Established in the 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best surviving examples of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. After lunch, you have a choice of sightseeing in Lunenburg – see the village's 18th- and 19th-century timber-built houses on a walking tour, or visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, housed in historic waterfront buildings, to gain insights into the Maritime Provinces' seafaring heritage. Return to Halifax for an evening at leisure.

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax
Breakfast Lunch

Day 3: Passage through time from Pictou to Baddeck

Begin the day with a scenic drive along Nova Scotia's northeastern coast to Pictou, where a visit to the Hector Heritage Quay reveals the enduring spirit of Scottish settlers who crossed the Atlantic aboard the Hector in 1773. Step aboard the full-scale replica of the ship and explore exhibits that illuminate the hardships and hopes of those early immigrants. Continue onward to Port Hastings for a group lunch at a local favorite overlooking the Strait of Canso, then travel deeper into Cape Breton to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck. Overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake, the museum offers a fascinating look into Bell's life and innovations—from the telephone to experimental kites and hydrofoils—all set within the landscape that inspired his later years. Arrive at your lakeside hotel with time to settle in before dinner, served at your leisure, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Cape Breton.

Inverary Resort, Baddeck Bay
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4: First Nations and Scottish roots

Today's journey takes you deep into the living traditions of Nova Scotia's First Nations and Gaelic communities. After breakfast at your hotel, travel to Eskasoni for a unique opportunity to walk the 2.4-kilometer trail guided by Mi'kmaq cultural interpreters. Along the way, visit a series of villages that invite you to experience traditional life firsthand – take part in a smudging ceremony, learn the rhythm of Pow Wow drumming, try your hand at basket-making, cook four-cent cake over an open fire, and hear stories of trading, fishing, and dance. A snack of luskinigan and tea offers a flavorful glimpse into Mi'kmaq culinary tradition. Afterward, enjoy a private lunch at the Iona Heights Inn before a short drive brings you to the Highland Village Museum, where Gaelic culture is preserved with great heart. Meet costumed interpreters, learn Gaelic phrases, and join in a milling frolic as Cape Breton's layered history comes vibrantly to life. Remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure.

Inverary Resort, Baddeck Bay
Breakfast Lunch

Day 5: Echoes of Louisbourg and a Cape Breton ceilidh

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, set out for the eastern coast of Cape Breton to explore one of the most remarkable historic sites in North America. At the Fortress of Louisbourg – a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town – you'll step back into 1744 as costumed interpreters bring to life the soldiers, settlers, and tradespeople who once lived behind its imposing stone walls. A guided tour introduces the daily rhythms of fortress life, from military strategy to market stalls and colonial customs. Lunch is served on site, offering a taste of period-inspired fare in a setting that echoes the past. Afterward, enjoy free time to wander the site at your own pace before returning to Baddeck. This evening, gather for a "Taste of Nova Scotia" dinner at the hotel, featuring regional favourites and local flavours. Cap off the night with a private ceilidh – a traditional Gaelic celebration of music, storytelling, and spirited connection.

Inverary Resort, Baddeck Bay
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6: Through the heart of Nova Scotia

Today's journey carries you across the breadth of Nova Scotia, through a landscape that tells its own quiet story – of coastal villages, tidal rivers, and rolling farmland shaped by generations of settlers. After breakfast, travel south through the Annapolis Valley, a region steeped in agricultural heritage and Acadian roots. Later, continue to your hotel in Digby, where dinner is at your leisure. Set above the Bay of Fundy in the town of Digby, Digby Pines is a beloved icon of Atlantic Canada. Originally built in 1905 and rebuilt in grand style by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1929, the hotel has long welcomed travelers drawn by the region's natural beauty and legendary tides. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and forested hills, the resort overlooks the Annapolis Basin and is just minutes from Digby's famous scallop fleet. With its distinctive Norman-style architecture and deep ties to local history, Digby Pines has earned its place as a cherished landmark on Nova Scotia's Evangeline Trail.

Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, Digby
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 7: Whale watching at Digby Neck on the Bay of Fundy

Set off with a naturalist for a whale watching cruise off Digby Neck on the Bay of Fundy, offering world-renowned whale and bird watching in one of the most dynamic marine environments on Earth. Keep an eye peeled for finback, minke, and humpback whales – often seen breaching or fluking – as well as playful seals and porpoises, all drawn to the bay's abundant plankton-rich waters. The Bay of Fundy is also a migratory corridor for seabirds and a feeding ground for bald eagles, so binoculars are a must. Your naturalist guide brings the experience to life with insights that might include the ecology of the region, the behaviors of the marine mammals you spot, and the geological forces that shaped this extraordinary tidal landscape. Whether you're watching a whale surface beside the boat or simply feeling the salt breeze on your face, it's a memorable encounter with nature at its most awe-inspiring. Back at your resort in Digby, your afternoon is free to enjoy as you please; join us at this evening's farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa, Digby
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 8: Grand Pré & your journey home

As you head back to Halifax for your journey home, wind your way through Nova Scotia's rich Annapolis Valley farmland to visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site, where the British deported the French Acadians in 1755; the incident inspired Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem, Evangeline. Tour ends: 12:00 PM, Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Flights should be booked after 2:00 PM; allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in. For guests wishing to extend their stay in Halifax, we can arrange additional nights at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel; a transfer to Halifax International Airport is included for these bookings. 

Breakfast

Includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

Choose a Group Size / Service or Room Level

selected package title

Choose a Date

Choose Your Departure Date

Loading dates...

Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can we book flights through you ?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.  You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms

Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.

Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.

For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.

How much walking with be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities

Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms. 

While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience. 

The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.

The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets 

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £3,599.00 / Adult
Need help with booking?

Inquiry Form

*
*
*
*

Contact Us - Call us on 0844 80 444 80 or email via the contact form below...

*
*
*
*
*

Choose Your Departure Date