Best of Eastern Canada and USA - 16 Days
16 Days
Toronto
Washington, D.C.
****
Insight
See the top destinations in two countries on this 16-Day guided tour of Canada and the U.S. Stroll the urban-but-regal Queen's Park in downtown Toronto, then get up-close to the world’s most famous waterfall, Niagara Falls. Step inside the Notre-Dame Basilica-a masterpiece of Gothic Revival. In Maine, dine on decadent, authentic local lobster caught fresh from a nearby harbour. Walk with a guide along part of the Freedom Trail in Boston, a 2.5-mile trail with 16 historically significant sites, including the house where the Boston Tea Party was planned in 1773. In Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell, rung throughout history to announce some of the country’s most historical moments, such as the death of George Washington. In New York City, meet local vendors at a neighbourhood public market and taste local specialties.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thrilling Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario known for its food and wine scene and eclectic restaurants. After settling in, feel free to explore the town and discover what it has to offer. Later, savour dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara
See Toronto's top sights before venturing to the quaint 19th-century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake which offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. See the flowers and old-world architecture of the city before heading to the spectacular Niagara Falls. Experience the thrill of Niagara Falls up close on a state-of-the-art eco-catamaran. Feel the mighty power, thundering water and mesmerising mist on this memorable boat ride to the base of the falls. Next, you can choose to soar above Niagara's stunning landscapes on an exhilarating helicopter flight. Witness the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, American Falls, Skylon Tower and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where rainbows appear in the mist. Later, return to Toronto for an evening at leisure or choose to visit the top of the iconic CN Tower which defines the Toronto Skyline. Interact with visual exhibits to learn fascinating stories about this engineering marvel and enjoy panoramic views of the skyline and Lake Ontario.
Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa
Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City. Here you’ll view the city’s storied buildings, churches and fortifications, many of which being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a cooking demonstration at a local barn owned by Just Food, a non-profit organization that creates dining experiences focused on sustainable food and farming practices. Learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine using staples from the Canadian terroir such as maple sugar, haskaps, Labrador tea and wildflowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.
Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal
Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa on a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, visit Mādahòkì Farm and experience a lively traditional Powwow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and how they revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain
Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal. The narrow cobblestone streets draw you in with their lively little plazas, shops and cafes. From the grand mansions of Mount Royal to the iconic old port, Old Montreal is a historic neighbourhood that is now a major hot spot with beautiful architecture, vibrant street art and plenty of opportunities for photo-ops, especially at the top of Mount Royal. Next, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada and marvel at its breathtaking architecture and exceptional stained glass windows. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.
Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City
Depart Montreal and immerse yourself in Canadian culinary adventures as you indulge in the sweet delights of maple syrup, harvested and crafted right on-site. After lunch, join an Insight Choice experience to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 84m (272 feet) tall over the Saint Lawrence River. Or, visit a Copper Art Studio for a guided tour and demonstration of the repoussé copper art before trying it yourself.
Day 7: Quintessential Quebec
Discover more of Quebec City’s history and charm with a Local Expert. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale, while learning about the city’s long history as one of the oldest European settlements in North America. No visit to Old Quebec would be complete without seeing the grand hotel Château Frontenac, designated a National Historic Site of Canada and UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the first grand railway hotels completed in Canada. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the evening enjoy your Celebration Dinner in historic old Quebec.
Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor
Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.
Day 9: Explore Acadia National Park
Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. This afternoon, visit the Bar Harbor Historical Society’s charming waterfront building to meet a local Wabanaki storyteller for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of Indigenous oral traditional music.
Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston
Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.
Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty
Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where colonists gathered in 1773 to protest the British tea tax. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.
Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple
Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit one of the city's newest attractions, Summit One Vanderbilt with stunning views of the New York skyline, or explore Midtown's fascinating architecture on foot with a Local Expert. This evening, your hotel is in the heart of Time Square and a short walk from iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Broadway.
Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece
Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Later, visit Essex Market in the Lower East Side for a food tour and demonstration.
Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.
Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening to see the capital's sights in a new light.
Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time
In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and the sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Next, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution and the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.
Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.
Depart at your leisure to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay.
Day 17: Arrive UK
On arrival back to your UK airport our driver will meet you and escort you to your waiting vehicle for a private door to door transfer back to your home address.
Includes
- 15 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
- ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom and 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 Your Departure Date
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
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 i 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.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, 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/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?
A personal experience is at the heart of what you can expect. Most of our tours will offer 2 group sizes, where you’ll always enjoy dedicated attention and access to unique experiences thanks to all groups being smaller than the mainstream tour companies.
With both group sizes you’ll travel on custom ‘Business Class’ style coaches that offer more leg room and larger window spans.
Our classic departures average a group size of just 33 travellers, capped at a maximum of 40 guests. Or, choose our small group departures which have an average of just 20 guests, capped at a maximum of just 24 guests, this choice is perfect if you prefer an even more individualised experience.
How much walking will 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 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 your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
With group sizes of a maximum of either 24 or 40 guests across all our tours, there’s always more space in our best-in-class coaches to stretch out and relax, no matter your destination.
Travel in premium style on our fleet include Mercedes and Volvo as our brand partners of choice. And, in Europe, Britain and on select North American tours we take extra space to the next level with our exclusive ‘Business Class’ style custom coaches - our best-in-class coaches that have been custom designed with 13 fewer seats, offering up to 55% more personal space.
Our 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 means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to 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).
In addition 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.