Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes - 12 Days
12 Days
Halifax
Halifax
****
Insight
Blend the best of land and sea on this 12-day guided tour of Canada. Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax with a Local Expert, who will tell you the tale of the city’s most historic moment: the 1912 sinking of the Titanic. See the fabled home that served as the inspiration for L.M. Montgomery’s children’s classic, ‘Anne of Green Gables.’ Watch for bald eagles as you travel one of the world’s most scenic routes, Cabot Trail. Board a lobster boat in New Brunswick for an up-close-and-personal look at lobster fishing, then indulge in a decadent lobster lunch. Later, cruise the Bay of Fundy on a whale-watching expedition, where you can see humpback, minke and fin whales.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Halifax
Your tour includes private door to door transfers from your home address to your departure Airport.
A mix of sea breezes and cultural charms, Halifax is a quintessential maritime destination evident in its waterfront, historic sites and ongoing maritime activities. Learn how it became a maritime destination due to its strategic natural harbour, making it a crucial naval and trading hub. Relax at your downtown hotel next to the waterfront. Perhaps get out and explore this capital city, home to five National Historic Sites including The Halifax Citadel, Georges Island, Fort McNab, York Redoubt and the Prince of Wales Tower. This evening, meet your Travel Director for a dinner.
Day 2: Sightseeing and Relaxation in Halifax
From British rule to naval battles, Halifax is a historical haven. Kick off your Canada guided tour and delve into the city's nautical history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where your Local Expert shares stories of key historic events. Learn about the Halifax Explosion in 1917, the world’s largest man-made explosion prior to Hiroshima, and the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Your Local Expert then reveals the eclectic city on a guided tour before an afternoon of Insight Choice. Visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site exploring the history of the fortress and the soldiers who were stationed there. Art lovers will want to explore the Maud Lewis Gallery to see the artist's famous carefully restored painted house. Or, choose to visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, historically the nation's primary immigration gateway, shedding light on Canada's intricate relationship with the immigration process.
Day 3: Historic Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg conjures up images of brightly painted houses and a picturesque waterfront. Join a Local Expert for a walking tour of one of the best surviving examples of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America. Gain insights into the fishing industry's impact on the region at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic before visiting Peggy's Cove, a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay and the site of Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, an iconic Canadian image.
Day 4: Cape Breton Island and Blooming Baddeck
The legends & traditions of the Mi'kmaq people will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. At Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on your Canada guided tour as interpreters share insights of history and culture as they weave stories relating artifacts to a way of life, cosmology and a changing relationship with European settlers. Further your discovery this afternoon on a guided cruise across Bras d'Or Lake spotting iconic lighthouses, a bird estuary and historic properties including the mansion of Alexander Graham Bell. After a big day of exploring, experience warm hospitality and Cape Breton-style home cooking at your waterfront hotel, featuring tempting seafood favourites and hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy. Continue your night with traditional music and song at a Ceilidh, a Celtic Evening full of Acadian hospitality and entertainment.
Day 5: The Natural Beauty of the Cabot Trail
Gaelic and Celtic cultures are revealed over a unique experience at The Gaelic College, devoted to the study and preservation of these rich cultures.At this school, which offers traditional arts such as Cape Breton fiddle, piano, guitar, step-dancing, piping, highland dancing, weaving, and Gaelic language, you have the opportunity to learn about the tradition of fabric milling and watch a kilt-making demonstration up close. After this one-of-a-kind learning experience, drive along the Cabot Trail, a world-famous highway running along coastal borders on both sides of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and crossing highlands. With views of dramatic cliffs and mountains abound passing charming coastal villages, you’ll love reflecting on another grand day of hand-picked sights.
Day 6: Baddeck and Charlottetown
Go behind the scenes on your Canada guided tour with a Local Expert at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to discover the stories behind the inventor of the telephone and one of history's most influential members. Ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island and quaint Charlottetown, where you'll spend the next three nights. In this nautical gem, dotted with colourful fisherman’s cottages and picturesque harbour. Your hotel, The Delta Prince Edward is Charlottetown’s only waterfront hotel and just steps away from enticing shops and restaurants.
Day 7: Prince Edward Island Sightseeing
No trip to Prince Edward Island is complete without a visit to Green Gables Heritage Place including the Green Gables House, the fabled home that provided inspiration for L.M. Montgomery's children's classic, 'Anne of Green Gables'. With your Local Expert, discover the cliffs, wind-whipped dunes and countryside of Prince Edward Island National Park before heading on to Cavendish. This afternoon is free to explore Charlottetown at your leisure. Perhaps tour the Victorian Beaconsfield Historic House and feel like you’ve stepped into Downton Abbey. Or, visit nearby Victoria Park’s boardwalk taking you past the Prince Edward Battery and the Victoria Floating Dock and Brighton Beach lighthouse.
Day 8: Flavours of Charlottetown
The flavours of Prince Edward Island will delight your palate today in the quaint seaside fishing village of Georgetown. Meet a local fisherman and exceptional storyteller who will regale you with tales of life at sea and teach you all about the area's lobster and mussel industry. Then taste the flavours over a delicious lunch of island blue mussels cooked fresh by the fisherman. After lunch, enjoy a tasting at Rossignol Winery, the first winery on Prince Edward Island specialising in table and fruit wines. A visit to a maritime province wouldn't be complete without a lighthouse tour, so head out to the first lighthouse on Prince Edward Island, Point Prim, to end your day.
Day 9: The Tides of Hopewell Rocks
This morning, cross the eight-mile Confederation Bridge, an award-winning engineering marvel linking Prince Edward Island to the mainland. In Shediac, delve into the marine ecosystem of the Northumberland Strait during a guided visit to the Homarus Centre. Examine the lobster’s life cycle, explore the local fishery’s sustainability practices and handle live marine species at the touch tank. Later, meet a Local Expert at Hopewell Rocks and uncover the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy. This evening, prepare and enjoy lobster the Acadian way, head to tail, during a traditional boil. Then, shake up a summer cocktail in a hands-on mixology class using locally inspired ingredients.
Day 10: Lively Moncton to Digby
Embark on a coastal drive on the Fundy Trail Parkway, nestled between the greens of the forest and the blues of the coast with stunning views in every direction. This important thoroughfare, completed in 2020, connects Alma to St Martin lined with hiking trails, beaches, overlooks and an Interpretive Centre. Take to the water crossing the Bay of Fundy from St. John to Digby by ferry (seasonal). Breathe in fresh salt air from the outdoor area and keep a keen eye on the Bay of Fundy for whales and other marine life. Arrive at the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, overlooking the Bay of Fundy since 1929, known for its incredible tides. Grab a local craft beer or wine at the 19th Hole restaurant overlooking the Stanley Thompson designed course or treat yourself to a service in their spa featuring sustainable and green practices to create natural, organic and Biodynamic products.
Day 11: Delightful Digby and Annapolis Royal
In the historic town of Annapolis Royal, join a Local Expert and costumed interpreter for a stroll in the National Historic District. In the evening, meet a former scallop fisher for a culinary demonstration to learn about the region's maritime heritage. Gain insight into how fresh scallops are shucked before they are cooked to perfection for your seafood dinner.
In the historic town of Annapolis Royal, join a Local Expert and costumed interpreter for a stroll in the National Historic District. In the evening, meet a former scallop fisher for a culinary demonstration to learn about the region's maritime heritage. Gain insight into how fresh scallops are shucked before they are cooked to perfection for your seafood dinner.
Day 12: Farewell Halifax
It’s time to wave goodbye to Halifax and your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. A complimentary transfer will drop you off at the airport, followed by a stop at the Marriott Harbourfront Halifax for guests wishing to extend their stay.
Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 12:00
Day 13: 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
- 11 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.