Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Eastern Canada and charming New England. Experience the stunning beauty of the countryside, both by land and sea, as you marvel at the majestic Niagara Falls and the vibrant autumn foliage around Lake Placid. Cruise along the breathtaking Atlantic Coast, where picturesque towns invite you to explore their unique charm. Your adventure culminates as you sail into the iconic skyline of New York City, where the vibrant energy and allure of the Big Apple await your discovery. 

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy class airfares from Brisbane to Toronto/New York City to Brisbane
• 9 nights cruising on Holland America’s MS Volendam from Montreal to New York City
• 11 nights 4–5-star hotel accommodation
• Air-conditioned coach travel within New England and Canada
• Local guides throughout the coach tour
• Sightseeing & meals as specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities & porterage
• Hosted by an experienced Travel Associates Travel Advisor

Group size: Minimum 15, Maximum 26

DAY 1 -19TH SEPTEMBER – BRISBANE TO TORONTO
This morning, we will meet at the Brisbane International Airport for our Hosted Holiday to Canada and New England. Today is spent travelling to our first destination, Toronto. Upon arrival, we will meet our local tour guide and transfer to Westin Harbour Castle, our home for the next two nights. This evening enjoy a group welcome dinner.

Meals: D

Accommodation: Westin Harbour Castle

DAY 2 -20TH SEPTEMBER – TORONTO
After breakfast, we venture on a half day sightseeing tour of Toronto taking in Chinatown, Nathan Philips Square, the Eaton Centre, Yonge/Dundas Square, and the Distillery District, considered Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. The area’s 1800s Victorian industrial buildings have been restored and are now home to one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and galleries. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, we visit CN Tower, which defines the Toronto skyline at 553m in height and is Canada’s most recognizable icon, followed by a group dinner.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Westin Harbour Castle

DAY 3 -21ST SEPTEMBER – NIAGARA FALLS
This morning, we make our way to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming 19th century village in the heart of Ontario’s wine country. The falls is one of the seven marvels of the world and perhaps the most captivating of all. We have time at leisure to stroll the tree-lined streets then later depart to Niagara Falls along the scenic Niagara River Parkway. On the way we make stops at the Floral Clock and Botanical Gardens. This evening, we enjoy the Falls nighttime illumination before a group dinner

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Sheraton Fallsview

DAY 4 - 22ND SEPTEMBER – NIAGARA FALLS
Today we start the day with a boat tour to get a close-up view of the thundering falls. We venture across to the US-side of the falls for a visit to the Cave of the Winds which provides a unique perspective of the Bridal Veil Falls, one of the three main waterfalls that make up Niagara. Afterwards we have free time to discover the falls by ourselves or enjoy optional attractions such as the Journey behind the Falls

Meals: B

Accommodation: Sheraton Fallsview

DAY 5- 23RD SEPTEMBER – LAKE PLACID
This morning, we make our way to Lake Placid enjoying the beautiful Autumn scenery along the way. We make a stop in the town of Syracuse, known for its beautiful parks, like Onondaga Lake Park, and its proximity to the Finger Lakes region. We have time to stroll around this charming city before we continue to Lake Placid, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. This evening, we enjoy a group dinner

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Mirror Lake Inn Resort

DAY 6 - 24TH SEPTEMBER – LAKE PLACID
Today is a chance to relax and enjoy a day at your own leisure in Lake Placid, a stunning destination for fall foliage. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, it offers breathtaking views as the leaves change to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. You can enjoy the colours from various vantage points, including hiking trails and around Mirror Lake. The town has many charming shops and restaurants where you can take in the views while enjoying the local cuisine.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Mirror Lake Inn Resort

Day 7 - 25TH SEPTEMBER – QUEBEC CITY
After breakfast we depart for Quebec City. On the way, we make a stop at Trois-Rivières, a charming city located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful waterfront. We take a visit to an authentic sugar shack with maple-syrup tasting. This afternoon we arrive in Quebec City. Behind its high stone walls, the capital of the Province of Quebec gives you the impression of stepping back in time to a France of some bygone era. This evening, we will enjoy a group dinner.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hotel Port Royal

Day 8 - 26TH SEPTEMBER – QUEBEC CITY
This morning, we embark on a half day guided tour of the oldest city in Canada to admire the impressive fortifications and star-shaped citadel. We make a stop at Parliament before going to the Vieux Port, Place Royale, and Petit-Champlain quarters. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this unique and picturesque town.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Port Royal

Day 9 - 27TH SEPTEMBER – MONTREAL
We depart for Montreal today, the second-largest French-speaking city after Paris. On arrival we will enjoy an orientation tour of old historical Montreal named Ville Marie by the first French colonists. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore the city including sights such as: Place Jacques Cartier, the City Hall, the Latin Quarter, Mont Royal Park, Saint Joseph Oratory and the underground network of cafés, restaurants, and cinemas. Our group dinner this evening is a chance for us to discuss and compare our day in Montreal.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Le Germain Hotel

Day 10 - 28TH SEPTEMBER – CRUISING
Today after some free time we are transferred to the port to board our ship, the Holland America’s MS Volendam. After embarking and exploring the onboard facilities, it is time to set sail this afternoon along the St. Lawrence River. The 1,200-kilometre stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a lighthouse lover’s paradise, with more than 40 of them lining the Québec portion alone. Centuries-old fishing villages line the mighty waterway that alternates between imposing cliffs, plateaus and broad estuaries filled with fertile islets. Perhaps take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the passing scenery from the Sea View Bar as the sun sets on our first night aboard

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 11 - 29TH SEPTEMBER – QUEBEC
We return to this beautiful city because one visit is not enough. With the full day to enjoy at your own leisure, you may like to stroll through Old Quebec and enjoy High Tea at Chateau Frontenac or venture to Montmorency Falls. Regardless of your choice of optional shore excursions, the 400-year history of Quebec will not disappoint.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 12 - 30TH SEPTEMBER – CRUISING
We spend a relaxing day cruising towards the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A lighthouse on little St. Paul’s Island is a stark reminder of days gone by as we sail past this infamous old shipwreck site, known as the graveyard of the gulf, on our way through the Cabot Strait and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Take some time to enjoy the onboard facilities of the Volendam including the World Stage or relax in the Explorers Lounge and just take it all in.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 13 - 1ST OCTOBER – CHARLOTTETOWN
This morning, we arrive in Charlottetown the capital of Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island. For Canadians, it is most famous as the Birthplace of Confederation. With plenty of optional shore excursions, you may choose to go downtown and visit the lovely Victoria Row and other historic buildings, some of which are now museums. Another option is a visit to nearby Prince Edward Island National Park, home to white-sand beaches and hiking and biking trails and you can see the house and farm that inspired the beloved book, Anne of Green Gables.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 14 - 2ND OCTOBER – SYDNEY
TOur day today is spent in Sydney, on Cape Breton Island. The historic charm serves as a starting point for experiencing the rugged landscapes of the region. Some of the city’s historic houses and churches date back to the 1700s and 1800s and Sydney’s galleries give you a chance to meet local artists and purchase their work. You may choose to visit Cape Breton’s natural wonders which include the spectacular scenic drive known as the Cabot Trail, or go deep underground at the Cape Breton Miners Museum.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 15 - 3RD OCTOBER – HALIFAX
It is time today to explore the Halifax waterfront where steamships once anchored to drop off arriving immigrants at Pier 21. Along Nova Scotia’s southern shores, the city is surrounded by lush greenery and charming villages that are worth the trip from downtown. Optional shore excursions today include a visit to the charming fishing village, Peggy’s Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse on a rocky outcropping, or walking the streets of Lunenburg, whose colourful Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 16 - 4TH OCTOBER – EAST PORT
This morning, we arrive in picturesque East Port, known for its vibrant arts scene and maritime heritage. Today may see you boarding a working lobster boat where you can see a demonstration of lobstering, the primary activity of Maine’s commercial fisheries. Pull some lobster traps in the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay but keep an eye out for porpoises, whales, bald eagles, osprey, seals, and other marine life, all of which make the bay their home.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 17 - 5TH OCTOBER – PORTLAND
This morning, we arrive in picturesque East Port, known for its vibrant arts scene and maritime heritage. Today may see you boarding a working lobster boat where you can see a demonstration of lobstering, the primary activity of Maine’s commercial fisheries. Pull some lobster traps in the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay but keep an eye out for porpoises, whales, bald eagles, osprey, seals, and other marine life, all of which make the bay their home.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 18 - 6TH OCTOBER – CRUISING
After several days of port adventures, it is time to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities. You may choose to see a performance in the theatre, shop or play a game of Pickleball. Today you can do as much or as little as you want as we continue our journey toward the Big Apple, New York City

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: Holland America’s MS Volendam

Day 19 - 7TH OCTOBER – NEW YORK CITY
Early this morning our ship makes its way into New York, which is a place of dazzling contrasts and thrumming energy. After breakfast we disembark the MS Volendam and enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the city. Sights today include Times Square and its immense, illuminated billboards. We travel down 5th Avenue to view Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the imposing Rockefeller Center, the Flatiron Building and Grand Central Station. Later this afternoon we check into our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure exploring the surrounds of Times Square.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Rui Times Square

Day 20 - 8TH OCTOBER – NEW YORK CITY
Today we have a full day at leisure, an opportunity to explore New York in more detail on your own. This evening, we meet in the hotel lobby and make our way to our final group dinner.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Rui Times Square

Day 21 -9TH OCTOBER – NEW YORK CITY TO BRISBANE
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. This afternoon we take our transfer to the airport for our flight back to Australia.

Meals: B

Day 22 - 10TH OCTOBER – ENROUTE
Today will be spent in the air enroute back to Brisbane.

Day 23 - 11TH OCTOBER – BRISBANE
As we arrive back in Brisbane, our Hosted Holiday in Canada and New England has ended, and it is time to say goodbye to our new friends and head for home with some amazing memories.