Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes

11 night tour - Starting in Halifax, Novo Scotia - ending in Halifax, Novo Scotia.

A Premium Escorted Tour with Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations Premium Escorted journeys are carefully planned with over 35 years experience, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, deluxe hotels, business class legroom and complimentary WiFi and water onboard luxury motorcoaches.

Recharge on this seaside escape, with striking ocean vistas, colourful harbours and intriguing insights into the history of Canada's Eastern Maritime Provinces.

This magical maritime journey takes its inspiration from the sea. Starting in Saint John, it sets a mild and comfortable pace with scenery filled days, two relaxing two-night stays (Charlottetown and Halifax) and a relaxing ferry ride to Prince Edward Island.

 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: Halifax, the quintessential Maritime Destination

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. Welcome to the Canadian Maritimes and the historic coastal city of Halifax. On arrival, your airport transfer takes you to your tour hotel. At 6.00pm, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to mingle over drinks and a light meal.

Hotel: The Prince George

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Day 2: Historic Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove

Today, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg to experience one of the best surviving examples of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America. Embark on two Signature Experiences today. First, a Local Expert to learn about the rich history of the area and the significance to shipbuilding. Learn about the Bluenose, a legendary racer that was once a fishing schooner. At the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, learn tales of the sea and about the fishing industry and its impact on this region's people and economy from a retired fisherman. Help with the launching of a schooner model and feel the thrill of watching a vessel slide down the ways. On return to Halifax, stop in picturesque Peggy's Cove. Situated on the rocky cliffs of St. Margaret's Bay, it is a local favourite for artists and photographers. Return to Halifax late this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Hotel: The Prince George

Full Breakfast

Day 3: Sightseeing and Relaxation in Halifax

Begin the day at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Your on-site docent will engage you in key historical events that occurred in Halifax, including the Halifax Explosion and the Titanic. Next, join your Local Expert for an exploration of this cosmopolitan, eclectic port city. Travel to the local cemetery, where many of the Titanic victims were laid to rest before a visit to the beautiful Victorian-era inspired Halifax Public Gardens and the bustling harbourfront. Your city tour ends at the massive Halifax Citadel, formerly one of the principal naval bases of the British Empire. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to pursue your own interests until dinner time. At night, dine out in one of Halifax's best restaurants and experience local cuisine.

Hotel: The Prince George

Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 4: Halifax, Cape Breton Island and Blooming Baddeck

Embark on a journey to stunning Cape Breton Island. En route, enjoy a visit to the Glooscap Heritage Centre to learn about the Mi'kmaq heritage and Glooscap legends. Learn some words from the Mi'kmaq language and view intricate bead and quill artefacts. Continue your journey on the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island, home to friendly people, gaelic traditions and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival in Baddeck, enjoy a boat cruise on Bras d'Or Lake, Canada's only inland sea. Observe the majestic Bald Eagles as they circle the boat, see the grounds of Alexander Graham Bell's Beinn Bhreagh mansion and the beautiful shoreline. In the evening, experience Cape Breton-style home cooking at your hotel.

Hotel: Auberge Gisele's Inn

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: The Cabot Trail

Get a taste of natural beauty at its peak as you travel along breathtaking Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail, one of the world's most renowned scenic drives, carved into the edge of highlands that slope down to the sea. Keep an eye out for black bear, moose and bald eagle as you travel past the majestic cliffs and canyons of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and search for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Immerse yourself in a unique experience at the Gaelic College, devoted to the study and preservation of the Gaelic language and Celtic arts and culture. Your Local Expert will teach you about the fabric milling tradition and demonstrate kilt making. You will also have an opportunity to learn some Gaelic through song. Enjoy lunch in the scenic village of Cheticamp. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Cape Breton show – a Celtic Evening of Smiles. Engage in traditional music and song while soaking up local Cape Breton hospitality.

Hotel: Auberge Gisele's Inn

Full Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Baddeck, the Wood Islands Ferry and Charlottetown

This morning, embark on a unique ‘white glove' visit at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Go behind the scenes to touch the depths of the private life of one of the most influential figures in human history. Hold Bell's favourite walking stick and notebook and pick up model kites and airplanes, items used to create Canada's first airplane, the Silver Dart. Travel alongside the scenic Nova Scotia countryside, spot little farms, glittering stretches of blue water and rocky headlands before arriving at the lovely harbour of Pictou. Cross the Northumberland Strait to magical Prince Edward Island and arrive in quaint Charlottetown. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your travelling companions.

Hotel: Delta Prince Edward

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Charlottetown Sightseeing

Set out on a guided tour of Prince Edward Island today with a Local Expert. Begin your exploration at Prince Edward Island National Park with its sand dunes festooned with gently waving beach grass and striking red sandstone cliffs. Visit Province House, Prince Edward Island's provincial legislature meeting place since 1847 and a National Historic Site. In Cavendish, meet a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to Green Gables House, its museums and sites. This is the fabled house that provided inspiration for L.M. Montgomery's beloved children's classic, Anne of Green Gables. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit the College of Piping, where Celtic culture comes alive. The college has a world-class reputation as an international school of excellence in Highland bagpiping. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Perhaps attend a presentation of the acclaimed musical ‘Anne of Green Gables' (performance subject to scheduling; an alternative show will be offered when the former is unavailable).

Hotel: Delta Prince Edward

Full Breakfast

Day 8: A Full Day At Leisure in Charlottetown

Today the entire day is yours to relax and appreciate the delightful city that is Charlottetown.  Take some time to walk through Victoria Park and along its beautiful waterfront boardwalk; explore historic downtown further walking along pedestrian Victoria Row; head for Peake's Quay at the Charlottetown waterfront; or visit The Celebration Zone, with performances showcasing Canadian and local artists, a culinary zone that offers a taste of the area, daily food demonstrations, food tastings and an arts and heritage zone with hands-on demonstrations.

Hotel: Delta Prince Edward

Full Breakfast

Day 9: The 'Loyalist City' of Saint John

Drive across the modern Confederation Bridge to Shediac where an unforgettable culinary experience awaits, as you cruise the waters of Shediac Bay aboard a lobster boat. Gain insight into the fascinating world of these sea creatures, while feasting on lobster, served up with your favourite beverage. After lunch, head for the Hopewell Rocks. The Bay of Fundy is home to the world's highest and wildest tides. Depending on when you visit, the Hopewell Rocks can be stories high or nearly swallowed by the sea. Arrive in Saint John this evening in time for your included dinner at your hotel.

Hotel: Hilton Saint John

Full Breakfast, Highlight Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Saint John to Digby

After the American Revolution, Saint John welcomed some 14,000 American British supporters and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1785, making it Canada's first incorporated city. Explore its vibrant past this morning with a tour through the charming streets of the beautiful waterfront uptown. Then board your ferry bound for the opposite side of the Bay of Fundy and Saint John's sister community of Digby, Nova Scotia. Digby is famous for its fishing fleet and the delicious scallops harvested from its waters. This evening, enjoy a ‘Scallop 101' experience - a culinary demonstration of Canadian haute cuisine, featuring the highly prized local seafood.

Hotel: Digby Pines Resort

Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 11: Delightful Digby and Annapolis Royal

Begin your day with a short journey to the small town of Annapolis Royal, rich with Acadian Culture. This historic community nestled in the Annapolis Valley, originally inhabited by a strong Mi'kmaq community, started in 1605 as a home to some of North America's earliest European settlers. This afternoon, enjoy a whale watching excursion on the Bay of Fundy. This cruise provides you with important information and sightings of endangered or rare species of whales like the Humpback, Finback and Right Whales, and other species of Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and seabirds. Return to your hotel and enjoy a Celebration Dinner to commemorate your adventure with newfound friends.

Hotel: Digby Pines Resort

Full Breakfast, Celebration Dinner

Day 12: Au Revoir Halifax or extend your stay 

After breakfast, transfer to Halifax Airport where your tour draws to a close. Please do not schedule flights before 3.00 pm. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Full Breakfast

Your Insight Vacations Tour Highlights

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Lunenburg: Meet a local historian and learn about the rich shipbuilding history of the area.
Lunenburg: At the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, meet a retired fisherman who will regale you with tales of the sea and the fishing industry.
Halifax: Wander the Citadel's corridors and learn about the fortress' history and Halifax's involvement in major wars.
Truro: Discover Mi'kmaq heritage and Glooscap legends, gaze upon the giant statue of Glooscap and meet aboriginal interpreters for a guided tour of the stunning displays.
Cape Breton: With a Local Expert, learn about the art of kilt making.
Cape Breton: Attend the Celtic Evening of Smiles, a traditional show of music and song.
Baddeck: Partake in a unique 'white glove' visit at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic site where you'll have the opportunity to hold some of Bell's most treasured items in your very own hands.
Charlottetown: Turn back the pages of history - visit Province House and enjoy a walking tour of the town.
Cavendish: Explore the National Park and visit the Green Gables farm house that inspired the beloved children's classic Anne of Green Gables.
Digby: Meet Chef Dale Nichols for a culinary demonstration par excellence featuring Digby's famous scallops.
Bay of Fundy: Embark on a whale watching cruise to potentially spot rare species of whale and learn about these majestic sea mammals.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

Prince Edward Island: Cross one of the longest bridges in the world, the 9-mile-long Confederation Bridge.
Take a ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia.
Pictou: Visit the town where the first wave of Scottish immigrants landed in 1773.
See the replica of the ship Hector on Pictou's historic waterfront.
Halifax: Discover its highlights on a morning sightseeing tour; Visit the picturesque village of Peggy's Cove.
Scenic Drives: The Cabot Trail.

SIGNATURE DINING

Halifax: Enjoy a special Highlight Dinner at one of the city's best local restaurants.
Digby: Enjoy an end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine.
Shediac Bay: Enjoy a fisherman's feast, washed down with a cold beverage, as you cruise the waters of the bay, taking in the scenery and warm Acadian hospitality.
1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 11 Full Breakfasts (FB), 1 Highlight Lunch (HL), 1 Lunch (L), 2 Highlight Dinners (HD),3 three-course table d'hote dinners (D) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)

HIGHLIGHT HOTELS AND LOCATIONS

The Prince George: Offers luxury and Four Diamond service in the heart of Halifax.
Auberge Gisele's Inn: Here, European charm and elegance meets Cape Breton's warm hospitality.
Delta Prince Edward: This hotel is Charlottetown's only waterfront hotel, just steps away from charming stores and restaurants.
Hilton Saint John: Offers a prime location on the harbourfront of New Brunswick's biggest city.
Digby Pines Resort and Spa: Overlooking the Bay of Fundy, this hotel is the perfect location for exciting activities or the utmost in relaxation.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED FIVE STAR SERVICES

An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour.
A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery right to your door. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
Included airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 12.
 

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Insight tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private executive saloon car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Insight you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Insight standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

         
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Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Insight Vactions before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £82.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Insight Vactions. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.