Sightseeing:In New York City, Boston, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Washington DC; orientation tour in Philadelphia; scenic cruise along the St. Lawrence River, Maid of the Mist cruise, Amish farm & house, Arlington National Cemetery, Korean, Vietnam War Veterans & National WWII Memorials.
Scenic Highlights:Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church, Boston Common, scenic White Mountains, French-Canadian province of Québec, St. Lawrence River, Québec City (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle, once-walled Old Montréal, Seminary of St. Sulpice, Mount Royal, modern Montréal, Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, Rideau Falls, CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Appalachian Mountains, and Pennsylvania Dutch farm country.
Guides:
Local Guides for city sightseeing in New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, and Amish farm & house; services of a professional Tour Director; local host service in New York City where information is provided for independant exploration and dining.
NOTE:
- Enjoy the spectacular colors of New York, New England, Ontario, and Québec on our special fall foliage departures: September 2 to October 2 (if Mother Nature permits).
Day 1New York City
Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2New York City–Boston
This morning, on the included sightseeing tour with a local expert, visit Broadway, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, City Hall, Wall Street, and Trinity Church. This afternoon, head for Boston—the “Cradle of American Liberty.” Visit its historic landmarks, reflecting the important part it has played in the history of the United States.
Day 3Boston
On your morning guided tour of Boston, see Faneuil Hall, the Old North Church (where Paul Revere was signaled for the departure of British troops to Lexington), and Boston Common. This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. This evening, why not join your traveling companions for dinner at a popular downtown restaurant?
Day 4Boston–Québec City Area
Journey north through New Hampshire, passing the state’s capitol dome at Concord and on to the scenic White Mountains. Continue on to the Canadian border, where you’ll notice a sudden change in language and tradition as you enter the French-Canadian province of Québec. Overnight in historic Québec City, which was built on the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Day 5Québec City Area
This morning, join your fellow traveling companions on a unique optional excursion to the Érablière le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack. Visitors to the sugar cabin will enjoy a typical Québec breakfast, along with a guided visit and presentation to explain the process of maple extraction. Afterward, return to Québec City for a guided tour of Canada’s only walled city, crowned by the turrets of Château Frontenac. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France; today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls reside the Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle with grand vistas from its bastions, and ancient Place Royale. See the Old World houses crowding narrow streets in Lower Town and the historic Plains of Abraham, where General Wolfe stormed the slopes. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 6Québec City Area–Montréal
Today, drive to cosmopolitan Montréal, one of Canada’s largest cities. Home of Expo ‘67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics, this afternoon’s included sightseeing tour includes St. Joseph’s Oratory, the lookout atop Mount Royal, once-walled Old Montréal, Notre Dame Church, the Seminary of St. Sulpice, built by the first missionary settlers, and modern Montréal.
Day 7Montréal–Ottawa
Drive west to Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital. Your city sightseeing includes Parliament Hill with its gothic buildings, the Canadian Mint, the Rideau Canal, the hexagonal National Arts Centre, and stately residences and embassies. With a free afternoon, you might want to visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization, with panoramic views of Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River.
Day 8Ottawa–Kingston–Toronto
Trace the Rideau Canal south to the amazing St. Lawrence Islands National Park. Enjoy many wooded islands along the St. Lawrence River, sprinkled with beautifully simple to opulent summer homes on your included SCENIC CRUISE.
Day 9Toronto
Setting Toronto’s exciting architectural pace are City Hall; the downtown banking district; the SkyDome stadium; and stunning CN Tower, more than a third of a mile high. See all this and more on your morning city sightseeing tour. Then, spend the rest of the day exploring the city sights on your own, including Harbourfront, Ontario Place, and Chinatown.
Day 10Toronto–Niagara Falls
Travel south along the lakeshore and through the rich farmlands and vineyards of Ontario to Niagara Falls. Stop at Table Rock and hear the raging waters. Then, board the MAID OF THE MIST for amazing close-ups at the base of the falls.NOTE:Operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When weather is unfavorable, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted. Last day of operation for the 2013 season is October 24.
Day 11Niagara Falls–Lancaster
Leave Canada today and head southeast through the Appalachian Mountains and along a portion of the Susquehanna River into Pennsylvania Dutch farm country. Tonight, join the optional excursion and experience a traditional Amish dinner
Day 12Lancaster–Pennsylvania Dutch Country–Washington DC Area
This morning, stop at the AMISH FARM & HOUSE. A Local Guide explains the faith, culture, and way of life of these people for whom tradition forbids the use of electricity or telephones in the home. On to Washington DC for an afternoon arrival.
Day 13Washington DC Area
Your half-day guided tour features the Korean, Vietnam War Veterans, and National WWII Memorials, as well as many other well-known sights. You’ll also stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. Then, cross the Potomac River and see the graves of American heroes—including those of Robert, Ted, and John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis—in beautiful Arlington Cemetery. Your Tour Director will also suggest a number of independent activities that explore different facets of this splendid city.
Day 14Washington DC Area–Philadelphia–New York City
This morning, drive to Philadelphia, birthplace of the nation, where an orientation tour focuses on the historic significance of the city. Afterward, leave for New York City. Check into the Skyline Hotel for the next two nights.
Day 15New York City
The “Big Apple” beckons. New York has it all, from Broadway shows to museums, shopping, and great restaurants.
Day 16New York City
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided to Kennedy International, LaGuardia, or Newark Airports.
Transportation:Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
This Cosmos travel package does not include meals. Most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, so you can start the day the way you like best. At most lunch stops, your Tour Director will have information on local restaurants. Dinnertime is your chance to sample local cuisine. Sometimes your Tour Director will offer an optional dinner outing.