You are here

Beauty and the Beast: A Fairytale Excursion Across the East Coast of Canada and the USA

8th August 2018

Cast yourself as the protagonist in a modern fairy tale with APT’s enchanting 25-day Eastern Canada & USA with New England voyage, which stretches across land and sea.

Cruise along Canada’s Eastern seaboard and experience the beauty and magic of some of the country’s oldest boulevards. Step out of the everyday and land in a whole new world of culinary and cultural delights in Old Montréal. Indulge in the pastoral elegance of the 1000 Islands and waterways of Ontario, take in the impressive modern architecture in the city’s capital of Toronto, and be mesmerized by the sublime natural beauty of Niagara Falls. Take a walk through the pages of American history in the handsome cities of Washington, DC and Philadelphia, complete with a visit to the White House.

Washington_GettyImages-802164010.jpg

Washington
US Capitol Building in Washington

Your story continues in New York City – a glitter bomb of excitement for all your senses! It all ends happily ever after with a 7-day cruise along the charming Maritime coast of Canada. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to author your own story with our sightseeing options, and get your beauty sleep at some of the most picturesque hotels in the world.

Montréal and Quebéc: Experience French Beauty

Your journey begins in Montréal, a city famous for its rich French history and romantic architecture. As you set foot onto the cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés and glittering storefronts, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped onto a living Vincent Van Gogh canvas. The area was originally settled as a fur-trading post in 1605, and the modern city has retained its quaint European style and old-world charm. Sample scrumptious French fare at some of the finest restaurants in the heart of the city, and wander through the impressive Notre Dame Basilica that will take your breath away with its mystical stained glass and gothic architecture. End your journey in Montréal sweetly with samples of freshly made maple syrup from a local sugar shack.

Notre-Dame_GettyImages-826792126.jpg

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Next, venture on to Quebéc City, and prepare to be wooed by its quiet charm. Imbibe the aroma of fresh baked baguette and ocean breezes, stroll along historic Rue du Petit-Champlain, and visit North America’s oldest stone church, erected in 1688. Choose to swept away on a horse-drawn carriage ride, where church steeples tickle the skyline and colorful awnings shade the cobblestone streets, nosh on a delicious assortment of French cuisine during a culinary tour, or take to the water and cruise the St. Lawrence river.

Quebec_GettyImages-512732710.jpg

Quebec
Shopping at Quartier Petit Champlain Quebec City

Castles in the Sky: Canada’s Beautiful East Coast Cities

Your Canadian adventure continues with a visit to two of the most impressive cities in North America: Ottawa and Toronto. Your castle awaits in Canada’s capital at the Fairmont Château Laurier, located adjacent to the splendid Parliament Buildings. Choose to tour the area via bicycle, or get a bird’s eye view from the open cockpit of a biplane. Next, explore the waterways of the 1000 Islands and meander via boat through a milieu of lighthouses, castles, sailboats, estates, and cottages perched impossibly on tufts of lush, green turf. Then trade your sea legs in and travel by coach to Toronto. Tour the city with a must-see stop at the impressive CN Tower, the tallest free standing structure in the western hemisphere.

Fairmont_GettyImages-87570230.jpg

Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa
Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa

A Whole New World: Niagara Falls and the USA

Turn the page, and experience the next chapter of your quest: Niagara Falls. Enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the falls, and wave your magic wand to make the cascading, gown-like waters change color at the interactive Illumination Tower. Experience a contrast to the bright lights of Niagara Falls and enjoy the simple life with a visit through Lancaster and the Pennsylvania Amish country. Then adventure on to the formidable Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, where you’ll visit several iconic monuments including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial, the Liberty Bell, and various war memorials honoring soldiers who fought gallantly for the nation’s freedom. 

Niagra-Falls_GettyImages-530611401.jpg

Niagra Falls
Niagara Falls at sunset

New York: The Beautiful Beast

Your journey continues in a crescendo of dazzling sensation for your eyes, ears, and palate. Arrive in the roaring beast of New York City, and discover what keeps the city that never sleeps up at night. Dive into the kaleidoscope of light and sound in Times Square, catch a comedy show at Rockefeller Center, dance in your seat at a Broadway production, tour the infamous Wall Street, saunter through iconic City Park, and shop ‘til you drop on 5th Avenue. Choose to visit the 9/11 memorial, say hello to the Statue of Liberty, or travel to the top of the world at the Empire State Building. Whatever you choose to do, New York will most certainly satisfy your lust for adventure and provide a plethora of exciting tales to share! After dusting off the New York glitter, visit The Breakers, a Newport Mansion inspired by an Italian castle that was once used by a well-to-do American socialite as a summer home in the 1800s that today is worth over $100 million!

Times-Square_GettyImages-860908256.jpg

Times Square in New York City
Times Square in New York City

All Aboard: Boston, Maine and the Maritimes

Step aboard the lavish and spacious cabin of the Holland America MS Zaandam for a 7-night cruise. Like a pirate on a quest for gold, you will collect unforgettable experiences and have the opportunity to visit many national treasures along the New England and Maritime coast. The ship makes stops at Bar Harbor, home to Acadia National Park. You will then head back into Canadian waters and visit Halifax, the bustling coastal capital of Nova Scotia that boasts Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, the laid-back Celtic community of Sydney, and Charlottetown, where Ann of Green Gables penned her adventures.

ms-zaandam2.jpeg

Each day onboard the ms Zaandam offers world-class dining, entertainment and acitivites
Each day onboard the ms Zaandam offers world-class dining, entertainment and acitivities

Happily Ever After

Your journey ends back in Québec City, where you are free to explore as you wish and create a happily ever after for your voyage. This action-packed and scrumptiously romantic, 25 day getaway will go by faster than you can say “bibbity bobbity boo”! After all you’ve seen and done, you’ll be left feeling as if you’ve just awoke from a dream, and will likely crave to partake in a sequel to your adventure.

Let the story begin! Discover more about this enchanting APT journey here.

To experience this or another of APT's fascinating tours, talk to a Travel Associates advisor today.