Eastern USA & Canada Escape

We jump into our Eastern US & Canada holiday without wasting a second. After meeting up in the morning, we immediately make our way from New York to Boston. Along the way we stop in Newport, Rhode Island, with some free time to explore and grab lunch. This beautiful seaside town has a rich history. It was founded in 1639 and became an important port in the colonial era. Since then it has transformed into a bustling artists' community and popular holiday destination. It is also home to the US Naval War College. Leaving Newport behind, we'll cruise through Connecticut to Boston. After settling in at our hotel, your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on a driving tour. We'll see a few of Boston’s highlights, including Quincy Hall and the city’s oldest park. Tonight during your welcome dinner, remember to introduce yourself to anyone in the group you haven't met!

Boston is such an interesting city that we are giving you a full day to explore on your own. Make the most of your first free day on your Eastern US holiday and get a good eyeful of this stunning destination. Your Expat Explore tour leader can recommend optional outings that include a trolley tour and dinner cruise. Of you could opt for a Salem Witch day trip to get a dose of culture. Alternatively, follow your nose and explore Boston at your own pace.

See ya Boston! Today our US holiday crosses over the border into Canada. But first, we drive through White Mountain National Forest to stop at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire. We take the aerial tramway to the top to enjoy views as far as Maine, Vermont and New York. This is a priceless photo opportunity! Next, we cross into Canada and head straight for Quebec City, the country's only walled settlement. Once we've freshened up at the hotel, we hit the road on a walking tour. This takes us along many historical places including Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not to mention Chateau Frontenac, the Place Royale and the Citadel/Musée Royal 22è Régiment. You have some free time to explore by yourself before enjoying dinner as a group at the hotel.

Canada holidays call for lots of exploration, so we're giving you a full day to discover Quebec. This beautiful city has plenty of cultural destinations and outdoor activities to enjoy. You could even head out of town to drink in the stunning landscapes. Speak to your Expat Explore tour leader about optional activities. You could for instance join in on a day trip to Île d'Orléans and Montmorency Falls. Or simply see the sights by yourself - the choice is yours!

Au revoir Quebec! The next stop on our Eastern US & Canada holiday is Ottawa, Canada's capital. On the way we'll stop off in Old Montreal. This is a great time to try a local favourite. We recommend poutine - French fries topped with cheese curd and gravy (it's much better than it sounds!). When we arrive in Ottawa, we check into the hotel and set out on a walking tour. Your guide will show you Parliament Hill and a few other highlights.

After leaving Ottawa, our Canada holiday continues as we make our way to Toronto. On the way we stop for a maple syrup demonstration and tasting. Did you know Canada exports 9.4 million+ litres of maple syrup per year? That a whole lot of waffle topping! When we arrive in Toronto, your Expat Explore tour leader will lead you on a tour of the city centre. Once you have your bearings, you can take the entire evening to explore at your own pace.

No Canadian vacation package is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. Today we leave Toronto behind and travel away from the Great Lake Ontario to this famous landmark. On the way we stop over in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a quaint little town where we try Ontario's renowned ice wine. Afterwards, we visit Niagara's majestic Horseshoe Falls and then head to our hotel. The evening is yours to explore. You can join in on an optional falls boat tour or make your own way. There is a lot to do - see the falls at night, stroll along Clifton Hill or visit a casino. It's up to you!

Today our Eastern US & Canada holiday takes us back to the United States. We leave Canada and make our way to Detroit. This cool, gritty American city is best known for muscle cars and Motown music. Detroit took a hit in the recession, but is now starting to reinvent itself. We go on a guided driving/walking tour and learn more about the rise & fall of this great city, before enjoying an included dinner.

Today we make our way to Pittsburgh via Cleveland. During our comfort stop in Cleveland, try a Polish Boy. This iconic sandwich features grilled kielbasa sausage on a bun with barbecue sauce, coleslaw and chips. American roadside cuisine at its best! When we arrive in Pittsburgh, we'll take a ride on the 100-year-old Duquesne Incline. Once we reach the observation deck atop Mt. Washington you'll be able to see the entire city and its three beautiful rivers. This evening you are free to explore the city’s nightlife with the group or on your own.

The next stop on our US holiday is Washington DC. Travelling east, we reach the nation's capital and start exploring immediately. We visit Arlington Cemetery and the resting place of JFK. Once everyone freshened up at the hotel we set out again. The Expat Explore coach will take you on the Illumination Tour - a nighttime outing that shows Washington's most famous landmarks all lit up. This includes sights like the White House, Washington Monument, the Pentagon & more! After our tour, we enjoy an included dinner together.

Today you have the whole day to explore Washington. Make your own way or chat to your Expat Explore tour leader about joining our optional outings. We could arrange a ticket to the Old Town trolley that takes visitors to all the major sights. Or you can go all out and purchase the Washington DC Explorer Pass. This value-added ticket gives you access to the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour. Along the way you'll see the International Spy Museum, Madame Tussauds DC, the Capital Wheel and more! The Pass also includes bike and kayak rental if you feel like working up a sweat. This evening you could also join in on an optional dinner cruise on the Potomac River. See the main DC sights from a brand new perspective and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also on-board games and live entertainment.

Today is the last day of your Eastern US holiday, and we've saved the best for last. We wave Washington goodbye and make our way to New York via Philadelphia. We make a comfort stop at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre in the heart of downtown Philly. Here you can grab some lunch on the go and walk to the Liberty Bell Centre or Independence Hall. We then head to the Big Apple, where your tour concludes.