Eastern USA & Canada Escape

Jump into this Eastern US & Canada holiday without wasting a second. After meeting up with the tour leader and tour group in the morning, travel from New York to Boston. Along the way, stop in Newport, Rhode Island, with some free time to explore and grab lunch. This beautiful seaside town has a rich history and today boasts a vibrant artistic atmosphere. Leaving Newport behind, travel through Connecticut to Boston. Enjoy an included welcome dinner tonight and get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader. Settle in for the evening and get some rest before another day of exploring tomorrow!

Visit Newport: Enjoy some free time for lunch in this lovely seaside town with its unique New England charm. This town 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.

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After breakfast, set off on a driving tour with your tour leader. See a few of Boston’s highlights, including Quincy Hall and the city’s oldest park. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. A good way to get around the city is by taking the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is very convenient and visits major sights including Beacon Hill, Boston’s most historic and affluent neighbourhoods and the 221 ft high Bunker Hill monument that commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolution. Alternatively, join the Boston and Harvard University optional excursion and discover one of the world’s most prestigious universities!

Driving tour of Boston: Hop on the coach for a driving tour with your tour leader showcasing Boston’s best-loved attractions. See top sights including Quincy Hall and the city’s oldest park.

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See ya Boston! Today this US holiday crosses the border into Canada. But first, visit Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. Drive through the White Mountain National Forest and admire the majestic scenery along the way. This natural gorge extends for 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, and the sheer walls narrow to 12 feet apart in places. The boardwalk which takes you deep into the gorge offers a priceless photo opportunity! Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch in the nearby town of Littleton. Next, cross into Canada and head straight for Quebec City, the country's only walled settlement. Check into the hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax or set out and explore the nightlife.

White Mountain National Forest drive: This scenic area hugs the striking White Mountains throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Drive through this beautiful region where Flume Gorge is located.

Explore Flume Gorge: Marvel at the natural beauty of the Flume Gorge, a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.

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Canadian holidays call for lots of exploration and that’s just what this full day in Quebec is for! This morning, head out on a walking tour with a local guide. Discover 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! The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. This beautiful city has plenty of cultural destinations and outdoor activities to enjoy. Head out of town to drink in the stunning landscapes. Alternatively, choose to join in on an optional day trip to Montmorency Falls, a spectacular waterfall on the Montmorency River!

Guided tour of Quebec City: The Canadian part of the tour kicks off with an exciting, locally guided walking tour that features Quebec City's best-loved sights including Chateau Frontenac, the Place Royale and the Citadel/Musée Royal 22è Régiment. 

Visit Old Quebec: Explore this historic part of the city that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Au revoir Quebec! The next stop on this Eastern US & Canada holiday is Ottawa, Canada's capital. On the way, stop in Old Montreal. This is a great time to try a local favourite; poutine! This is Canada’s national dish: french fries topped with cheese curd and gravy! Later, arrive in Ottawa, do a quick check-in at the hotel and then hop back on the coach for an orientation walking and driving tour, highlighting Parliament Hill and a few other top attractions. The tour concludes in ByWard Market. Snap a quick photo by the OTTAWA sign and grab something to eat, before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Experience Old Montreal: Visit Old Montreal, a charming, historic city dating back to the 17th century. Enjoy some free time to explore and grab lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to try poutine - Canada’s national dish!

Discover Ottawa on a walking and driving tour: Encounter Canada’s capital city today. Your tour leader will accompany the group on an orientation driving and walking tour showcasing Parliament Hill and more top attractions.

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After leaving Ottawa, the Canadian holiday continues towards Toronto. On the way, stop for a quintessential Canadian experience - a visit to a maple farm! Enjoy breakfast at a maple farm complete with pancakes, French toast and, of course, authentic maple syrup before touring the farm and museum. Later, arrive in Toronto where your tour leader will lead the group on a tour of the city centre. After checking into the hotel, the rest of the evening is free to explore Toronto at your own pace. For spectacular views of the city, why not take the optional excursion up to the CN Tower?

Eat breakfast at a Maple farm: Choose from delicious options like french toast, pancakes and maple sausages, with tea, coffee or a soft drink. Did you know Canada exports over 9.4 million litres of maple syrup per year? That's a whole lot of waffle topping! Enjoy a Maple syrup sampling and demonstration. If there is one thing Canada is famous for, it's maple syrup. Taste some and learn more about the sapping process while touring this local farm.

Toronto city centre tour: Arrive in Toronto and enjoy an orientation driving tour of the Toronto core with your tour leader. See top sights including City Hall and Yonge-Dundas Square.

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No Canadian vacation package is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls! Today, leave Toronto behind and travel away from the Great Lake Ontario to this famous natural landmark. Before reaching the falls, make a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a quaint town known for its wineries. Stop at a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines, including Ontario's renowned ice wine. Afterwards, visit Niagara's majestic Horseshoe Falls. To see more of this spectacular region, embark on an optional boat tour or an unforgettable helicopter ride! The evening is yours to explore. Seeing the falls at night is highly recommended!

Taste ice wine: Think you know all about wine? Wait until you try a dessert wine made from grapes that froze naturally on the vine. It's sweet, fiery and delicious! Visit a local winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake and sample some of their locally produced varietals.

Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake: Situated on the shores of Grand Lake Ontario, this small town is as charming as they come. Enjoy some free time to explore. 

Encounter the majestic Horseshoe Falls: This waterfall is one of the three bodies of water that collectively form Niagara Falls. Stop at Table Rock and snap some memorable pictures of this breathtaking natural sight.

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After breakfast, get ready to travel back to the United States. Arrive in Detroit in the afternoon. This urban and gritty American city is best known for muscle cars and Motown music. After the recession, Detroit began to reinvent itself. Head off on a guided driving tour to learn more about the rise, fall and renewal of this great city. The evening is free to explore at your own pace or to join an optional Detroit walking tour to see more of the city’s top attractions and learn more about its fascinating history.

Driving tour of Detroit: Learn about the rise, fall and renewal of this fascinating city on a driving tour upon arrival. Detroit fell on hard times during the recession but it's still as vibrant as ever and has seen a renewal in recent years. See restored buildings and learn more about renewal plans for the future.

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Today, the tour makes its way to Pittsburgh via Cleveland. Stop in Cleveland’s entertainment district and enjoy free time to grab lunch or visit the famous House of Blues. While here, try a Polish Boy. This sandwich features grilled kielbasa sausage on a bun with barbecue sauce, coleslaw and chips. American roadside cuisine at its best! During this free time, there is also the fantastic option of visiting the one and only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This is a must for music lovers. Later, arrive in Pittsburgh and take a ride on the 100-year-old Duquesne Incline. Reach the observation deck atop Mt. Washington and admire the views of the entire city and its three beautiful rivers.

Visit Cleveland, Ohio: This bustling metropolis is home to the stately Cleveland Museum of Art, the famous House of Blues and the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Enjoy free time in the entertainment district to explore, grab lunch or visit one of these exciting destinations.

Take a trip on the Duquesne Incline: This historic inclined plane railroad was built in the late-1800s and goes all the way up Mt. Washington. At the top, admire the views of the entire city and its three beautiful rivers.

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The next stop on this American adventure is Washington, D.C.! Home to important monuments, museums and many things to do, Washington, D.C. is a must-visit city on any America tour. Travelling east, reach the nation's capital and start exploring immediately. A visit to Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of JFK, is included in today’s itinerary. On the way to tonight’s accommodation, see some of Washington's most famous landmarks. Get a photo in front of the White House and pay your respects at the WW2 Memorial. Check into the hotel and look forward to a free evening.

See Arlington Cemetery: This famous landmark is America's way of honouring the soldiers who died defending their country. Here, see JFK's final resting place. John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States and one of its best-loved public figures.

Explore Washington, D.C.:  Discover some of Washington’s most iconic landmarks including sights like the White House, Washington Monument, the Pentagon and more! Enjoy guided tours and free time to explore this fascinating city.

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This morning begins with an orientation driving tour of the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums. The rest of the day is free to visit one of the museums or to further explore Washington. A visit to the National Museum of Natural History is highly recommended. The Old Town trolley takes visitors to all the major sights! Or, choose to join the optional Extended Washington D.C. Sightseeing Tour. This will uncover further highlights of the city as well as offer fascinating insight into the city’s important history. See the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials as well as the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and much more!

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Today is the last day of this Eastern USA and Canada tour but the adventure isn’t over yet! Wave goodbye to Washington and head to New York via Philadelphia. Enjoy some free time in the heart of downtown Philly. Here, grab some lunch on the go and explore on your own or join your tour leader for a walking tour. This tour will showcase top attractions including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin Grave, Betsy Ross House and more! In the afternoon, head to the Big Apple, where the tour concludes. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards!

Visit Philadelphia: Pennsylvania’s largest city is known for its rich history and was actually the birthplace of the United States. Enjoy some free time to explore downtown Philadelphia. From here, visit the Liberty Bell Centre or Independence Hall and enjoy a bite to eat. Or, join your tour leader for a walking tour to learn more about this exciting city.