Alaska & Canada including East Coast
A group of friends asked us to help develop an extensive itinerary that included Alaska, Western Canada, East Coast Canada and USA. The friends were all travelling onto Europe after the completion of the tour, so we based the flights on round world airfares. This was a very extensive itinerary and we wanted to ensure there was plenty of variety in transportation to help keep the tour interesting. The itinerary included travel by ferry, train, light plane, coach and rental vehicles. |
Seattle
Seattle is the largest city in Washington State. Seattle is encircled by water on every side with two massive mountain ranges, the Olympic range is to the east and Cascade to the west. The city is diverse and cosmopolitan with great restaurants, cafes and attractions such as the Seattle Art Museum, Experience Music Project and a charming waterfront area. Pike Place Market creates a colourful atmosphere with fresh fish, local produce and food booths. Interestingly Seattle is the birth place of such companies as Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing and Microsoft.
Victoria
Victoria is a delightful harbour side town. The nearby Butchart Gardens are the best known gardens in western Canada. Thousands of flowers are displayed in the Sunken, Rose, Japanese and Italian theme gardens. Other attractions include: Inner Harbour, Royal British Columbia Museum, historic Empress Hotel, Maritime Museum and Market Square, a restored 19th-century courtyard surrounded by a jumble of shops, restaurants, and offices on three floors.
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour
On the drive from downtown Victoria to the Butchart Gardens we pass by homes, gardens and points of historic interest. Stroll through gardens linked by spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds. Seasonal outdoor afternoon performances and the spectacular Sunken Garden highlight this tour.
BC Ferry
BC ferries operates a series of 37 vessels along the coastal waters of British Columbia. These vessels provide transportation for both passengers and vehicles. A variety of services are available on-board the ferry including cafes, gift shop and observation lounges.
Juneau
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska with a population of 30,000 people. The area became popular during the Gold Rush of 1880 and is attractively situated on the Gastineau Channel at the foot of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts. Attractions are the Mendenhall Glacier, Mt Roberts Tramway or day trip to Tracy Arm.
Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour
This 7-8 hour narrated tour takes you approximately 53 miles into the heart of Denali National Park. Denali National Park has a spectacular centerpiece, Mt McKinley or Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan), the highest mountain in North America. Clear views of this impressive mountain are seldom seen so it’s a special occasion when it comes out on display.
Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise
Climb aboard the Klondike Explorer for an unforgettable cruise to the most spectacular glaciers in Prince William Sound. Look forward to breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wildlife such as eagles, harbour seals, otters and bird rookeries. Take photos from the viewing decks as glaciers calve or you are welcome to relax in the comfort of the heated cabin.
Vancouver City Highlights
Experience Vancouver's charm as you take in Canada Place, Robson Street, Public Library, QE Theatre and GM Place, Chinatown and Gastown. Soak in the natural splendor of Stanley Park's Totem Poles and Prospect Point. Pass the West End high rises and the beaches of English Bay on your way to vibrant Granville Island with its public market, shops, restaurants and galleries. Visit The Lookout to take the glass elevator to see the 360° view.
Rocky Mountaineer, Rainforest to Gold Rush
Two day journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north, to the town of Prince George. Then travels east through the forests of Northern British Columbia and over the Yellowhead Pass into the resort town of Jasper and Jasper National Park.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience
Largest of all icefields in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield is guarded by 11 of the Rockies’ 22 highest peaks. We will also take an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca glacier to see its raw beauty.
Montreal
Montréal is Canada's second-largest city. It is a unique blend of French and English history, language and culture. Located in southwestern Quebec, Montréal is actually on an island in the St Lawrence River. Access from the south is by one of three bridges while traffic from the east and west arrives by a number of different highway systems. Surrounded by water, with a wide variety of architecture from the past and the present, Montréal is a very attractive and fun city.
Halifax
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and is situated on one of the world’s largest deep water ports. This historic city is dominated by the Citadel, a star shaped fortification built by the British Empire in the 1740’s.
Boston
The City of Boston is so compact and walk-able that you can see and do most everything you want on foot. Some attractions in Boston are the MIT Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, New England Aquarium and Arnold Arboretum.
Baddeck
Baddeck is considered to be the beginning and end of the world famous “CABOT TRAIL” and is situated in the heart of Cape Breton Island. Stretching along the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes, it is a village in full bloom from spring to autumn with a kaleidoscope of colours displayed in baskets, boxes and gardens along its downtown shopping core.
Charlottetown
Charlottetown, the Capital City of Prince Edward Island, is the perfect blend of urban excitement, country living and some of the cleanest air in Canada. Enjoy a stroll on National Historic Great George Street; sit amongst the trees on Victoria Row or shop on Queen Street.
Moncton
Moncton is located in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. The city has gained the nickname "Hub City" because of its central location and also because Moncton has historically been the railway and land transportation hub for the Maritime Provinces.
Port Hardy
With a population exceeding 5,000, this turn of the century fishing village is the largest community in the region. It is the bustling terminal for B.C. Ferries’ service to Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands, via the Inside and Discovery Coast Passage sailing routes.
Digby
Digby is a town where history and natural beauty come together. With museums, historic cemeteries, the beauty of the Annapolis Valley and the North Mountain Coastal Range, Digby lives up to its reputation as one of Canada’s most romantic towns.
Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada. Explore the large variety of architecturally designed buildings as you visit sights and attractions such as: famous Toronto Zoo, Yorkville Village, CN Tower, Skydome, Chinatown, Queen’s Quay, Toronto Harbour front or the many downtown parks.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural miracles of the North American continent. These voluminous waterfalls are situated on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario and forms the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York and forms the southern end of the Niagara Gorge.
New York
New York, “The Big Apple”, is one of the biggest, most diverse cities in America. Attractions are Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and Broadway.
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SeattleArrive into Seattle |
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2
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SeattleDay at leisure |
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3
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Seattle to Victoria15:15 Seattle to Victoria on Victoria Clipper Service Sail from downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour on the Victoria Clipper Fast Ferry. You will cruise through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the lovely Puget Sound during the course of this 3 hour journey. |
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Victoria - Butchart Gardens ExcursionVictoria City & Butchart Gardens Tour |
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VictoriaToday you can relax and explore this delightful harbourside town. |
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6
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Victoria to Port Hardy - Pacific Spirit TourThis morning you will be picked up at your hotel to start your full day tour up Vancouver Island to Port Hardy. Departing northbound on the Island Highway, your first stop will be at the Brentwood Bay Scenic pullout then then continue into Duncan to view the Totem Poles. Then through Chemainus, “The City of Murals,” and onto Coombs deli made famous for their goats that graze on the roof. After lunch (not included), you follow the scenic route along the shoreline through Qualicum Beach and then past Campbell River. A final stop at a unique historical location just before you arrive into Port Hardy this evening. |
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7
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Port Hardy to Prince RupertPort Hardy to Prince Rupert on BC Ferries |
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8
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Prince RupertDay at leisure |
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9
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Prince Rupert to WrangellSail from Prince Rupert to Wrangell on Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry MV Taku. |
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10
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Wrangell - Stikine River Wilderness TourStikine River Wilderness Tour |
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11
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Wrangell - AnAn Bear Sanctuary ExcursionTour AnAn Bear Sanctuary before boarding the AMHS to Juneau. |
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12
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Inside Passage to SkagwayOvernight in Skagway |
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13
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Skagway - White Pass & Yukon Railroad Excursion08:15 White Pass Summit Excursion, Skagway This historic route, built during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, is known as the ‘scenic railway of the world’. The train passes cascading waterfalls, historic sites and spectacular scenery. You will ride in comfortable restored and replica rail coaches pulled by vintage diesel locomotives. After your railway excursion, take some time to explore Skagway. Stampeders crowded this area, at the head of the Lynne Canal, during the summer of 1898 in search of Klondike gold. Stroll along wooden boardwalks, see colourful false fronted buildings built over 100 years ago. |
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14
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Skagway to Juneau11:25 Skagway to Juneau by light plane |
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15
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JuneauDay at leisure |
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16
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Juneau to FairbanksFly from Juneau to Fairbanks on Alaska Airlines |
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17
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Fairbanks - Riverboat ‘Discovery’ TourThe ‘Riverboat Discovery’ tour provides an interesting insight into various aspects of Alaskan rural life such as reindeer herding, dog sledding and fishing. The tour includes a visit to an Athabascan Native Village where you will learn about their traditional way of life. |
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Fairbanks to Denali on the Alaska RailroadMorning departure from Fairbanks to Denali National Park on Alaska Railroad. During the course of the journey the train winds its way through a series of spectacular canyons and green rolling hills. |
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Denali - Tundra Wilderness TourDenali Tundra Wilderness tour takes you into the heart of Denali National Park. |
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Denali to AnchorageBoard the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Anchorage. The award winning Alaska Railroad service features upstairs glass dome for viewing and dining car which serves reasonably priced meals. Local guides provide informative and interesting commentary. |
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21
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Anchorage - Prince William Sound ExcursionToday the Alaska Railroad takes you to Whittier. During the journey the train passes through North America’s longest tunnel (2.5 miles). Cruise Prince William Sound on the catamaran cruiser “Klondike” before your return rail journey to Anchorage. |
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22
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AnchorageDay at leisure. Anchorage, began as a tent city during the building of the Alaska Railroad in 1914. It is located in a valley at the base of the Chugach Mountains. The town has grown substantially since its inception, and has become Alaska’s largest city at a population of over 275,000 people. During the summer months, the streets are filled with shoppers and brightly coloured hanging flower baskets. Activities may include a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, Museum of Art, Earthquake Park, Lake Hood (float plane airport), Potter Marsh, flightseeing tours over the Alaska Mountain Range, or walk down to Ship Creek to see spawning salmon. |
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23
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Anchorage to VancouverFly Anchorage to Vancouver on Air Canada |
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24
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Vancouver - City TourVancouver City Highlights Tour |
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25
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VancouverVancouver is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular cities in the world. Skyscrapers rise from the downtown skyline and not far out of town is the vast British Columbia wilderness. Attractions include walks in Stanley Park, Chinatown, Robson Street, Gastown and the waterfront. |
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26
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Vancouver to WhistlerIn the morning join the Whistler & Shannon Falls Tour. This tour takes you up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. Following the contours of the mountains along the shores of Howe Sound; visit a Native Art Gallery, Flea Market and the historic Britannia Beach Copper Mine. Before the highway climbs into the Coast Mountains, stop at beautiful Shannon Falls. Arriving in the charming alpine village of Whistler, you will have plenty of time to walk the streets of this Winter Olympic Host Town. |
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27
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Whistler to Quesnel - Rocky MountaineerTravel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four-season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel. |
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28
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Quesnel to Jasper - Rocky MountaineerYour journey resumes eastward to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. |
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JasperJasper is situated deep in the Alberta Rockies, mountain peaks can be seen on the horizon in every direction. Local attractions are Maligne Lake, the Jasper Tramway and lovely alpine walks. |
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30
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Jasper to Banff - Icefields Parkway TourJasper to Banff on the Icefields Parkway and Glacier Experience. |
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31
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BanffBanff is the perfect base for exploring the snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and alpine meadows which can be found in Banff National Park. Nearby attractions include; Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, Banff Springs Hotel and Sunshine Meadows. For explorations further from town, there are several options for touring to Lake Louise or other nearby attractions. |
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Banff to CalgaryTransfer from Banff to Calgary by coach then fly to Montréal. |
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Montréal to VIA RailIn Montreal board VIA Rail's train 'The Ocean' |
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VIA Rail to HalifaxAfternoon arrival into Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. |
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36
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Halifax - Peggy’s Cove ExcursionCollect hire car and begin exploring the rugged east coast of Nova Scotia, and visit some of the most famous lighthouses in the world. Be sure to allow yourselves time to visit many of the little fishing villages tucked into the coves along this rugged coast. |
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37
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Halifax to BaddeckToday’s drive takes you north, through some more of rural Nova Scotia and onto beautiful Cape Breton Island. Often over looked, Cape Breton is a popular vacation spot for Canada’s Maritimes. The Bras d’Or Lakes are surrounded by small towns and cottages where relaxation is the main objective. |
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Baddeck - Cabot TrailDrive along one of North America’s most scenic roads, the Cabot Trail. Travelling through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this road takes you around the northern tip of the island. Driving from rugged sea shore up through lush forest to the tundra, and back again, every corner will give you a new spectacular view. |
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39
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Baddeck to CharlottetownToday you go island hopping, from Cape Breton, back to the mainland then across to Prince Edward Island. Shortly after you cross the Canso Causeway back to mainland Nova Scotia, you will turn east towards Pictou. Near Pictou you will board the Northumberland Ferry to Wood Islands on Prince Edward Island. Once on Prince Edward Island you will continue to the capital city of Charlottetown. |
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40
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Charlottetown - Prince Edward Island National ParkDriving out of Charlottetown you will make a loop along the north shore of Prince Edward Island. Along the way you can stop and visit the red sand beaches, the picturesque small towns, and the sights made famous by, “Anne of Green Gables.” |
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Charlottetown to MonctonToday you take the short-cut back to the mainland, Confederation Bridge. Be sure to stop at the information village, to hear the story and controversy surrounding the construction of the bridge. At the other end of the bridge you arrive in New Brunswick, and drive into the city of Moncton. |
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Moncton to FrederictonDrive to Fredericton today |
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Fredericton to BangorContinue to Bangor |
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BangorLocated on the Penobscot River the town of Bangor was first established as a forestry camp. It quickly grew as more tributary rivers were explored and the town developed into a ship building centre. Today, the city continues as an important commercial and cultural centre for the state. Bangor is centrally located in the state and is the gateway to the Maine Highlands. These heavily forested mountains provide some excellent recreational opportunities. Walking through the trees, or sitting on a quiet lake shore are some of the most popular. Cycling, canoeing and river rafting are also available in the mountains. |
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45
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Bangor to PortlandToday’s drive takes you along the scenic coast of Maine. Following the Ponobscot River you will pass small farms, towns and villages. It is generally accepted that this river was the first route explored by Europeans establishing the settlements that eventually became the state of Maine. As you follow the ocean toward the city of Portland, you will find the coast is full of hidden coves and small islands. |
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46
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Portland to Saint JohnTake your time and enjoy the drive to Saint John |
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47
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Saint John to DigbySaint John to Digby on Princess of Arcadia |
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48
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DigbyDay at leisure to relax or explore the towns and villages that make up Nova Scotia’s southern tip. |
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49
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Digby to HalifaxToday you have a lovely drive up the beautiful Annapolis Valley. This is Nova Scotia’s agricultural valley, with picturesque farms and villages along the way. |
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50
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HalifaxYou have one last day to experience the Maritimes. You can explore some more of the coastal roads and small fishing villages. You can visit more of the historic sites in and around the city, or simply relax in the peaceful surrounds of Point Pleasant Park. |
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51
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Halifax to TorontoReturn your hire car and fly to Toronto |
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Day
52
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TorontoDay at leisure |
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Day
54
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Toronto to Niagara FallsToronto to Niagara Falls on VIA Rail Corridor Service. Take a ride on the Maid of the Mist that travels on the Niagara River beneath Niagara Falls. |
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Day
55
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Niagara Falls to New YorkNiagara Falls to New York on Amtrak’s “Maple Leaf” train. Along the way, you'll travel through Hudson River Valley, New York's wine country and the incredible gorges of the Finger Lakes region. |
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Day
56
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New YorkDouble Decker Tour of New York. This flexible tour offers the best sights of Manhattan and Brooklyn with hop-on hop-off service at over 60 stops on its Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn and Night Loops. The ticket is valid for 48 hours. |
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Day
60
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New York to WashingtonNew York to Washington rail with Amtrak |
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61
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WashingtonExplore the national capital of the United States of America. Take your time exploring the many institutions that make America run, preserve its history, remember its heros, and celebrate its achievements. |
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Day
63
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Washington to BostonWashington to Boston on North East Regional train |
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Day
64
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BostonDay at leisure. The City of Boston is so compact and walkable that you can see and do most everything you want on foot. |
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66
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Depart BostonDepart Boston |
Tour Notes & Options
Prices based on twin share accommodation, please contact us for single pricing.
Extending Your Trip
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