Discover the splendors of the Canada/New England coast as you cruise aboard the ms Maasdam from Boston to Montreal. You will travel aboard VIA Rail’s many trains including the Eastern Corridor and the Canadian where you will view the Rocky Mountain vistas that can only be seen by train. On board the Canadian, you will be accommodated in a private bedroom with bathroom. No other mode of transportation allows you to view the very essence of Canada so close, or as comfortably as you travel on this unique transcontinental journey from the East Coast to the Pacific Ocean, passing through cities & towns along the way.
In Vancouver, you will board the ms Zuiderdam for a cruise to Alaska. There's only one way to truly experience the rugged expanse of Alaska's coastline. A cruise will take you where roads and rails can't. Experience days of unforgettable whale sightings and calving glaciers. Experience all that Alaska offers. This tour is an excellent choice for visitors looking for the complete Canada and Alaska experience.
Tour Highlights:
- Holland America Canada/New England 7 night cruise aboard the ms Maasdam between Boston & Montreal.
- Holland America Alaska 7 Night cruise aboard the ms Zuiderdam round-trip from Vancouver.
- VIA Rail's Eastern Corridor service in VIA 1 Class.
- Travel aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in a private bedroom in Silver & Blue Class.
- Montreal Guided Tram Tour.
- Toronto City Tour.
- Vancouver City Tour with visit to the Lookout Tower, providing you with a bird’s-eye view of Vancouver.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - Depart Boston aboard Holland America's ms Maasdam. This afternoon, you will board the luxurious ms Maasdam for a Canada and New England cruise experience that will be as enchanting and elegant as the destinations themselves are varied and thrilling. With an exciting cruise itinerary you will visit five ports, including Quebec, and enjoy plenty of scenic cruising as you explore the coasts of New England and Canada. Indulge on local lobster and clam chowder while learning about the rich culture of the Northeast, as deep blue waters take you from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Montreal.
Soaring three-deck-high atrium featuring a monumental glass sculpture by Luciano Vistosi of Italy is just one of the magnificent elements waiting for you onboard ms Maasdam. In the tiered grand Rotterdam Dining Room guests overlook an antique marble fountain from Argentina, and beyond - the sea. Grandly proportioned, ms Maasdam is among the most spacious cruise ships at sea. Designed to provide more space for fewer guests than other ships in her class, ms Maasdam ensures you a more comfortable and intimate onboard experience.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 2 - Bar Harbour, Maine. On this gorgeous island you can have the quintessential New England tourist experience with a walk on the beach followed by a dinner of fresh lobster and homemade ice cream. Or explore the fir-lined, glacier-carved beauty of Acadia National Park and understand at once why this place was originally called Eden. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Acadia National Park & Carriage Ride Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond House with Lunch.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 3 - Halifax, Nova Scotia. This thriving, picturesque city is one of the great North American seaports. Watch the changing of the guard at a citadel built by the British to fend off an attack from the fledgling US. Visit a first-rate maritime museum which includes an exhibit on the Titanic. Or hike to the lighthouse and unbeatable ocean views in car-free Point Pleasant Park. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Peggy's Cove Lighthouse & Lobster Lunch Soldier for a Day Interactive Tour.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 4 - Sydney, Nova Scotia. Adventure awaits on Cape Breton Island, once a refuge for British loyalists. Wander the narrow lanes of the old French village of Louisbourg. Explore the hands-on exhibits at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Or beeline to hiking, biking and kayaking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, perched on a craggy plateau above the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): A Guided Walk in Old Sydney Town Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 5 - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Street actors reenact the events leading to the creation of the Canadian confederacy, which was born in this charming town. You can cast your vote for seafood, shopping or a walk through Victorian streets. If you love 'Anne of Green Gables', the picturesque farm that inspired the tale is nearby. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables Biking the Confederation Trail.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 6 - Saguenay Fjord, Scenic Cruising. Thread 62 miles of spectacular Precambrian cliffs that jut dramatically from a dark mix of freshwater and sea that is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including small, white beluga whales. Quebec City marks the start of Saguenay Fjord. This 200-mile natural canal brings saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean inland and creates a beautiful environment for waterfront living for the communities of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 7 - Quebec City, Quebec. The only walled city north of Mexico, whose entire, marvelous Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feast on wild game, delight in boutiques and stroll cobblestones to high tea at the monumental Chateau Frontenac. The Musée d'Art Inuit Brousseau houses masterful carvings by Native Canadians. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): St. Lawrence Grand Tour with Lunch Quebec City Walking Tour with Tea at the Chateau Frontenac.
Moderate: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class).
Day 8 - Arrive Montreal / Guided Montreal Tram Tour. This morning you will arrive in Montreal will you disembark the ms Maasdam and transfer by private sedan to your hotel. At the hotel, you will store your luggage with the bell desk and depart on a 3 hour morning city tour while you wait for your hotel check-in time.
Greater Montreal Tram Tour:
Experience the best of Montreal on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing tour. A complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest, including a stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory (photo stop), residential and financial districts, Old Montreal (photo stop), Latin Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site (photo stop), McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with an uninterrupted commentary by a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual guide.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville;
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont room;
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont Gold room.
Day 9 - VIA Rail - Montreal to Toronto. This morning you will transfer (on own) from your hotel to the VIA Rail station. Upon arrival at the train station, go straight to the Panorama lounge which is reserved for VIA 1 passengers. You'll be able to unwind as you wait for departure. The day's newspapers, coffee and juice will be yours to enjoy, free of charge. You will depart Montreal and travel to downtown Toronto, Canada's largest and most vibrant city. Travel in total comfort and ease and forget the hassles of driving. You will travel in VIA 1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA 1 lounge in the service-car. Upon arrival in Toronto transfer (on own) to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to start exploring this world class destination.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto;
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room;
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold room.
Day 10 - Toronto City Tour. Today you will embark on a 2 hour guided tour of the city. Discover the sights of Canada's largest and most diverse city. Your fully commentated tour highlights include the Eaton Centre, Chinatown, CN Tower, and Old and New City Halls with the opportunity for pictures along the way. Remainder of the day is at leisure or takes an optional tour to Niagara Falls.
Optional Tour:
Niagara by Night Tour - No trip to Ontario is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls and the famous Horseshoe Falls! This afternoon you will depart on a 9 hour tour and experience the breathtaking footage of the mighty Niagara Falls. You then arrive at the Maid of the Mist for a truly amazing boat ride to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Don't be fooled into thinking that the Falls are the only highlight. This city has a plethora of activities and you will sample a few on today's day trip. From the majestic Falls to the quaint and charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake you will enjoy an educational and entertaining day. After your tour, you will enjoy dinner at Niagara Falls, with a magnificent view of the falls illuminated at night, before returning to Toronto.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto;
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room;
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold room.
Day 11, 12 & 13 - VIA Rail - Toronto to Vancouver. In the early morning you will transfer (on own) to the train station to begin your train adventure across Canada. In the morning VIA Rail's Canadian train rolls out of the Toronto station. Your journey will take 3 nights as you cross the lake country and prairies of central Canada and pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, and see the glaciers, mountain peaks and lush forests of western Canada. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the “Silver & Blue Lounge” or Dome car.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom;
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom;
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom.
Day 14 - Vancouver City Tour. In the early morning the train will arrive in Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel. At the hotel, you will store your luggage with the bell desk and depart on a 4 hour morning city tour while you wait for your hotel check-in time. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. A visit to the Lookout Tower is included, providing you with a bird’s-eye view of Vancouver.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast);
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room;
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold room.
Day 15 - Vancouver Exploring / Depart Vancouver aboard Holland America's ms Zuiderdam. You have the morning at leisure to explore Vancouver. Take a water taxi to the market on Granville Island get your designer duds on Robson Street get your culture fix in Chinatown and get splashed by a beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium. And when you're all done, get sand in your shoes at English Bay before you head back uptown for fusion cooking at the vibrant restaurant scene of Gastown. This afternoon, you will set sail for new adventures on board the exciting ms Zuiderdam. The ms Zuiderdam dazzles guests with more of everything they desire on a cruise ship: more staterooms with verandahs for private dining, sunning and relaxing more dining choices from fancy dress-up dinners to casual pool-side dining more ways to be pampered in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon. This spectacular cruise ship delights guests with an unforgettable onboard experiences.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 16 - Scenic Cruising Inside Passage. Today is at sea. Journey deep into one of nature's most isolated monuments accessible only by sea and air and encounter the magnificence of the Ice Age as you slowly glide through the Inside Passage. Expect the unexpected on your Alaska cruise - a massive glacier calves, a bald eagle soars above, a humpback whale clears the water and the night sky awakens to waves of color. With guaranteed views of sky-splitting peaks, glaciers and vast wilderness.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 17 - Tracy Arm & Juneau, Alaska. In the morning you will cruise through this narrow, 26-mile long fjord is another of Alaska's most dramatic glacier settings. Stand on deck as the lush forest recedes and you enter a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 7,000 foot mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age - the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The face of the South Sawyer Glacier stretches one-third of a mile and calves icebergs big and small. Harbour seals dot the floating platforms. Kittiwakes and mountain goats are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place where closeness and intimacy make visitors a part of the scene.
In the afternoon, arrive Juneau. For years Juneau's livelihood, like that of many cities in Alaska, was tied to mining. The city itself is built on tailings from the A-J mine whose shafts perforate the hillside above town. Because it is Alaska's capital, Juneau prospers through government work and tourism. This is a great place to sample salmon baked over an alderwood fire, pan for gold, and hike the massive Juneau Icefield. If you feel the need for speed, hop on a sled and let a dog team pull you across the surface of a glacier. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Alaska-style Salmon Bake, Glacier View Sea Kayaking, Gold Panning at Gold Creek.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 18 - Skagway, Alaska. The sidewalks are all but rolled up in Skagway come winter, so you can only imagine the frightful conditions endured by the gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, with a mandatory ton of supplies to be hauled with them over the steep and treacherous Trail of '98. 21st-century summertime visits to Skagway require nothing of the sort, but you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): White Pass Summit Scenic Railway, Biking, rock- climbing and flightseeing adventures.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 19 - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising. Cloistered in the rocky recesses of Alaska, Glacier Bay is a world still emerging from the Ice Age. Sixteen dazzling tidewater glaciers creep back and forth by millimeters, chiseling great masses of moraine onto their pristine surfaces.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 20 - Ketchican, Alaska. In the heart of the Tongass National Forest, immerse yourself in Tlingit Indian culture and view the world's largest collection of totem poles kayak the colorful waterfront and stroll the boardwalk that once led to Ketchikan's red light district. Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Adventure Kart & Jet Boat Expedition, Misty Fjords by Floatplane, snorkeling adventure, Totems & Town Tour.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 21 - Scenic Cruising Inside Passage. Today is at sea as you continue your cruise back to Vancouver. You set the pace and choose your pleasure: Start your day early with a brisk walk around the teak deck or enjoy a long, lazy morning with breakfast served in your stateroom. Relax away the afternoon by the pool or participate in one of many classes or speaker presentations. Dress for another stylish dinner or enjoy an excellent meal at one of our more casual restaurants. In the evening, watch a great show, try your luck in the casino or dance into a moonlit night at sea.
Moderate: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Inside Cabin (J class);
Superior: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin (D class);
Deluxe: Overnight ms Zuiderdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (VB class).
Day 22 - Arrive Vancouver. Arrive back into Vancouver in the early morning. Upon arrival, transfer by private sedan from the cruise ship terminal to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
Package Includes:
- 7 night Canada/New England Holland America cruise aboard the ms Maasdam including onboard meals & entertainment, taxes and port charges.
- 3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail.
- 4 nights accommodation, room tax and any mandatory service charges.
- 7 night Alaska Glacier Bay Holland America cruise aboard the ms Zuiderdam including onboard meals & entertainment, taxes and port charges.
- Greater Montreal Guided Tram Tour.
- VIA Rail from Montreal to Toronto in VIA 1 Class including one meal onboard (meal is dependant on time of departure).
- Toronto City Tour.
- Vancouver City Tour including visit to the Lookout Tower.
- Private sedan transfers between Montreal cruise ship terminal & hotel, Vancouver train station & hotel, hotel & cruise ship terminal and cruise ship terminal & Vancouver Airport including gratuities.
- Personalized documentation package.
Package does not include:
- Shore Excursions;
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Meals not listed as included;
- Transfers not listed as included;
- Optional activities not listed as included;
- Goods and Services tax (GST);
- Gratuities not listed as included (including meals & cabin attendants onboard the ms Maasdam & ms Zuiderdam).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Moderate Accommodation: $5,394 - $8,631;
Superior Accommodation: $6,396 - $10,289;
Deluxe Accommodation: $7,629 - $14,528.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Local Culture
Railway Trips
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