2026 Eastern North America with St. Lawrence Cruise

We depart this evening for New York. The flight crosses the international dateline en route and arrives New York in the evening. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 2-night stay.

After a leisurely start we enjoy a half day tour of New York city to see its wonderful sights. We explore Times Square and Central Park, as well as a view of the Statue of Liberty. This evening we get together for dinner.

After a relaxing start to the day, we depart the Big Apple, head inland and our overnight stop is in Albany, capital of New York State. There is time to see the Empire State Centre with a diverse range of architecture exhibited in the government buildings before we check-in to our hotel.

A lovely drive today as we sit back on our coach and enjoy the autumn colours of the Mohawk Trail. We travel through many small towns and colonial villages including Williamstown, known as the prettiest village in America and snugly nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Berkshire Mountains. At Shelburne Falls visit the only Bridge of Flowers in America.  We will also enjoy a guided tour at a Shaker Village to learn about their way of life. Later this afternoon, we arrive into the great city of Boston for a 3-night stay.

Our morning tour shows us Boston City, the capital of Massachusetts and the most liveable large city in the USA. It is the cradle of independence, rich in history and culture, and it still retains much of the charm from an earlier age. We visit North Church, associated with the immortal Paul Revere and the Freedom Trail, and visit areas that in the past we have only read and heard about – “The Boston Tea Party”, Bunker Hill, Boston Pops Symphony Hall, Boston Common, and Beacon Hill.

Our tour today takes us down to Cape Cod – “Kennedy Country” and home to the rich and famous – along the rugged coastline through fishing villages and coastal estates. During the morning we visit Plymouth Plantation, a recreated village depicting life at the time of the Pilgrim Fathers. After lunch, we see Plymouth Rock at the harbour’s edge, commonly regarded as the stone on to which the “Mayflower” passengers first stepped ashore when they disembarked, and we visit a full-scale replica of the “Mayflower”. Then it’s down to Cape Cod and Hyannis and the JFK Memorial before we return to Boston late afternoon. Keep an eye out for the cranberry bogs which are a common sight in the area.

After breakfast, we depart Boston and enjoy a scenic drive west through Massachusetts and into upstate New York, with comfort breaks and opportunities to stop at charming roadside towns along the Mohawk Valley, a historic travel corridor once used by early settlers. By late afternoon we arrive in Syracuse, where a guided city tour introduces us to its rich history, vibrant downtown, and cultural landmarks.

We depart Syracuse and travel west through upstate New York, crossing the border into Canada at Niagara Falls, Ontario. Upon arrival, we enjoy a guided city tour before boarding the evening Hornblower Cruise, where we experience the illuminated falls and a spectacular fireworks display, followed by dinner high above the falls at the Skylon Tower.

We depart Niagara Falls and travel along the scenic Niagara Parkway toward Toronto, pausing in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to enjoy a wine tasting at one of its renowned local wineries. Afterward, we continue our journey to Toronto for our next stay.

After breakfast we will check-out of the hotel and then begin a guided sightseeing tour of downtown Toronto, exploring landmarks such as the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, Nathan Phillips Square, Casa Loma, and the waterfront. Afterward, we travel east to Kingston for the scenic 1,000 Islands Cruise, before continuing on to Ottawa for an evening at leisure.

We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ottawa. The wonderful autumn colours in the parks and gardens, the grounds of the Prime Minister and Governor General’s residences, the Houses of Parliament and the embassies make a wonderful display. Next, a trip to the Canadian Museum of History for a special cultural exchange. Indigenous Experiences is situated on the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History on the shores of the Ottawa River, within the traditional territory of the Algonquin people.  Afterwards, we have some free time to experience the museum on our own.  Afterwards, we travel to Omega Park, located just outside of Montebello. From the comfort of the “Omega Bus”, experience Canada’s wildlife up close. A nature guide will accompany and help to spot elk, bison, moose, wolves, bears, beavers, eagles and foxes in their natural habitat. Feed local deer carrots, attend an animal presentation, and consider an easy walk through one of the many nature trails. Consider walking the First National Trail to view totems, inukshuks and more.  We arrive at our historic hotel, modeled after a hunting chateau.  Our dinner is included at our hotel.

Enjoy a morning at leisure with massive grounds for hiking, gorgeous lakes, a full service spa and golf course, the Chateau Montebello has so much to offer. This afternoon, we depart Montebello and drive along the scenic St. Lawrence River corridor, making a stop in Trois-Rivieres to explore its charming downtown and historic sites. Afterward, we continue to Quebec City, where we settle into our hotel and prepare to explore the city’s historic heart.

We spend a half day exploring the charm of Old Quebec, visiting iconic landmarks such as Chateau Frontenac, Place Royale, the Citadel, and Terrasse Dufferin, while wandering cobblestone streets and historic squares with a local guide. Afterwards, we visit Huron-Wendat Village for an immersive cultural experience, learning about Indigenous traditions before enjoying a traditional dinner on-site.

We board a business class VIA Rail train in Quebec City, settling into spacious, comfortable seats with large windows that frame the picturesque landscapes of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding countryside. As we glide smoothly toward Montreal, we can relax, enjoy refreshments, and take in the changing scenery, arriving at our hotel in the evening ready to explore the vibrant city tomorrow.

After breakfast, we start our Montreal city tour with a local guide in charming Old Town. We start our sightseeing at the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica with its wood interior and stained-glass windows illustrating biblical scenes as well as the city’s history. The Old Town area offers a range of buildings covering the centuries since the foundation of the city and our drive-up Mont Royal provides panoramic views over the city and the St Lawrence River Valley.

Founded in 1642, Montreal is decidedly “French”, yet it is also very cosmopolitan with many immigrants from all over the world who have made the city their home. We have left the day at leisure, a chance to explore the underground city which protects the locals from the harsh conditions of the northern winters. Enjoy dinner together tonight.

We have a relaxing morning. In the afternoon, we board our cruise ship and become familiar with our home for the next 7 nights. Our ship sets sail from Montreal this evening and cruise towards the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Few places in North America are as steeped in history as Québec City. Older than Jamestown and founded before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, it is the only city north of Mexico whose original fortifications remain intact. The Québec City historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is still home to religious orders and hospitals that date back to the 17th century. Its Place-Royale would look familiar to the explorer Samuel de Champlain, even with its modern attractions of gift shops and cafés. On the Plains of Abraham, you can walk the battlefield where, in 1759, the French forces under General Montcalm were decisively trounced by the British, led by General Wolfe. The British took control of all of New France within a year of that 1759 battle, but even so French culture still lives on here in Québec City. More than 95 percent of Québec City’s population speaks French as its first language, though it’s easy to sightsee and navigate the city in English. As you tour the museums and historic sights of Québec City that celebrate Québecois history, you’ll discover a remarkable culture that has survived and thrived into the 21st century.

Arrives 7.00am, Departs 4.00pm.

Enjoy the ship facilities today on our last day at sea.

A cruise to the Magdalen Islands delivers passengers to a wind-swept archipelago in the St. Lawrence Gulf. Out of all of the Magdalen Islands, Cap aux Meules is the most developed. But to call Cap aux Meules “developed” is a stretch. Incredible nature is everywhere you turn. Stroll the Coastal Trail (Sentier Du Littoral), an easy paved walking trail along the water. A huff and puff up the 185 steps at Chemin Du Quai pays off in extraordinary views. Bring binoculars—over 300 species of birds frequent the archipelago, including Atlantic puffins. Drive 15-minutes to Dune du Sud, a beach with burnt-orange cliffs over the roiling sea. Though a pb&j picnic is tempting, save your appetite for the pride of this tight-knit community—the food. Do a tasting tour of microbreweries, smokehouses and fromageries. Lobster is the specialty, but the herring, clam chowder, meat pies and stew are also musts. If you don’t get to it all, don’t worry. Visitors tend to return again and again.

Arrives 7.00am, Departs 2.00pm.

Located on a rocky inlet on the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax – Nova Scotia’s provincial capital – is defined by its maritime geography. It’s a spirited mix of world-class history and nautical-themed museums alongside bunkers and fortresses that guarded the harbour, plus striking public art and sights, funky shops and excellent pubs serving up folk music.

Explore the Halifax waterfront where steamships once anchored to drop off arriving immigrants at Pier 21. Savour the low-key but classy culinary scene for fresh seafood and Nova Scotia specialties. Along Nova Scotia’s southern shores, the city is surrounded by lush greenery and charming villages that are worth the trip from downtown proper. Snap photos of attractions in the charming fishing village, Peggy’s Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse on a rocky outcropping. Or wander the streets of Lunenburg, whose colourful Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrives 10.00am, Departs 6.00pm.

Saint John, on the southern coast of New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest incorporated city as well as the only city on the Bay of Fundy. Give your stroll through uptown Saint John a little focus by taking the self-guided Loyalist Trail walking tour, which visits historic attractions like the 1784 Burial Grounds, the 1876 Old City Market, a general store and the Jewish Historical Museum. The New Brunswick Museum, also along the Loyalist Trail, tells the story of the town and exhibits cover some of its natural history, too, with an 80,000-year-old mastodon skeleton. The Martello Tower has been part of Saint John’s identity since it was erected for the War of 1812; it was even used to house prisoners during World War I. The most exciting part of your trip to Saint John may be your chance to view the point at which the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River collide: the Reversing Falls Rapids.

Arrives 12.00pm, Departs 9.00pm.

Visit Eastport, Maine with Holland America Line and immerse yourself in the quintessential charm of New England. This picturesque port, known for its vibrant arts scene and maritime heritage, offers a warm welcome to cruisers. Sample fresh local seafood, explore scenic vistas, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Onboard, our ship’s amenities and service ensure your Eastport experience is comfortable, memorable, and a delightful part of your cruise.

Arrives 7.00am, Departs 1.00pm.

Sadly, we disembark our cruise this morning in Boston.  We transfer to Boston Airport, for our flight to Houston, where we connect with our direct flight back to Auckland.

We cross the international dateline enroute.

Arrival time is early morning.