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Timed for autumn to catch the brilliant Fall Foliage, for which the region is justly famous. Although the exact timing varies each year, as we move north we should strike the peak colour towards late September early October. Quebec should be stunning!
Some of the intended highlights are,
- Washington DC – America’s proud capital, where national monuments and historical memorials abound. Explore the fabulous Smithsonian museums that are home to some of the world’s greatest historical, scientific, cultural and artistic collections.
- Gettysburg - gain an insight into the American Civil War, site of Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address.
- The Amish of Pennsylvania – with horses and buggies and covered bridges the Amish live a simplistic ‘old world’ lifestyle.
- New York City – the Big Apple, two magical days to explore the sights of Central New York.
- Boston – New England’s unofficial capital, an elegant historical city closely linked to the days of the late 18th Century American Revolution. Two days to enjoy the city, walk the ‘Freedom Trail’ to see the historical highlights, visit the USS Constitution – launched in 1797, today the oldest floating commissioned naval vessel! In Plymouth go aboard the replica of the 1620 pilgrim ship the “Mayflower” and visit nearby Salem - of witches fame.
- New Hampshire “live free or die!”- ride to the summit of Mt Washington, the highest peak in the NE for fabulous views, hike in the beautiful wilderness of the White Mountains and kayak down the Saco river.
- Maine “the way life should be” – explore it’s jagged coastline famous for lobsters and clams and stay in picturesque Bar Harbor on the edge of the Acadia National Park. Enjoy beautiful coastal walks, take a fishing cruise and in Scarborough shop in the famous outlet shops that are recognized as amongst the best in the USA.
- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - an enchanting cluster of maritime provinces, rugged coastline, small quaint communities and diverse cultures, harvest festivals and farmer’s markets. The huge Bay of Fundy is known for extreme 40-50 foot tides and the world’s 2nd largest tidal whirlpool. Cross the 12.9km Confederate Bridge to charming Prince Edward Island of “Anne of Green Gables” fame. This tiny province is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, setting the scene for a perfect day walk or a cycle perhaps.
- Quebec City and Montreal – two cities with distinct French culture, architecture, cuisine and language!
- Montmagny – see the large flocks of snow geese that land in their thousands on the shores of the St. Lawrence Seaway, a resting place as they fly south from the Arctic each autumn on their way to warmer climes. Spend some time at the Annual "Snow Goose" Festival which celebrates the arrival of the birds.
- St. Lawrence Seaway – the locks and canals that join the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean
- Niagara Falls – we end our trip with a spectacular scenic highlight, the mighty Niagara Falls.
- Americana Galore – fairs and farmer’s markets, theatre, ten pin bowling, music, arts and craft
Itinerary - a brief draft outline
Day 1. Auckland to Flight – departs late afternoon via Los Angeles
Day 2. Washington DC - arrive late evening
Day 3. Washington DC - free morning to relax after the flight, some afternoon sightseeing
Day 4. Washington DC - city sightseeing
Day 5. New York - via Gettysburg and the Amish area of Pennsylvania
Day 6. New York - Central city sightseeing
Day 7. New York - area and Central city sightseeing
Day 8. Boston
Day 9. Boston
- area sightseeing
Day 10. Boston - city sightseeing
Day 11. White Nountains, New Hampshire - via Salem
Day 12. White Nountains - visit Mt Washington and some hiking
Day 13. White Nountains - kayaking, sights
Day 14. Bar Harbor, Maine
Day 15. Bar Harbor
- free day to enjoy
Day 16. Moncton, New Brunswick
Day 17. Halifax, Nova Scotia - Bay of Fundy extreme tides
Day 18. Halifax - city and area sightseeing
Day 19. Cape Breton Island - Alexander Graham Bell Centre
Day 20. Prince Edward Island
Day 21. Prince Edward Island - visit Anne of Green Gables site, a day walk
Day 22. Frederickton
Day 23. Montmagny
Day 24. Quebec City - morning attend "Snow Geese" Festival in Montmagny
Day 25. Quebec City - city sightseeing
Day 26. Montreal
Day 27. Montreal - city sight seeing
Day 28. Toronto
Day 29. Toronto - visit Niagara Falls
Day 30. Flight
- late afternoon, via Vancouver.
Day 31. Arrive Auckland
Trip Format
Although this is a hotel/motel trip it has many of the features that made our camping trips such fun; a focus on the great outdoors, the inclusion of activities such as kayaking and day walks, a degree of participation to help with included meals and most importantly the same camaraderie. We even bring along folding chairs, for our lunch stops and “pre dinner gatherings”. This format makes for “fun trips”, with lots of good humour and laughter.
Trip Style
- Bus - a large coach for comfortable travel.
- Stay two or more nights in virtually all places, taking time to delve and absorb - this is definitely not your usual bus tour.
- Accommodation - Traveller's hotels and motels: twin/double rooms the norm, although in some places when accommodation is limited multiple sharing may be required.
- Luggage: A wheelie bag will work well, but please keep baggage as light as possible (12-14kg) for ease of handling. Take a day pack for day walks and sightseeing.
- Team Rosters to share in the preparation and serving of the lunches and some dinners. Apart from the odd BBQ, no actual cooking required, just making salads etc, serving. Everyone does their own dishes.
Meals
- All breakfasts included.
- Lunches provided most days, but not in some cities when it will be better use of your time to eat out. Our picnic-styled lunches will include breads/salad fillings/meat/fish/cheese and fruit, also hot and cold drinks. Dinners – 6 to 8 simple camp dinners will be provided. For the remaining dinners we suggest you allow US$18+ per day for a basic meal, excluding drinks.
- Pre Dinner Social Time – chips and dips provided.
What to Take :
- Your own plate, desert plate, cup, cutlery (in a drawstring/or strong plastic bag)
- Casual clothes, machine wash and dri-able as laundry facilities will be available most nights.
- Good walking footwear, water bottle and walking poles (optional)
Price includes:
A very full program of sightseeing/activities/entries, airfares ex Auckland return (not taxes), all breakfasts, most lunches and 6-8 dinners. accommodation in travellers motels/hotels and lodges. Driver's tip included. You should need very little extra money, enough to cover non included meals, personal spending, personal tips (table, individual requested services) drinks, snacks, mementos etc.
Criteria for taking part.
The trip is designed for active fun loving adults of all ages, for those who want to do things, not just see things. However, particiaption in the more physical activities such as hiking and kayaking are optional.
Single travellers most welcome. However, for this trip we are not able to offer single rooms unless a supplement is paid. Should uneven booking numbers require, a triple room will be used and its occupancy shared around.
| Code Number: |
UNE 121 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
14 Sep 2012 |
| Est. Price: |
$11,000-11,500 |
| Minimum Number: |
24 |
| Days: |
31 |
| Trip Status: |
FULL, wait list available |
Important Note : We don’t anticipate offering this itinerary again in the foreseeable future as it is part of “Project USA”, our objective to offer a new USA itinerary every year. In 2013 we are planning a trip to Alaska. A "Keep Me Posted" list is operating, Trip Code AK 131
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