Eastern Canada Rail & Cruise

Your rail and cruise vacation begins today on the East Coast in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts. This harborside city has long been a starting point for Atlantic adventures and is filled with sites that speak to the nation's past. As you arrive, take some time to get acquainted with Boston's attractions before making your own way to Boston's cruise terminal to board your cruise ship this afternoon.

Once on board, settle into your accommodations and begin to explore the ship's many amenities, including its fitness center, casino and pools, ahead of its 4 p.m. departure. Look upon the city's harborside attractions as the cruise sets underway on its northbound journey toward Canada. This evening is your first chance to get to know your fellow travelers while having dinner onboard. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

After a calm night of cruising, the ship docks in the scenic town of Portland, Maine. This destination is on Maine's southern coast and includes a delightful Old Port Town ambiance. It is a city where cobbled streets lead to boutique stores and charming Victorian buildings, yet there is a modern undertone that fosters a world-class culinary scene and a wonderful art community.

During your free time here today, you might like to venture to its 18th-century lighthouse - the oldest in Maine - or along its Old Harbor. Portland is home to a cemetery that dates to the mid-1600s and many historical points of interest to pique your curiosity. Gastronomes appreciate the variety of restaurants and breweries within the town. If you haven't had your fill of the water, you could even cruise out to one of the surrounding islands before returning to the ship in time for dinner. Overnight ship.

*Please Note: July 18th and September 19th will instead dock in Bar Harbor.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake in international waters this morning as the ship moors in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. Have breakfast on board, and then enjoy a day to experience this delightful city at your own pace.

Halifax is recognized as the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada and is a major cultural center for the region with the largest population east of Quebec City. The city has a number of art galleries, boutiques, museums, sidewalk cafes and lively pubs within walking distance of the harbor. Perhaps seek out its historical landmarks, such as Citadel Hill, or head to the South End of Halifax to see the beautiful Victorian houses and Town Clock. For another dose of history, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site offers an impressive look at the city's military past while also providing incredible views over the water. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nearly 250 years of history await today in Sydney, the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island. The town is a showcase of history, with many of its buildings dating to its founding in 1785. You won't want to miss the recently constructed oceanfront boardwalk and marina - or the world's largest fiddle, which is out on display.

If you would like to head a little further out, you could pre-book a shore excursion to visit Baddeck, which is considered the beginning (or end) or the scenic Cabot Trail, or tour the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn more about this famous inventor. You could also spend time at the Fortress of Louisbourg, which looks just as it did in 1744 and includes ruins and a partially reconstructed village. However you spend your day, return to the ship for dinner and an overnight spent sailing toward Prince Edward Island. Overnight ship

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's mooring point is Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Despite the province's size, it is big in history; this is, after all, the location where Canada's confederacy was founded.

The harbor area offers several boutiques worth browsing, and the downtown area includes beautiful Victorian houses and buildings. Popular attractions include Province House, which hosted the Charlottetown Confederation in 1864, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which is not only home to live theater and an art gallery but also the Charlottetown Festival during the summer months. Other points of interest include St. Dunstan's Basilica and Beaconsfield Historic House.

The island also inspired the story of Anne of Green Gables, a novel set against the lush backdrop of Prince Edward Island. To spend your day amidst nature, you could wander Brackley Beach or perhaps explore Prince Edward Island National Park. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the Atlantic behind, today, the ship's route heads inland on Canada's St. Lawrence River. You're surrounded by beautiful scenery at every angle and have all day to enjoy it from the comfort of the ship. Have breakfast while soaking up views of small, uninhabited islands and lush shorelines.

Take advantage of onboard activities, including the Culinary Arts Center with its gourmet cooking demonstrations, tasting events and cooking classes. Alternatively, you might like to book a massage or spa treatment in the Greenhouse Salon and Spa. .

Of course, finding a comfortable seat on one of the sun decks affords you an incredible perspective over the passing views. Relax while keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including whales! Lunch and dinner are also served on the ship as the day unfolds. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Historic Quebec City, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, beckons after breakfast this morning. Upon stepping off the ship, spend the day strolling the city's cobblestone streets, admiring the 17thcentury architecture and browsing the unique shops.

History buffs can take time to seek out some of the city's most impressive landmarks, including the Plains of Abraham. This historic area is famous as the site of an important battle between the British and French during the Seven Years' War and is now a park often used for festivals, outdoor concerts and pure relaxation. The Ramparts surrounding Old Quebec are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only remaining fortified city walls that still exist in the Americas north of Mexico. Another favorite spot in the city is the Latin Quarter. Return to the ship this evening for your final night on the St. Lawrence. Overnight ship.

Please note: May 23rd and August 22nd departures will have a day of cruising on the St. Lawrence River on this day.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Upon anchoring in Montreal this morning, your cruise of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence River comes to a close. Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking for the final time and making your own way to your downtown hotel, which is located just a short walk from the docks. Upon checking in, you have the remainder of the day to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city at your leisure.

Canada's cultural capital is chock-full of attractions and amenities, so whether you crave a day of history, cuisine or art, there are plenty of places to explore your interests. Further, with its melting pot cityscape, Montreal has a wonderful selection of eateries with global culinary influences for you to discover. Overnight Montreal.

Please note: May 23rd and August 22nd travelers will instead disembark the ship in Quebec City this morning. You can book an optional shore excursion to explore one of the oldest European settlements in North America or discover the city at leisure. Later, transfer to the train station on your own to join VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Montreal. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore.

• Breakfast

Montreal is bursting with intrigue, with landmarks ranging from historic to modern and fascinating neighborhoods representing its many cultures. The best way to get the lay of the land and visit the city's most popular regions and attractions is on today's included Hop-on/Hop-off city tour.

This excursion can be taken at your own pace, with your ticket valid from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join the tour at any of its scheduled stops and enjoy the freedom to "hop off" the double-decker bus at any point of interest that you would like to explore further. Highlights of the route include the Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, the Montreal Science Center, St. Joseph's Oratory, Mount Royal Park and Dorchester Square. Afterward, you can continue sightseeing on your own and find dinner locally. Overnight Montreal.

Leaving Montreal behind, today is your first chance to experience Canada's railway system. Make your own way to Montreal's station this morning to join VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Ottawa, the capital of Canada's government. The trip takes just under two hours and is the perfect chance to relax or research your destination city.

Upon arrival, walk to your centrally located hotel to check in for the first of two nights, and then you are free to discover the city. Grab a map and set out to discover popular sites, unique shops and delicious restaurants. You might like to walk to Parliament Hill or wander the stalls of the Byward Market for an authentic taste of local cuisine. Of course, there is also a selection of memorials and museums to discover. Overnight Ottawa.

Located near the border of Ontario and Quebec, Canada's capital city is brimming with things to see and do. Today, you can get a look at some of its most impressive attractions and prominent landmarks while on a Hopon/Hop-off city tour.

Featuring more than 75 points of interest throughout the city, this tour is a fantastic chance to orient yourself with Ottawa further. Feel free to join at any of the scheduled stops and enjoy panoramic views and insightful commentary while spotting highlights like the National Archives, Rideau Hall, the Royal Canadian Mint and Byward Market.

When it comes time for dinner this evening, you might like to venture to Elgin Street. This popular destination enjoys a central location within the city and hosts a selection of outstanding restaurants, from Canadian fare to Italian, Mexican and pub favorites. Overnight Ottawa.

Your final destination on this incredible rail and cruise journey lies ahead today. Make your own way to Ottawa's railway station this morning and join VIA Rail's Corridor Services to Toronto. Located on Lake Ontario, this is Canada's most populated and diverse city and a fantastic place to explore.

The journey takes under five hours to complete and has a lovely range of scenery, ranging from city and suburbs to lakeside views. As the train arrives later today, walk to your hotel to check in and then enjoy a free evening to begin exploring your new surroundings. Perhaps wander along the waterfront to soak up the city's bustling atmosphere or head to the Distillery Historic District, where there are many interesting eateries and cafés from which to choose. Overnight Toronto.

Towering skyscrapers, historical sites and cultural attractions set the backdrop as you explore Toronto. Set out in search of the city's famed attractions at your own pace on an included Hop-on/Hop-off tour.

There are more than 20 stops throughout Toronto, and you are welcome to stay on for the entire route or simply use the bus to access the sites that interest you the most. Highlights of the tour include the CN Tower, Toronto's Harborfront, St. Lawrence Market, the Royal Ontario Museum, Maple Leaf Gardens and Eaton Centre, among other stops.

Of course, you could also sightsee on your own, perhaps visiting the top of the CN Tower for panoramic views over Toronto. You could also ride one of the regularly scheduled ferries to the Toronto Islands for a unique perspective on the city while wandering along the connecting pathways. Overnight Toronto.

A display of maritime history and incredible cities, this journey has opened your eyes to the many wonders of the East Coast. Your route traveled along America's Atlantic coastline from Boston to Maine and then cruised through Canada's Maritime provinces, where culture has been influenced by centuries of sea explorers. Heading inland, you experienced Eastern Canada's urban side by rail, traveling to destinations whose modern conveniences and history intertwine.

This memorable vacation comes to a close this morning as you check out of your hotel. A transfer is available to Toronto Pearson Airport for select flights, or you can make your own way home at leisure. Should you wish to extend your time in Canada, speak to a Rail Specialist about adding extra days in Toronto.