Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of the selection of fine restaurants.
Day 1 Boston
The history and bricklaid beauty of Boston is easy to enjoy. Follow the Freedom Trail past Old North Church, Paul Revere Park, Fanieul Hall, the Commons, Old Ironsides and more landmarks of America's birth. Across the Charles River is Cambridge and Harvard. Venture to Marblehead and Salem to the south, or Lexington and Concord to the north. Back in town, have clam chowder at the warf or great Italian food in North End.
Day 2 Eastport
Eastport features miles of beautiful cobble beaches, tidal covers, rivers, streams, and inland lakes, and is truly one of the last unspoiled areas on the coast of Maine. Eastport is also know for having the largest Fourth of July celebration in the state. The city sponsors entertainment, contests, a car show, watersports, and a spectacular firework display.
Day 3 Halifax (Nova Scotia)
Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s center of business, research and education. Strong emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, historic restorations and the preservation of heritage and culture. The Halifax Citadel Fortress dominates downtown Halifax. Take a stroll along the waterfront past restored buildings and warehouses of Historic Properties, or a walk in delightful Public Gardens, the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Halifax’s sister city of Dartmouth lies on the opposite shore and is reached via the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. The spectacular view of Halifax harbor makes the trip worthwhile. Housed in former Dominion Building, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features Nova Scotia folk art and maritime artists. A two-hour walk will easily show you the major highlights of historic and scenic Halifax. Visit Historic Properties, St. Paul’s Church and Province House, the latter two being the oldest buildings in the city. Granite Springs is rated one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Atlantic Canada.
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 St. John's, Newfoundland
St. John's, a classic harbor city, is capital of Newfoundland. Old accents and customs are common, yet Saint John is still modern. The city recently celebrated its 500th anniversary as a modern city with preserved heritage and culture. It offers old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and many other attractions. Historic downtown features unique sites, such as Cabot Tower on Signal Hill overlooking the harbor and the city. The famous friendliness, hospitality and charm of the people of Saint John, plus the Newfoundland folk music found in many of the lively waterfront bars, ensure a perfect visit. A 3 mile Rennies River Trail cuts through the city along a wooded stream and ends at the only public fluvarium in North America, where in late October/early November one can observe spawning brown and brook trout in their natural habitat through underwater windows. The Bowring Victorian park was donated by the wealthy Bowring family in 1911, and resembles the parks of London after which is was modeled.
Day 6 St. Anthony
St. Anthony is one of Canada's easternmost points and packs in a milennium of Newfoundland history. Nearby are Gros Morne National Park and L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park, as well as an old Basque whaling site and a museum that celebrates the life of Wilfred Grenfell—"the doctor who went out into the cold." A recreated Viking settlement features longboats and sod huts, authentically replicating an ancient town built by hardy Norsemen.
Day 7 Corner Brook
The City of Corner Brook - in Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador province - is nestled among the Long Range Mountains, which are a continuation of the Appalachian Mountain belt, stretching up from Georgia in the southern United States. Theatre and art are alive in Corner Brook. Corner Brook is Newfoundland and Labrador's "Host City" and is ideally positioned to host major sporting events. Experience picturesquesque Corner Brook from many groomed walking trails or visit the Captain James Cook Monument and bask in the glory of the sun setting over the Bay of Islands. Step back in time at the Corner Brook Museum and Archives or the Railway Society of Newfoundland Historic Train Site. Explore the downtown area and discover unique gifts and crafts and dine out in one of the City's many fine restaurants. Take a scenic drive along the coast of the Bay of Islands or have a more extreme adventure in Gros Morne National Park, just one hour away.
Day 8 Havre-Saint-Pierre
The picturesque scenery of Havre-Saint-Pierre's chain of islands is an excellent get away for outdoor and nature lovers. If water is your game of choice there is sailing, rafting, kayaking, and boat tours to enjoy. Anglers will also have an excellent time pursuing world-class trout and salmon in the clear water rivers and lakes.
Day 9 Baie-Comeau (Comeau Bay)
Baie-Comeau is a city in the province of Quebec. It is on the Saint Lawrence River where the river’s constant presence will leave a lasting impression on all visitors. Traversing the waters visitors will see marine mammals and wild ducks, among other wildlife. Additionally, a network of bike paths crisscross the cities many parks allowing visitors to take in the city's stunning architecture and landscapes.
Day 10 Saguenay
The Saguenay region of Quebec is most known for its distinctive geological features. Here you can visit Le Monde Enchante, a park with waterfalls, covered bridges and gazebos overlooking the Saguenay River. The fjords, mountains, waterfalls and the beautiful village of Petit-Saguenay attract visitors from all over. Visiting the New French Village, one can experience what life was like when this area was first settled by French explorers. Among museums in the area are the glass art factory, the Cheddar Cheese Museum and the Zoo Saint Felicien.
Day 11 St. Lawrence River
Cruising
Day 11 Quebec City
Because Quebec City is Canada’s most historic city and the only walled city in North America, it was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Treasure by. Visitors are greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city. The city features winding, cobbled streets with 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares, and many monuments. Great emphasis has been placed on Québec nationalism, and the city has become a symbol of glorious French heritage. Visit the oldest church in Québec, Our Lady of Victory, dating from 1688. See the cellars of Maison des Vins, where Québec Société des Alcools sells more than 1,000 kinds of rare vintage wines in a warehouse dating from 1689. See the exhibits at Civilization Museum. The most striking building is celebrated landmark Château Frontenac. Looming high above St. Lawrence, the turreted building with its slanting, copper roof is an impressive sight. Built to accommodate colonial governors, it is now a hostelry.
Day 12 Montreal
Montréal is truly an experience: old world charm, French joie de vivre and a modern style all its own. Montreal is a stunning city to visit and there is so much to see. Along the St. Lawrence River many people come to take a horse-drawn calèche ride through cobbled streets for romantic moments. Just miles away are the skyscrapers of the city as they tower above the city’s businesses and restaurants. Montreal is the world’s second largest French-speaking City. It's top ten attractions are: The Biosphere, Old Montreal, Biodome de Montreal, Musee d'Art Contemporain, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Chinatown, Notre-Dame Basilica, Insectarium, Cours Mont-Royal, and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.