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 Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick
Canada's oldest incorporated city, Saint John sits at the juncture of the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy. Here, visitors may witness the world-renowned phenomenon of the reversing falls, created by the Bay of Fundy's 28 1/2-foot tide swell rising above the level of the Saint John River at high tide. Saint John also has Canada's oldest museum and you'll want to visit Market Square with its charming shops and restaurants.
Day 4 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 5 Sydney (Nova Scotia)
Sydney is located on Cape Breton Island on the east side of the Sydney River. Sydney has a strong ethnic population. As the only significantly industrialized district in Atlantic Canada, Sydney is the heart of Nova Scotia’s second-largest urban cluster. The city’s central business district impresses with the variety of products and services offered by downtown merchants. The town has become an important gateway to the scenic and historic attractions of Cape Breton Highlands and for cruising on the Bras d’Or Lakes. On the city outskirts is Fortress Louisbourg National Park, presenting Canada’s largest historical reconstruction. Here visitors can enjoy a town perfectly restored to its 1740 appearance. A walk on the half-mile Boardwalk promenade in the heart of downtown provides a panoramic view of the harbor. Apart from Louisbourg Fortress, the town also features a railway museum at the Sydney and Louisbourg Historical Society and the Atlantic Statiquarium, a marine museum devoted largely to underwater treasure.
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 Portland, ME
Maine's largest city, Portland is known for its stately elms, historic homes and restored waterfront area. Considered the gateway to "Down East" Maine, this coastal city is a great spot to enjoy Maine lobster fresh from the sea. Visit Longfellow's boyhood home or explore Portland Headlight, the oldest lighthouse in constant use today. Nearby is Freeport, home of a large selection of discount and outlet stores.
Day 8 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.