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 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.
Day 1 St. Lawrence River
Cruising
Day 2 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 3 Gulf of St. Lawrence
Cruising
Day 4 Charlottetown
Charlottetown, with a population of nearly 40,000, is the island’s capital
and one of Canada’s oldest towns. Established in 1765 by Capt. Samuel Holland,
the settlement was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England.
The old part of town offers many historical monuments, including important government
buildings, churches, old mansions and museums, along with parks and gardens.
Outside of Charlottetown, discover miles of farmland, small villages, a scenic
coast and the legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables,
the feature of Charlottetown’s annual major theater festival.
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 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 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.