New England and North Eastern USA

16 Nights Boston to Montreal

As large as the other five New England states combined, Maine boasts a dramatic coastline of more than 5500 miles, complete with bold mountains, crystal clear lakes, sandy beaches and fascinating wildlife. Along this coast lies the spectacular 40,000 acre Acadia National Park which offers endless opportunities for visually stunning scenery, secluded rambling and a chance to witness some of the incredible wildlife this area is home to such as seals, beavers and bald eagles.
In addition to the States natural beauty, it also offers quaint fishing villages, bustling cities and some of the finest restaurants in New England where you can try the fresh lobster and other local seafood this region is well known for. Bordering Maine to the north west is the equally amazing French Canadian Province of Quebec which is home to two of Canada's most interesting and contrasting Cities - vibrant Montreal and lovely Quebec City. Take time to explore the amazing 'Pine Tree State' of Maine and combine it with an unforgettable journey across the border into this beautiful part of Canada.

Days One & Two - Boston

Depart London on your direct flight to Boston's Logan Airport and transfer to your hotel by taxi(approx 20 mins).

Begin your stay in this delightful and friendly city by putting on your walking shoes and exploring at your own pace, The Freedom Trail, a 3-mile walking tour of 16 historic sites from the Colonial and Revolutionary Era. Alternatively hop on the famous Old Town Trolley Tour, as this allows you to hop on or off at any of the scheduled stops, covering over 100 points of interest including Boston Common, Copley Square and the cobbled streets of the pretty neighbourhood of Beacon Hill.

Relax and enjoy the 'Covent Garden style' atmosphere of Quincy Market with all it's great shops and irresistible food stalls and restaurants - a perfect place to rest your walking shoes!

Boston's numerous museums and art galleries are also available to you, in addition to a vast choice of great restaurants. Experience and enjoy the friendly welcome for which the people of Boston are well known.
Stay 2 nights.

Day Three - Portsmouth (60 miles)

After breakfast collect your hire car at a convenient Downtown Boston location and head north over the Massachusetts border to the upmarket town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire's oldest community where you will spend your first night. En route stop at Salem - best known for one of the most notorious periods in American history when, in 1692 hundreds of men, women and children had their neighbours put on trial as practising witches and wizards. Whatever the true cause of the accusations the one certain thing is that the phenomenon has become a cottage industry here and is now a home for many psychics. Salem also has its own Heritage Trail that takes you to museums and the Witch House where pre-trial investigations took place.
Stay 1 night.

Day Four & Five - Portland (53 miles)

After a leisurely breakfast continue your journey on into Maine and the enchanting and historic port city of Portland. Visitors are drawn to its restored Old Port Exchange area on the waterfront with its cobblestone streets, lovely old bookstores, craft shops and many restaurants. Founded in 1632 the city is today Maine's largest yet still retains the feel of a smaller yet sophisticated town. Visit Wadsworth-Longfellow House the childhood home of great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - the city's native son. Visit the eclectic Portland Museum of Art filled with impressionist works and it's interesting array of Maritime exhibitions, both ancient and contemporary including a dress made of mussel shells.
You may want to take one of the many popular scenic cruises or whale watches available from here or alternatively you can just hop on a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands.
At the end of the day relax and unwind at one of the city's brewpubs.
Stay 2 nights.

Day Six - Rockport (79 miles)

Continuing along the coast from Portland your next port of call will be the pretty working port of Rockport. Split from adjacent town of Camden back in 1891, quiet Rockport makes a pleasant overnight stop as you continue to slowly explore this lovely coastline.
Why not stop for lunch in beautiful Camden with its shaded streets and flower gardens and then spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Camden Hills State Park. From here you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the Maine Coastline, even stretching as far as the Acadia National Park on a clear day.
Stay 1 night.

Days Seven to Nine - Bar Harbour (78 miles)

Continue on from Rockport arriving at Bar Harbor, located at the entrance to Acadia National Park on tiny Mount Desert Island. Ranked as one of the Top Ten National Parks in North America, this spectacular destination is the first place in the US that the sun rises each morning.
Bar Harbor itself is a bustling 19th century historic town filled with old mansions, shops, restaurants and everything else you would expect from a wealthy seaside resort.
Stop by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to pick up useful information about Acadia National Park.

Spend two full days exploring marvelous Acadia National Park. Among Acadia's activities and attractions is a 20 mile scenic drive along the Park Loop Road that passes Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain, which at 1530ft offers amazing ocean views. A series of carriage paths stretching some 57 miles allow you to leisurely explore the park on foot with a gentle ramble or a more energetic hike or alternatively by bike or car.
Apart from taking in the amazing scenery, you can also choose from a wide choice of exciting activities, such as canoeing, coastal kayaking, mountain climbing, biking and horse riding.
For nature lovers many bird and wildlife tours are also available here, the most popular, giving you the opportunity to see puffins and seals, as well as whales.
Stay 3 nights.

Days Ten & Eleven - Greenville (117 miles)

Make a fairly early start today for your drive from the coast through the heart of Maine's wild Interior to the pretty town of Greenville, located at the southern end of Moosehead Lake.
Stop en route stop for a few hours and explore the small city of Bangor, once heralded as the lumber capital or the world and now the unlikely home of Horror writer Stephen King.
The Big Bangor Mall provides a good opportunity to pick up some gifts or alternatively pay a visit to the interesting Cole Land Transportation Museum, dedicated to preserving and displaying Maine's land transportation equipment. Arrive at the small town of Greenville late afternoon in time to settle into your hotel before dinner.

Located in the northern reaches of Maine, pretty Greenville is set on 40 mile Moosehead Lake where you can enjoy the day relaxing or exploring the shoreline or nearby Maine Woods with a gentle stroll. With it's spectacular views and sensational sunsets, take time to enjoy the ever changing vista across the Lake, equally magical by day or night.
Take a leisurely trip on the lake onboard 'Katahdin', the restored steamboat that also serves as the floating maritime museum. Greenville is also home to some local rafting companies so if you fancy a river expedition into the Maine wilderness then this is the place to do it!
Also look out for the indigenous Moose that roam freely throughout woods in this area.
Stay 2 nights.

Days Twelve to Fourteen - Quebec (159 miles)

Leaving Greenville early after breakfast, your journey will take you a little further north along the shoreline of Moosehead Lake, passing the smaller lakes of Brassua and Long Pond, and finally through the tiny towns with names such as Moose River. From here you will quickly pass over the border into Canada and find youself in the Province of Quebec, and continue north towards the gracious old fortified city of Quebec.

You will now have two full days to explore this amazing city set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River - the only fortified city of it's kind north of Mexico.
Spend hours leisurely meandering around Vieux Quebec, the beautiful Old City and browse the impressive shops along rue Saint-Louis, rue Saint-Jean, and the Artists' Alley.
Whilst historic Le Quartier du Petit Champlain, dates back to the mid-17th century and is the oldest commercial district in North America. For an unmissable view of Old Quebec and the river without the steep walk up the stairway, a funnicular railway connects the elevated Terrasse Dufferin with the Lower Town. Here you will also find the lively Place Royale which has been an important social center since the city's founding.

Visit The Musée de la Civilisation, unquestionably the Museum of human adventure with its exhibitions and unusual take on unorthodox themes. Hundreds of thousands of visitors continue to come here every year.

Tour the Citadelle and see the Canadian troops stage military ceremonies. Constructed by the Duke of Wellington to fortify the city following the War of 1812, this huge old fort is a truly impressive sight…

Visit The Basilique Cathedrale - Notre Dame de Quebec, the famous 17th-century cathedral with an ambiance of centuries past, despite having been restored several times.
Stay 3 nights.

Day Fifteen & Sixteen - Montreal (157 miles)

Leaving Quebec City and today moving on to cosmopolitan Montreal, your drive along the banks of the St Lawrence, will bring you to an exciting, culturally diverse and vibrant city.
With a population of over 2 million the city possesses a truly international flavour which is evident in it's numerous fine restaurants, offering exciting cuisine from all around the world. Explore neighbourhoods like Little Italy, a lively area by day or night with great little espresso bars and plenty of places to eat .
Drop off your hire car and put on walking shoes again to explore historic Old Montreal and visit The Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal's oldest Catholic church built in 1656.
For Museum fans this city won't disappoint with The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts & The Museum of Archaeology & History amongst it's finest.
Visit the huge Le Jardin Botanique, located near the Olympic Park, which houses over 20,000 different plant species in 31 specialized gardens, including the largest Chinese Garden outside Asia and a Japanese Garden with a tearoom and fabulous bonsai collection.
For a taste of late night Montreal, check out the Rue Crescent's myriad of clubs and bars, before having a flutter at the huge Casino de Montreal complex.
Stay 2 nights.

Day Seventeen - Montreal/Home

Enjoy a lie in and your last morning in the city of Montreal before you head back to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Total Mileage - 712 miles

Our Price Includes:

• Direct Return Flights
• 16 nights accommodation and room tax

• Car hire

• A comprehensive portfolio with a day by day itinerary, driving instructions, maps and other information

For your convenience flights and car hire are included in our tour prices. If you already have a flight and instead just require hotel accommodation and a car please contact us for a price

Travelling in 2010? Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email info@awwt.co.uk for a competitive quotation.