WooHoo it's here........

Finally our long awaited trip is here!  

Today we set off on this amazing journey....

New England & Canada in the Fall with New York Add-on

Here's our itinerary but as an added bonus I have arranged to meet up with two blog friends - Linda - Are We There Yet? in Boston, (all being well) and Daryl - Out and About in NYC in New York City and hopefully Ron - Being Ron in NYC if he can make it.  I've also arranged to meet up with a very old school friend in Toronto!

Day 1: UK/Boston

Your holiday begins with a flight to Boston, Massachusetts, the natural starting point for any tour of New England and your base for the next three nights.

Day 2: Boston

At one time, Boston was a hotbed of revolutionary activity, perhaps the most famous act being the Boston Tea Party. These days, it’s a modern, cosmopolitan city that takes pride in its revolutionary past, preserving it for future generations. The narrow, winding streets and squares of the old quarter provide an abrupt and delightful contrast with the city’s modern skyscrapers and bustling lifestyle. Boston also boasts perhaps the finest seafood in the world. An included morning sightseeing tour takes you along parts of the famous Freedom Trail to the Granary Burial Ground, the harbour (site of the Boston Tea Party), Beacon Hill, Quincy Market and Cambridge, home of Harvard University. Your afternoon is free to enjoy this wonderful city before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Boston

Feel free to explore more of Boston independently today, or join your Tour Manager on an exciting full-day optional tour to beautiful Cape Cod. Renowned for its up-market coastal resorts, Cape Cod’s shores are a playground for the rich and famous. In contrast to this is Plymouth, where America’s founding fathers first set foot in the New World.

Day 4: New Hampshire

Today is where the views really become something special as you drive into New Hampshire. The countryside is reminiscent of parts of Britain, but on a much grander scale, with thousands of square miles of forest ready to burst into multi-coloured splendour every autumn. Greens, golds, reds and oranges all work together to create a magical patchwork landscape that is unrivalled. Tonight, you will stay in North Conway.

Day 5: New England

Enjoy a leisurely day amidst New England’s glorious countryside today as you drive through the White Mountains and Franconia Notch State Park into Vermont. You won’t want to put your camera down for even a minute, as there is just so much to see at every turn. A short visit will be made to Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the USA, before continuing to Stowe for an overnight stop.

Day 6: Vermont

Drive northwards through the gentle Vermont countryside to the Canadian border and on to Montreal. The magnificent bilingual city of Montreal occupies an island at the junction of the St Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, and although hundreds of miles from the sea, it is a major port and Canada’s second city. Montreal’s cobbled streets, 17th century buildings and beautiful parks and gardens are an obvious draw for the many visitors that come here each year, as are the fine restaurants and countless open-air cafés. Take any opportunity you can whilst in the city to relax in one of these cafés to indulge in a spot of people-watching. A sightseeing tour of the city this afternoon will give you an excellent overview of life in the city and introduce you to a selection of its finest sights. With three nights in Montreal, there’s plenty of time to discover more for yourself.

Day 7: Quebec City

The heart of French Canada, Quebec City is the destination of today’s included excursion. The only walled city in Canada, it stands proud on the St Lawrence River and is an enticing blend of winding cobbled streets, ancient churches, Norman-style houses, stone buildings, public squares and horse-drawn calèches. Famous sights include the Cathedral, Château Frontenac, the Basilica, the Citadel, and Plains of Abraham, scene of the decisive battle in 1759 between the French and the English for the control of Canada.

Day 8: Ottawa

Leaving cosmopolitan Montreal behind, it’s time to travel to elegant Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Proudly stood on the Rideau Canal, you’ll see some of its main attractions, including the Parliament Buildings and grand Chateau Laurier hotel. It’s then on to the exciting city of Toronto for a two-night stay.

Day 9: Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and its commercial and cultural centre is dominated by the 1,815ft high CN Tower, one of the world’s tallest free-standing structures. It also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with world-class theatre, ballet and opera, and every style of restaurant. We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of this popular city this morning and you will have time this afternoon to explore at your own pace

Day 10: Rochester

This morning we leave Toronto and continue to the mighty Niagara Falls, one of the greatest sights in the New World. Situated some 80 miles south-east of Toronto, the Falls are divided into two parts – the Canadian and American Falls. The Canadian Falls are the larger, 180ft high with a crest of 2,200ft, forming a curve known as Horseshoe Falls – truly breathtaking. For the most dramatic close-up view, you can don special waterproofs and ride the boat ‘Maid of the Mist’ close to the thundering waters (operates mid-May to mid-October).
This afternoon you will return to the USA by entering New York State, which is also famous for its wonderful autumn colours. You’ll stay overnight stay in Rochester.

Day 11: New York

After the wonderful natural scenery of New England, it’s time to experience the wonders of New York, where you will stay for two nights in Manhattan, close to Times Square. An irresistible, exciting, eclectic city, New York truly is a 24-hour city, with no shortage of things to do and places to see at any time of the day or night.
There’s a whole range of optional excursions available to help you get the most out of your time here – just talk to your Tour Manager, who will be able to give you plenty of advice if you haven’t already planned every minute of your time before leaving home!
Perhaps take a cruise around Manhattan, head to Harlem, visit the enigmatic Statue of Liberty, or even treat yourself to a helicopter ride over the famous skyline. For all you shopaholics out there, Fifth Avenue is the place to be, and when the hustle and bustle gets too much, slow the pace down with a leisurely Hansom cab ride through Central Park. In the evening, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants – from diners serving burgers to five-star restaurants, New York has it all, and of course, the smash hit shows of Broadway are a real to-do. You’ll be planning your return before you even leave the city!

Day 12: New York

This morning join an included tour of New York City, which takes you from Broadway, Times Square and the Empire State Building to Greenwich Village, then Chinatown, the Bowery and Wall Street. The rest of the day is then free for you to continue your explorations, and once again a range of optional excursions will be available.

Day 13 to 15: New York

USA and Canada here we come and I'll tell you all about it when I get back.    Sorry, telling you about the Italy trip will have to wait yet again but I will get round to it eventually I promise.

Be good whilst I'm gone. xx