October 21 - October 30, 2015

Set sail from Montréal to Portland, Maine, on a 10-day coastal expedition cruise to natural and historic jewels of Canada & New England, including: Acadia National Park, the reversing rapids in Saint John on the Bay of Fundy, a double-decker bus tour in Nova Scotia, charming Prince Edward Island, the Gaspé Peninsula, and a funicular ride in Québec City. Travel in the comfort of the newly renovated MS Saint Laurent, where modern design tips its hat to maritime past as spacious, open-air lounges, inviting dining venues, and generous windows ensure you never miss a chance to savor the view.

Highlights

• Tour of Québec City, including a ride on the Old Québec Funicular to the impressive Château Frontenac, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide
• Call upon Gaspé Peninsula and cruise to the Rock of Percé and Bonaventure Island, a birder’s paradise
• Visit Prince Edward Island National Park and the farmstead that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables
• Take an exciting double decker bus tour around Halifax including a stop at the Fairview Cemetery – final resting place of hundreds from the RMS Titanic
• Enjoy a guided tour of the beautifully preserved Victorian-era town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
• Visit Bay of Fundy, where powerful tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River twice a day
• A guided tour of Acadia National Park, Sand Beach, Highseas Mansion, and Jordon Pond House from Bar Harbor

M.S. Saint Laurent

Refined, Small Ship Experiences
The indisputable joy of sailing is brought to life on the M.S. Saint Laurent, an agile small ship that easily navigates canals and locks, tranquil bays, and hidden ports where larger ships dare not go. Onboard, fresh, modern design tips its hat to the maritime past as spacious, open-air lounges, inviting dining venues, and generous windows ensure you never miss a chance to savor the view.
Intuitive and Attentive Services
With an attentive crew of 90 serving no more than 210 guests, guests will feel at home on the M.S. Saint Laurent from the moment you step on board. Whether it’s a favorite cocktail served on deck, hot coffee delivered to the guestroom, an iPad® offered for use in the lounge, or the delicate chocolate received at turndown, the ship has it all. Throughout the ship, unlimited beverages are available 24 hours a day, including distinctive wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and water. And 24-hour room service is just a phone call away.
On-board Specialists and Included Excursions
Aboard the M.S. Saint Laurent, guests will travel in the enriching company of specialists who share their expertise freely in presentations and impromptu discussions throughout your journey. In port, shore excursions with knowledgeable local guides provide meaningful opportunities to uncover the rich history, unique wildlife, and fascinating cultures of the destinations you visit.
Fresh, Healthy Regional Cuisine
The M.S. Saint Laurent offers distinctive dining venues, each with its own appeal. Enjoy fresh air and fresh selections at Cliff Rock Bar & Grille, the outdoor grill where “hot rock” cooking is the special of the day, every day. Relax in the comfort of the elegant main dining room, where a professional wait staff serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from the chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes and western favorites. After dinner, share stories and laughter with friends in the casual comfort of the English-style tavern.

Study Leader Information

Frequent study leader and historian, John Meffert is a long-time proponent of preservation. As former director of the National Trust’s Southern Office, John now serves as a consultant on heritage conservation services in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, where he has also served as the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston preserving the historic resources of the city

Jay White is a Halifax, Nova Scotia-based historian specializing in the history of Atlantic Canada. He taught military history for the Royal Military College of Canada, as well as courses in Canadian, U.S. and Global history at universities in both Canada and the United States. For six years he served as onboard historian for Clipper Cruise Line of St. Louis, Missouri, and currently offers custom tours of Nova Scotia’s coastal landscape during the fall cruise season. Jay is proud to call himself a native Maritimer, and looks forward to sharing his wide knowledge of Canadian history with Haimark passengers.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Montréal/Embarkation
Arrive at the airport in Montréal, the largest city in Québec and a UNESCO City of Design, where guests will be greeted and transferred via motor coach to the the port, where travelers will board the M.S. Saint Laurent. In the evening the group in the ship’s restaurant for cocktails and grilled selections.

Day 2 | Québec City, Québec
Hailed as the most French city outside of France, Québec is a spectacle of history, architecture, and activity. After a light breakfast, the group will go ashore and immerse in the charm and character of Old Québec (Vieux-Québec), the last remaining fortified city north of Mexico. See the public square, known as Place Royale, historic Petit-Champlain, and Breakneck Stairs. Then, ride the Old Québec Funicular to the impressive Château Frontenac, perched atop Cape Diamond. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure onboard or an optional excursion into the surrounding countryside. Tonight, the group will gather for a welcome reception and themed dinner in the ship’s main dining room.

Day 3 | Scenic Sailing of the St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River flows more than 1,900 miles from the world’s largest system of freshwater lakes, the Great Lakes, to the Atlantic Ocean. The river was named by French explorer Jacques Cartier, whose arrival in the estuary on the 10th of August coincided with the feast day of St. Lawrence, patron saint of cooks and chefs.

Day 4 | Gaspé Peninsula, Québec
This morning, arrive in the quiet bayside town of Gaspé on the northeastern tip of Québec. Today’s excursion begins with a scenic one hour coach ride to Percé, where the group will board a boat and cruise to the Rock of Percé, a dramatic natural rock formation just off shore. Then, cruise around Bonaventure Island, a former mecca for poets and painters and home of 293 different bird species – including puffins, cormorants, murres, auks, black-legged kittewake, boreal chickadees, and one of the largest colonies of gannets in the world. Back on shore, enjoy free time in picturesque Percé before returning to the pier and boarding the ship for lunch.

Day 5 | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Located on Prince Edward Island, Canada’s tiniest and most charming province, Charlottetown is famous for its red earth and white beaches. This morning, the group will follow a trail through the same historic streets the delegates walked when they gathered in 1864 for the conference that led to the Confederation of Canada. Then, the group will drive along the North Shore to Cavendish Bay, and the farmstead that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Enjoy free time strolling along the shores of the bay before returning to the ship for an exceptional lunch overlooking pretty Charlottetown Harbour.

Day 6 | Halifax, Nova Scotia
After lunch on the ship, board a restored double decker bus for an upbeat tour of Nova Scotia’s capital city. See the Province House, the original home of Britain’s first overseas government and the seat of Nova Scotia’s current government. Visit the star-shaped Halifax Citadel to watch the changing of the sentry and hear the Royal Artillery fire the Noon Gun or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic with memorabilia from the Titanic. Then the group will head back down to Pier 21 and enjoy time to peruse the waterfront before returning to the ship for dinner and a relaxing evening of cruising along the Nova Scotia coast.

Day 7 | Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Today, arrive in Yarmouth, on the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia in the heart of the world’s largest lobster fishing grounds. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the town’s seafaring history and beautiful Victorian homes – such as the Pelton-Fuller House, home of the original Fuller Brush Man. At the Yarmouth County Museum & Archives, enjoy light refreshments before returning to the ship.

Day 8 | Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Today, arrive at Saint John in time to see the incredible “reversing rapids,” caused by powerful high tides that reverse the flow of the mighty Saint John River. Next, visit the Old City Market, Canada’s oldest working farmer’s market and a popular meeting place for locals. Then, drive to Fort Howe for picture-perfect views of this charming port city before returning to the ship for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring ashore or relaxing aboard the ship. Then toast the day’s adventures with a cocktail or glass of wine and a fine gourmet dinner.

Day 9 | Bar Harbor, Maine
This morning, take a ride past Bar Harbor’s charming Victorian mansions and into Acadia National Park. Driving along the 27-mile Park Loop Road, see Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook, Highseas mansion, Otter Cliffs, and the stunning Gulf of Maine. Next, the group will trail through the pine forest and past the Jordan Pond House with a clear view of the Penobscot Mountains and Bubbles Hill. Weather permitting, the group will drive to the top of 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of granite cliffs, coastal mountains, forests, lakes, and valleys before returning to the ship. This evening, gather for a farewell reception and a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s main dining room.

Day 10 | Portland, Maine
This morning, awaken in Portland, Maine. After breakfast, disembark the M.S. Saint Laurent and transfer to the airport for a flight home or the Westin Portland Harborview, a member of Historic Hotels of America Hotel for your extended tour of this magnificent city.

Tour Price*

After exhilarating days on shore, escape to your own private retreat featuring fresh, modern décor, hardwood floors, beds with deep, premium mattresses, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, deluxe duvets, and your choice of different pillow options. All staterooms and suites also offer individual climate controls, magnifying makeup mirrors, plush towels, coveted L’Occitane® bath amenities, spa robes and slippers, and under-bed storage.

2-for-1 pricing discount applies to reservations book and paid in full by September 15, 2015. Discount is per person and based on double occupancy. If full payment is not received by September 15, 2015, the full price applies per person.

Port Charges: $399 per person

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour, please contact our tour VIP desk by calling +1 202 772 8000 or emailing scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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Terms & Conditions

*Based on double occupancy. Per person in USD. 60% Single Supplement available for categories A-F.
Included in tour cost: Cruise fares cover certain shipboard services including: accommodations, shore excursions, onboard meals and entertainment, complimentary beverages aboard ship where noted in the respective cruise program brochure.
Not included in tour cost: airfare, hotel accommodations, optional shore excursions, meals ashore(unless otherwise noted), beverages not highlighted as included, fuel surcharges, laundry (unless otherwise noted), purchases from the ship boutique or any item or service of a personal nature such as medical care, massages, and spa treatments.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.