We are delighted to have chartered the Exploris One for this fascinating journey from Montreal to Boston which offers a combination of sophisticated cities and towns with the great Canadian outdoors. Travelling with a maximum of just 120 fellow passengers, we will witness some stunning scenery, encounter marine-life including the many species of whales in the Saguenay Fjord, discover the region’s unique cultural history, learn about Canada’s rich colonial past and enjoy the interesting blend of cultures for which Eastern Canada is famous. Added to this we have the advantage of travelling in autumn and with good fortune hope to witness the seasonal change in foliage and the magnificent colours of Fall. There will be a choice of included excursions on offer in many ports of call as well as ample time to relax on board whilst cruising through some stunning scenery and hopefully spotting some of the astounding marine life of the region.
Our journey begins with a two night hotel stay in the vibrant city of Montreal with its unique style before we discover the city of Quebec with its old-world charm and French joie de vivre. Once we have embarked the Exporis One, our voyage begins with time spent in Saguenay Fjord National Park from where we continue northwards to the scenic St Lawrence River. With its rich ecosystem, this mighty river is home to many seabirds, seals and no fewer than 13 whale species have been identified in its waters including humpbacks, belugas and blue whales. As we venture further into maritime Canada other scenic highlights of our voyage will include the wild landscapes and birdlife of the Gaspé Peninsula and charming Prince Edward Island.
Leaving Maritime Canada, a relaxing day of cruising is to be enjoyed before we reach the shores of the United States of America and the city of Portland, Maine which is home to a wealth of architectural treasures and immortalised by Longfellow in My Lost Youth. To conclude our journey we have an overnight stay in Boston with time to enjoy what is surely America’s most beautiful and historic city.
Exploris One
Formerly known as the Silver Explorer and owned by Silversea Cruises, Exploris One began her new life with Exploris Expeditions in December 2023. Having been associated with the vessel for many years, we know her to be ideal for small ship cruising and for our exclusive charter, we will be accommodating just 120 guests on board. The vessel’s shallow draft will allow us to navigate in areas that larger ships would not be able to access and whilst cruising, the vessel benefits from spacious deck areas from where you can watch for passing wildlife and admire the beautiful scenery. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal with the focus on the wonders of the destination you are visiting, which combined with the comfortable surroundings, excellent service, superb cuisine and expert onboard team make for the perfect small ship experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Montreal, Canada.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this evening and transfer to a central hotel for our two night stay.
Day 2 Montreal.
After a morning at leisure we will meet in the early afternoon for a tour of this culturally diverse city. See Old Montreal’s rich architectural and historical legacy, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and stop at the Mont-Royal for a panoramic view of the city. Meet this evening for dinner.
Day 3 Montreal to Quebec.
After breakfast in the hotel we will drive to Quebec. Quebec City is the only walled community in North America and is deeply engaged in preserving its history and its unique place in Canada. We will see the Plains of Abraham at the point where the battle between the invading English forces and the defenders took place as they stormed the upper city and captured the town. Then onward to pretty Place Royale in the lower town, which in 1759 was bombarded from across the river, as fire ships were dispatched towards the port. After lunch in the city we will transfer to the Exploris One for embarkation. Sail this evening.
Day 4 Saguenay.
Spend the morning cruising the picturesque Saguenay River which is nestled beneath towering cliffs and enveloped in pine. The mouth of the river, where the Saint Lawrence River meets the outflow of the Saguenay River, is one of the most exciting whale watching sites in the world. Between May and October, up to 13 species of cetaceans make their way upriver from the Atlantic Ocean and then become temporary residents in the salty rich waters of the Saint Lawrence. At the tip of a majestic fjord, lies the charming city of Saguenay. With a decidedly French atmosphere and a touch of the Old World, we will visit the district of Chicoutimi and learn about the area’s cultural, historic and natural history. Discover the importance of the fjord as a natural trading route for the First Nations people of the area before France established its first fur trading post in the 1600s. We also learn how the early 20th century brought exploitation of the river with logging and development of the pulp and paper industries. Alternatively those feeling active may wish to visit the Parc National du Saguenay. At the Interpretation Centre learn about the creation and characteristics of the fjord before taking a walk along the Meandres des Falaises trail.
Day 5 Baie Comeau.
From our berth in Baie Comeau, enjoy a morning tour exploring the history and nature of Baie Comeau. Our tour begins with a photo stop at the magnificent Havre St. Pancrace lookout, a fjord 600 metres high. We then continue with a guided tour of Village Forestier d’Antan, where we experience the lumberjack’s living conditions and way of life. We end our morning with a short tour of Baie-Comeau’s heritage area. After lunch on board, we continue with our exploration of Baie Comeau with a panoramic tour, passing by landmarks, boutiques, and art galleries. We visit to St-Amelie Church featuring Quebec’s North Shore pink granite before enjoying tea and cake at Manoir Baie. There will be some free time at Place Lasalle before returning to the ship.
Day 6 Gaspé & Percé.
Arriving into Gaspé in the late morning an afternoon excursion takes us to Percé. The stunning drive will pass rugged cliffs and sweeping bays with some of the most extraordinary panoramas in Eastern Canada - the Bay of Gaspé, the cliffs of Forillon National Park, the Barachois de Malbaie (sand bar) and the unique precipices along the coast in Percé. Later we will take a cruise in the Parc National de l’Île-Bonaventureet- du-Rocher-Percé, which takes us to both sides of the famous Percé Rock, and then out to see the largest gannet colony in the world, where thousands of birds nest on the cliffs of Bonaventure Island - an unforgettable experience. Naturalists consider Bonaventure’s colony of 120,000 Northern Gannets to be the most important and accessible colony of its kind in the world. After time to see the artisans and artists of Percé we return to our ship.
Day 7 Prince Edward Island.
After a morning at sea we arrive on Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest and most charming province. From our berth in Summerside we drive along the North Shore to Cavendish Bay, Prince Edward Island National Park, and the farmstead that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Here we can view the house as well as other settings from the book, including the Haunted Woods, Lover’s Lane and Balsam Hollow. Enjoy free time strolling along the shores of the bay or through the charming town centre before we return to the ship for dinner.
Day 8 Strait of Canso.
This morning we will navigate through the Strait of Canso. This strait is located in the province of Nova Scotia and divides the Nova Scotia peninsula from Cape Breton Island. It is a long thin channel approximately 16 and a half miles long and averaging almost two miles wide (0.62 miles at its narrowest). The strait connects the Chedabucto Bay on the Atlantic Ocean to St George’s Bay on the Northumberland Strait, a sub-basin of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The strait is crossed by the Canso Causeway which opened in 1955 for the vehicular and rail traffic. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing.
Day 9 Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces, Halifax was once Great Britain’s major military bastion in North America. The beautifully restored waterfront buildings of Halifax’s Historic Properties recall the city’s centuries-old maritime heritage. We will visit the picturesque Citadel, which was constructed in 1856 as an eightpointed- star defence structure to defend Halifax from invading forces. It is populated by the 87th Highlander Regiment, who regularly perform re-enactments inside the square. The Halifax Museum of the Atlantic offers an exceptional glimpse into Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage, with an emphasis on small craft and the massive allied World War ll convoys assembled in the inner Halifax harbour. On our way out of town, we drive past the Fairlawn Cemetery and hear the compelling story of how 100 of the RMS Titanic victims were recovered and buried in this city. We will then continue along the craggy shoreline to Peggy’s Cove, one of the loveliest maritime villages in Nova Scotia. Located in St Margaret’s Bay, this active coastal village retains the character and flavour of an active residential community, with a vibrant fishing fleet, charming multicoloured homes and the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse. Lunch will be taken in one of the local restaurants, after which there will be ample time to stroll through the community, explore the rocks surrounding the lighthouse and shop for typical Nova Scotia souvenirs in the local stores.
Day 10 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we cross to New England.
Day 11 Portland, USA.
Arrive this morning at the port of Portland in Maine. The Old Port waterfront combines active fishing wharves with warehouses converted into charming boutiques and cafes, shops and museums. Drive through the elegant Victorian Mansion district, past the boyhood home of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and many of the former Sea Captain’s homes. Then drive out to see Casco Bay and the famous Portland Head light that guards the channel and access to this port. This afternoon we take the ride to Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport’s Lower Village and Dock Square are located close to the ocean and the Kennebunkport River. Since the early 1600s this community has been a shipbuilding mecca, with locally constructed five-masted schooners sliding into the Atlantic to eventually work in every corner of the globe. The New England community has long been the summer residence of those seeking to relax in this New England maritime atmosphere. We will have free time to discover this picturesque community, after which we will tour past the architecturally significant homes of Kennebunk.
Day 12 Gloucester to Boston.
Disembark this morning in Gloucester and drive to Lexington Green where, in 1775, Paul Revere rode to warn the Minutemen of the approaching British troops. Next we journey to Concord and the Old North Bridge to see where the British were confronted by the Minutemen in the first full battle of the Revolution. Continue on to the college town of Cambridge, home to two of North America’s most prestigious universities, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After a pleasant stroll around Harvard Yard we will have lunch before transferring to our hotel in Boston. The remainder of the day and evening are free to explore at your own pace.
Day 13 Boston to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we explore Boston’s iconic institutions and roam its lively districts with a guided city tour. Among the famous landmarks, see the Boston Common, the Trinity Church, the Old State House and the historic Boston North End with some free time to explore the Faneuil Hall Market Place. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 14 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
2 to 15 October 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Deck 3 Ocean Stateroom | £8295 | £7995 |
Deck 4 Deluxe Stateroom | £8795 | £8495 |
Deck 5 Balcony Stateroom | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Deck 5 Discovery Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Deck 7 Navigator Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Deck 7 Grand Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Deck 7 Owner’s Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Deck 3 Ocean Stateroom for sole use | £10795 | £10495 |
Deck 4 Superior Stateroom for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCEO021024
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Montreal with breakfast • Dinner on Day 2 • Overnight hotel accommodation in Boston with breakfast • Nine nights aboard the Exploris One on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Canada & USA visas.
Exploris One
Formerly known as the Silver Explorer and owned by Silversea Cruises, Exploris One began her new life with Exploris Expeditions in December 2023. Having been associated with the vessel for many years, we know her to be ideal for small ship cruising and for our exclusive charter, we will be accommodating just 120 guests on board. The vessel’s shallow draft will allow us to navigate in areas that larger ships would not be able to access and whilst cruising, the vessel benefits from spacious deck areas from where you can watch for passing wildlife and admire the beautiful scenery. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal with the focus on the wonders of the destination you are visiting, which combined with the comfortable surroundings, excellent service, superb cuisine and expert onboard team make for the perfect small ship experience.
Travelling with You
-
Rear Admiral Roy Clare CBE DL
Drawing on a lifetime at sea and twenty years’ experience heading world-class collections in two leading institutions - north and south of the equator - Roy brings a unique combination of deep professional insight and a passion for history. He served worldwide in the Royal Navy, from Junior Seaman to Rear Admiral. He was second in command to His Majesty King Charles III in HMS Bronington in 1976. His own commands included destroyers, the aircraft carrier Invincible and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. He took early retirement from the navy in 2000 to become the Director (CEO) of the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Later, he became the Director (CEO) of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand. Currently, he is a non-executive director and trustee of several charities. An active yachtsman, Roy took part in the first Whitbread Round the World yacht race in 1973 and he has participated in many ocean races, including the Fastnet and Sydney-Hobart. Nowadays he sails purely for pleasure in his own boat, mainly in British waters. He and his wife Sarah – an Anglican Minister – live in Tollesbury, Essex, and have three adult children and two granddaughters. In 2007 Roy was made CBE ‘for services to museums’ and awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Greenwich. In 2022 he was appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex.
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