Best of Eastern Canada & USA - Small Group
Best of Eastern Canada & USA - Small Group
Best of Eastern Canada & USA - Small Group
14 Days Starting in Toronto, Canada and ending in Washington D.C., United States
Visiting: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Eastern Canada and the USA with this small group tour. Begin in Toronto, where you'll savor Canadian specialties and explore the vibrant cityscape. Experience the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls up close, and delve into the rich history of Kingston and Ottawa. In Montreal, wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and marvel at the Notre-Dame Basilica. Discover Quebec City's European charm and the majestic Montmorency Falls. Cross into the USA to explore Boston's revolutionary past, New York City's iconic skyline, and Philadelphia's historic landmarks. Conclude in Washington, D.C., with a tour of its monumental sights and a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and historical insights, ensuring a memorable adventure from start to finish.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Thrilling Toronto
Location: Toronto
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Toronto
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario known for its food and wine scene and eclectic restaurants. After settling in, feel free to explore the town and discover what it has to offer. Later, savor dinner accompanied by wine in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 2: Toronto And The Thundering Falls Of Niagara
Location: Toronto
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Toronto
Meals Included: Breakfast
See Toronto's top sights including Queen's Park, before venturing on the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a 19th century village that offers gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. See the flowers and old-world architecture of the city before heading to the spectacular Niagara Falls. Experience the thrill of Niagara Falls up close on a state-of-the-art eco-catamaran. Feel the mighty power, thundering water and mesmerizing mist on this memorable boat ride to the base of the falls. Next, you can choose to soar above Niagara's stunning landscapes on an exhilarating helicopter flight. Witness the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, American Falls, Skylon Tower and the mesmerizing Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where rainbows appear in the mist. Later, return to Toronto for an afternoon at leisure or choose to visit the top of the iconic CN Tower which defines the Toronto Skyline. Interact with visual exhibits to learn fascinating stories about this engineering marvel and enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering skyline and Lake Ontario.
Day 3: Kingston And Ottawa
Location: Ottawa
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City. Here you’ll view the city’s storied buildings, churches and fortifications, many of which being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a cooking demonstration at a local barn owned by Just Food, a non-profit organization that brings dining experiences focused on sustainable food and farming practices. Learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine using staples from the Canadian terroir such as maple sugar, haskaps, Labrador tea and wildflowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.
Day 4: Canada's Capital To Montreal
Location: Montreal
Accommodation Name: Marriott Chateau Champlain, Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, visit M��dahòkì Farm and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and how they revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
Day 5: Montreal, The Royal Mountain
Location: Montreal
Accommodation Name: Marriott Chateau Champlain, Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal. The narrow cobblestone streets draw you in with their lively little plazas, shops and cafes. From the grand mansions of Mount Royal to the iconic old port, Old Montreal is a historic neighborhood that is now a major hot spot with beautiful architecture, vibrant street art and plenty of opportunities for photo-ops, especially at the top of Mount Royal. Next, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and discover the history of the first neo-gothic church in Canada and marvel at its breathtaking architecture and exceptional stained glass windows. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.
Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park To Quebec City Relaxed Start
Location: Quebec City
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Quebec
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Montreal and immerse yourself in Canadian culinary adventures as you indulge in the sweet delights of maple syrup, harvested and crafted right on-site. After lunch, join an Insight Choice experience to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (84 m) tall over the Saint Lawrence River. Or, visit a Copper Art Studio for a guided tour and demonstration of the repoussé copper art before trying it yourself.
Day 7: Quintessential Quebec
Location: Quebec City
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Quebec
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover more of Quebec City’s history and charm with a Local Expert. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale, while learning about the city’s long history as one of the oldest European settlements in North America. No visit to Old Quebec would be complete without seeing the grand hotel Château Frontenac, designated a National Historic Site of Canada and UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the first grand railway hotels completed in Canada. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the evening enjoy your Celebration Dinner in historic old Quebec.
Day 8: Québec City To Boston
Location: Boston
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency, Boston
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Quebec City, crossing the border from Canada into the USA to explore the scenic beauty of New England. Take in the breathtaking views of the White Mountains as you journey through Franconia Notch State Park, winding past the park’s characteristic high peaks and dense woodlands. As Boston’s skyline comes into view, feel the excitement grow, as you anticipate two unforgettable nights in one of America's most dynamic cities.
Day 9: Boston, The Cradle Of Liberty
Location: Boston
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency, Boston
Meals Included: Breakfast
Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.
Day 10: A Bite Of The Big Apple
Location: New York City
Accommodation Name: The Knickerbocker, New York City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit one of the city's newest attractions, Summit One Vanderbilt with stunning views of the New York skyline, or explore Midtown's fascinating architecture on foot with a Local Expert. This evening, your hotel is in the heart of Time Square and a short walk from iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center, Brayant Park, and Broadway Theater.
Day 11: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start
Location: New York City
Accommodation Name: Marriott Marquis, New York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Later, visit Essex Lower East Side Neighborhood Market for a food tour and demonstration.
Day 12: Liberty In Philadelphia And D.C. Relaxed Start
Location: Philadelphia
Accommodation Name: Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening to see the capital's sights in a new light.
Day 13: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing And Leisure Time
Location: Washington, D.C.
Accommodation Name: Melrose Georgetown Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and the sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Next, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution and the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.
Day 14: Depart Washington, D.C.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at your leisure to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay to depart at your leisure.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Quebec City, including experiencing Montmorency Falls or discovering metal craftsmanship at the copper art studio.
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Top Rated Highlights
Enjoy guided tours and experiences at iconic locations such as Niagara Falls, Old Montreal, Quebec City, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
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Make Travel Matter
Participate in experiences that support local communities and sustainable practices, such as learning about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project in Ottawa.
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Authentic Dining
Savor local specialties with dinners in Toronto, Ottawa, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, and Washington, D.C.
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Insight Choice
Choose between different experiences in Quebec City, such as visiting Montmorency Falls or a Copper Art Studio.
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Dining Summary
Enjoy 4 Dinners with Wine, 13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, and 1 Dinner.
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Insight Experiences
Gain culinary skills in Ottawa and enjoy a visit to Essex Market in New York City.
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Summary
Embark on a cruise to the base of Niagara Falls and visit historic sites in Kingston, Montreal, Quebec City, and more.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the helicopter flight over Niagara Falls and the visit to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and gratuities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort as you explore the vibrant cities and scenic landscapes of Eastern Canada and the USA, with seamless transitions between destinations, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at renowned hotels such as the Hilton in Toronto, DoubleTree by Hilton in Ottawa, Marriott Chateau Champlain in Montreal, and The Knickerbocker in New York City, ensuring a relaxing and luxurious experience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Insight Experiences
- Ottawa: Gain new culinary skills and learn more about regional cuisine with a local chef during a cooking demonstration at C'est Bon.
- New York City: This late afternoon, enjoy a visit to Essex Market, a cornerstone of the Lower East Side for over 100 years. Meet and hear the stories of local vendors while tasting their noteworthy specialties from around the world. Enjoy and learn from a live cooking demonstration while hearing how our visit to this non-profit run market contributes to countless programs aimed to provide quality, affordable food to the community and foster entrepreneurship as well as economic development.
Summary
- Embark on a cruise to the base of Niagara Falls.
- Visit historic Kingston • Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal • Ile d'Orleans • Quebec City • Acadia National Park • Kennebunkport • Boston's Freedom Trail • Times Square in NYC • Philadelphia's Liberty Bell • Washington D.C.
- City tours of Montreal, Quebec City and New York City with Local Experts; Washington, D.C.
- Welcome Dinner in Toronto • Cooking Demonstration and three-course Highlight Dinner in Ottawa • Celebration Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered in Quebec City during the tour?
In Quebec City, you can choose between experiencing the Montmorency Falls, which are 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls, or visiting a copper art studio to learn about and try the repoussée technique of metal craftsmanship.
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What can I expect from the visit to Niagara Falls?
At Niagara Falls, you will get up close to the falls on a state-of-the-art eco-catamaran, experiencing the power, thundering water, and mist. You also have the option to take a helicopter flight for a bird's-eye view of the falls and surrounding landscapes.
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How does the tour incorporate local culture and history in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, the tour includes a visit to Mādahòkì Farm to learn about Indigenous cultures and a cooking demonstration at Just Food Community Farm, where you'll learn about local cuisine and sustainable food practices.
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What are the highlights of the New York City portion of the tour?
In New York City, you can visit Summit One Vanderbilt for stunning skyline views or take a walking tour of Midtown's architecture. You'll also explore iconic sites like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Theater District.
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What historical sites are included in the Boston tour?
In Boston, the tour includes a walk along the Freedom Trail, visiting sites like the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party was planned. You'll also explore the North End, known for its Italian community and cuisine.
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How does the tour engage with the African American history in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., the tour includes a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which documents African American life, history, and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions