Come to “the Far East of the Western World”. Travel to the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland and to the most easterly point in North America – including Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn of the Maritime Archaic, Vikings and Basques as we travel to fishing communities to meet today’s friendly and hospitable people. See whales, thousands of seabirds and maybe an iceberg! Sample local food and drink to become an honorary “Newfoundlander!”
***PLEASE NOTE: THIS DEPARTURE IS OPERATED IN BOTH ENGLISH & GERMAN***
FRIDAY - DAY 1: Arrive Halifax, NS
Arrive in Halifax and check in at your accommodations for the night. Your lovely hotel is ideally located in the downtown core.* This evening meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director at a welcome reception.
SATURDAY - DAY 2: Halifax, NS – Port-aux-Basques, NL
Travel via Truro and Antigonish to cross over the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island. At North Sydney, board an overnight Marine Atlantic ferry for a relaxing crossing to Port aux Basques, your port of entry on the island of Newfoundland. (B, L)
SUNDAY - DAY 3: Port-aux-Basques, NL – Port au Choix, NL
Drive through the Codroy Valley and on to Corner Brook, the largest city on the west coast, for a brief tour. Your journey continues through Gros Morne National Park – to be enjoyed later on during your tour – to the fishing community of Port au Choix. While there, visit Port au Choix National Historic Site, before checking in to your accommodations for the night. (B, L, D)
MONDAY - DAY 4: Port au Choix, NL – L’Anse au Clair, NL
Board the ferry from St. Barbe to cross the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador. Continue to Red Bay National Historic Site where the Basques had a whaling station in the 16th century. Spend the night in Labrador. (B, D)
TUESDAY - DAY 5: L’Anse au Clair, NL – St. Anthony, NL
Return to Newfoundland and travel to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the first cultural discovery in the world to receive recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear of the Vikings who walked here over a thousand years ago. (B, D)
WEDNESDAY - DAY 6: St. Anthony, NL – Cow Head, NL
Enjoy a morning whale watching boat tour in St. Anthony (weather permitting)* before travelling to Cow Head for a two-night stay. (B, D)
*June and early July are the best time to see Titanic-size icebergs!
THURSDAY - DAY 7: Gros Morne local touring
Discover why Gros Morne National Park is truly one of the highlights of your tour. Visit the Broom Point fishing exhibit and Lobster Cove Lighthouse. Enjoy a scenic boat tour (weather permitting) as you learn the geology of the Tablelands, see the bald eagles that frequent the deep waters of the fjord, and hear the history of the small villages nestled on the shores. It is an unforgettable experience; some say the scenery is unequaled in eastern Canada. (B, Box L, D)
FRIDAY - DAY 8: Cow Head, NL - Gander, NL
Have your camera at the ready as your time in Gros Morne National Park draws to a close. Later travel through central Newfoundland and visit the Mary March Regional Museum in Grand Falls–Windsor before arriving in Gander where you spend two nights. (B, D)
SATURDAY - DAY 9: Twillingate touring
A scenic drive along the rocky coast of Notre Dame Bay leads to the beautiful outport of Twillingate. At the tip of the island, visit Long Point Lighthouse and the local co-op. Return to Gander to visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum before returning to your hotel. (B, L, D)
SUNDAY - DAY 10: Gander, NL – Clarenville, NL
Head out on the Trans-Canada Highway to visit Terra Nova National Park, the most easterly of Canada’s beautiful national parks. Keep your camera close at hand for wildlife along the way. Learn about the hard life of the light keepers at Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site. This afternoon stroll through the lanes of charming town of Trinity and see several historic buildings including a typical early 20th century rural merchant’s house and a counting house. Arrive at your Clarenville hotel for the night. (B, L)
MONDAY - Day 11: Clarenville, NL - St. John’s, NL
In Brigus, visit Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site and learn about the adventures of world famous explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. Continue to Bay Bulls for one of the highlights of your trip …a boat tour to the Witless Bay bird sanctuary (weather permitting). Later visit the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear National Historic Site. Arrive in the capital city of St. John’s for a two-night stay. (B, D)
TUESDAY - DAY 12: St. John’s touring
This morning, enjoy an intriguing tour of this old seaport – St. John’s. See the Victorian architecture of the downtown area, the busy modern waterfront, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Confederation Building, and the panoramic view from Signal Hill. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B)
WEDNESDAY - DAY 13: Depart St. John's, NL
Depart for home.