Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Halifax
On arrival at Halifax Airport make your own way to Lord Nelson Hotel for an overnight stay. Afternoon at leisure to explore Halifax's popular attractions.
Overnight stay at Lord Nelson Hotel
Day 2: Halifax
Collect your hire car and explore this true maritime city. First settled in 1749, Halifax today is Nova Scotia’s capital and the largest city in Canada’s maritime provinces. Overnight stay at Lord Nelson Hotel
Day 3: Halifax sightseeing
A full day in Halifax to explore boutiques, pubs and cafes of Privateers Warehouse and Historic Properties, tour the Bluenose II (see the “tails” side of a Canadian dime for a picture of the Bluenose I). Get a terrific view of the city from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and visit York Redoubt National Historic Site a 200-year-old fortification overlooking Halifax Harbour. Overnight stay at Lord Nelson Hotel
Day 4: Travel to Lunenburg (145 km/90 mi)
Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore. Overnight stay at Boscawen Inn
Day 5: Travel to Annapolis Royal (133 km/83 mi)
Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Park interpretive staff conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal. (Breakfast included). Overnight stay at Hillsdale House
Day 6: Whale watching and fishing villages (206 km/128 mi return)
Today drive along 65 km along the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see finback and minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne. (Breakfast included) Overnight stay at Hillsdale House
Day 7: Travel to Wolfville (109 km/68 mi)
Make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Also the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery in the area well worth a visit. (Breakfast included). Overnight stay at Tattingstone Inn.
Day 8: Travel to Charlottetown (360 km/224 mi)
Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy a marvel of nature. You will cross the 13km long Confederation Bridge. Overnight stay at The Great George.
Day 9: Charlottetown Sightseeing
Explore Charlottetown site of Canada’s birthplace - Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867. Overnight stay at The Great George.
Day 10: Island Sightseeing (Approx 80-100 km/50-62 mi round trip)
You can explore picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park on the island’s north shore - see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables, fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide. Overnight stay at The Great George.
Day 11: Travel to Cape Breton Island (274 km/170 mi)
Depart Charlottetown taking Rte 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. Overnight at Inverary Resort.
Day 12: Cabot Trail (300 km/187 mi)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Cabot Trail Allow a full day to drive with time to get out and hike or observe views. Visit the park visitor center (5 km). There are 28 beautiful hiking trails in the National Park between Cheticamp and Ingonish. The most recommended one would be the Skyline Trail which is approximately located about 15 minutes drive from park entrance. Explore the fabulous Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island for awe-inspiring views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The route winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along the way visit the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Route 19 Judique (approx 25 minutes from causeway) or the Glenora Distillery Route 19/ Ceilidh Trail, Glenville (between Inverness and Mabou about 30 minutes from Judique). Other stops may include Acadian Cultural Center & Museum (Les Trois Pignons ) or St. Ann’s Gaelic College of Arts & Crafts. Overnight at Inverary Resort.
Day 13: Louisbourg Sightseeing (220 km/137 mi return)
This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site - This incredible “living museum,” largest historical reconstruction in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700’s, complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can even sample period food in the restaurant, or take part in a mock battle. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck, a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man - who spent his summers here on the shores of the Bras d’Or - Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is located on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of the village of Baddeck. You may also want to visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona. Overnight stay at Inverary Resort
Day 14: Travel to Halifax (357 km/222 mi)
A full day for the return trip to Halifax along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At the community of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to your destination. Overnight at Lord Nelson Hotel.
Day 15: Tour end
From Halifax continue on to the airport in time to return car and board your flight home.
Offer Includes:
- Flights with Thomas Cook Airlines from London Gatwick
- Airport taxes
- 14 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bay Ferry Tolls - Woods Island to Caribou
- Brier Island Whale watching
- Historic Sites Pass with admission to the following: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
- Travel documentation including personalised maps, guides, itinerary and driving directions
- Car hire with insurance
