American Waterways & Canada in the Fall

Home to Gaelic-speaking descendants of Scottish settlers, the industrial town of Sydney is the ocean gateway to Cape Breton Island. With easy access to the highlands, the Bras D'Or Lakes and the Fortress Louisbourg National Park, Sydney is the perfect place to start your Nova Scotia adventure.

A guided tour of Old Sydney Town gives visitors the chance to visit the magnificent Fortress of Louisbourg, one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and beautiful Baddeck a small yet enchanting village nearby. The Petersfield Provincial Park is also well worth visiting, thanks to the array of monuments from various cultural eras and fantastic views of the harbour. 

The Eastern Canadian port of Halifax is the provincial capital of Nova Scotia with a rich maritime history. A vital part of Canada's infrastructure, Halifax is a major economic centre with many government and public sector companies based here, including the Department of National Defence. Praised for its quality of life, Halifax is a proud, vibrant city that represents modern Canada.

The urban city centre is home to a number of landmark buildings, and Halifax’s architecture will suit all tastes. Its Old Fort, Maritime Museum, Central Library and Art Gallery are all worth visiting and exploring. The city has a thriving arts, theatre and culinary scene, and Halifax pubs, with their craft beer culture, add to the whole experience.

Point Pleasant Park is particularly popular due to its seaside location, as is a stroll through the tiny Peggy's Cove, with its bustling fishing harbour and lobster fishery.

The restored harbour district in Saint John reveals many insights into a fascinating heritage. An exciting twice-daily event is the phenomenon of the river's spectacular tidal bore at the famous Reversing Falls Rapids. 

The town is surrounded by sheer cliffs, coves and peninsulas, with a deep natural harbour offering the chance to experience the Bay of Fundy up close or take in a harbour cruise and city highlights. Those who are more adventurous may want to take a white knuckle ride through the rapids in Fallsview Park. Behind the gritty port area you'll find the historic core with beautiful redbrick and sandstone architecture, and narrow side streets.

Portland is the largest city of Maine - the Pine Tree state, with a spectacularly corrugated pine-clad coastline. Offering a range of artistic and outdoor adventures, with six lighthouses to explore, all within 20 minutes of the city. 

Portland is best seen through the revitalised Old Port Exchange District near the waterfront, where the historic buildings now house a selection of shops and restaurants. Boasting specialty shops for dog lovers, sock collectors, and those who love to cook. Explore the shops and galleries lining the cobblestone streets of the Old Port. Located in the heart of bustling Congress Street is the childhood home of poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula. 

Boston is the largest city in New England and one of the most historic, influential and interesting in the United States. Attracting over 12 million visitors a year, Boston is renowned for its range of cultures, its vibrant atmosphere and its diverse, ever changing cityscape where tall skyscrapers and charming Georgian buildings stand proudly alongside each other on the banks of the iconic Charles River.

The city is divided into a number of neighbourhoods and each has their own unique style and culture, so there’s something to suit every taste. Back Bay, Downtown and the Financial District are alive with activity and are where you’ll find large shopping malls, stylish modern buildings and fine restaurants. In contrast, Charlestown, South End, Roxbury and Beacon Hill offer a more traditional, historic experience and are home to some of Boston’s most famous sites, including the Bunker Hill Monument and Massachusetts State House.

The best of Boston is easy to discover on a walk along the city’s ‘Freedom Trail’ - one of America’s first historic walking tours. Simply follow the red brick and painted lines that connect 16 of Boston’s most important historic sites to explore two and a half centuries of incredible history. 

Lined on both sides by pretty parks and beautiful woodland areas, there are plenty of sights to enjoy as you make your way along the canal, passing under a number of impressive bridges including the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, Sagamore Bridge and the historic Bourne Bridge – voted America’s most beautiful steel bridge in 1934 by the American Institute of Steel Constructions. 

Revel in the sight of New York’s Statue of Liberty, a US National Monument and one of the world’s most iconic, instantly-recognisable symbols of freedom and democracy. Sailing slowly by, in the comfort of your smaller-sized ship, you’ll be presented with unspoilt views of this legendary landmark, providing a simply unmissable photo opportunity.

New York City is one of the most important, influential and exciting cities on earth and though it may not be awash with palm-lined beaches and tropical islands, it is considered by many as one of the world’s must-visit holiday destinations, a truly one-of-a-kind, unique, vibrant, cosmopolitan and diverse city with attractions in abundance. The skyscrapers, yellow cabs, Hudson River, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building are just some of reasons why the ‘Big Apple’ is truly special.

Located on one of the largest natural harbours in the world, New York City is divided into 5 boroughs – the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island – and each offers its own unique experience. The Bronx and Queens are huge multi-cultural and multi-national neighbourhoods while Brooklyn and Manhattan are the city’s iconic boroughs. With their awe inspiring skyscrapers and soaring office blocks, world renowned monuments, historic buildings, restaurants, theatres, parks and much more, Brooklyn and Manhattan are home to some of the world’s most incredible sights and attractions.

Be sure to explore Manhattan to experience the truly unique way of life. The borough never sleeps and is the heartbeat of the city. Take a walk through the vast concrete canyons of the financial district; visit the recently finished One World Trade Center and the incredible 9/11 memoral; enjoy a relaxing walk through the iconic Central Park; then head to Times Square to be dazzled by the bright neon lights and signs before taking in a show on Broadway.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, away from the hectic, noisy streets of the city, Coney Island is well worth discovering. Located in South West Brooklyn, the pretty beaches and famous amusement park seem a world away from the large buildings and packed streets of Manhattan and has been attracting holidaymakers from near and far for decades.

Leaving New York’s iconic skyline behind, a sail along the size-restricted Hudson River provides contrasting sights and experiences to those on offer in the ‘Big Apple’. While relaxing on board your smaller ship, walls of towering skyscrapers will turn to low-lying riverbanks laden with tree-smothered state parks and nature reserves. These countryside scenes are particularly breathtaking in the fall season, when the lush foliage turns to vibrant autumn colours of browns, reds and yellows.

En route to Baltimore, sailing the narrow Chesapeake and Delaware Canal makes for a relaxing and rewarding few hours of scenic cruising. Taking advantage of your ship’s smaller dimensions, you’ll pass underneath low bridges that prevent larger vessels for navigating this picturesque route, and admire ever-changing scenes of beautiful countryside and charming, white wooden dwellings rarely seen on North American cruises.

Baltimore – the largest city in the state of Maryland – is steeped in history and boasts a diverse range of cultures, imposing skyscrapers, charming historic structures and a number of popular attractions, including the National Aquarium, Walters Art Museum and the Mount Vernon district. Mount Vernon is a National Landmark Historic District and is known as the city’s cultural hub, where Baltimore’s grand 19th century industrialist mansions - now used as museums, galleries, shops and cafes – are found, as well as America’s first Catholic Cathedral, the Washington Monument and the original copy of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.

An increasingly popular tourist destination in its own right, Baltimore also serves as a gateway to Washington D.C., the incredible capital city of the United States of America. Home to an extensive list of world-renowned attractions, including the Whitehouse, the National Cathedral, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial, it is well worth making the journey from Baltimore during your stay to see the capital of the world’s most powerful country.

Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda is a small, friendly city with a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere and exciting vibrancy. Front Street, arguably the city’s biggest attraction, runs along the shore line and is usually the first glimpse of Hamilton that visitors get as they arrive. The street is home to glitzy shops and several restaurants and bars, all benefitting from wonderful views out across the harbour.

Away from Front Street, Hamilton has plenty more to offer. The city centre has many historic monuments and buildings to seek out and discover too, including Cathedrals, arts centres, museums and parliament buildings. There are also several parks with beautiful walkways, tall trees and gorgeous greenery to relax in and a number of busy markets selling locally made and home-grown produce - the perfect place to sample the famous culture and atmosphere.

Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.

A fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas. Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.

The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.

The ‘Green Island’ also offers canoeing and other sports activities on lakes located in the craters of its dormant volcanoes. The island’s beauty can also be enjoyed by horse riding or cycling.

The city of La Coruña is the capital of the province and a busy seaport situated in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. Most famous for its Roman lighthouse, the diverse architectural styles of La Coruña make the city an absolute delight for sightseeing.

La Coruña boasts an impressive seafront promenade, beautiful beaches and a host of attractions such as the Domus Museum, the Casa del Hombre and Torre De Hercules – said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence – which offers sweeping coastal views from the top of its 60 metre high tower. The Paseo Marítimo, a lovely 13km walkway and bike path, runs from the port, around the peninsula, and along the ocean beaches.

The compact Ciudad Vieja – La Coruña’s old quarter – is a must-visit area. Often referred to as “the city” by the locals, the medieval centre contains remains of the centuries-old Roman wall that once protected it. The arcaded Plaza de María Pita, surrounded by narrow pedestrianized lanes, is a popular spot, and features the Estatua de María Pita, a statue of a 16th century woman who warned the town of an invasion by Sir Francis Drake. The medieval Church of Santiago, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Military Museum are all fine places of interest.   

Beyond the historic city is a proud, modern metropolis, which boasts a superb food scene and a buzzing nightlife. The world’s best picnic food, empanadas, and the locally produced beer, Estrella, both demand trying.