OVERVIEW

Maximize your time in three characteristic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore by independently exploring the attractions that sound most intriguing to you. Founded in 1811, the village of Peggy’s Cove originally thrived on fishing and has evolved into a beautifully rustic artist’s community. While there, you might browse the art galleries and admire the classic red-and-white lighthouse that marks the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay. Lunenburg is renowned for being North America’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement, the reason UNESCO designated it a World Heritage site. As you stroll the historical streets, be sure to notice the rectangular grid layout, which was drawn up in England. More free time awaits you in the nearby town of Mahone Bay, which was settled a year after Lunenburg to support shipbuilding and logging. It is extraordinarily picturesque, and its three waterfront churches are among the most photographed places in Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours of free time independently explore three classic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore.
• Meander about Peggy’s Cove, an extraordinarily artistic community known for its classic lighthouse.
• Explore the continent’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in Lunenburg.
• Stroll along the waterfront of Mahone Bay, a town known for its three photogenic churches.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an unrivalled water perspective of the Boston skyline while cruising around the harbor and view many of the city’s most historical icons while driving through downtown. You will embark on the boat at the New England Aquarium and soon cruise pass the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of America’s oldest naval shipyards, having opened in 1800. It is home to the U.S.S. Constitution, better known as Old Ironsides. As you skirt along the coast of Castle Island, you can’t miss Fort Independence, the eighth iteration of a fort on this site. More historical landmarks will come into view back on land, many of them associated with the American Revolutionary War. Expect to see Boston Common – America’s oldest public park – the gold-domed Massachusetts State House, the Granary Burying Ground and the Old North Church steeple, where Paul Revere ordered two lanterns hung in the steeple to signal that the British were approaching by sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise around Boston Harbor and see icons such as Old Ironsides and Fort Independence.
• Settle in for a scenic drive around Boston that takes in its most historical attractions.
• Pause for photos at Copley Square, home to the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church.
• Be dropped off at Boston Logan International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

View the absolute icons of New York from a water perspective while cruising the Hudson River and up close while driving through the heart of Manhattan. The Big Apple’s skyline will look especially dramatic from the boat as you will see One World Trade Center – the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – looming in the background. Once you pass Lower Manhattan, you will cruise past Ellis Island and on to the Statue of Liberty, where the boat will pause long enough for you to take close-up photos of this inspiring beacon of freedom and hope. The bus will follow a route that also presents one landmark after another, including Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park, the urban oasis that famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted co-designed in 1858. You will hear insightful commentary throughout the tour and all the way to the airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the Hudson River for an unforgettable water perspective of Manhattan.
• Snap photos while the boat stops as close as possible to the Statue of Liberty.
• See countless landmarks while riding through Manhattan.
• Pass Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park.
• Head to either JFK or LaGuardia airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore a historical New York icon and experience the thrill of gazing out over the city from the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The views from the soaring observation platform of Summit One Vanderbilt will be breathtaking in every direction, including straight down through the glass floor. You will see all five boroughs of New York and a sky-high perspective of landmarks such as the Chrysler Building and Central Park. Following this jaw-dropping experience, you will take a short walk to Grand Central Terminal, the famed train station that opened in 1913. As an introduction, the guide will describe the evolution of this national historic landmark that features a Beaux-Arts style. You will also enjoy free time to browse and shop before continuing to the airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy jaw-dropping views of New York from atop the Summit One Vanderbilt skyscraper.
• Look 1,100 feet down through the glass 'levitation' ledge floor.
• Follow a guide through Grand Central Terminal, a Midtown landmark since 1913.
• Learn fascinating facts about the terminal’s history and spend free time exploring further.
• Head to either JFK or LaGuardia airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history of Boston, especially around the time of the American Revolutionary War, and enjoy the ultimate view of the city from a 52-story-high observation deck. Many of the attractions are along the Freedom Trail, a path that leads to Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House and the Granary Burying Ground, where Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried. But there is much more to Boston than 18th-century history. You will also drive through the theater district and pass the finish line for the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon. While the sights will be spectacular the entire way, the 360° view from atop the Prudential Center may make the most lasting impression. You can gaze out over Boston from indoors, enjoy the sights from the open-air roof deck and check out the 3D model of the city on the floor below.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See historical and contemporary attractions while driving through downtown Boston.
• Pass many of the most iconic landmarks from the American Revolutionary War.
• Drive through the theater district and along Boston’s waterfront.
• Enjoy a sweeping 360° view of Boston from the Prudential Center’s observation deck.
• Be dropped off at Boston Logan International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Where else in the world can you tour the launch areas of a working space flight facility, have the opportunity to meet a real astronaut and stand inches away from the largest rocket ever built? Only at Kennedy Space Center! Located just minutes from Port Canaveral on Florida's Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of mankind's most fascinating and remarkable achievements - the space program where history was, and still is, made every day. On your tour into KSC, you'll have the chance to see the Apollo/Saturn V Center which offers an inspirational and exhilarating look into mankind's quest for the moon.

There's a lot of activities offered at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, including reliving the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater; also, being able to marvel at a monstrous 363-foot Saturn V moon rocket. Pick and choose wisely since you won’t have time to see everything. Your options include seeing an IMAX® movie, the interactive Astronaut Encounter program or the Shuttle Launch Experience. Finally, your chance to be an astronaut!

Tear through the wilds of Gatorland adventure park in an off-road monster vehicle that will bring you goose-bump close to throngs of massive American alligators. The thrills will begin as soon as you board the open-air big-tire vehicle and race off into areas of Florida scrubland that few people see otherwise. You will follow a dirt path over rolling hills, through deep mud, past an alligator graveyard, and on to a pond absolutely crawling with alligators. The vehicles are named after legendary crocodilians that once roamed Gatorland, such as Bonecrusher, a 15-foot-long alligator that tipped the scales at more than 1,000 pounds. You will also be free to explore other sections of the park, where you can observe baby alligators, albino alligators, and leucistic alligators, which are only partially white. All sorts of other animals are also on display in areas that resemble their natural habitats, including American crocodiles, Florida panthers, Amazon parrots, and Aldabra Giant Tortoises.

Gain a comprehensive overview of Charleston on a narrated driving tour that includes many of the most important historical landmarks. As you drive through the oak-shaded streets, you can expect to be instantly captivated by the charm of this beloved, thoroughly Southern city. Historical architecture is everywhere, including the magnificent mansions along High Battery and Rainbow Row’s elegant 18th-century town houses. You will also pass through some of the city’s earliest neighborhoods such as Mayzck-Wraggborough on the Copper River. Other highlights include the notorious Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where the British held American prisoners of war in the Revolutionary War, and the Fireproof Building, which was America’s most fire-protected building when constructed in 1827. While stretching your legs at the famed Battery and White Point Gardens in the heart of the historic district, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the harbor and Fort Sumter.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Drive through the most historical sections of Charleston.
• Hear commentary that explains the importance of the landmarks.
• Stroll the lovely promenade at the waterfront Battery.
• Gain an enlightening overview of the Charleston.

HELPFUL HINTS:

OVERVIEW

Experience a narrated excursion of Halifax, including a drive by Citadel Hill and the beautiful public gardens before heading out to Peggy’s Cove. On this tour you’ll travel along the scenic coastal highway to the tiny village of Peggy’s Cove, where less than 40 residents live year round. See the brightly colored houses nestled close to the water’s edge in this working rustic fishing village. As you enter the cove, drive by the monument carved by local artist William deGarthe from a massive slab of granite and a tribute to the people of Peggy’s Cove. Your guide will also tell you about the cove, explain how it got its name, tell you the story of the lighthouse and talk about the lobster fishery, which is the backbone of the local economy. Explore the village on your own and if you choose, there is plenty of time to visit a few of the shops and galleries before you return to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy commentary filled with local stories and history.
• Take in Atlantic Ocean views, rugged shorelines, and charming rural communities along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Join Rising Son Cruises for Bermuda’s ultimate sailing experience. Lounge in the roomy shaded cockpit, or lie out on one of the huge trampolines. Chat with the crew about Bermuda's past and present as you cruise toward beautiful and secluded swim sites.

The catamaran will anchor in six feet of water, where you may choose to swim up to the nearby beach, kayak or kick around with the crew's snorkel gear.

After 1.5 hours of playtime, you’ll be welcomed back aboard for unlimited complimentary Rum Swizzles. Let the island music get you into the vacation spirit as you head out for another hour of true catamaran sailing.

Enjoy the highlights of Boston as this panoramic tour takes you past the city’s most important and scenic sites. See Copley Square, one of the city’s most attractive spots bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Continuing through the upscale residential area of Back Bay and along Newbury Street, you’ll pass exclusive boutiques, trendy cafes and the Public Garden. In the heart of the city and overlooking Boston Common, lies one of the most elegant and wealthiest neighborhoods of the city - Beacon Hill.

Passing the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House, you'll see the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party began and catch a glimpse of the steeple of the Old North Church where Paul Revere had two lanterns hung to signal that the British Redcoats were on the move.

OVERVIEW

When people think of Canada, they think of maple syrup. When people think of Nova Scotia, they think of Peggy’s Cove. On this tour you’ll get a chance to experience both! Board your coach for the scenic drive to Peggy’s Cove – one of the most popular and visited lighthouses in Atlantic Canada. Enjoy some free time here to take some breathtaking pictures and explore the village with its galleries and souvenir shops. Continue your journey to Acadian Maple Products, started as a family hobby over 30 years ago, today they are the largest purchaser and processor of maple syrup produced in Nova Scotia. Their high-quality products are now enjoyed worldwide and their shop welcomes over 30,000 visitors a year. Browse the shop, enjoy tastings of maple syrup samples and get your taste of Canada!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the picturesque village of Peggy’s Cove, home to one of Atlantic Canada's most iconic lighthouses, with free time for breathtaking photos and local shopping.
• Enjoy a scenic drive to Peggy’s Cove, taking in the stunning coastal views along the way.
• Experience the Acadian Maple Factory, sampling delicious maple syrup.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.