Day 1 We arrange flight or motor coach transportation to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Check in to our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.

Day 2  Sherbrooke Village. Morning tour of Halifax includes Citadel Hill. The early 19^th century fortress is shaped like a star. In Halifax harbor we see naval ships and even the famous Bluenose II (we can also see the Bluenose on the Canadian dime). Scenic Marine Drive will introduce us to picturesque farming villages with unusual names. We’ll learn of the tragic consequences of a collision of two ships in the harbor on December 6^th 1917. See artifacts from the Titanic at the fascinating Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and some of the gravesights of the victims (buried in 3 cemeteries).

Day 3 Cabot Trail. One of North America’s most spectacular drives is the Cabot Trail. Our tour guide will introduce us to the famous landmarks and scenic sights. Take in the views of the St. Lawrence River and rugged coastline. Cross over to Cape Breton Island and visit Cape Breton Highalnds National Park. Many Scots have settled in this area over the centuries and Gaelic is still spoken here. The island has deep walled canyons, highland plateaus and coastal cliffs and is like stepping into bonny Scotland.

Day 4 Sydney. The highlight of the day is a visit to the museum of Alexander Graham Bell. Mr. Bell lived here (in Baddeck) for the last 3 decades of his life. Most people know he invented the telephone but he also pioneered aeronautics, developed techniques for teaching the deaf and developed a hydrofoil boat which reached a top speed of 70 mph on the lake nearby. Cross St. Andrews Channel and visit Louisbourg National Historic Park. New France’s greatest fortress is steeped in colorful history and colorful, humorous actors bring the massive fort to life for us. Visit the Grand King’s Bastion and several of the 50 buildings. After a very busy day we overnight near lively Sydney.

Day 5 Continue on to Charlottetown, but first we visit the "Birthplace of New Scotland", Pictou, which was the landing place of the first settlers from Scotland. Step inside the Hector Ship Museum and see a replica of the ship Hector. Continue on to Charlottetown and the Confederation Center of the Arts. Here we learn of the history and culture of the island.

Day 6 Today we see the undulating sand dunes, salt marshes and beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park. Within the park, visit the house of Anne of Green Gables which is furnished to portray life as it was in the novel. We’ll also hear of the Miq Maq, the native tribe (part of Algonquin nation) and settlements on the island dating back 10,000 years! Perhaps feast on the local specialty for dinner tonight, Atlantic Lobster.

Day 7 Digby. The astounding 8 mile Confederation bridge delivers us south to Wolfville. Visit Grand-Pre National Park. American poet Henry Wadsworth wrote of the history of settlers who had been deported here. Overnight in Digby

Day 8 Historic Annapolis Royale unfolds before us. Lunch in Lunenberg is included. Founded by German and Swiss immigrants the town "feels" like Europe. The Fisheries Museum is very entertaining. Continue on to Peggy’s Cove, a charming fishing village with a famous lighthouse perched on a massive granite ledge. Finish the day in Halifax.

Day 9 Halifax to home. The morning is free for last minute shopping and then we transfer home.