DAY 1 HALIFAX (FRIDAY)
Arrive at Halifax International Airport and transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel. This evening we become better acquainted with our traveling companions at an evening welcome reception. Overnight in Halifax.
Accommodation: Halifax for 1 night
DAY 2 HALIFAX - PORT AUX BASQUES (SATURDAY)
Today we travel via Truro and Antigonish, crossing over the Canso Causeway to beautiful Cape Breton Island. In North Sydney we board a Marine Atlantic ferry for a relaxing overnight crossing to Port-aux-Basques, your port of entry into Newfoundland. Overnight onboard ferry. (B/D)
Depending on the ferry schedule, passengers may overnight in Port-Aux Basques.
Accommodation: Port aux Basques for 1 night
DAY 3 PORT AUX BASQUE - PORT AU CHOIX (SUNDAY)
Drive through the Cordroy Valley, framed by the Long Range Mountains, the Anguille Mountains, and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Our journey continues through Gros Morne National Park and into the fishing community of Port au Choix where we check into our hotel. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Port au Choix for 1 night
DAY 4 PORT AU CHOIX - L’ANSE AU CLAIR (MONDAY)
Today we board a ferry at St. Barbe and cross the Strait of Belle Island on our way to Labrador. We visit Red Bay National Historic Site, location of a Basque whaling station in the 16th century. Overnight in L’Anse au Clair. (B/D)
Accommodation: L’Anse au Clair for 1 night
DAY 5 L’ANSE AU CLAIR - ST. ANTHONY (TUESDAY)
We return to Newfoundland and travel to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, an archaeological site marking the earliest known European settlement in North America. Now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, additional exhibits also showcase Viking artifacts and give a fascinating glimpse into the Viking lifestyle. Overnight in St. Anthony. (B/D)
Accommodation: St. Anthony for 1 night
DAY 6 ST. ANTHONY - COW HEAD (WEDNESDAY)
This morning (weather-permitting) we take a whalewatching boat tour hoping for sightings of these giant marine mammals. During certain summer months titanic-sized icebergs can also be spotted. Don’t forget your camera! We then continue on to Cow Head, our destination for the night. Overnight in Cow Head. (B/D)
Accommodation: Cow Head for 2 nights
DAY 7 COW HEAD - GROS MORNE - COW HEAD (THURSDAY)
Today we’ll visit Gros Morne National Park, offering a rich variety of scenery, wildlife, and recreational activities. We embark on a scenic boat tour (weather permitting) where we’ll learn about the geology of the Tablelands, see the whales and bald eagles that frequent the deep waters of the fjord, and engage in the history of the small villages nestled along the shores. Overnight in Cow Head. (B/L/D)
DAY 8 COW HEAD - GANDER (FRIDAY)
Travel through central Newfoundland towards Gander Arrive in Gander where we’ll check into the hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Gander. (B)
Accommodation: Gander for 1 night
DAY 9 GANDER / TWILLINGATE - CLARENVILLE (SATURDAY)
A scenic drive along the coast of Notre Dame Bay leads us to the beautiful town of Twillingate. At the tip of the island we visit the Long Point Lighthouse and local co-op. Back in Gander, we visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. Overnight in Clarenville. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Clarenville for 2 nights
DAY 10 CLARENVILLE, BONAVISTA & TRINITY (SUNDAY)
Our route today takes us along the Trans-Canada Highway and through Terra Nova National Park, the most easterly of Canada’s national parks. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife! We visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Park and the charming town of Trinity. Overnight at Clarenville. (B/L/D)
DAY 11 CLARENVILLE - ST. JOHN’S (MONDAY)
We continue on to the intriguing old seaport of St. John’s, our home for the next two nights. North America’s oldest city and Newfoundland’s capital boasts a stunning location in the granite cliffs and slopes of the Avalon Peninsula. We enjoy a city tour featuring 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. Overnight in St. John’s. (B/D)
Accommodation: St. John’s for 2 nights
DAY 12 ST. JOHN’S (TUESDAY)
This morning, we travel to Bay Bulls for one of the highlights of the program – a boat tour in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve (weather permitting) to search for puffins and other seabirds. Afterwards we visit Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore the neighborhoods and delights of St. John’s. Overnight in St. John’s. Breakfast included. (B)
DAY 13 ST. JOHN’S (WEDNESDAY)
Time for last-minute shopping and farewells. Individual transfer to St. John’s Airport in time to check in for your return flight.
