ATLANTIC CHARMS

Explore the charms of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island on this two week tour. Begin in Halifax, you will travel through the picturesque fishing villages and rugged coastal landscapes of Nova Scotia before crossing into Prince Edward Island to admire the beauty of Canada’s smallest province.

Day 1 - Halifax
Arrive in Halifax, collect your rental vehicle 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 at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

Day 2 - Halifax - free Day
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). Overnight at the Lord Nelson Hotel

Day 3 - Halifax to Lunenburg (90 miles)
Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Continue to Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore.(Breakfast Included). Overnight in Lunenburg at the Boscawen Inn.

Day 4 - Lunenburg to Annapolis Royal (85 miles)
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 for a two night stay at the Hillside House (Breakfast Included)

Day 5 - Whale watching
Today drive to Digby 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 at the Hillside House.

Day 6 - Annapolis Royal to Wolfville (70 miles)
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. Overnight at Victoria’s Historic Inn & Carriage House (Breakfast Included)..

Day 7 - Wolfville to Charlottetown (225 miles)
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 at the Great George.

Day 8 - Charlottetown (Free Day)
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 at the Great George.

Day 9 - Island Sightseeing (Free Day)
Another free day to 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 at the Great George.

Day 10 - Charlottetown to Cape Breton Island (175 miles)
Depart Charlottetown taking Rte 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Pictou, Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. Overnight in Baddeck at the Inverary Resort..

Day 11 - Cabot Trail
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. Overnight in Baddeck at the Inverary Resort.

Day 12 - Free day
A free day to explore. We’d suggest you heaad 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. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck. Overnight in Baddeck at the Inverary Resort.

Day 13 - Travel to Halifax (225 miles)
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 in Halifax at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

Day 14 - End of Tour
Your tour ends with the check out from your hotel and the return of your rental vehicle.

Prices per Person

Included in the Cost:

- 13 nights accommodation as shown
- Midsize car rental for 14 days with Thrifty including unlimited mileage, insurance & taxes
- Bay Ferry Tolls - Woods Island to Pictou (day 10)
- Brier Island Whale Watching
- Historic Sites Pass
- Comprehensive documentation pack

INNS & LODGES OF NOVA SCOTIA

A 10 Day Self-Drive Tour

Nova Scotia offers 4,600 miles of seacoast boasting activities and experiences to suit every taste, with towering cliffs, spectacular views, uncrowded beaches, imposing headlands, sheltered coves, quaint fishing villages and bustling harbours.

To the north, is the breathtaking Cabot Trail which weaves through the glorious Cape Breton Highlands and winds around rocky cliffs and rugged coastline. It is recognised as one of the world's most awe inspiring scenic drives.

Along the Lighthouse Route, follow the seacoast through historic towns and weathered fishing villages. More than 20 lighthouses including the famous lighthouse at Peggy's Cove dot Nova Scotia's quaint South Shore.

On the spectacular Bay of Fundy you can walk on the ocean floor as 100 billion tonnes of water rush out of the basin backwards or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the surge wave, or bore. These same tides attract the whales. Nova Scotia is one of the finest places along the eastern seaboard for whale watching. Finback, Humpback, Pilot and Minke whales are frequent visitors to these waters.

Wherever you go, you'll never be more than 35 minutes from the sea, and the provinces seafaring heritage is reflected in the preservation of colourful waterfronts, narrow streets and delightful architecture. One such scenic jewel is Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The historic waterfront city of Halifax is also steeped in history and rich in culture. The Halifax Citadel, Canada's most visited National Historic Site, bustles with the sights and sounds of 19th century British military life. Kilted soldiers drill and bagpipes skirl and at 12 noon, the noon cannon goes off - a tradition dating back to the late 1800s. Citadel Hill also offers commanding and panoramic views of Halifax Harbour.

Nova Scotia offers a clean, safe place to visit with a varied cultural life and abundant natural beauty; our suggested self-drive itinerary of this beautiful province is listed below.

Day 1 - Arrive Halifax
Arrive Halifax airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel. After checking in you are free to enjoy the many varied pub's and restaurants of this enchanting city. Overnight tonight is at the Haliburton Inn, a small four star hotel with charm and history in a downtown setting.

Day 2 - Halifax to Indian Harbour
This morning, a 3 hour tour (included) will introduce you to the city. View Historic Properties, the Titanic burial site, the Spring Garden Road Area, Province House, the Old Town Clock, St. Paul's Church, City Hall, Grand Parade, Government House, Point Pleasant Park, the busy port area, residential areas, the various universities, and much more. Mid afternoon depart for the beautiful South Shore of Nova Scotia follow the coast road and visit beautiful Peggy's Cove. Overnight at the Oceanstone Inn & Cottage, Indian Harbour.

Day 3 - Indian Harbour to Lunenburg
Today enjoy a gentle drive along the south shore and be enriched by the amazing ocean views, take time too visit the charming towns of Chester & Mahone Bay before pressing onto the town of Lunenburg that is a Unesco world heritage site. Whilst here make time to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Overnight in Lunenburg at the Bluenose Lodge.

Day 4 - Lunenburg to Digby
Today you will head inland to experience one of the two national parks of Nova Scotia Kejimkujik National Park. This national park has a gently rolling landscape that is clothed in forest and dotted with lakes. This 381KM-squared park has some of the best canoeing in Eastern Canada and is a haven for Deer, hare & porcupine. Late in the day make tracks for the charming seaport town of Digby. Overnight at the Thistle Down Country Inn.

Day 5 - Digby to Wolfville
Today we suggest you head to Digby Neck for the opportunity to see the whales of the Bay of Fundy. In summer the bay provides feeding and mating grounds for the Finback, Humpback, Minke & Right Whales. Enjoy a morning trip on the Bay to discover these true giants of the ocean. In the afternoon we suggest you travel to Digby or Annapolis Royal for lunch before heading north to the University town of Wolfville. Overnight in Wolfville at the Blomidon Inn.

Day 6 - Wolfville to Pictou
Today take time to visit Grand Pre National Historic Site and learn about the plight of the Arcadian settlers who were driven from the province by the British in the 17th century. Afterwards enjoy lunch and a winery tour at Grand Pre wines, one of the leading producers in the province. Then make tracks for the charming town of Pictou know as the Birthplace of Nova Scotia. Overnight in Pictou at the Consulate Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Day 7 - Pictou to Cheticamp
This morning spend some time in Pictou take a stroll along the beautiful beaches of the Northumberland Straight. Afterward visit the Hector Heritage centre and step aboard an exact replica of the Ship Hector that brought the first Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia in 1773. Later in the day make your way up to Cape Breton Island and to Baddeck/Margaree the gateway for the Cabot Trail. Overnight in Cheticamp at the Auberge Doucet

Day 8 - Cheticamp to Cape Breton
This morning you arrive at one of the most beautiful drives in the world, The Cabot Trail. The trail winds around the rocky splendour of Cabot Bretons northern shore. And this magnificent highway is carved into the sides of mountains that rise high above the shimmering waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence. During your drive around the trail you will enter Cape Breton Highlands National Park One of Canada's most exception wilderness areas. Enjoy a 2 night at Ingonish Ferry at the Castle Rock Country Inn.

Day 9 - Cape Breton
Today is free for you to relax or explore. Perhaps revisit the Cabot Trail, take a whale watch excursion (seasonal), hike one of the many wildlife trails or visit Louisbourg National Historic Site one of the largest historic reconstructions in North America. Settled by the French in 1713 it was for many years France's crown Jewell of military strength and commerce in the new world.

Day 10 - Cape Breton to Sherbrooke
This morning why not call by the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic site in Baddeck, or enjoy a cruise on the Bras d'or Lakes then begin your trip south towards Liscombe, on the way call by Sherbrooke village museum. Time permitting visit this captivating living history museum where in the 1860 this town was a hub for shipbuilding, lumbering and Gold Mining. Overnight in Sherbrooke at the St Mary's River Lodge

Day 11 - Sherbrooke to Halifax - end of tour
Today is your last day in Nova Scotia and an excellent opportunity to enjoy the delights of the eastern shore maybe hike a woodland or river trail or visit Martinique Beach the largest Sandy beach in Nova Scotia's whatever you do just relax and enjoy the view before departing for the airport. Your tour ends with the return of your car and the check in for your flight.

Departs : Daily from 15 May to 15 October 2008

Included in the Cost:

· 10 nights accommodation as shown · Breakfast daily
· 3 hour city tour of Halifax
· Intermediate size car rental with unlimited mileage, insurance & taxes included.
· Comprehensive documentation

Not included in the Cost:

· Airfare to & from Halifax*
· Meals (other than breakfasts as shown above)
· Park entrance fees
· Attractions & activities suggested
· Fuel for rental vehicle
· Parking charges

We can arrange flights, please call or email us for a quotation.

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