Grand Tour of New England & Canada in the Fall

We board our flight from London to Toronto, beginning our vivid Grand Tour of Canada and New England. We check into our hotel and have free time for dinner. The following morning we explore Toronto, a multicultural melting-pot with an inviting, laid-back atmosphere.

Our guided tour takes us to some of the city's most famous landmarks, before an afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Our excursion today is to the iconic Niagara Falls, truly one of the natural wonders of the world. Experience the awe-inspiring power of the cascading waterfall from the viewing area after we've visited a local ice-wine vineyard.

The delicious ice-wine is produced using grapes that have frozen naturally on the vine in the freezing temperatures. The grapes are then picked and pressed before thawing to develop their unique taste. After lunch, we continue to Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto.

Today we board the train to Montreal, arriving in the afternoon. Our hotel for the night is the Novotel Montreal. We embark on a guided tour of this charming island city, which takes in the stunning Notre-Dame de Montréal Basilica and the bustling Bonsecours Market, which is flanked by rows of autumnal-coloured trees.

This morning we transfer to the station for the train to Québec. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, and the rest of our day is at leisure.

On Day 6, we embark on a guided tour of this French-speaking city. Our tour takes us past some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the elegant Château Frontenac, a stunning castle building that is now a stylish hotel. Perched on a promontory, the wonderful castle building is truly awe-inspiring as it peaks above the vibrant carpet of orange and red treetops.

After a leisurely morning spent in Québec, we board a coach for the journey across the border into Northern USA, arriving in the Vermont town of Stowe. This picturesque town is one of the most ideal places from which to view the breathtaking fall foliage that is a true highlight of our tour. Our hotel for two nights is the Green Mountain Inn.

Today is truly the highlight of this wonderful tour. This morning we are joined at our hotel by a renowned local photographer, who will provide a presentation on their work and offer a hands-on photography lesson on how to take fascinating and memorable pictures. We then embark on a wonderful nature walk through Stowe and into the surrounding hillside, accompanied by a local guide.

The guide will provide us with a talk on the local flora and fauna and there will be opportunities to stop en-route and use your new-found photography skills. The walk passes under a canopy of fiery-coloured tree branches and the view from the hill across Stowe is breathtaking.

Today, we board a coach to North Conway, a year-round resort village on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest. On the way, we stop off for lunch, and then continue to the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, where we take a tour. We also have a tasting of the frozen treat, which is today enjoyed throughout the world. Upon arrival in North Conway, we check into our hotel for a two night stay.

Today we enjoy a journey on board the charming Mount Washington Cog Railway* - the world's first cog railway system. It opened in 1869 and climbs an astonishing 6,228ft (1,898m) up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Eastern States. We stop at the summit briefly to enjoy the fascinating panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range before descending by rail to the Visitor's Centre, where we enjoy an informative talk on the history of the line.

*Steam-hauled where possible. On occasion the three mile trip is made with a bio-diesel locomotive.

We leave North Conway by coach today, bound for the bustling hub of Boston. Along this scenic journey, we stop in the historic town of Salem, made famous by the infamous Salem Witch Trials, one of the darkest periods of America's history. On arrival at Boston we enjoy a quick orientation tour before we check into our hotel for a two-night stay.

Today we embark on a guided sightseeing tour around the heart of Boston. Our tour takes in the ever-popular 'Freedom Trail', one of the most famous routes in the city that takes in the city's most iconic landmarks. The tour concludes in Quincy Market. The marketplace provides a great place to find yourself some lunch, with a wealth of wonderful produce available. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore Boston further.

On Day 13 there is free time to explore Boston further before transferring to the airport for the flight home, arriving on Day 14.

Please note that outside of the main fall season (mid September - mid October), the fall foliage is unlikely to be as visible, however the attractions of the area are delightful at any time.