Autumn Sojourn

Exploring the Canadian Maritimes and Coastal New England

The fall foliage season greatly enhances the natural beauty found on this voyage. Explore the stunning coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, where tiny fishing villages nestle between mountain and sea, and search for northern right whales in the Bay of Fundy. Visit historic Campobello, the home where FDR, Jr. was born, and walk the nature trails at Block Island. Along the way, we meet with two very special National Geographic guests. The Chairman of National Geographic, Gil Grosvenor, guides us on Cape Breton Island as we tour a museum dedicated to his great grandfather, Alexander Graham Bell. And, at the Mystic Aquarium, we have a private visit to National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Bob Ballard’s Institute for Exploration, a pioneer in the emerging fields of deep-sea archaeology and deep-sea geology.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Corner Brooke, Newfoundland, Canada
Arrive in Newfoundland in the late afternoon and join National Geographic Explorer at dock in Corner Brooke, a charming little town nestled between mountains and sea. We sail from Corner Brooke for the south of Newfoundland. (D)

DAY 2 — Southern Newfoundland & St.-Pierre Island (France)
This morning, explore the rugged southern coast of Newfoundland, accessible only by sea. Tiny fishing villages cling to the beautiful coast. In the afternoon, visit tiny St.-Pierre Island, one of France’s remaining territories in North America. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — Baddeck & Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
In the village of Baddeck lies a beautiful 25-acre park and museum. The Chairman of the National Geographic Society, Gil Grosvenor guides on Cape Breton Island as we tour the museum dedicated to his great grandfather, Alexander Graham Bell. Then we step back into the 18th century at the immense reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg. The walled city and well-defended harbor was once the center of military activity in the North Atlantic and on two occasions was seized by the British. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Sable Island
A 25-mile stretch of sand, world famous Sable Island is rarely visited because of its remote location and protected status. It is home to many birds, seals and wild horses. We walk along the beach and dunes of Sable Island and search for marine mammals in the rich, surrounding waters. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Lunenburg
More than just an enchanting seaside port, in 1995 Lunenburg’s old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. As you stroll through town, you’ll understand why. Lunenburg is steeped in tradition and history, with a seafaring legacy boasting “wooden ships and iron men.” (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Brier Island & Bay of Fundy
With rugged shores, sheltered coves and very few roads, Brier Island is an out-of-the-way gem. Winding gravel byways and clifftop trails offer excellent opportunities for scenic walks or vigorous hikes. In the afternoon, we cruise the very productive waters of the Bay of Fundy in search of various marine life. At this time of year we’re hopeful to encounter the rare northern right whale. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Campobello & Grand Manan Islands, New Brunswick
In 1914, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. was born on Campobello, an island retreat at which he spent all of his youthful summers. Eventually, the Roosevelt 34-room “cottage” and grounds were donated and an international park was created, signifying the strong bond between the United States and Canada. Following our visit to Campobello, we make the short reposition to the beautiful island of Grand Manan, where we spend the afternoon. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Exploring Coastal Maine
With a crisp snap in the air and bays that sparkle in the warm sunlight, autumn along coastal Maine is a favorite season of many and one of the best times to visit. Today is left open for leisurely exploring the Maine coast, with its picturesque small towns, lobster ports and typical lighthouses. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Camden, Maine
Nestled around a sheltered harbor and hemmed snugly by gently sloping hill, lies Camden, the quintessential New England seaside village. Curtis Island Lighthouse stands at the mouth of Camden Harbor, recently called “the prettiest harbor in the country” by Soundings magazine, and it’s also a great place for seal spotting. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Cape Cod Canal & Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
At 540 feet wide, Cape Cod Canal is the widest sea level canal in the world. In the morning, we cruise this engineering feat that bisects Cape Cod from mainland Massachusetts. The remainder of the day is spent at Martha’s Vineyard where we explore one of the six island towns, or take a walk along the pristine shores. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Block Island, Rhode Island & Mystic, Connecticut
With 17 miles of beaches and 32 miles of nature trails, the morning is spent exploring beautiful Block Island on foot. We reposition during lunch and spend the afternoon at Mystic, Connecticut where, among other options, we visit the Mystic Aquarium and have a special visit to National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Bob Ballard’s Institute for Exploration. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — New York City, New York
Having sailed the Long Island Sound during the night, a dramatic approach to the New York City skyline will punctuate the end of our journey. (B)

What's Included

• All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
• All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated
• Air transportation where indicated as included
• Shore excursions
• Sightseeing and entrance fees
• Special access permits
• Transfers to and from group flights
• Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits
• Use of kayaks (where available)
• Tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew)
• Taxes and service charges
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Services of our expedition staff.
  

What's Not Included

• Air transportation (except where shown as included)
• Extensions
• Passport, visa, immigration fees
• Scuba diving (where available)
• Meals not indicated
• Baggage/accident/travel protection plan
• Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry.
• Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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