Getaways

Historic Smithville

Once a one room stage-coach stop Historic Smithville has blossomed into a wonderful experience for all to enjoy. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, cross over the river on one of the foot bridges and discover the beautifully manicured grounds and more than 60 shoppes. The village came about because of Fred & Ethel Noyes.  They discovered the Smithville Inn during a walk in the woods and purchased and restored the property. Over the years they purchased other historic houses from all over South Jersey and had them moved to Smithville, and restored.

Atlantic City

Sun, sand, towering resort hotels, the bustling Boardwalk, and the awe-inspiring Atlantic.  Construction on Atlantic City’s world-famous Boardwalk began in 1870, and from then on it has become an America icon. “Take a walk on the Boardwalk” and enjoy ocean views on one side and shopping on the other, ranging from high-end retail to saltwater taffy shops.

Cape May

Cape May is America’s oldest seaside resort; it has welcomed visitors for generations with its hospitality and Victorian charm. Located at the southern tip on New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula, it is known for its grand Victorian houses.

Emlen Physick Estate

Emlen Physick Estate only Victorian House Museum. Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of this 1879 home and see Victorian architecture and get an idea of one Victorian family’s lifestyle and a glimpse of how their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time.  The 18-room mansion was built by famed American architect Frank Furness and is one of the best examples of Victorian Stick Style architecture in the country.

Trolley Tour of Cape May

Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Cape May’s Historic District giving you and in-depth look into Cape May’s 200 plus year history highlighting the stunning Victorian architecture.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Cross the 17-mile mouth of Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. This is a break from the ordinary, and during the crossing of the bay, enjoy views of historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, ocean-going vessels, unique seabirds and, just maybe, your very own dolphin escort!

Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Tunnel

For over 57 years, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has captured worldwide attention as a modern engineering wonder and an important East Coast travel convenience. Following its opening on April 15, 1964, the Bridge-Tunnel was selected as “One of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World” in a worldwide competition that included more than one hundred major projects. To date, over 140 million commercial and passenger vehicles have crossed the Bridge-Tunnel and today it’s your turn.

Virginia Beach

Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is home to a flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment and family-friendly attractions that keeps our locals and visitors entertained year-round. Located in the Coastal Virginia region, this unique districts is open and thriving year-round and your well-earned Virginia Beach vacation awaits you.

Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin 

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk.  Through interactive exhibits and “stem to stern programming”, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.

Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and was commissioned in 1944. Be transported back in time as you walk the teakwood decks of this majestic ship that earned six battle stars in World War II and Korea. The main deck of the battleship features inspiring views of the gun turrets and Norfolk’s city skyline.

Virginia International Tattoo

You are in for a treat of sight and sounds as you attend the Virginia International Tattoo! Each years’ Tattoo is different, with new performers from across the globe, new themes of honor and patriotism, and new sights and sounds to amaze you. It’s the largest show of its kind in the United States, involving a cast of over 1,000 artists from many different countries. The performers are military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, Celtic dancers, and choirs. The Tattoo began in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival.

Colonial Williamsburg

At Colonial Williamsburg, experience the largest outdoor educational living museum in the United States through immersive and authentic 18th century programming. Stand along Duke of Gloucester Street as the Fifes and Drums march by and you will experience exactly what the soldiers of the 18th century felt as the sounds resonate through your entire body. Watch the blacksmiths take red-hot iron from the fires and hammer a variety of tools, hardware, and weapons. Visit the Cooperage and watch as the coopers turn flat boards into buckets, piggins, firkins and hogsheads. Take a guided tour through the opulent Governor’s Palace and explore the Courtroom and the House of Burgesses and learn about the transition from Colony to Commonwealth. Don’t forget to check their events calendar to see if there something especially intriguing that you’d like to see. 

Virginia Beach Aquarium or Dolphin Cruise 

Explore over 800,000 gallons at Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country. 

OR

Take an 90-minute excursion aboard the Atlantic Explorer and experience an unforgettable journey in search of Virginia's most common and charismatic marine mammal, the bottlenose dolphin. Learn from the knowledgeable educators about the other Virginia coastal animals like majestic seabirds, curious sea turtles, and unique fish species. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, but at this time of year, the chances are good that they’ll be spotted.

Farmland Tour Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, a city in south central Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. The Amish of Lancaster County are America's oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old "plain" lifestyle. Arriving in Amish Country will feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a slower, simpler time, with the horse & buggy a primary form of transportation and where windmills dot the landscape providing power harnessed from nature. A vital part of the culture and character of Lancaster County, the Amish are involved in agriculture as well as an array of businesses and cottage industries.

Sight & Sound Theater Performance of MOSES

“From the banks of the Nile River to the depths of the Red Sea, MOSES is a spectacular entertainment experience!” One of the Bible’s most epic stories comes to life with massive sets, special effects, and live animals in this original stage production.

Kitchen Kettle Village

In 1954, when Pat and Bob Burnley invited their neighbors and friends for fresh food and family fun in their backyard, they began a tradition of serving tasty preserves and memorable experiences. Three generations later, the tradition continues, only now the backyard is a village of shops, eateries, a canning kitchen, and an inn, all nestled next to rolling Lancaster farmlands. Here, you are the guest, and Kitchen Kettle Village is the place serving up warm, friendly, Lancaster, Pennsylvania hospitality.

Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass is the world's largest space dedicated to the display of contemporary art and design in glass. The story of glass began more than 3,500 years ago and these galleries document the triumphs of glassmaking history.

A Fun Vacation Combination!

This tour has a great combination of relaxing beach time, historic sights and two fantastic shows: The Virginia International Military Tattoo and The Sight & Sound Theater presentation of Moses. We take care of all the details, so all you have to do is enjoy!

Virginia Beach

Enjoy four nights right on the beach.  The weather is warm here, and the boardwalk is just out the back door of the hotel. Breathe in the salty air and the wonderful breezes blowing in off the Atlantic. 

Lancaster Pennsylvania

Experience Amish hospitality, in the setting of rolling farmland coming to life in the spring!  Enjoy a tour of the region, taste the local flavours, and be welcomed into an Amish home for a special meal.  

• Our unique Connections Program
• Private coach transportation
• 10 nights accommodation
• 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Tickets for Virginia International Tattoo
• Orchestra seating at Sight and Sound Theater for performance of Moses
• Local professional guides and all entry fees and passes for the listed highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and all applicable taxes are included.

Included Highlights

• Historic Smithville
• Physick Estate
• Trolley Tour of Cape May
• Cape May – Lewes Ferry
• Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin
• Virginia International Tattoo
• Colonial Williamsburg
• Virginia Aquarium OR Dolphin Cruise
• Farmland Tour Lancaster, PA
• Sight & Sound Theater Performance of Moses
• In home Amish Dinner
• Corning Museum – Lunch and Tour

Day 1: Travel to Scranton, PA

Get to meet your fellow guests as we travel south, picking up guests along the way. We cross over into the United States at the Ivy League Bridge and travel south through the beautiful scenery of upstate New York. Enjoy a welcome reception, followed by an included dinner at Scranton Hilton.

Stay: Hilton Hotel & Convention Centre, Scranton, PA

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Historic Smithville & Atlantic City

A short drive this morning takes you to the Jersey Shore and Historic Smithville. Your visit begins with a delicious lunch at the Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern followed by plenty of time to explore the quaint shops of the village. If shopping isn’t your thing, don’t worry there are lots of benches to sit and look out over Lake Meone with its breathtaking views. We then arrive in Atlantic City where you settle into your Hotel for the next two nights. You have a free evening to play at the Casino or explore the boardwalk.

Stay: Resort Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ

Nights: 2

Meals: B, L

Day 3: Carriage House Lunch, Guided Trolley Tour, Physick House Museum

This will be lovely day of experiences in Cape May.  The Carriage House Museum Shop and Tearoom will host us for a wonderful lunch with freshly baked goods and a fragrant cup of tea. We’ll become more acquainted with this Victorian town with a guided trolley tour and a tour of the Physick House Museum. Once back in Atlantic City, the rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish

Meals: B, L

Day 4: Ferry Crossing, Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Tunnel, Virginia Beach

Today is a unique water crossing day. In the morning, take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry across the Delaware River. Yes, we could take the highway, but this is much more fun! Explore the ship, have some lunch, and walk the decks for some great views and photo opportunities. We then cross Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on our way to Virginia Beach. We will certainly take the opportunity to stop for pictures of this modern engineering wonder.

Stay: Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA

Nights: 4

Meals: B, D

Day 5: Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin, Hullabaloo Band Competition, Virginia International Tattoo

After breakfast at the hotel, we’re off to Norfolk, Virginia for a visit to Nauticus, a unique marine museum, and we’ll board the USS Battleship Wisconsin for a self-guided tour. In the afternoon enjoy Hullabaloo, a pre-show band competition, and grab a bite to eat before the main event, the Virginia International Tattoo. This is the largest tattoo in the United States, a “Spectacular show of music, majesty, and might!"

Meals: B, L

Day 6: Colonial Williamsburg

Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the 18th century as you explore the largest living history museum in the United States. With limited time to explore this colonial city, you may want to visit the Colonial Williamsburg web-site to plan and choose the museums, houses, historic buildings, exhibits, trade shops and presentations you’d like to experience.

Meals: B

Day 7: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or Dolphin Cruise, Free time

This morning, choose between the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or a Dolphin Cruise out on the ocean. The afternoon and evening are free time for you to explore, stroll the boardwalk, or walk on the beach.

Meals: B

Day 8: Travel from Virginia to Lancaster, PA

Today, we leave the ocean behind and head north to Lancaster, PA. Enjoy the rolling country side with its well-maintained farms and fields with emerging crops and budding trees. Arrive at the hotel with some free time to explore the area, before enjoying a Plain and Fancy dinner.

Stay: Amish View Inn & Suites, Lancaster, PA

Nights: 2

Meals: B, D

Day 9: Guided Lancaster Farmland Tour, Kitchen Kettle Village, Sight & Sound Theater for Performance of Moses, In-Home Amish Dinner

Experience the back roads and people of Lancaster County as we wind our way through the scenic farmlands with a local guide. At Kitchen Kettle Village, explore the many shops and find a nice spot for lunch. Then, this afternoon, with orchestra seating, enjoy a Sight & Sound Theatre performance of Moses. This evening, enjoy getting to know a local Amish family as they invite you into their home for a traditional home cooked meal.

Meals: B, D

Day 10: Lancaster to Syracuse via Corning

This morning, the journey northward through the finger lakes district stopping for lunch in Corning, NY at the amazing Corning Museum of Glass. Founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works it was a gift to the nation for the company’s 100th anniversary and has a collection of art and historical glass. See a glass blowing demonstration, tour the many glass exhibits and visit the gift shop. We’ll arrive in Syracuse in time to freshen up before enjoying your farewell dinner with fellow guests.

Stay: Marriott Downtown, Syracuse, NY

Nights: 1

Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Homeward

We’ll cross the border at the Thousand Islands to arrive back in Canada.  The journey homeward continues, and along the route, bid a fond farewell to new friends with a heart full of warm memories of the music, sights, and flavours experienced during your travels.

Meals: B

Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, Scranton, PA (1 night)

The  Hilton Scranton & Conference Center provides all the comforts and amenities guests look forward to when travelling: an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and clean, comfortable rooms..

Resorts Casino Boardwalk Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ (2 nights)

The Atlantic City  Resorts Casino Boardwalk Hotel is a part of a beautiful world-class Casino, and it’s all about having fun! The hotel offers 10 restaurants, a food court, two casino bars, indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, plus 80,000 square feet of casino action. 

Hampton Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA (4 nights)

This Hampton Inn is just steps from the sands of Virginia Beach, right on the boardwalk. The restaurant, North Beach Bar and Grill, overlooks the Atlantic, there are a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance, and Neptune's Park is next door. Unwind in the indoor pool, and enjoy daily hot breakfasts.

AmishView Inn & Suites, Bird in Hand, PA (2 nights)

Draw back the curtains and take it all in. You’ve just awakened in the heart of Lancaster’s Amish Country at AmishView Inn & Suites. Surrounded by Amish farms, experience the intimate atmosphere of a bed & breakfast with the amenities of an upscale Lancaster hotel.

Marriot Downtown, Syracuse, NY (1 night)

The Marriott Syracuse Downtown is a beautifully restored 1924 hotel with a grand and magnificent lobby. Enjoy rooms with sleek designer furnishings, marble bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. The variety of on-site dining includes the cuisine of fine dining and the comfort foods and beverages of an Irish pub. 

This 11-day tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows travel Route C1, picking up in the following locations:

• Brampton
• Markham
• Whitby
• Bowmanville
• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Port Hope
• Cobourg
• Trenton
• Belleville
• Napanee
• Kingston

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours as well as the ferry and boat cruise(s).

This itinerary includes a ferry ride and a boat cruise. Although for most people medication is not required, there may be some who may want to bring along a remedy for motion sickness. You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.

This tour starts and ends in Southern Ontario, but guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world by flying into Toronto, and using our Connections Program to join the tour at one of our pickup points!  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.