Day 1: Travel to Albany, NY
Sit back relax and enjoy the drive through eastern Ontario. We pick up guests along the way as we head for the border and cross into the US at Gananoque. After a lunch stop in Watertown, travel south through lush farmland and forested hills, with picturesque, quaint villages in the valleys. Get to know your fellow travellers during dinner.
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites, Albany East Greenbush, NY
Nights: 1
Meals:
D
Day 2: Albany to Boston
This morning the journey continues to Boston. After a short orientation tour of the city, proceed to the cruise terminal to board your home away from home. The Volendam has many entertainment options and eating venues for your enjoyment as well as shopping, a spa, a fitness center and pickleball! Make sure to check what’s happening onboard each day so you don’t miss out on something special.
Stay:
Holland America Volendam, Oceanview Cabin
Nights: 24
Meals:
B, D
Day 3: At Sea
Discover the amazing amenities on the ship while at sea. Check out eXc, Explorations Central, to learn more about the shore excursions and the culture of the ports of call you will be visiting. Join in on some fun and games, tastings, or cooking demonstrations, and indulge in the variety of dining experiences.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 4: Sydney, NS (8am – 5pm)
Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island and the attractions start at the harbor. Visitors can shop for locally made crafts and see the world’s largest fiddle, which towers beside the port’s cruise pavilion. Some of the city’s historic houses and churches date back to the 1700’s and 1800’s and are open for tours. Day trips offered by Holland America include the Cabot Trail, Boat ride on Bras d’Or Lake, Trip to the Fortress of Louisbourg or a trip down a coal mine
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 5: Corner Brook, NL (10am – 6pm)
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 6: Red Bay, Labrador (8am – 4pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited, time subject to weather & ice
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 7: At Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 8: Qaqortoq, Greenland (10am – 6pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited, time subject to weather conditions
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 9: Cruising Prince Christian Sound
Cruising only, subject to weather conditions
The ship will navigate one of Greenland’s most scenic passages, indeed, the sound has been called “The Most Majestic Fjord in Greenland.” The journey offers an up-close look at glaciers, icebergs, and the imposing mountains of Greenland’s landscape.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 10: Day at Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 11: Isafjordur, Iceland (7am – 5pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 12: Akureyri, Iceland (8am – 5pm)
This might be your day to float among the icebergs, just below the Arctic Circle in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), or perhaps explore Tasermiutfjord by boat and visit an old Norse settlement. Akureyri is described as the capital of north Iceland with its own fjord, and is surrounded by incredible landscapes, boasts an array of interesting shops and restaurants, and has a fascinating museum.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 13: Seydisfjordur, Iceland (8am – 8pm)
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 14: Djupivogur, Iceland (7am – 3pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
This quiet fishing village was first established by the Vikings, and is near natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. It will also be possible to journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's beloved, cute and quirky puffins.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 15: Reykjavik, Iceland (10am – 11pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, is like nowhere else on earth, with a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers, and rainbow-colored houses. During your stop, enjoy one of the many shore excursions like bathing in the Blue Lagoon or take a tour of one of many world-class museums or at galleries.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 16: Gundarfjørdur, Iceland (8am – 5pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Black-lava beaches, crystalline waterfalls and massive glaciers are found on this long stretch and Grundarfjørdur is a good place to see some of these natural wonders. Kirkjufell, the town’s landmark, has the distinction of being the most photographed mountain in the entire country; it’s even featured in the Game of Thrones. Here, excursion options include sitting in a steaming hot spring, seeing how petrified shark meat is made at the Shark Museum, or watching puffins around on sea cliffs from a boat tour off Melrakkaey Island. Don’t forget to sample some of the local fare such as thick and creamy yogurt called skyr, Iceland hot chocolate, and plokkfiskur (fish stew), a hearty comfort food after a day of exploring.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 17: Cruising Prince Christian Sound
Cruising only, subject to weather conditions
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 18: Nanortalik, Greenland (9am – 4pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 19: Day at Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 20: St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada (7am – 4pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited, route time subject to weather & ice
St. Anthony is best known as the gateway to one of North America’s most intriguing archaeological sites, an 11th-century village at L’Anse aux Meadows. This stop is also an opportunity for a whale-watching expedition and sightings of other wildlife.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 21: St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada (8am – 5pm)
Route time subject to weather & ice
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 22: Saint Pierre and Miquelon (8am – 5pm)
Discover this territory of France, just south of the island of Newfoundland, with its own culture, way of life, and time zone. Enjoy the novelty of visiting a little piece of France right here in North America!
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 23: Day at Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 24: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (8am – 5pm)
Halifax is a spirited mix of world-class history and nautical-themed museums alongside bunkers and fortresses that guarded the harbor. Explore the waterfront where steamships once anchored to drop off arriving immigrants at Pier 21. Choose an excursion to visit the charming fishing villages, Peggy's Cove and Mahone Bay, or wander the streets of Lunenburg, whose colorful Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wherever you venture, be sure to savor the fresh seafood and other Nova Scotia specialties.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 25: Bar Harbor, Maine, U.S. (9am – 6pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Bar Harbor is the quintessential New England coastal town. Enjoy strolling this picturesque, charming town, visit Acadia National Park, or take a boat tour to explore the waters and islands that surround Bar Harbor, to see wildlife, whales, and lighthouses along the way.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 26: Disembark in Boston, Stockbridge, Travel to Syracuse
After having breakfast aboard the ship, disembark and board the coach. Arrive late morning in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Enjoy some free time exploring this old town in the Berkshires, and then enjoy a special lunch at the award-winning Red Lion Inn. After lunch, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, and see where this famous artist lived and worked, and see many of his paintings and some of the familiar covers for The Saturday Evening Post. Then, it’s on to Syracuse where we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner the hotel.
Stay:
Marriott Downtown Syracuse, NY
Nights: 1
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 27: Journey Home
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head north to the border, arriving at Gananoque late in the morning, in time for a break and a final opportunity to shop at the duty-free. Once we cross into Canada, we’ll head west, with stops along the way to say good-bye to new friends. You’ll be home in the afternoon, with stories and great memories and photos of your adventures to share.
Meals:
B
