PORTLAND, MAINE
Explore many of Portland’s highlights. Today we will see the elegant Victorian Mansion district, where we will pass the boyhood home of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the former homes of many Sea Captains. We will also visit Casco Bay and the famous Portland Head Light, which guards the channel and access to this port. After we return from lunch onboard the vessel, we will visit Kennebunkport. From the early 1600’s, Kennebunkport has been a shipbuilding mecca. This area has long been the summer residence of former President George W. Bush, and many others seeking relaxation in the New England maritime atmosphere. We will drive past the Bush compound, but please note that the motorcoaches are not permitted to stop here. Enjoy some free time in the downtown shopping area, and a photo opportunity at the Franciscan Monastery.
POST-CRUISE TRANSFER
Victory II
Use this convenient transfer to get you to the airport.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
DIRECT AIRPORT TRANSFER
DEPARTS: 8:30 AM
GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS On today’s excursion we will venture to Salem, Massachusetts. Discover the history and highlights of Salem on a driving city tour. This historic city is known as the location of the infamous “Witch Trials.” Today, Salem is a cultural center with superb museums and many reminders of its colonial past. While in Salem, we will visit the House of Seven Gables, and receive a guided tour of this 1600’s colonial mansion. The home was made famous through the writing of American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne. After returning to the vessel for lunch, we will depart for Rockport, Massachusetts. Rockport is a seaside resort, and a popular destination for Boston residents. Explore this thriving community filled with arts and music for an enriching cultural experience. Travel along the shoreline at Long Beach and see the classic sea wall lined with gaily colored cottages.
PRICE: $39
THANK YOU FOR SAILING WITH US Disclaimer:
Victory II® included shore excursions are available to all Victory guests and are capacity controlled and subject to availability. All shore excursions are subject to availability and may not be available at time of booking. All tours are subject to maximum and minimum capacities and tours may be cancelled in the event that minimum capacities are not met. During local and national holidays or weekends, some attractions and facilities may operate under modified hours of operations or may not be open to the public. In such instances, Victory shore excursions will make every effort to minimize negative impact on guests and will offer an alternative when applicable or if available. By participating in shore excursions of any kind, you grant Shore Excursions of America (SEA) and Victory Cruise Lines, and all its agents and employees the irrevocable and unrestricted right to reproduce photographs and/or video images taken of you, or members of your family, for the purpose of publication, promotion, illustration, or trade, in any manner or in any medium. You therefore release Shore Excursions of America and Victory Cruise Lines and its legal representatives for all claims and liability relating to said images or video. Furthermore, you grant permission to use your statements that were given during an interview or guest lecture, with or without your name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction.You waive your right to any compensation.
French Canada And Canadian Maritimes
QUEBEC CITY, QUÉBEC On this half-day excursion, we will tour Quebec City, exploring many of the city’s highlights. Travel through the historic Quebec City, touring the picturesque Place Royale in the lower-town. Discover the magnificent views of Dufferin Terrace at Chateau Frontenac. At the Plains of Abraham, see the point where the battle between invading English forces and defenders took place just before the town was captured. We will then make our way to Montmorency Falls, where we will ride a cable car to the top for a spectacular view across the Ile d’ Orleans.
TADOUSSAC, QUÉBEC Tadoussac is located near the mouth of the Saguenay river-Fjord, which is home to a large school of whales. In Tadoussac, we will welcome a Sea Mammal Naturalist from Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) aboard Victory I. Our expert on marine mammals will host a lecture on the background of the Tadoussac whale population and will remain with us as we head toward the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River. As we traverse the waters, our GREMM expert will be on the bridge looking for whales and offering thoughtful commentary on the natural history of the area. *Guests are advised to bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with zoom capability to take full advantage of this unique location.
CAP AUX MEULES, QUÉBEC Embark on a journey through the island of Cap aux Meules. The island touts a villagelike appearance and is filled with businesses, restaurants and other facilities. During our visit, we will make our way to the Fumoir d’Anton smokehouse where we will get a taste of tradition from the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Owned and operated by the Arseneau family, Fumoir d’Anton is known for its traditional smoked herring. Smoking herring was introduced to the islands in the 19th century and the Arseneau family is keeping this tradition alive. Learn the efforts and processes that go into smoking seafood and taste their famous smoked herring. Then at the Pied du Vent cheese factory, discover another tradition as we learn how raw milk is turned into delectable cheeses as we sample different types. At La Grave heritage site, we will see traditional architecture of the island. The area was once a popular fishing hub, today, the town retains its character and is full of fine shops, restaurants, and festivities.
CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Follow the historic trail through Charlottetown, which was taken by the delegates participating in the historic Charlottetown Conference, which lead to the Confederation of Canada. This meeting was held as a negotiation to form a federation between three Canadian provinces –New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island – but ended in an agreement towards a Canadian Confederation. We will arrive at Cavendish Bay and the PEI National Park. The park offers scenic shoreline views and the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the famous book, Anne of Green Gables.
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA DAY I Embark on an adventure through Halifax, as we explore the city’s highlights. Visit the Citadel, a picturesque defense structure constructed in 1856. The Citadel was built to defend Halifax from invading forces and is populated by the 87th Highlander regiment, which regularly per form re-enactments inside the square. Throughout our journey, we will also take a dive into Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage at the Halifax Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Discover the small craft and the massive allied World War II convoys that were assembled inside the inner Halifax Harbor. As we leave town and make our way towards Peggy’s Cove we will pass the Fairview Cemetery, best known as the final resting place for over 100 victims of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
DAY II On our second day docked in Halifax we will explore the town of Lunenburg. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lunenburg is considered the best surviving British colonial town in North America. As our local guide recounts tales of lives lost on the ocean and the spirits that haunt the area, you can still see the tall ships in port and hear the clash of the blacksmith’s hammer. Lunenburg’s harbor-side streets are lined with unique shops and restaurants, which blend with the preserved historic homes, creating a living museum from the 18th century. At the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, we will explore wharfside vessels, the extraordinary aquarium, and the famous Bluenose II, a replica of the original world-famous racing schooner. A drive through Mahone Bay will provide scenic views of the natural beauty and collection of churches that line the shore.