Springtime on Our Shores

America's Historic Cities & Canada's Maritime Provinces

Cruise Dates:
May 16–29, 2010

North America's Atlantic shores present a portrait of modernity as well as a vintage postcard of history, architecture and culture from Colonial times to the present. Our coastal sweep aboard Clelia II straddles both. Departing from West Palm Beach, we take in the antebellum charm of Charleston, South Carolina, graced by Palmetto trees and wrought-iron balustrades; and travel in time to Colonial Williamsburg, our nation's birthplace and premier living museum. Continuing up the Eastern Seaboard, we explore the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island; the enchanting shoreline city of Portland, Maine; and the quaint fishing village of Bar Harbor, Maine. Canada's far shore then beckons with the charming port city of Halifax and history-steeped Louisbourg, both in Nova Scotia. Our adventure concludes in Newfoundland, where we visit picturesque Placentia or St. Mary's Ecological Reserve.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1	WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, United States | EMBARK
Day 2	AT SEA
Day 3	CHARLESTON, South Carolina Arrive today in Charleston, one of the East Coast's loveliest cities. A prosperous, cosmopolitan seaport as far back as colonial times, it was in here in Charleston's harbor that Confederate troops first fired upon Fort Sumter, thus starting the Civil War. Tour Charleston's extensive historic district, which includes the Heyward-Washington House, an 18th-century structure which features a separate kitchen house and enchanting formal garden; the Calhoun Mansion, noted for its 14-foot-high ceilings, ornate plaster and wood moldings and sweeping stairwell; and the Nathaniel Russell House, a neoclassical townhouse set amidst beautiful gardens. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Charleston, or drive to historic Middleton Place Plantation, a carefully preserved 18th-century plantation that is a National Historic Landmark. Situated on the Ashley River, the property includes the House Museum, built in 1755 as the gentlemen's guest quarters, and 65 acres of magnificent gardens.
Day 4	CHARLESTON, South Carolina
Day 5	AT SEA
Day 6	YORKTOWN, Virginia | COLONIAL WILIAMSBURG From the port of Yorktown, we visit Colonial Williamsburg. The capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg is the nation's premier living museum, offering visitors a glimpse of life as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. A guided tour leads along the Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg's main thoroughfare, past the Capitol, the courthouse, the Governor's Palace and the historic Bruton Parish Church, which has held Episcopal services here since 1715. Then enjoy time at leisure to explore the museums and side streets, which are filled with taverns, bakeries and the restored houses of tradesmen.
Day 7	AT SEA
Day 8	NEWPORT, Rhode Island Clelia II sails into Newport's yacht-filled harbor, the one-time summer playground of New York's wealthiest families. Many of the grand "cottages" they built are now cared for by The Preservation Society of Newport County and are open to the public. See the Breakers, the 70-room Italian Renaissance mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and Rosecliff, designed by architect Stanford White and inspired by the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. Also tour the historic harbor at Newport.
Day 9	PORTLAND, Maine Arrive in Portland, Maine's largest city, and explore the charming Old Port district, with boutiques and quaint restaurants lining cobblestone streets. The nearby Arts District is home to many small art galleries, antique shops and artist studios. In the heart of the picturesque quarter is The Portland Museum of Art, home to more than 18,000 works that date back to the American Colonial era.
Day 10	BAR HARBOR, Maine
Day 11	HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Canada Arrive in Halifax, a vital port city teeming with an impressive array of cultural and historic delights. In the morning, tour the sandstone Province House, St. Paul's Church, the oldest building in the city, the Citadel National Historic Site and the Public Gardens. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the Halifax's vibrant attractions such as Historic Properties, which mixes Canada's oldest surviving warehouses with charming boutiques and restaurants.
Day 12	LOUISBOURG, Nova Scotia, Canada Call today at Louisbourg, home to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Canada's largest historic park. Often called the "Williamsburg of Canada," the French defended this massive fortified settlement many times against the British from 1713-1758, when they were finally defeated. Today it is a living museum that recreates 18th-century life through period costumes and reconstruction. Visitors are transported back in time to 1744 thanks to the partial reconstruction of the formerly thriving settlement, including the ramparts, the impressive King's Bastion, period homes, businesses, and streets. In addition, actors play the roles of 18th-century inhabitants.
Day 13	ARGENTIA | PLACENTIA | ST. MARY'S ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, Newfoundland
Day 14	ST. JOHN'S | DISEMBARK | USA

Program Inclusions

• 13-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise
• Complete program of tours and excursions
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers
• Professional Tour Staff
• Complete pre-departure materials
• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
• Port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers