Welcome to the unique world of Maverick Travel. We specialise in small group travel to the most spectacular areas of the world. We only use quality accommodation and transportation and we limit our departures to one per year to each of our chosen destinations. Each one includes a significant amount of sightseeing in the tour price and, subject to minimum numbers, will be escorted from Australia.
Such is our faith in our tours, that, wherever possible, we prefer not to combine our arrangements with those of another company. However, there are a few operators with whom we are proud to be associated. And Crystal Cruises is one of those operators.
Crystal Cruises is synonymous with unsurpassed levels of service, accommodation and fine dining. However, each year Crystal Cruises select a very small number of their sailings to showcase a particular aspect of "La Dolce Vita" and our tour includes one of them. This cruise has been chosen to be a "Crystal Wine and Food Festival". So, in addition to the superb dining for which Crystal Cruises is legendary, our cruise will also feature world-renowned chefs and wine experts who will share their talents at lectures, special meals and tastings on board and ashore. If you enjoy the finer things in life, then this is the cruise for you.
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| AUTUMN COLOURS HIGHLIGHTS |
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New York City: Time Square, Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park etc |
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Newport Rhode Island: The home of America's "Old Money" |
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Boston: The Cradle of Colonial America |
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Maine: Bar Harbour & the magnificent Acadia National Park |
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Nova Scotia: Picturesque Peggy's Cove & World Heritage listed Lunenberg |
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Quebec City: World Heritage listed & the only walled city in North America |
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Montreal: Chic, cosmopolitan & beautiful |
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Ottawa: The gracious Canadian capital |
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Algonquin Provincial Park: Magnificent wilderness at its best |
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Niagara Falls: Maid of the Mist cruise |
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Toronto: With 10 trees for every resident, it's the greenest city in the world |
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Saint John, New Brunswick: Spectacular Reversing Waterfall |
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Kitchener: Home of the world’s 2nd. biggest Oktoberfest |
DAY 1
Brisbane / Los Angeles / Toronto
A late morning departure from Brisbane for Los Angeles, where we will clear Customs and Immigration formalities, before continuing on to Toronto. On arrival into Toronto, we will be met and transferred to our downtown hotel. The remainder of the evening is free.
Accommodation: The Royal York Hotel (or similar)
DAY 2
Toronto
A chance to sleep-in this morning to recover from our flight, before joining an afternoon tour of Canada's largest city. Toronto is well known as the home of the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum etc., but many people may not be aware that, with ten trees for every resident, it is also the greenest city in the world.
Accommodation: The Royal York Hotel (or similar) (B)
DAY 3
Toronto / Niagara Falls
This morning we travel south to the world renowned Niagara Falls. En-route we will cross over the Welland Canal, one of the canals that allow ships to travel from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Later this morning we will experience the thrill of the spray on our faces, as we sail towards the awesome Niagara Falls, on the "Maid of the Mist". (Note: "The Maid of the Mist" usually operates until late October. However, if weather conditions do not permit this, an alternative walking tour, "Journey Behind the Falls", will be substituted). After lunch, we will travel a short distance to Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the most picturesque towns in Ontario, where we will visit a local winery to taste some of the superb wines for which this region is famous. Late this afternoon, we travel back to Niagara Falls, where we will spend the night.
Accommodation: The Sheraton on the Falls (or similar) (B)
Day 4
Niagara Falls / Kitchener
A leisurely start to the day as we make our way towards Kitchener-Waterloo, in the heart of Ontario's "Mennonite Country". Kitchener is a town that has very strong connections with Germany and is host to the largest Bavarian Festival in North America - Oktoberfest. This 9 day festival is second only in size to Munich's Oktoberfest. A visit to one of the 15 "Festhallen" is a must and tonight there will be an opportunity for us to savour some authentic Bavarian cuisine (and maybe the beer).
Accommodation: The Delta Kitchener-Waterloo (or similar) (B)
DAY 5
Kitchener / Huntsville
This morning we travel a short distance to St. Jacobs, the most famous Mennonite town in Canada.
Life in this area has changed very little in the last 100 years, with many of the locals still using the horse and buggy as their main means of transportation. The Mennonites are legendary farmers and today is Market Day in St. Jacobs. The Market draws visitors from far and wide, so we will spend some time sampling some of the local produce, before continuing north towards Huntsville. Adjoining the Algonquin Provincial Park, the Muskoka region is a symphony of lakes, rivers and forests and is one of the most picturesque regions of Ontario.
Accommodation: The Deerhurst Resort (or similar) (B)
DAY 6
Huntsville / Algonquin Park / Ottawa
Today's destination is Canada's capital city, Ottawa, but along the way we will traverse the spectacular Algonquin Provincial Park - universally recognised as one of the most beautiful Provincial Parks of Canada. This park is renowned for its fluorescent display of "Fall Colours". There is simply no better place in Canada to witness this spectacle.
Accommodation: The Lord Elgin (or similar) (B)
DAY 7
Ottawa
This morning we will enjoy a comprehensive tour of the Canadian capital, including a visit to Parliament Hill. As with the capital city of any country, there is an enormous amount to see and this afternoon is free for us to continue exploring this intriguing city at our leisure.
Accommodation: The Lord Elgin (or similar) (B)
DAY 8
Ottawa / Montreal
A leisurely start to the day, before commencing our drive to Montreal. Along the way we will stop at a mystery location for a delicious lunch. Arriving into Montreal late this afternoon, we will transfer to our "floating palace" - Crystal Symphony. Tonight we have the choice of enjoying a sumptuous dinner onboard our beautiful ship, or going ashore to explore Montreal's Old Town, conveniently situated close to our dock. (B.L.D.)
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony
DAY 9
Montreal / Cruise
Montreal is part French, part English, but always totally intriguing and this morning's tour introduces us to many of the "must see" sights, including the spectacular Notre Dame Basilica. At the completion of the tour, the afternoon is free for us to continue to enjoy Canada's most cosmopolitan city. At approximately 9.00 pm this evening we set sail for Quebec City, as we cruise along the legendary St. Lawrence Seaway.
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 10
Quebec City / Cruise
Quebec City is a Francophile's dream come true ! It's all here: the sidewalk cafes of Old Quebec, a tree-lined "Champs Elysees", the turreted Chateau Frontenac. This is North America's only walled city, as well as being a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and we have the entire day to explore this unique city, before continuing our fabulous cruise late this afternoon.
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
Day 11
Cruising the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Ten days have passed since we departed Australia. It is time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, pull up a deck chair and enjoy a day cruising the scenic Gulf of St. Lawrence - it doesn't get much better than this !!
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 12
Cruising the Atlantic Ocean
Today is our chance to enjoy the ambience of 'shipboard life', as we cruise towards Nova Scotia. Cruising is, undoubtedly, one of the most relaxing holidays there is. However, if you don't want it to be, it doesn't have to be, as there are endless activities that have been arranged by the Cruise Staff for those seeking a little more 'action'. Alternatively, there is always the food !
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 13
Halifax, Nova Scotia / Cruise
The southern shore of Nova Scotia is considered by many to be ocean scenery at its best and whilst it is the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove that has featured on numerous postcards of this area, it is the perfectly preserved fishing village of Lunenburg that UNESCO has designated a World Heritage Site. And today, we have the full day to explore much of this unique region.
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 14
St. John, New Brunswick / Cruise
New Brunswick is a collection of natural wonders, vibrant villages, colourful culture and Acadian cuisine and ours to explore today. St. John is the largest city in New Brunswick and the oldest incorporated city in Canada. However, it is the Bay of Fundy, on which it is situated, that is probably better known. It is here that we find the world's highest tides. So massive are these tides, that they force the St. John River to reverse direction, thus creating the natural phenomenon - the reversing waterfall!
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 15
Bar Harbor, Maine / Cruise
Bar Harbor is the gateway to the rich natural beauty of Acadia National Park. Whilst the Shore Excursion Desk on board the ship will offer a selection of optional shore excursions to this beautiful Park, some of us may just care to explore this quaint village on our own.
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 16
Boston, Massachusetts / Cruise
Anyone with an interest in American history is in for an absolute treat today. Boston is widely recognised as "The Birthplace of America's Liberty" and, as such, has an unsurpassed number of historical attractions to offer the visitor. Whilst there will be many Shore Excursions operating from the Crystal Symphony, some of us may simply want to explore this historical city at our leisure. One of the most popular independent touring options is to walk the 2.5 mile, self-guided "Freedom Trail". Faneuil Hall and the adjacent Quincy Marketplace, the Old State House, The Old South Meeting House, The old North Church and Paul Revere's House are just a few of the historically significant sites that are located along the "Trail".
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 17
Newport, Rhode Island / Cruise
Early this morning, the Crystal Symphony will anchor at Newport, Rhode Island. Today we will witness the lavish excesses of Newport's "Gilded Age". This is where the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans had their "Summer Cottages". It is here, also, in her childhood summer home, Hammersmith Farm, that Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy, held their fairytale wedding reception.
Accommodation: Crystal Symphony (B.L.D.)
DAY 18
New York City
This morning we will wake to the unforgettable sight of cruising into New York harbour. Disembarking from the fabulous Crystal Symphony, we will be met by our city guide and taken on a three hour tour of this incredible city. The tour will introduce us to many of the attractions of "The Big Apple" and provide us with an excellent foundation, from which we can continue to explore this fascinating city during the next two days.
Accommodation: The Hilton New York (or similar) (B)
DAY 19
New York City
A free day, so that we can continue our exploration of this vibrant city. New York has something for everyone. Why not take a ferry ride around Manhattan Island for a completely different view of the world's most famous skyline? Or visit one of the many world renowned museums and art galleries. Tonight has also been left free, to allow us to choose the aspect of New York's acclaimed nightlife that appeals to us the most - a Broadway Show, a visit to Radio City Music Hall, an Irish Pub, or a major sporting event - the choices are endless !
Accommodation: The Hilton New York (or similar) (B)
DAY 20
New York City / Fly
Our last day in New York and our last chance for a walk in Central Park, a visit to the Empire State Building or to pick up that last minute bargain at Macy's. Or, just take the opportunity to sleep-in and enjoy a leisurely lunch, before transferring to the airport this afternoon to begin our journey home. (B)
Day 21
In flight
We cross "The International Dateline", losing the day that we "gained" at the beginning of our tour.
Day 22
Arrive Australia
Arriving back into Brisbane's International Airport, we will clear Customs and Immigration, bringing to an end our fantastic journey.
Please contact us to learn more about this tour, or to reserve your place.
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