Fly to Boston, New England’s sophisticated center of culture. Upon arrival, a Vantage representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to explore the city at your leisure.

As the birthplace of the nation, Boston is steeped in American history. You’ll head out to see its major sites, including Back Bay, Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, the Public Garden, Boston Common, and the brick-lined lanes of Beacon Hill. After time to browse the Italian North End and its renowned Old North Church, from where Paul Revere hung the tell-tale lanterns, you’ll cross the Charles River and head to Cambridge for a stroll through Harvard Yard.

Following your tour, you’ll head to Gloucester and embark the Ocean Explorer to begin your small ship ocean cruise. Relax in your sumptuous stateroom, or enjoy a drink on deck as you set off on your adventure.

Include Feature:

• Half-day Boston highlights tour

You’ll have a full day of scenic sailing to indulge in your ship’s 5-star amenities. Relax on the sundeck, visit the spa for a soothing treatment, and shop for souvenirs at the onboard gift shop. At mealtimes, savor culinary creations prepared by your skilled onboard chefs. In the evening, head up to the Observation Deck for magnificent stargazing.

Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn more

Start your day in Halifax with a photo stop on top of Citadel Hill, a must-see stop on any itinerary that visits Halifax. Set atop an expansive hilltop overlooking the city, this strategic fort is a National Historic Site on which four fortifications have been constructed since the time of the city’s founding in 1749. Step back in time to the mid-18^th century, and immerse yourself in the military history of Halifax’s 78^th Highlanders and the 3^rd Brigade Royal Artillery. Explore the manicured grounds and meticulously recreated period rooms, including the barracks, tailor shop, and school. On your return to the ship for lunch, you’ll be able to take in more of Halifax’s scenic sites. Enjoy a tasty lunch on board, followed by leisure time to continue your Halifax explorations on your own. This evening, enjoy dinner on the ship, followed by local onboard entertainment.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Halifax tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Evening onboard entertainment

You’ll have a full day at leisure to explore Halifax at your own pace. This lovely city is packed with interesting museums, exciting attractions, great dining options, and world-class shopping. Your onboard Destination Manager can help you craft your own itinerary today.

Enjoy another day at sea aboard your elegant small ship. Visit the spa, relax in the well-stocked library, sip a cocktail as you take in the panoramic views from the sundeck, or perhaps get a workout in the gym. At mealtime, dine on delectable culinary creations prepared by your skilled onboard chefs.

Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn more

Located on the Bay of Fundy, Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in the New Brunswick province of Canada. Established in the late 18^th century, the city is known for its incredible Reversing Falls Rapids, a phenomenon caused when the tides from the bay collide with the Saint John River. Today, you’ll witness this natural wonder for yourself when you set out on a guided tour of this charming city. You’ll be able to step out onto the large rooftop deck and the Skywalk observation platform to get a first-hand look. Don’t forget your camera!

Next, you’ll visit Carleton Martello Tower, one of nine such towers still in existence in Canada. These towers were constructed during the War of 1812 to defend Canada from overland invasion by the U.S. Together with Fort Howe and Fort Dufferin, the Carleton Martello Tower served as the third link in the defense of Saint John. The tower remained in use by the Canadian military through several notable conflicts, including both World Wars, until it was decommissioned in 1944.

Your next stop will be Rockwood Park. Located in the heart of Saint John, this massive park spans over 2,000 acres. In addition to its unspoiled beauty, the park’s ten lakes and more than fifty walking trails, make it a favorite spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Your tour will continue with a scenic drive through Saint John, with your knowledgeable guide pointing out historic places of interest, such as King’s Square and the Loyalist Burial Ground.

At the conclusion of the tour, you’ll return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure before sailing on to your next destination.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Saint John city tour

This morning, you'll call on the historic city of Portland, Maine. Known for its long history as a strategic New England shipping hub, the city brims with maritime culture, great restaurants, and classic architecture. You'll embark on a full-day scenic tour of the city and its surrounding area, including a stop at its famous lighthouse. Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your ship.

Included Feature:

• Full-day Portland tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Local lecture

The cruise portion of your journey comes to an end in Gloucester today. Say goodbye to the Ocean Explorer and head to your centrally located Boston hotel. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an exploration of America’s revolutionary past.

Follow the trail of the nation’s first patriots during a morning tour to Lexington and Concord and learn how these former farming communities played a pivotal role in the early days of the American Revolution. Visit Lexington Green, where Paul Revere made his midnight ride to warn the minutemen that the British were coming and where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. Stop at the Old North Bridge, and then get a glimpse of the region’s literary past when you drive by the homes of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Following your tour, you’ll check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Included Feature:

• Historical tour of Lexington and Concord

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the airport and board your return flight home.