These North American tours combine local and autumn color.
From the elms of New England to the giant maples of the Pacific Northwest, North America’s fall foliage is an international treasure. Visitors from around the world come each year to watch trees transform into brilliant displays of red and yellow and experience the local flavor (pumpkin or otherwise). These seven Globus tours allow you to explore local communities in addition to natural wonders.
Washington, D.C.
Take a guided tram tour of the Arlington National Cemetery during the fall to see a breathtaking view of this landmark. With cooler temperatures and minimal humidity, take your time visiting the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and World War II memorials. The surrounding state parks in Virginia and Maryland combine stunning ocean views with ancient forests.
Maine
Visit Portland, Maine, one of New England’s most scenic cities. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Portland’s famous Old Port Exchange, lined with its many boutiques, coffee houses, and art galleries. Nowhere along the Atlantic seaboard is the coast as picturesque as in Acadia National Park, one of America’s most visited national parks. Take the scenic park road for spectacular panoramas from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise.
Boston
Boston is one of America’s most historic cities, and the Old State House, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are all must-see landmarks. Fall seems to make large public parks such as Boston Common come to life in the fall, and historic areas like Copley Square benefit from the autumn foliage. Board a harbor cruise that takes you to see the USS Constitution, the Bunker Hill Monument and the Boston Tea Party boat.
Colorado
The beautiful Colorado mountains speak the language of fall. Silverton, once a major mining town, owes its name to the bragging statement by an early miner: “We have no gold, but silver by the ton!” Board the narrow-gauge Durango & Silverton Railroad for a scenic ride through San Juan National Forest. The legendary steam train hugs steep canyon walls as it winds its way through Rio de las Animas Canyon with vistas of snowcapped peaks. Arrive in Durango, a town born in the Gold Rush and silver-mining era.
Toronto/Niagara Falls
Take a short drive south along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. For the adventurous, there are “flightseeing tours,” helicopter rides that take your party right over the cusp of the falls. Board a sightseeing cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Before leaving the area, see the picturesque Floral Clock. Toronto is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and is a major hub for food and art. Highlights of the city include the Legislature Building, the University of Toronto, the CN Tower and the city’s many ethnic neighborhoods. Eaton Center is the Toronto’s no. 1 tourist attraction, with more than 300 stores for world-class shopping.
Nova Scotia
Board a ferry that whisks you across the Northumberland Strait to Pictou, known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland.” It was here that the first boatload of Scottish Highlanders landed in Nova Scotia in 1773. Then, travel along Ceilidh Trail, where Scottish traditions and Gaelic folklore come alive. Travel along the Cabot Trail, considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Proceed along the coast, savoring magnificent vistas of the rocky shoreline and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Enter Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a landscape that strikingly resembles Scottish coastal regions.
Montreal
Travel to Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city. See the sights, such as Notre Dame Basilica and Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and a drive to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy a panorama of the city. Stroll through the underground shopping area of Place Ville-Marie or visit historic Old Montréal.
These seven tours are just a few of many Globus trips that combine state and national parks with metropolitan amenities and local culture. For more tour information, visit http://www.globusjourneys.com/