Newfoundland: Welcome to The Rock

Day 1

Sacramento to Toronto – Your travels take you to Toronto today, arriving mid-afternoon. Enjoy dinner at Ruth’s Chris and overnight at an airport hotel, before continuing your journey to Newfoundland tomorrow. Westin Hotel Toronto Airport (D)

Day 2

Toronto to Deer Lake/Hawkes Bay – Air schedules are not yet set at catalog printing, but we anticipate a non-stop flight to Deer Lake, NL. Transfer for overnight accommodations along the Northern Peninsula in Hawkes Bay (2.5-hour drive from Deer Lake).  Sea Echo Motel (D) 

Day 3

Hawkes Bay to St. Anthony – Travel to L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the first cultural discovery in the world to receive recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear of the Vikings who walked the earth here over a thousand years ago before continuing on to St. Anthony for accommodations and dinner tonight. Hotel North (B, D)

Day 4

St. Anthony to Cow Head – A morning whale watching tour (weather permitting) with a wildlife expert will give you the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, sea birds and sea caves. At the Grenfell Historic Properties, learn about the famous medical missionary, Sir Wilfred Grenfell, before traveling to Cow Head in Gros Morne National Park. Shallow Bay Motel – 2 nights (B, D)

Day 5

Gros Morne Touring – Discover why Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly one of the highlights of your trip with a scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay. Be on the look-out for the bald eagles that frequent the deep waters of the fjord. Also visit the Tablelands, a mountain of flat-topped rock of a kind usually found only deep in the earth's mantle, is an awe-inspiring sight. Many say the scenery of Gros Morne is unequaled anywhere in Canada. (B, Box L, D)

Day 6

Cow Head to Gander – Travel on through central Newfoundland to Gander for a visit to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. Hosting a variety of artifacts and displays chronicling Gander's role in development of transatlantic aviation, you’ll also learn of the city’s famous role in hosting "Come from Aways" during America's 9/11 tragedy. Sinbads Hotel (B, D)

Days 7

Gander to Clarenville – A scenic drive along the rocky coast of Notre Dame Bay leads to the beautiful outport of Twilingate where you will visit Long Point Lighthouse and the Prime Berth Fishery & Heritage Centre. Keep your eyes and camera at the ready, watching for wildlife as you drive through Terra Nova National Park and on to Clarenville. Quality Hotel – 2 nights (B, D)

Day 8

Bonavista & Trinity Touring – Today you will experience two quaint, historic towns. First, visit Bonavista, where John Cabot arrived in North America in 1497. Learn about the hard life of the light keepers at Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site before continuing on to charming Trinity. Stroll the lanes and explore the many historic buildings preserved from the 18th Century. (B, D)

Days 9

Clarenville to St. John's – Your next stop is the intriguing old seaport of St. John's, North America's oldest city. Newfoundland's capital boosts a stunning location in the granite cliffs and slopes of the Avalon Peninsula. Take a city tour featuring the Victorian architecture of the downtown area, the busy modern waterfront, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Confederation Building and the panoramic view from Signal Hill. Delta Hotel – 2 nights (B, D)

Days 10

Bay Bulls and Cape Spear – This morning, visit Bay Bulls for one of the highlights of your trip, a boat tour in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to search for puffins and other seabirds. Next is a visit to the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear National Historic Site. The afternoon is yours to explore St. John's at your leisure. (FB, D)

Day 11

St. John's – Sacramento – Transfer to the St. John's International Airport where you will say farewell taking with you fond memories of your time on The Rock. (FB)