Has anyone taken this tour? What are the options? Do you stop at the Shrine of Ste Anne de Beaupre in Quebec? How did you like the tour?

Hi Raymond,
I did this tour May 2006, very good tour.
Tour Director was Bob Dawson very good and a good sense of humour. Driver was Roy Feener very good to.
Niagara is very touristy, good place for lunch is the Secret Garden, Niagara-on-the-Lake beautiful little town got a good ice cream shop there, on the right as you walk into town. Kingston the dinner cruise of the 1000 Islands very nice. Quebec loved the old quater the walled city, we were also very lucky to stay at The Chateau Frontenac, yes we did go to Ste Anne Basilica. Montreal didn't like it much, the out skirts like the old city and Mount Royal area was nice and the inside of the Notre-Dame Bascilica was beautiful. Ottawa we all loved Ottawa we could have stayed longer there.

Optionals

Niagara Falls Helicopter Flightseeing
Duration 12 mins, Adult $105.00 CAD
It was well worth it.
You still get to see the Whirlpool Rapids, when you get back.

Quebec Night Tour & Panoramic Dinner
Adult $ 57.00 CAD
We start our evening at our panoramic restaurant, where we dine in elegance on la cuisine Francoise high above the glittering lights of Old Quebec. After dinner we go exploring North America's only walled city by night. I didn't do this tour the people that did enjoyed it.

Montreal Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Adult $ 85.00 CAD
Cruising down the St. Lawrence River, 5 course dinner with entertainment.
Not a bad night out.

I had look at the 2008 itinerary, it has changed a bit to when I went, the 1000 Island dinner cruise is an optional now and no longer the included Highlight Dinner, still do it though. And 2 new optionals. The prices I have given you could have gone up. We didn't stay in Mount Tremlant, and I didn't see St. Anne Basilica but it could be in the interary you get with the travel wallet.

R - also have a look at the one that leaves NYC, through Washington and up to Niagra (via the Amish areas). Then across the main Canadian Cities - and back through Boston to NYC. We've done this and really enjoyed it.

You might find this one a good alternative when comparing tours.

Saint Mike- we leave for this tour you mention mid July and can't wait. Takeoff 6 weeks tomorrow Yeah!!!! Any tips? Optionals were there many? Just waiting on tour documents now the travel agent has most things except TT and our Alaskan cruise info. I'm particularly interested in Boston and the Amish part along with Niagra and all the rest really.

Hey AB. Yes, only to happy to offer my advice. BUT, remember - free advice is only worth what you pay for it ...

Well ..., where to start ? The Hotel in NYC is in an excellent place - next to Ground Zero - so go to the Chapel and have a good look around. If you have time its worth booking in a few days earlier and looking around the City - or doing this afterwards.

The double decker tourist bus is excellent - do all the loops, the Statten Island ferry is free, the train is only $2 to mid-Town - AND very easy to use, the sights/sites are magnificent. AND - its very safe in the day and night. Use common sense though. There is ALWAYS - look to a corner - a police officer handy so ask if you're not sure where to go or if you need any help. Go to the top of the Empire State, and try to get to a ball game.

You'll find the locals to be VERY friendly. Try to ignore the people hustling for money and act as you would in any big modern city.

Two good bars - front and back. An Irish pub up the road and plenty of local eateries. You're within easy walking to quite a few tourist spots - eg Wall Street and the Bull (get a pic under its b...). The American Indian Museum. The Rector Street train station is 100 metres from the back door - 5 minutes to 42nd Street, Macys, Madison Square Garden etc - $2. The train is very safe - especially in the day time.

Also you can easily get the train to Yankee Stadium for a game or a tour - as you can at Madison Square Garden - worth a look if you're sports minded. (If you come out of Macys - and head back to 42nd Street you'll walk past a great little deli - real coffee and great "tucker").

Ask at Macy's for the Tourist Card - you'll get 10-15% extra off everything - even the specials. Only takes 2 minutes to get it.

While in NYC you must have a 'dog from a street vendor. They meet very hight hygiene standards and only cost a dollar or two. You can't visit the Big Apple and not have a 'dog.

Watch the street vendors/panhandlers. The DVDs look the goods BUT may not be.

First night in Washington. Its a gr8 City - a bit like your Canberra - clean, well laid out, pretty and well worth a visit. You won't have time - but if you're into shopping - try the Pentagon Mall - 20 minutes and a $12 taxi from the Hotel. Its a little different to the "norm" but I even liked it.

Also, Borders books is very big here (ie the USA) - as there - so keep an eye out for them if you're into books, mags, talking books, histories etc etc.

You go off through Philli to the Amish area (Tip: pron: "ARMish" not "AMish"). I wasn't overly impressed but the hotel we stayed in was top class. Make sure you have an icecream at Intercourse ...

I advised someone else on here that I'd stay in the Hotel (Leola Village Inn) and buy dinner and have a few drinks in their bar (great little place) rather than do the "Amish dinner special"). It was just a KFC night to me.

Don't tell the others if you are doing this as they will/may all stay and you won't get a table ... You will have a lovely night, but it does mean you will have to pay for it. Also, no grog at the KFC dinner ...

After dinner a short walk around the little village is nice. The others will get back from their "special" as you're finishing your coffees AND wish they'd done what you did ...

You can just smile and sit back contentedly.

Off to the Falls Watson ...

TIP: If you like "Baileys" - get it before you cross the border - at the Duty Free. Its much cheaper.

Niagra is just a waterfall. Big and beautiful but the town is a bit plastic for me. The boat ride is perhaps the best thing about the Falls. The Maid of the Mist literally goes under the water fall's spray etc so take care with cameras and wear your "poncho" - they give you one.

If you're looking for a nice spot for dinner - and like fish and/or ribs (I love ribs) - then try "Shoeless Joes" across from the Hotel - towards the falls that night. The buffet in the Casino is OK but can be very crowded. SJ's won't be that much more either.

The helicopter flight is well worth it.

Then its off across Canada. All the Cities are nice - but just Cities. We went to a great restaurant in Toronto - Le Biftheque Steakhouse. Quite close to the Hotel and great drinks and food. The concierge will point you where to go.

You don't have a lot of time in any place really - just a "taste" - and are in Quebec before you know it. Its a wonderful place - like Paris. Walk around as much as you can and go on the tours. Use the furniculaar. You literally can't get lost.

The dinner in the revolving restaurant is really good.

Tip - there's a free internet connection in the lobby of your Hotel - just look for it.

Boston is lovely - but not enough time. You'll want to return. You will see alot but not enough. The dinners (can't remember if they are free or extra) are great. Especially the lobster one. Make sure you walk about in any free time - shops are close and fun. The Bean Town pub is worth a look and a beer - almost next door to the hotel.

The ride down to NYC from Boston is very nice and stops in lovely spots. The morning/lunch stop in Rhode Island is well worth it. Don't waste time eating - walk around. They have some good coffee places for a "walking snack". Its where the America's Cup use to be kept ... so don't tell anyone you're an Aussie ...

Back in NYC its a bit hectic - drop offs at the airport and back to the NYC Hotel. My tip ... no pun intended - is to tip the driver and guide (if you feel so inclined) the night before or in Rhode Island - not at the end.

Our guide was Joe - a mad Boston Red Sox fan - and about the best guide I've met. The driver was Steve - a Yankee's fan - so it was interesting at times.

If you want any more info - or specifics - drop the TT Mod a line and send me a PM/email. I'm happy to answer any and all questions.

We both really enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to anyone.

Have fun ...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Saint Mike,

Wow what information!! I'm rather excited by this post and will print it off and take it with me. Too much to remember.
I like the "you can't get lost" want to bet??? I probably could but luckily I will have my husband who is an expert map reader with me. To tell you the truth my 12 yr old when we were in Paris many years ago got me unlost every day!
We arrive in NY the day before around 1pm so by the time we clear customs and get to the hotel it should only be enough time to see ground zero and eat perhaps take in a show I love comedy and musicals. I'm sure we will be back for another look. We were there around 9 years ago so have seen some sights but not all.
I'm so excited and your tips are very helpful especially the ones telling where it's good to get food and what is close to where we stay. Thanks again for such helpful info.