New England Cruise - from Montreal - 130152

Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada - a lively metropolis with an 80% French-speaking population. Visitors can take a guided tour of the attractive Olympic Park, the home to the Olympic Games in 1976. The area around the Rue Crescent is famous for its many jazz cafés and restaurants. Sights include: the "Place des Arts", where the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and several theatres are located; the historic harbour area "Vieux Montreal"; the former residence of the French governor "Place Jacques Cartier"; Chateau Ramzay; the oldest church in the city "Notre Dame de Bonsecour".

Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada - a lively metropolis with an 80% French-speaking population. Visitors can take a guided tour of the attractive Olympic Park, the home to the Olympic Games in 1976. The area around the Rue Crescent is famous for its many jazz cafés and restaurants. Sights include: the "Place des Arts", where the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and several theatres are located; the historic harbour area "Vieux Montreal"; the former residence of the French governor "Place Jacques Cartier"; Chateau Ramzay; the oldest church in the city "Notre Dame de Bonsecour".

The region of Saguenay lies in Québec by the huge Saint Lawrence River. It stretches across a fascinating glaciated landscape. Beluga and blue whales can often be seen at the mouth of the river. Further upstream, in the Parc du Saguenay, jagged cliffs loom up to 400 metres high around Baie Éternité. The source of the Saguenay River, the Lac Saint-Jean, is an almost perfectly round lake left behind at the end of the Ice Age and covering an area of 900 km2. It is a popular sailing area and holiday destination with beautiful beaches. The Saguenay region is also famous for its blueberries, which ripen in the woods in summer and which are the reason the locals are called "Bleuets".

With a population of 15,500, Charlottetown is the only large town on Prince Edward Island. The provincial capital's main sights include Province House, built entirely from sandstone in the 18th century. It is here that the negotiations were held in 1864 that led to the establishment of the Canadian Confederation. The small town centre radiates an endearing and nostalgic feel. All of the houses have been restored. In addition to the traditional brick buildings, there are also traditional terraced houses painted in bold, bright colours. The cultural centre of the island is also in Charlottetown: every year there is a huge festival at which, among other things, Canadian musical productions are staged.

With a population of 15,500, Charlottetown is the only large town on Prince Edward Island. The provincial capital's main sights include Province House, built entirely from sandstone in the 18th century. It is here that the negotiations were held in 1864 that led to the establishment of the Canadian Confederation. The small town centre radiates an endearing and nostalgic feel. All of the houses have been restored. In addition to the traditional brick buildings, there are also traditional terraced houses painted in bold, bright colours. The cultural centre of the island is also in Charlottetown: every year there is a huge festival at which, among other things, Canadian musical productions are staged.

Halifax is not only the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia but also has one of the largest ports in the world. The city not far from Montreal is known for its many galleries and museums; it also hosts a great many cultural and musical events. Behind the harbour lies the picturesque coastal landscape. There are several historic buildings that house small shops, restaurants and the Museum of Natural History, which has an exhibition about the Titanic. Other sights include: "Citadel Hill", the parliament, "Spring Garden Road Region", the public gardens and Point Pleasant Park.

Saint John is New Brunswick's most important port and trading town. This was also where the area's history began in the early 17th century. In 1604 the Frenchman Samuel de Champlain discovered the mouth of a wide river during a sailing expedition in the Bay of Fundy; he called the river 'Saint Jean' in honour of John the Baptist. The first French settlers soon followed, and settled at the coast where they made a living from farming and fishing. The Bay of Fundy with its plentiful fish stocks where Saint John lies is a popular place for whales to come in the Summer months. June to September are the best months to watch these giant sea mammals.

Boston, capital of Massachusetts and the gateway to New England, is laden with history but at the same time vibrant and bursting with energy. Indeed, Boston - with a population of just over half a million - is one of the most interesting cities in America in terms of both history and culture - as well as one of the most beautiful. Unlike most major cities, it still has countless historical buildings and areas, and is among the architectural must-sees of America. Historic buildings, picturesque cobbled streets and relaxing parks meet with modern high-rise buildings, giving a surprisingly harmonious overall effect. A section of the Berlin Wall can be viewed at the harbour, from where you can also set off on a whale-watching trip.