Explore some of the earliest European settlements in North America with the old French cities of Montreal and Quebec, the Canadian Maritimes, and the colonnial past of New England, including Boston, Newport and Bar Harbor. This journey will take you through the historic St. Lawrence River and Gulf, then out into the Atlantic Ocean, along the northeastern coast of the United States, concluding in the metropolis of New York City. Relax and enjoy a perfect combination of river and ocean cruising aboard the luxurious Crystal Symphony, voted into a Top 2 spot of best cruise ships in the world. Walk the 360 degree promenade deck, enjoy the sun while reclining with a cocktail at the pool deck, test your luck at the Crystal Casino, or simply indulge in delightful cuisine- there is always plenty to do in between calls to port. Explore some of the earliest European settlements in North America with the old French cities of Montreal and Quebec, the Canadian Maritimes, and the colonnial past of New England, including Boston, Newport and Bar Harbor. Available Cruise Departure Date (2012): Oct 21

Montreal is the cultural capital of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada. For over a century and a half, Montreal was the industrial and financial centre of Canada, leaving a legacy of architecture and wealth. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest cities in North America, with an inordinate number of attractive, fashionably dressed people. Tourism is centered in Old Montreal's historic and quaint riverfront, downtown's shopping, and museums, and the Latin Quarter's restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and pubs. Summer brings a seemingly endless stream of festivals, celebrations, and musical events.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel is a renowned local landmark, celebrated internationally for its world-class accommodations. This historic hotel has helped define the city’s distinct elegance and charm for over 50 years. It offers 1,037 rooms, of which 100 are suites, and is conveniently located above the train station and within walking distance of sports and cultural attractions. There is a skilfully integrated Health Club featuring state-of-the-art equipment and an indoor pool, as well as three distinctive venues to experience Montréal's gastronomy at its best: Les Voyageurs lounge, Le Montréalais bistro- restaurant and the award-winning Beaver Club, recognized as one of the best tables in Canada.

Overnight at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (4.5*).

This afternoon, set out on a private walking tour with your own professional guide and learn about the history and architecture of the city, including many colourful anecdotes that reveal the secrets of Old Montreal, from yesterday to today. The tour will take you from Place d'Armes to Place Jacques-Cartier, including the Royal Bank, Notre-Dame Basilica, Cours Le Royer, St. Jacques, Notre-Dame and St. Paul Streets, City Hall, the Champ de Mars and the old Bonsecours Market.

Overnight at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (4.5*).

From the luxury and comfort of your cruise ship, travel the waters surrounding the locations of the earliest European settlements in North America. Make port stops and spend the day out exploring the colonial history of New England, the unfettered nature and picturesque small towns of the Canadian Maritimes, or the unique French cultures of Québec City and Montréal. There is plenty to discover here.

Port taxes are included in the tour cost.

Welcome on board Crystal Symphony! Embarkation starts in the late afternoon, and you'll spend the evening anchored in the port. 

Cosmopolitan Montréal is Canada's second-largest city and cultural capital. It is the third-largest French-speaking city in the world and has been dubbed the "Paris of the North." Cultural contrasts are widespread as, although Montréal is predominantly French in culture, ethnic diversity abounds.

With a sleek silhouette, the Crystal Symphony finds a natural home in the world's most glamorous harbours and idyllic ports of call. The luxurious 50,000-ton, 922-guest ship is one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea, joining Crystal Serenity in the top two spots among Condé Nast Traveler’s best ships in the world. Onboard amenities include grand lounges, full-service fitness facility, Crystal Casino, Feng Shui-inspired spa, 360° teak Promenade Deck, lap pool, Jacuzzi, acclaimed cuisine and spectacular entertainment.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Montréal is a city of great charm, as you'll discover in its sympathetic blend of the old and the new, from the Place d'Armes and its beautiful 18th-century buildings to the ultra-modern downtown area. The city received international acclaim when it hosted Expo '67 and the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. Its exuberant vitality promises to keep it at the forefront of great world cities well into this century and beyond.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Québec stands proudly beside the majestic St. Lawrence River, resembling no other city in the world. Its cuisine, language and traditions combine to make this a unique cradle of French civilization in North America. Within fortress walls high atop Cap Diamant, the old city is a sheer delight for lovers of history. Here, magnificent churches, cobbled streets, fragrant gardens and chic boutiques all vie for your attention. Just outside the city, you'll discover a veritable riot of fall colors, North America's largest shrine, picturesque villages and an impressive waterfall. At the end of the day, there is the tempting opportunity to discover the French art of good cooking at some of North America's finest restaurants.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along a 360 degree Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with an engaging lecture series.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of the tranquil pools. From Tai Chi and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa, Piero Selvaggio and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or the action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

As Crystal Symphony moors alongside the pier, bagpipers and the Town Crier bid a warm welcome to Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, the most Scottish of all Canada's great cities. You will fall in love with Halifax's architectural blend of old and new. The mighty 150-year old Citadel fortress stands sentinel over the thriving downtown area where modern office and hotel blocks nestle alongside the exquisitely-restored Historic Properties waterfront shopping area. Shoppers will delight in the tempting array of buys from colorful Scottish tartans to pewter and superb hand-knit woolens. Nova Scotians claim they have the freshest air and warmest smiles in Canada. After your visit, we're sure you will agree.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Cradled off the craggy coast of Maine lies Mount Desert Island and the charming seaport town of Bar Harbor. Earlier last century, when it was the summer retreat of millionaires, it boasted magnificent estate homes, or "cottages," many of which were completely destroyed by the fire of 1947. However, some things never change. The priceless asset of the island's scenic beauty remains untouched by time. Vistas of emerald-green forests and rugged valleys from the superb vantage point of Mount Cadillac remain just as spectacular, and the rugged shoreline scenery is still as awe inspiring as it ever was. The choice is yours. Take a scenic drive through some of Maine's most spectacular scenery or stroll along the picturesque main street with its inviting shops and galleries. Perhaps you will choose to sample some of North America's most delectable seafood at an authentic lobster bake, or cruise the fascinating coastal area.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Relive nearly four hundred years of history as you explore myriad sights of Boston, a city that exudes pride in its past and future. Superb shopping abounds and sightseeing attractions are legendary. You'll revel in exploring the Freedom Trail, the Old North Church and the Boston Common. A few miles away lie Lexington and Concord where the momentous events that began in 1775 come alive. Boston has not been content to rest on the laurels of its glorious past. Progress is everywhere. Glazed high-rises soar skyward and the colorful waterfront area has been artfully renovated. Your visit to this thriving metropolis is bound to impress.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Newport, Rhode Island, is a stylish, world-famous yachting center with a long tradition of elegance. For almost a century and a half, it was the home of the America's Cup yachting races. The colonial sections of Newport boast many authentic historic buildings, some dating back to the 1600s. However, most impressive of all, are the opulent mansions built at the turn of this century by industrial tycoons along Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue. Fashioned after the palaces of Europe their interiors boast lavish use of marble, alabaster, gilt, mosaics and stained glass complemented by magnificent furnishings and fine tapestries. You'll be spellbound listening to the legends and stories of families such as the Morgans, Astors, Fishers and Vanderbilts, all of whom had "cottages" here. Although Rhode Island is America's smallest state, it has a legacy of history and tradition that far outweighs it size.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

Welcome to one of the world's most famous and exciting cities. Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park are just some of the celebrated spectacles this bustling city has to offer. Giovanni da Verrazano was the first European to glimpse Manhattan Island in 1542, but the area was not explored until Henry Hudson arrived in 1609. It is said that Peter Minuit bought the entire island from Native Americans for $24 worth of beads and trinkets in 1629 - the biggest real estate bargain in history. In 1664 the Dutch surrendered to a British Fleet, and the town was renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York. George Washington was inaugurated here in 1789, and for a time, New York served as the country's capital. Since then, the city has grown spectacularly and has become one of the most exciting and electrifying cities in the country - not to mention one of the most rewarding to visit and explore.

Overnight at Crystal Symphony (Deluxe (E)).

This morning, disembark Crystal Symphony.

Meet your driver for a city transfer.

After you are picked up from your hotel you will see: Central Park West, Upper West Side, Apollo Theater, the Mile Museum, Guggenheim, Metropolitan, Barrio, Frick Collection at Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Soho, Little Italy, Chinatown, Wall Street, Ground Zero Statue of Liberty, Tribeca. There are several scheduled stops during the tour: the Dakota Building, 120TH Street, Fifth Avenue, Little Italy, Ground Zero. The itinenary can be modified depending on parades, marathon or other events or according to traffic conditions).

Sofitel New York Hotel (4*) is located in Midtown Manhattan, only minutes from Fifth Avenue and Times Square. Their Manhattan luxury hotel rooms provide consummate style, comfort and elegance. Decorated in Paris and New York motifs, all rooms have spacious marble bathrooms, wired/wireless Internet and fully stocked mini-bars. The hotel also offers a unique dining experience. Gaby, the Art Deco restaurant serves French flair in a glamorous setting. Relax with a cocktail and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of Gaby's bar. For those who want to workout the hotel provide a fitness centre.

Overnight at Sofitel New York (4*).

Explore the chic Upper East Side of Manhattan on a shared 3 hour Sex & The City tour. This excursion visits the restaurants where the girls wine and dine, the shops at the center of Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe fetish, their favourite bars, and much more! Lunch is included at an exclusive Upper East Side restaurant that the girls frequent.

•  See the Christian Louboutin Boutique where Carrie says “Hello Lover” to the shoes in the window display
•  Visit the restaurant where Charlotte lets Big have it in the first Sex and the City movie
•  Go on location to the boutique where Samantha uses Lucy Liu’s name to purchase a Birkin bag
•  Stop at Vera Wang where Charlotte buys her wedding dress
•  See the church where Carrie meets Big’s mother
•  Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the show and movies.

Optional: Please speak with your travel consultant to advise which current Broadway show you would like to see.

You can choose from the following shows: An American Musical Landscape, Anything Goes, Arcadia, Avenue Q, Baby It`s You!, Billy Eliot, Celine Dion at The Colosseum, Chicago, Cirque du Soleil: Zarkana, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Sister Act, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, The House of Blue Leaves, Lombardi, Wonderland-A New Alice and much more.

Overnight at Sofitel New York (4*).

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).