EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

View rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbors along Blue Heron Drive as you get ready to meet Anne of Green Gables and actual descendants of Lucy Maud Montgomery. First stop is Silver Bush and the Anne of Green Gables Museum, here you’ll tour the museum, explore the beautiful grounds with many flower beds and gardens and share some Raspberry cordial with Anne herself!

Next, it's off to Cavendish, the old farm site that inspired L. M. Montgomery's first novel, Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908. Highlighting some of the finest attractions on Prince Edward Island's breathtaking north shore, this is definitely the ultimate Anne experience.

Your tour begins with a ride through Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada. Sit back and relax, enjoying views as you travel en route to Cavendish, home of the Green Gables Heritage Place, the house that inspired the children’s classic. In fact, it is hard to think of Prince Edward Island without mentioning author Lucy Maud Montgomery, who lived here during the late Victorian era and it was the setting of her novel, Anne of Green Gables. Published in 1908, the tale of a spunky red haired orphan was an instant hit and from that moment on, visitors flocked to Cavendish, leading to the establishment of the national park.

The homestead immortalized in the book is exceptionally beautiful and fans will get a kick out of exploring the ground they have read so much about. Relatives of the author often offer guided tours and you never know when they will appear to greet guests! You may browse the gift shop for books and souvenirs. You’ll travel through the stunning park to the red sandstone cliffs, set against white capped waves for an incredible photo opportunity .

OVERVIEW

Gain an overall understanding of Charlottetown Walking through three vastly different landmarks, each one historical in its own way. The largest of the city's greenspaces, Victoria Park has provided a serene waterfront setting since 1873. While traversing the shaded paths, you may come across some of the original survey stones. At Province House - a National Historic Site that overlooks Queen Square - you will discover how Canada was formed as the result of a watershed conference held in the building in 1864. That event led to Canada becoming a federation, the reason Charlottetown became known as the Birthplace of Canada. St. Dunstan's Basilica earned its National Historic Site designation for being the most elaborate church in the Maritime provinces and a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Pope Pius XI granted St. Dustan's the title of basilica in 1929 for its historical significance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit two National Historic Sites that lend great insight into Charlottetown’s past.
• Stroll through Victoria Park, the city’s largest parkland.
• Pause at the site of the 1864 conference that led to the formation of Canada.
• See one of only 20 churches in Canada that the pope has designated as a basilica.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Savor oysters and mussels harvested from the seas surrounding Prince Edward Island and listen to Gaelic folk music as an accompaniment. The venue you will walk to for your culinary immersion will be Peake’s Quay Restaurant & Bar, which features the city’s largest outdoor patio overlooking the waterfront. You will have a PEI oyster sample freshly shucked. You will also be served locally sourced mussels, world-famous for the unique and exquisite taste and quality only Prince Edward Island can offer. These mussels contain more iron and vitamin B12 than beef and they are delicious. Majority of the island’s population is Scottish and Irish, so to add a local touch to your dining experience, Gaelic folk music will be playing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delight in PEI’s one-of-a-kind oysters and mussels.
• Discover why oysters and mussels from Prince Edward Island are so prized.
• Listen to authentic Gaelic music that reflects the island’s ethnicity.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the historical heart of Charlottetown and stop along the way to sample some of its quintessential desserts. Located in a century-old former industrial building, Founder’s Food Hall & Market is now home to all sorts of shops, several known for sweets such as artisanal chocolates and French pastries. You may be offered a handcrafted donut from Prince Edward Island, featuring unique flavors and fresh, local ingredients. Stroll to Peake’s Quay, another popular spot with abundant restaurants and sweet shops. You might have a taste of Charlottetown’s famous ice creams, as you’ll find one of the best locations there for dessert, where you will have the chance to taste the best handcrafted old- fashioned ice cream using Prince Edward Island milk. Our journey will conclude where stores have lined since Charlottetown was incorporated in 1855, Queen Street. Where you may enjoy a variety of chocolate tastings and find representative venues such as Green Gables Chocolate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stop at three vastly different venues known for their artisanal sweets.
• Sample an array of desserts that are Prince Edward Island specialties.
• Enjoy a true taste of the island as the desserts are made with locally sourced ingredients.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy your day visiting most of the Island's favorite attractions. Your tour begins with a drive around Charlottetown enlightened on the history of this quaint little town that became the "birthplace of Confederation". Make your way along the Trans-Canada Highway, through towns and villages, to the Confederation Bridge. This marvel of engineering, opened in 1997, is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered waters, and spans the Northumberland Strait connecting Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. You'll have ample time for picture taking, browsing for souvenirs, or sampling some PEI Potato chips all while enjoying the view from Gateway Village. Your journey continues to the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush where descendants of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, await your arrival and invite you to the old family farm. Enjoy a visit with Anne and a light picnic lunch. Departing Park Corner you will enjoy wonderful views of the North Shore including Prince Edward Island National Park and a stop at Cavendish Beach. Your travels are complete with a factory tour and snack as you make your way back to the pier

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Charlottetown, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, selfie expert and award-winning photographer Berni Wood will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Charlottetown, you will pause at designated selfie stops that may include:
• All Souls’ Chapel, a designated National Historic Site of Canada.
• Fanningbank Government House, the 1834-built home of the island’s lieutenant governor.
• City hall, a Romanesque Revival-style landmark.
• Elegant 19th-century merchant residences such as Beaconsfield.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Charlottetown.
• Follow tips from local selfie expert Berni Wood to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Review the photos you’ve taken while snacking on mussels at a local pub.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Settle in for a relaxing drive through Charlottetown, taking in the historical landmarks and getting your bearings so that you may easily explore further on your own.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, which was named in 1763 in honor of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. Now the capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown is known as the birthplace of Canada because an historic 1864 conference was held here, which led to the country’s confederation.

The town is wonderfully atmospheric, as you will see driving along the charming waterfront and through the heritage districts. One of the most historically important residences is Beaconsfield, an elegant 1877 home built for wealthy merchant and shipbuilder James Peake and his wife, Edith. Now a museum, the Victorian home is filled with period furnishings.

You may also drive past the 1834-built Fanningbank Government House, where the island’s lieutenant governor lives, the Romanesque Revival-style city hall, and All Souls’ Chapel, a sandstone building that has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Along the way, the guide will point out the architectural significance of the landmarks and elaborate on the history and development of Charlottetown.

Toward the end of the driving tour, you will pass through an area filled with art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques and eclectic restaurants. Being that this is an introductory tour of Charlottetown, you will have plenty of time afterwards to explore further on your own.

OVERVIEW

Meander through Charlottetown at a leisurely pace, admiring four of its most glorious churches, ranging from the oldest to one said to be haunted by phantom bell ringers. After walking from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of Charlottetown, home to some of Canada’s most beautiful and historical churches. Your first destination will be Trinity United Church, which opened in 1864, shortly after the convention that led to the country’s confederation. The town’s oldest church in continuous use, Trinity can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and is known for its magnificent stained-glass windows however we’ll only be able to admire it from the outside due to damage caused by Hurricane Fiona in late 2022. Next, you will visit St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a stone French Gothic-style church that was rebuilt in 1913 following a devastating fire. It’s the fourth church built on this site, all of which were destroyed by fire. Now designated a National Historic Site of Canada, the elaborate church is one of the town’s most visible landmarks, particularly its soaring spires. Then you will drop by St. James Presbyterian Church. Unlike the stone churches in town, it was featuring a wooden ceiling and interior columns. Phantom bell ringers supposedly haunt the church, a story that it has been commemorated on stamps. Before returning to the pier, you will also see St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, which was constructed in 1869. Designed by one of Prince Edward Island’s leading architects at the time, the church is inspiring, as is the attached All Souls Chapel, a National Historic Site.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See four of Charlottetown’s churches, each significant its own way.
• Stop in a church that has been declared a National Historic Site.
• Hear about the phantom bell ringers that supposedly haunt another church.

HELPFUL HINTS

• See four of Charlottetown’s churches, each significant its own way.
• Stop in a church that has been declared a National Historic Site.
• Hear about the phantom bell ringers that supposedly haunt another church

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a sampling of Prince Edward Island’s signature culinary dishes and dessert, including fresh mussels, succulent lobster rolls and ice cream that was voted Canada’s best. Although known as the Birthplace of Canada because of an 1864 conference here that led to the country’s confederation, Charlottetown is fast becoming known for its culinary treats, many of which you will sample. You will stop for a plate of Prince Edward Island mussels at the Sims Corner. These succulent, bluish-black bi-valves are delicious, especially when steamed and served with melted butter. Next, you will sample the island’s famed lobster rolls at Lobster on the Wharf. Like mussels, lobster rolls can be prepared in a variety of ways. Restaurant typically toss chunks of lobster with celery and citrus aioli and serves it on fresh-baked bread. For dessert, you will visit Cow’s Creamery, an ice cream shop with dozens of flavors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample some of the island’s most characteristic seafood, including steamed mussels.
• Try lobster rolls at a waterfront restaurant that specializes in this classic dish.
• Save room for ice cream at a parlor that also sells what it calls “udder stuff” like furry cow slippers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the rolling hills and pastoral beauty of Prince Edward Island on a scenic drive along the beautiful southern shoreline of Canada’s smallest and greenest province. Start with the highlights of Charlottetown and then travel, through the heart of the south shore famous for its rolling hills, red cliffs and winding rivers. Learn about the history of Confederation Bridge, one the world’s longest multi-span structures that link the province with mainland Canada. There will be incredible photo opportunities of the bridge, after your crossing during your stop at the Cape Jourimain Interpretive Centre.

After travelling back across the Confederation Bridge, enjoy some free time to explore Gateway Village to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or simply take in the views. On the return route to your ship, enjoy the sights - acres of potato fields, lush woods and some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

Sample a variety of award-winning craft beers, wines and spirits produced on Prince Edward Island using ingredients that reflect the region’s unique growing conditions. The tastings begin at the Prince Edward Island Brewing Company, where you will be treated to an enlightening tour before enjoying a selection of the company’s award-winning beers. PEI Brewing also produces several seasonal craft beers that may be on the menu, all of them with distinctive tastes and presented in a light-hearted atmosphere that pays off the company tagline: “Dream Big. Work Hard. Have a Beer.” Continuing on, you will drive to the Matos Winery & Distillery, a family-owned business in the hilly countryside not far from Charlottetown to Island Honey Wine Company, situated in the rolling hills of Wheatley River. At this scenic working farm and apiary, permaculture and sustainability are key principles in the management of the land. Charles & Laura grow the ingredients used to make "Mead", the oldest fermented beverage known to man. Mead is made by fermenting the natural sugars in honey and blending with the fruits and flowers harvested from their farm. Guests will learn about the mead-making process and will sample a collection of award-winning meads including the "2021 All Canadian Wines Championship double gold winner "Nectar Sweet Mead". After your visit, sit back and relax for the return drive to the Port of Charlottetown.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a local brewery and watch the various steps as the beers are produced.
• Sample craft beers that may include a honey wheat ale and a stout with roasted barley overtones.
• Lear about the "Mead", the oldest fermented beverage known to man.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.