Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

I am proud to be certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as an Elite Cruise Counselor. The Cruise Counselor Certification Program is CLIA's most comprehensive training which requires agents to successfully complete a number of compulsory training courses and exams, attend cruise conferences, and conduct ship inspections. Anita Thompson, Attheta Travel, dba Cruise Holidays.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Places to Explore Amid the Fall Foiliage

The breathtaking sight of colorful trees along a stretch of blue ocean is part of what makes fall foliage cruises of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces so appealing. There are also wonderful places to explore on shore.

Portland, Maine, sits on a peninsula that extends into the beautiful seascape of Casco Bay. It’s easy to spend a day exploring the charming Old Port area, which has cobblestoned streets and restored brick buildings from the 19th century. The original occupants – warehouses and offices for the export and fishing industries – have been replaced by specialty shops, restaurants and pubs. Or, enjoy more of the striking coastal scenery by riding a ferry to a quiet island or taking an excursion to a classic coastal village, such as Kennebunkport. If you love walking along a sandy beach, there are several beautiful beaches just outside Portland, some watched over by historic lighthouses.

If you have just one day to spend in Bar Harbor, Maine, it may not seem like enough. There’s the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park, which occupies much of Mount Desert Island. Rounded mountain summits made of pink granite peek out from slopes covered with colorful fall trees and evergreens. There are more than 50 miles of carriage trails in the park, perfect for walking and biking while catching glimpses of Frenchman Bay. Mount Desert Island is also home to the waterfront town of Bar Harbor, the charming summer colony that used to be reserved for the very wealthy. Walk along the Shore Path to admire some elegant summer homes and inns, then enjoy lunch in one of the town’s many fine restaurants.

Saint John, New Brunswick, may be best known for the amazing Reversing Falls, a natural phenomenon created by strong tides pushing against the outflow of the Saint John River. In a rocky gorge, the river forms rapids and small waterfalls that flow one way during the outgoing tide, then reverse direction during the incoming tide. In addition, there are lovely hiking and biking trails along Fundy Trail Parkway, complete with pullouts that offer spectacular views of the coast. If you stroll through Irving Nature Park before mid-October, you’re likely to see groups of seals sunning themselves on the rocks. If you’d rather stay close to the ship, explore Saint John’s historic waterfront – look up to see a host of gargoyles and other Victorian decorations on the buildings.

To select your fall foliage cruise of New England and Maritime Canada, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.