Sat, Aug 7: Fly from Indianapolis to Deer Lake, Newfoundland. Nestled in the heart of Western Newfoundland, Deer Lake is a welcoming gateway to some of the province’s most spectacular landscapes. Meet your local guide, who will stay with the group for the next ten days, providing enlightening commentary each day. Transfer to the hotel to check in for an overnight stay.
Sun, Aug 8: Check out of the hotel after breakfast and begin your journey north, passing through Gros Morne National Park. Travel through beautiful Humber Valley on your way to Corner Brook, the vibrant hub of Newfoundland’s west coast. Enjoy breathtaking views as you make your way up the Northern Peninsula to Port au Choix, a quaint fishing village with 6,000 years of human history. Visit Port au Choix National Historic Site, harboring two incredible archeological sites along with picturesque views overlooking sparkling blue waters. Head back south to Cow Head, a charming town on the Great Northern Peninsula and gateway to Gros Morne National Park—where you’ll check in to your hotel, Shallow Bay Motel, for a three-night stay. Experience the local customs, culture, and traditions of the area and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Mon, Aug 9: After breakfast, drive to spectacular Gros Morne National Park. View the diverse landscape from Gros Morne Mountain to the tablelands and fjords—you’ll soon see why this area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Watch for the whales and dolphins that frequent the area as well as the bald eagles hunting for food along the water’s edge, while relaxing on a scenic boat tour of Western Brook Pond. Continue to the remarkable Tablelands, where striking orange mountains rise dramatically, creating one of the park’s most awe-inspiring sights. After a full day of exploration, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening free. (B,D)
Tue, Aug 10: Today’s adventures lead you back to Gros Morne National Park. Continue exploring the park, taking in the soaring fjords and towering mountains around you. A scenic Bonne Bay boat tour (weather permitting) along the fjord’s shimmering dark-blue waters and surrounded by 450-million-year-old Tablelands will take your breath away. In the afternoon, check out the Arches Provincial Park where you will find photo worthy rock formations. Return to the hotel for some leisure time and later an included dinner as a group this evening. (B,L,D)
Wed, Aug 11: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel through central Newfoundland to Gander. Visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, dedicated to preserving stories and artifacts showing Gander’s role in the development of trans-Atlantic aviation, as well as the remarkable kindness and hospitality shown by its people in the days following 9/11. Check in to the hotel in Gander, your home, for the next two nights. (B,D)
Thu, Aug 12: This morning, take an excursion to Twillingate, a scenic coastal town known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World.” A hotspot for migrating whales, the town offers extraordinary views of jagged cliffside landscapes, vast icy structures, and stunning dark-blue waters. While in Twillingate, visit Long Point Lighthouse and Prime Berth Fishery & Heritage Centre. Then it’s all-aboard for the Iceberg Ocean Quest boat tour, granting you exceptional views of ancient icebergs, towering icy formations, seabirds gathering along the coastline including the ever-loved Atlantic Puffin, and majestic humpback whales. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel. (B,D)
Fri, Aug 13: After breakfast, check out of the hotel as you continue your journey east to St. John’s, North America’s easternmost city. The capital of Newfoundland, this dynamic city blends stunning coastal landscapes and wilderness with a lively atmosphere and colorful “Jellybean Row” houses. Enjoy a city tour, highlighting the busy modern waterfront, Signal Hill’s panoramic lookout, and the brightly colored row houses lining the steep hills and alleyways. Check in to your hotel in St. John’s for the last two nights. (B)
Sat, Aug 14: Start the day with a boat tour in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see puffins and other seabirds. Walk around the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the easternmost point in North America. The rest of the afternoon is yours to do as you please—explore the area or just relax. This evening, regroup for an included dinner. (B,D)
Sun, Aug 15: Today’s adventures bring you first to Bay Roberts, where you’ll visit The Cable Building National Historic Site. Built by the Western Union Cable Company in 1913, this building served as a vital relay station linking North American and European transatlantic telegraph networks. Then head north to Carbonear, one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and discover Newfoundland’s rich fishing, shipping and merchant heritage at the Rorke Store Museum. Next, stop at the historic waterfront in Harbour Grace offering monuments honoring both maritime and aviation milestones. See the Amelia Earhart statue honoring her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean—the first woman to accomplish the feat—the Spirit of Harbour Grace aircraft monument and the S.S. Kyle. In the afternoon, explore Newfoundland culture at The Rooms Museum. This evening, reminisce about your favorite moments from the trip over a Farewell Dinner with the group. (B,D)
Mon, Aug 16: Transfer to the St. John’s Regional Airport for your flights home. (B)