Explore this beautiful destination with local hosts Peggy and Wayne Connors. Warm and welcoming, fun loving and funny to the core, the people here are also known for their natural creativity, unique language, and knack for storytelling. Perhaps that's why Maclean’s magazine thinks Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the Top 10 Friendliest Cultures in the World!

At the edge of North America, on one of the four corners of the world, Newfoundland is one of the best places to see and appreciate nature in all its glory. Dramatic coastlines, sweeping barrens, thick boreal forests, and ancient rock formations – the natural, wild beauty of this place surrounds you at every turn.

Meet your hosts Wayne and Peggy Connors

Wayne and Peggy Connors are both retired teachers from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Peggy taught primary school, while Wayne taught junior high and was principal of a K-8 school for the last five years of his career.
They have enjoyed travelling both before and especially after retirement.
They have been involved in multiple volunteer experiences provincially, nationally and internationally. Some of these include curling, golfing, and figure skating events. While they have both curled and golfed, their figure skating skills have not met with international acclaim!!!
Peggy and Wayne are both social creatures and enjoy meeting new people. They enjoy playing board games and cards ( including bridge) as well as walking and exploring. They are looking forward to showing you around their backyard!

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

Merit Travel host
Return group transfer from airport to accommodation.
8-nights accommodation with private bath and/or shower
8 breakfasts, 6 mid-day meals, 4 dinners
Entrance fees to National and Provincial Historic sites included in itinerary
Porterage of 1 bag per person
Excursions include:
Sightseeing in Gros Morne Park
Boat tour on Bonne Bay (weather permitting)
Excursions to Twillingate, Trinity and Bonavista
Visit to the Ryan premises
Tour of historic St. John’s
Excursion to Cape Spear

NOT INCLUDED

Flights
Airport taxes
Meals and beverages during meals unless otherwise mentioned
Optional excursions and entrance fees
Gratuities
Insurance and personal expenses
All other services not mentioned in the inclusions

PACKAGE PRICE

Departure dates: Sept 6 - 14, 2024
Land only (based on double occupancy) $4,335.50* p.p.
Single supplement $715 p.p.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1
Fri Sept 6, 2024
Arrive at Deer Lake on the West Coast of Newfoundland to begin your holiday. En route to your tour hotel you will travel the Viking Trail to take in the spectacular scenery of Gros Morne National Park, an area declared by the United Nations as the newest World Heritage Site. Tonight you will enjoy a get together to meet your fellow travellers and learn more about the adventure ahead. Overnight Rocky Harbour/Cow Head. Welcome Reception.

Day 2
Sat Sept 7, 2024
This morning we take a boat tour across beautiful Bonne Bay to Woody Point. The trip offers spectacular views of the park’s vistas as well as the Tableland Mountains. This golden mountain range made up of rocks formed from the Earth’s mantle is this area that earned the park its nickname as the ‘Galapagos of Plate Tectonis’. Once in Woody Point we have some time to explore the little town, visit the park’s Discovery Centre and have a little stroll in one of the Tableland’s valleys. Overnight Rocky Harbour/Cow Head. Breakfast, Midday Meal & Dinner.

Day 3
Sun Sept 8, 2024
Bid farewell to the west coast as we take an easterly trek, to a new geological frontier. A perfect harbor provides a beautiful backdrop for an eventful morning of whale interpretation and brilliant art exhibits. This afternoon commemorates the survivors of the 9/11 Tragedy and the many acts of kindness extended when we welcomed the 'Come From Away' guests into the homes and communities surrounding Gander; the epicenter of the hit Broadway musical. Overnight Gander. Breakfast, Midday Meal & Dinner.

Day 4
Mon Sept 9, 2024
Today we are off on the “Road to the Isles”, travelling across "Tickles and Runs" to spend time on beautiful Twillingate Island. This is one of Newfoundland's oldest and most interesting fishing communities. We visit the lighthouse at Crow Head, the Auk Island Winery for a sample of their wares, and the Beothuck Centre in Boyd’s Cove where we learn about the native groups that once occupied Newfoundland. Overnight Gander. Breakfast & Midday Meal.

Day 5
Tues Sept 10, 2024
This morning we will visit the fishing community of Salvage on the Eastport Peninsula. Here we go for a walk in the town and hopefully have a chat with some of the locals. This is also a great iceberg viewing area. Next we travel to Terra Nova National Park to view the vistas of Newman Sound and to visit the park’s Marine Interpretation Center. Here we will experience first-hand the variety of marine life found in the sounds and learn about this ecologically diverse area. Overnight Port Blandford/Clarenville. Breakfast & Midday Meal.

Day 6
Wed Sept 11, 2024
This morning we travel to the historic village of Trinity, one of the oldest communities in North America, the gem of the Island. Here we learn about the Poole fish merchants who established this fishing station. We also have the opportunity to visit some of the many shops and galleries where local work is featured. Next we are off to Bonavista, the landfall of John Cabot in 1497. Here we visit the Ryan Premises and have an opportunity to learn about inshore fishing techniques that have allowed this town to thrive for hundreds of years. This afternoon we visit Cape Bonavista for a chance to walk the cliffs and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery. Overnight Port Blandford/Clarenville. Breakfast, Midday Meal & Dinner.

Day 7
Thurs Sept 12, 2024
Today we travel to the Avalon Peninsula along the picturesque coastline of Conception Bay, the home of pirates of centuries ago. It was here, on the ruggedly beautiful shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, far from the comforts of home that it all began. A culture. A history. A country. Over the next 400 years, English settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of British North America grew to become what is now English Canada. But it all started in 1610 with John Guy’s fateful choice of Cupids as his new home. We will also stop along the way for picture taking and to visit some of the more interesting villages such as Brigus, one of the historic sailing ports of Conception Bay and home of the late, famous Captain Bob Bartlett who took Perry to the North Pole. This evening we make our way to travel to St. John’s, arguably the oldest city in North America and our home for the next two nights. Overnight St. John's. Breakfast & Midday Meal. Terms at the bottom should be replaced with the following copy.

Day 8
Fri Sept 13, 2024
An historic tour of St. John’s will provide a brilliant interpretation of North America’s oldest city, and a proper orientation for your free time this afternoon. Visit Cabot Tower and Signal Hill to view the harbour’s "Narrows" and admire the architecture of old St. John’s, including the famous ‘Jelly Bean Houses’. This afternoon is free to explore the many historic exhibits, walking trails and boutique shops and galleries that surround your hotel. This evening we share our Farewell Dinner. Overnight St. John's. Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.

Day 9
Sat Sept 14, 2024
All good things must come to an end and so we bid a fond farewell to our newest yet oldest Province. As you fly homeward it will be with many delightful memories of an authentic Newfoundland experience that will be recalled for years to come. Breakfast & Transfer to St. John’s Airport.

*Prices shown are per person, in $CAD, double occupancy. Prices are quoted for lead in room category unless otherwise indicated. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit paid upon booking. Final payment due 50 days prior to departure. The rate is based on a minimum of 25 passengers. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, prices may increase or decrease at anytime. NOT INCLUDED: Merit Travel service fee, gratuities, travel insurances, beverages, meals not mentioned. For full terms and conditions as well as current pricing and promotions, speak with your Merit Travel Consultant.