August 8, 2003 -- It's time to plan for fall foliage tours, and that means, most famously, New England on the east coast and the Rockies in the west. But don't forget Canada where the brilliance of leaf change is as splendiferous as it is farther south. To that end one of our neighbor to the north's best-known tour operators, Maxxim Vacations, has just announced its packages in New Scotland (better known as Nova Scotia) with fly-drive options starting as low as $1,109.
That's the price now through October 31, 2003. The deal includes airfare from Boston, seven nights of lodging at hotels, B&Bs or charming country inns, choice of dinner theater or a visit to an historic fort, and rental car with unlimited mileage. Other Air Canada US gateways can be used, too, which include departures from New York at $1,199, from Chicago at $1,229 and from Los Angeles at $1,159.
There are actually two programs, the "Quaint & Quiet Country Inns," mentioned above, and the "Cape Breton Discovery" package. The latter showcases the province's Scottish and French heritage. The "Quaint & Quiet Country Inns" tour lets you trace the coastline (more than 5,000 miles), with a sample itinerary perhaps including three nights in Halifax, two in Lunenburg, and one night each at Annapolis Royal and Wolfville.
In addition to discovering the remnants of Scottish tradition (e.g., the Gaelic College of Celtic Folk Arts), and French influences (e.g., the Fortress of Louisbourg), you can enjoy pretty good eating here as well. The boiled lobster dinner in a church basement is a must, or at least sample the local chowder or Digby scallops. If you aren't worried about your cholesterol, try a hearty (if not heart-healthy) Scottish breakfast of bacon, eggs, beef sausages, potato scones and black pudding (don't ask what makes it black!).
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and do not include taxes and fees. For more information or to make reservations, go to www.maxximvacations.com or phone 800/567-6666 or 709/754-6666.
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