Let's Explore Newfoundland July 2 - 14, 2012       Newfoundland’s all natural scenery will present wondrous vistas of icebergs, puffin colonies, and of course, magnificent whale watching. Escorted for the 17th time by Jean Sheikh with the guiding hands and colourful narrative of Ed Humber! Ed’s wit and in-depth knowledge of “The Rock” combined with the occasional song promise a trip you will not soon forget!    Your Executive Worldwide Travel Tour Itinerary MONDAY, JULY 2: Depart Ottawa or Toronto for Deer Lake. (Airfare can be arranged from other cities) Upon arrival, we depart for the Northern Peninsula. Check in at Maynard’s Torrent River Inn, Hawke’s Bay. Welcome Lobster Dinner at the Inn. D TUESDAY, JULY 3: Full breakfast before continuing to St. Anthony. Visit the historic Grenfell Mission House and Grenfell Crafts. The properties celebrate the presence of noted medical missionary and philanthropist Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell in Northern Newfoundland and Labrador, and the impact that he and his worldwide mission had on the social, medical and economic climate of the early 1900s. After lunch at the Lightkeeper’s Café, travel to L’Anse aux Meadows (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) for a tour of the area where Vikings landed and settled 1,000 years ago. The settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows consisted of at least eight buildings, including a forge and smelter, and a lumber yard that supported a shipyard. The largest house measured 28.8 by 15.6 m and consisted of several rooms. Sewing and knitting tools found at the site indicate women were present at L'Anse aux Meadows. Late afternoon departure back to Maynard’s Inn for overnight. BL                                   WEDNESDAY, JULY 4: Breakfast at hotel. Visit the Port aux Choix National Site, where the Maritime Archaic Indians occupied the area 3,200 to 3,700 years ago. This is considered one of the richest archaeological finds in North America providing us with great insight into the lives of these early hunters and gatherers. Depart for Gros Morne National Park and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Stop for a delightful lunch at the Ocean View Motel in Rocky Harbour. After lunch, visit the Gros Morne Interpretation Centre to learn about this world-renowned park before departing for the Shallow Bay Motel in Cow Head, home of the Gros Morne Theatre Festival. After check in some free time. Dinner at leisure before attending a theatre production. Overnight at the Shallow Bay Motel. BL THURSDAY, July 5: Breakfast at hotel. This morning enjoy a two-hour boat tour in this spectacular park followed by lunch in a beautiful camp surrounded by mountains. After lunch we depart Gros Morne National Park and continue on to Corner Brook with a stop enroute at the Newfoundland Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion in Deer Lake. Check in at the first class Tudor styled Glynmill Inn, our home for the next two nights. Dinner and evening at leisure. BL FRIDAY, JULY 6: This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will take a closer look at Corner Brook before heading to Lark Harbour. There will be plenty of photo opportunities in this gorgeous setting with panoramic views of the sea. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon to prepare for an unforgettable evening of fun and entertainment. Jean Sheikh of Executive Worldwide Travel, and a native of Pasadena (just 20 minutes outside of Corner Brook), will host dinner and a good “Newfoundland Tyme” with food and music galore. Overnight at the Glynmill Inn. BD SATURDAY, JULY 7: Breakfast at hotel before leaving for central Newfoundland - “The Land of Trees.” Travel through Grand Falls where we visit the Salmonid Interpretation Centre and stop for lunch. Stop in Botwood for a glimpse into the interesting aviation history of this little town. Continue on to Gander. Overnight at the first class Gander Hotel in Gander. BL     SUNDAY, JULY 8: Breakfast at hotel. Travel down The Road to the Isles today on our way to Twillingate (home to icebergs in early summer). Fishing villages dominate the scenery in this area; a sailor’s paradise with thousands of tiny inlets, coves and islands. Visit the Beothuk Interpretation Centre in Boyd’s Cove, the site of a major Beothuk encampment and on to a tour of “Prime Berth,” authentic Newfoundland fishing premises. After lunch, a visit to Long Point Lighthouse and then return to Gander. Overnight at the Gander Hotel. BL          MONDAY, JULY 9: Breakfast at hotel. Check out and depart for a full day in Trinity. This tiny town rivals any spot in the world for its simple beauty. Most of the old town is a national heritage community and there are several provincial historic sites. The 19th century styles of architecture that are preserved seem derived from an earlier era. After lunch we will take part in a Rising Tide Theatre’s production. Overnight at the Terra Nova Golf Resort. BL     TUESDAY, JULY 10: Breakfast at hotel before leaving Terra Nova to travel to Cape Bonavista! You will be standing on the land founded by John Cabot over 500 years ago, and the birthplace of North America. Browse the Bonavista Lighthouse — a great day to feel the art and history of the province. Lunch in a quaint little café by the water. Visit a full scale model of John Cabot’s ship “The Matthew.” Dinner at the Terra Nova Resort on our return. Overnight at Terra Nova Resort. BLD                         WEDNESDAY, JULY 11: Breakfast at hotel. Today drive to St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland and the oldest city in North America. Our home in St. John’s will be the Sheraton Newfoundland, a luxurious hotel located near the water front and downtown district, providing breathtaking views of the harbour, Signal Hill and the historic city center. Visit Memorial University’s Botanical Gardens, a remarkable 32 hectare site developed to display plants native to the province. The MUN Botanical Gardens are 100 acres of cultivated and natural habitat. There is an extensive rock garden featuring both limestone and acidic areas, alpine house, heritage garden, cottage garden, heather and rhododendron garden, peat beds, vegetable garden, wildlife garden and perennial border. Well-maintained trails take you through numerous natural habitats including boreal forest, fen, bog (with orchids, pitcher plants and sundews), rocky barrens and lakeshore. Oxen pond (14 acres) has waterfowl, trout and resident osprey. Discover the amazing sea creatures that live in our cold ocean, including harp seals, cod and other species, during a visit to the Ocean Sciences Centre of Memorial University at Logy Bay. Depart for lunch at The Battery Hotel with an exquisite view of St. John’s Harbour.    If her schedule allows, enjoy a private visit at the home of distinguished artist, Mary Pratt. Mrs. Pratt has exhibited extensively across Canada and her work is found in many private and corporate collections. Public collections include the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa; the Vancouver Art Gallery; and the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s, just to name a few. Check in at our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon. Evening at leisure. BL   THURSDAY, JULY 12: Following breakfast, a guided tour of St. John’s. Begin at Signal Hill, an historic site, and end at Water Street – one of the oldest thoroughfares in North America. We’ll pass by major architectural sites, such as the Cathedral and Basilica and gain an appreciation for the oldest city in North America. After lunch, immerse yourself in the truly amazing culture of Newfoundland and Labrador at “The Rooms” the place where it all comes together – history, heritage and artistic expression. Return to Hotel Sheraton Newfoundland. Remainder of afternoon and evening at leisure. BL     FRIDAY, JULY 13: Breakfast at hotel. Morning free for individual activities. Visit the Johnson Geo Centre, a geological interpretation center housed in one of the most distinctive buildings in the province. The large, glass-encased entry is the only part of the building above ground. Most is underground — inside the solid rock walls! Learn the stories behind the radical changes that take place in our climate; and the constant, all-powerful influences of the Sun and our Earth’s gravity. Marvel as you look at what lies far beyond our planet. Depart for Bay Bulls and drop by Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America to visit a restored 160 year-old lighthouse. Continue on with our boat tour of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, the best site in North America for Puffins and Humpback Whales. Dinner at the Bread & Cheese Country Inn, renowned for its cuisine and Newfoundland warm welcome. This spectacular setting is the perfect spot for our Farewell Dinner. Return to the Hotel Sheraton Newfoundland. BD SATURDAY, JULY 14: After breakfast at the hotel, the morning will be free for individual activities, until we leave for our afternoon flight home to Ottawa or Toronto. B For more details on this tour or to request a brochure, please feel free to contact us at 613-236-5555 or email Jean Sheikh at jsheikh@executive-trvl.com. Back to Tours