Newfoundland Adventure

 

St. John's	Quality Hotel Harbourview	2 nights
St. Bride's	Bird Island Resort	1 night
Terra Nova National Park	Clode Sound Motel	2 nights
St. John's	Quality Hotel Harbourview	2 nights

Click on the name of the hotel or motel for details

Experience the world's largest gathering of humpback whales and a fabulous diversity of marine wildlife on a guaranteed small group departure. While we can never promise whales, these dates include the prime whale watching season (100 per cent viewing success 1994-2007). Most years we see the largest numbers and varieties of whales between late June and early August. The seabirds are thinning out by late July but everybody should see murres, puffins, razorbilled auks, gannets, eagles, moose, caribou, and many other species of wildlife. Since 1993 (except 1999, 2005 and 2006) everybody saw icebergs on the June and July trips. You will also get to enjoy eastern Newfoundland's museums, lighthouses, trails, wildflowers, songbirds, flavours, and the hospitality of the local people.

DAY 1 - Arrive St. John's.

Recommended flight from London: Air Canada from London Heathrow (see below). On arrival at St. John's Airport you will be met by a representative of World Discovery who will take you to your hotel. If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

Day 2 - St. John's: whales and seabirds.

This World Discovery holiday is in conjunction with a Newfoundland-based company who specialise in organising small group itineraries led by expert naturalists. Today begins with a boat voyage that features some whalewatching, a view of North America's largest puffin colony, and sightings of tens of thousands of other seabirds. The plan is to "start your holiday with a thrill as we usually see members of the world's largest summertime gathering of acrobatic humpback whales; and often we enjoy the company of other whale species. The islands we visit are one of the planet's largest seabird reserves — expect an amazing and joyful morning". Lunch is included, followed by a visit to one of the New World's earliest fishing villages.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

Day 3 - Across Avalon Wilderness Area to St. Bride's.

Whales, members of the world's most southerly caribou herd, a small puffin colony (pictured left), a tern colony, and seals are usually seen today as you circle the Avalon Wilderness Area -a 1,000 square kilometre park. Sometimes the whales are lunge-feeding on a local beach - a marvellous spectacle. There should be lots of other wildlife including pelagic seabirds visiting from south of the equator.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

 

Day 4 - Continue to Terra Nova National Park.

The morning starts with a visit to the continent's third largest gannet colony at Cape St Mary's (pictured left). This site is also a breeding ground for thousands of other seabirds including the world's most southerly breeding thick-billed murres. You will get great views of gannets, kittiwakes, and murres with their eggs and/or chicks. In season - usually mid-July - you will enjoy some of the world's finest land-based whalewatching as the high sea cliffs allow you to watch the whales cavort around their northern coastal feeding grounds. The evening's destination is the Terra Nova National Park area. Tonight or tomorrow night usually features a moose and black bear hunt (with cameras only!). There is a 90 per cent or higher success rate at finding the moose, but bears are much more elusive.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

Day 5 - Terra Nova National Park.

Spend the day on Terra Nova's walking trails, experiencing what makes this area so special - moose, osprey, orchids, shore-birds, and much more. Or explore the lighthouses, history, wildlife, and coastlines of Bonavista and Trinity Bays. In some ways this is a day at leisure where your guide will try to cater to your specific interests. Bird watching, icebergs (pictured left), flower walks, beachcombing, sea kayaking, whalewatching, and hands-on marine biology programs are all possibilities. Some options such as 'flight-seeing' trips and boat tours are at your own expense.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

Day 6 - Return to St. John's.

Examine Newfoundland's marine ecology, as a morning-long boat trip takes you to see bald eagles. Icebergs, giant chunks of 15,000 year old Greenland glaciers, and more whales usually add to the day's photographic wonders. Call in at nearby settlements before returning to St. John's for the evening. Enjoy Friday and Saturday night out on the town in North America's first city. Your tour leader will provide lots of suggestions about local theatre, entertainment, and culture.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

Day 7 - St. John's.

There will usually be another ocean cruise in search of whales and wildlife before travelling to North America's most easterly point. You will further explore the trails, museums, and attractions of historic St. John's.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

Day 8 - Depart for home.

Free in St. John's until your transfer to the airport for the flight home
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 9 - Arrive home.

Arrive London Heathrow in the morning.

NB. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the weather or other unavoidable circumstances.

International Flights.

We recommend the services of Air Canada from London Heathrow. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/St. John's. Depart 12.35; arrive St.John's at 14.35
St. John's/Heathrow. Depart 21.50; arrive Heathrow at 06.25 (next day)

Newfoundland Adventure (Tour Reference: WDCA040)
2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Sundays	Price
6, 13, 20, 27 Jun; 4 (FULL), 11, 18, 25 Jul; 1, 8 Aug	£1690

Single Room Supplement: £210

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded or single rooms with private facilities
• 7 full breakfasts and 6 lunches as shown in the itinerary
• All transfers and sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees
• The services of a naturalist guide/tour leader throughout

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• International airport taxes
• Optional sightseeing

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.