Activities Program

Activities - Saturday, September 22, 2012

OPTION #1

City of Legends and the Far East of the Western World (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

First off today we visit Portobello's for a gourmet lunch. Noted for its breathtaking view out through the St. John's "narrows", Portobello's offers a variety of local fare. From lunch we tour old St. John's with plenty of time to see such National historic sights as Cabot Tower, Signal Hill, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Basilica. Hear the legends of Dead Man's Pond, and Government House and the history surrounding the Colonial Building.This tour will orient you and give you a feel for the history, legend and lore of St. John's, the oldest community in North America.

Then it’s off to Quidi Vidi village, a Portuguese fishing village in St. John’s, where we visit the Quidi Vidi microbrewery and have a refreshing sample of their wares. From Quidi Vidi it’s on to the Newman’s Wine Vault for a sample of the famous Newman’s Port. According to tradition pirates and foul weather drove a Newman’s ship, bound for London in 1679, far from its course. The captain of the ship sought shelter in St. John's, and as winter was closing fast upon them, it was decided to remain in the harbour until spring.

From Newman’s we travel the south coastline to the National Park at Cape Spear, the most easterly point of land in North America. Here the lighthouse has been restored to circa 1836. Explore the bunkers built by Canadian soldiers in the side of the cliffs here during the Second World War. Now you can say you have been to the other "Far East" where you can stand with your back to the Atlantic and face every other being in North America - or turn your back on them. The choice is yours.

PRICE PER PERSON: $100.00 plus HST - includes transportation with guide, lunch at Portobello’s, tasting at Quidi Vidi & Newman’s, entrance fees

OPTION #2

Local Artists and Gallery Tour half-day (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

First off this today we visit one of the fine restaurants in the downtown area for a gourmet lunch. After lunch the group will visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Council facility. Located in the Historic Devon Row area of downtown St. John’s, the facility hosts the finest in artisan works the province has to offer.

Next we are off to the Presentation Convent to see some of the wonderful art the sisters have accumulated over their 170 years in Newfoundland. Included in their collection is the Veiled Virgin, a remarkable marble statue carved by Giovanni Strazza and donated to the sisters in 1856.

Then we are of to one of the city’s fantastic art galleries located in downtown St. John’s. Here we would view some the current exhibits. Finally we are off to the new Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery located in The Rooms. This facility, opened in June of 2005, overlooks St. John’s and features local artists as well as touring exhibits.

PRICE PER PERSON: $100.00 plus HST - includes lunch at Portobello’s, transportation, guide, and entrance fees