Adventure, an explorer’s dream, natural wonders in shades of yellow and red: the Great Lakes and the mighty river system of North America, the St Lawrence River, united in the colours of Indian summer on one cruise. As an optional pre-cruise programme, you can discover Chicago before your eventful days with the HANSEATIC inspiration begin in Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. The influences of former German immigrants can be seen during a city tour with a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum* and a walk through the German quarter*. Alternatively, you can visit the Harley-Davidson Museum*.

Mackinac Island on Lake Huron is a bit more tranquil. European explorers came to the island in the 17th century. Soon Mackinac Island occupied a strategically important position as a trading centre for the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. Here Victorian mansions and the fort from the War of Independence tell of the beginnings of the United States of America.

On a walk through Sault Ste. Marie, you can immerse yourself in fascinating stories of immigrants at the museum or marvel at the enormous lock system that separates Canada and the US here.

Whether by kayak, canoe or ship, Parry Sound is an El Dorado for water sports enthusiasts, as a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands* will reveal. The composition of blue lakes, autumnal forests and pink granite rocks puts you in the midst of a masterpiece of nature in Killbear Provincial Park*.

Killarney is reminiscent of Ireland. Stop and pause as you walk on the “emerald isle” of George Island to fully appreciate the nature and tranquillity. Nature and hiking lovers, above all, will feel at home here.

Windsor forms a contrast to the vast and impressive landscape. Take in the skyline of the former “Motor City” – witnessing the transformation of Detroit* is exciting. This is followed by a cruise on Lake Erie and truly great experiences ...

The next stage of your cruise is all about nautical masterpieces: follow the challenging passage during a lock adventure on the Welland Canal on the deck tour at the bow or the ship’s many open deck areas. Through eight locks, your small ship overcomes almost 100 m (328 ft) of height, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. This is only possible thanks to the ship’s retractable bridge wings.

In Toronto, a city tour by tram* shows how skyscrapers, parks and trendy districts complement each other well. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is Canada’s economic centre and one of the world’s leading financial centres, after decades during which Montreal had held that role. The city is located on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five Great Lakes.

Your curiosity will know no bounds on the next experience: a lock adventure on the St Lawrence River – with knowledgeable commentary provided from the bridge. Enjoy the exciting manoeuvres in the seven locks from the deck.

European charm welcomes you in Montreal on a city tour*. The sommelier in you, by contrast, will be awakened by the wineries in the Eastern Townships*. As a city of over a million inhabitants, Montreal is of particular importance to Canada in terms of tourism, especially because of its sights and its diverse range of cultural offers, including museums as well as numerous film, theatre and music festivals.

French savoir vivre and Canadian zest for life invite you to explore the historic quarter in Quebec. A walking tour with tea at Chateau Frontenac* brings around 400 years of history to life. On a trip to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans,* you will pass some of Canada’s oldest French settlements.

Dive deeper into the settlers’ history in Canada’s oldest village, Tadoussac. With a little luck, you might also spot whales here. A population of belugas lives in the waters all year round.

From Gaspe, picturesque bays and rocky coastline shape your impressions on a scenic tour across the peninsula and to Forillon National Park*. You can also explore this paradise for amateur ornithologists on an active hike* amidst autumnal colours.

On the Iles de la Madeleine, red cliffs and long sandy beaches provide breathtaking island impressions*. Alternatively, a culinary tour* combines cheese, fish and the art of brewing. Finally, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island welcomes you to an urban idyll where the sound of horse-drawn carriages echoes through the streets. As your cruise slowly draws to a close, your American-Canadian dream comes to an end in beautiful natural surroundings.