A taste of Nova Scotia

Finally, a vacation package that lets you travel at your own pace, without the big group-dynamic thing. And here's the kicker: Airfare is included.

Canadian travel company Maxxim Vacations is offering a seven-night self-drive vacation that begins and ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For $1,679 per person you get round-trip airfare from Boston, seven nights' lodging, seven-day car rental with unlimited mileage, and seven breakfasts. First you'll get some help from a "travel specialist" to fashion your personal itinerary. From Halifax it's off to Lunenburg, Digby, and Wolfville along scenic coastal roads and through picturesque fishing villages. You'll spend each night in a reserved room at a country inn, B&B, or hotel.

This package isn't called "A Taste of Nova Scotia" for nothing: the emphasis is on stopping along the way for lobster, scallops, clams, mussels, fiddleheads, a local appetizer called "Solomon Grundy" (marinated herring and onion with sour cream), chowder, black pudding, and scones with cream and strawberry preserves.

Extras include dinner at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, dining and entertainment at the Halifax Feast Dinner Theatre, and guided tours of three wineries.