Québec
French Canada: Montréal & Québec City
Program No. 22250RJ
Be immersed in the architecture, Francophone culture and culinary arts of Montréal and Québec City as you discover the joie de vivre that unites the Québecois.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
6B, 3L, 4D
)
1 expert-led lecture
8 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
D
Stay:
AC by Marriott Vieux-Montreal
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:15-5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table on the Mezzanine level to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information. Orientation: We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Plus, a few useful tips to enhance your stay in French Canada. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At neighborhood restaurant.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Explore Old Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
AC by Marriott Vieux-Montreal
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day, standing in museum
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore Old Montréal, focusing on its history and architecture. Along the way we’ll venture into the Old Port on the St. Lawrence River and discuss its transformation and impact on the surrounding community, native Montrealers and visitors alike.
Lunch:
At a neighborhood restaurant.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we’ll walk with our group leader to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum that was inaugurated in 1992 during the city’s 350th anniversary. This designated national archaeological and historic site is located on the very place where Montréal was founded. The museum presents centuries of history from the settlements of Indigenous People to the present. In addition to permanent and changing exhibits, there are remarkable ruins of national significance. With the specialist explore the museum and take the opportunity to watch the multimedia show, “Generations, MTL”.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to go out and explore independently, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.
Day
3
Exploring Downtown Montreal, Living in Montreal Today.
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
AC by Marriott Vieux-Montreal
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Led by an expert, we will go for a city field trip via motorcoach, focusing on the city's history, architecture, main neighborhoods, and its astounding underground city that features a 20-mile network of pedestrian walkways. Among the highlights are the Underground, Mont-Royal, and Ste-Hélène Island that was the site of Expo 67 (1967 International and Universal Exposition).
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Afternoon At leisure until 4:30 pm. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities or consult your Group Leader for suggestions. Among the highlights you might enjoy are a return to the port, a visit to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) or the Botanical Garden. At the hotel at 4:30 pm meet our local expert an enjoy lecture on living in Montreal.
Dinner:
At a neighborhood restaurant in Old Montréal..
Evening:
At leisure. Take this time to experience more of our very special city and what it has to offer. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Participants will need to carry their own baggage on the train, one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag.
Day
4
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Transfer to Québec City
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Getting in/out taxis; on/off a train. Baggage aboard the train is limited to one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag (Max size 25x16x12). We will carry our baggage when we transfer to the train station. The train ride is about 160 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in Québec City, we will retrieve our baggage and load it onto taxis for transfer to the hotel where it will be taken to our rooms.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll take a field trip to the incredibly beautiful Basilique de Notre-Dame. Our visit will feature an exclusive presentation of its fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist. Returning to the hotel, we will check out and depart via Taxis to the train station, then board the train for departure at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch:
Aboard the train, we’ll have box lunches from a local bakery.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Québec City, we will transfer via taxis to our hotel for check-in. Take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner or feel free to walk around the hotel and surrounding area.
Dinner:
At a neighborhood restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll set out on a stroll of discovery and first impressions with our Study Leader through the streets of the Old City to the Terrase Dufferin overlooking the fleuve Saint-Laurent — St. Lawrence River — behind the Château Frontenac.
Day
5
Old Québec, Governor-General's Official Residence
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; cobblestone, uneven ground. Standing up to an hour; limited seating.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, our local expert will give a presentation highlighting the city's foundation and exceptional geographical location as well as its present-day social and economic facets. We’ll gain an understanding of how Québec City's history contributed to the creation and development of Canada and why it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We’ll then head out on a walking field trip to explore Québec City with its eclectic architecture, streets, and monuments that serve as eloquent, perfectly conserved testaments to its evolution. There are two parts: the Upper Town that was the fortified area, and the Lower Town that developed around the Place Royale and the harbor. A well-preserved integrated urban ensemble, the Historic District is a remarkable example of a fortified city of the colonial era, and unique north of Mexico. Enjoy the city's uniquely European atmosphere, enchanting setting, and friendly inhabitants.
Lunch:
At neighborhood restaurant.
Afternoon:
Led by an expert, we will visit the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, located within La Citadelle of Québec overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. Québec, the cradle of French civilization in North America, is a repository of history and culture from the French, English, and Canadian periods. The fortified boundaries of this old British fortress are the only such remaining walled defenses on the continent. After a terrible fire in 1976, it was restored with Canadian materials throughout to showcase the city’s history, modern cultural sensibilities, and outstanding artists. Today, it houses an important collection of art and period furnishings.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like from the many and varied opportunities to “taste” Québec City.
Evening:
At leisure. Take this time to experience more of our very special city and what it has to offer.
Day
6
Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls Park, Music Tradition
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll take an expert-led field trip via motorcoach a few miles from the city to experience the beauty of the traditional Québec countryside. The birthplace of French America, Île d'Orléans is a large pastoral island known for the quality of its agricultural products as well as the heritage of its many historic buildings. This well-preserved natural and cultural landmark is situated in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. On our return to the city, we'll stop for a closer look of the Montmorency falls that we saw from the Ile d'Orlean. With its 272' tall, (30 more than Niagara) the falls offers a stunning demonstration of the power of nature. The falls has captivated visitors in all seasons for centuries.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
At leisure. You might like to explore the Quartier Petit-Champlain located at the foot of the funicular .The Quartier Petit-Champlain is the site of Québec’s first port. As one of the city’s original neighborhoods, it has gone through various periods of development, decline, and redevelopment. Today, after an expansive (and expensive) restoration project, the quarter exudes an Old World atmosphere with historical architecture and buildings dating back to the 1600s, narrow streets, artisans and craftsmen, charming boutiques, and much more. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most at your own pace. At 5:00 pm Join local musicians who will guide us in a discovery of Québec through song, instrumental music, tales, and jigs. We will learn about Québec musical traditions, rhythm and song, and experiment with musical instruments.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the Hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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