Compare Quebec Town and Country: History, Arts, Landscapes, Flavors by Road Scholar vs Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Montreal, QC D SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 5:30-5:45 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At a popular steak house restaurant on rue St-Paul, the oldest street in Montréal, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (chicken, fish, steak), dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: We will return to the hotel after dinner for our Orientation session. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also have some useful tips to enhance this experience of French America. 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.

Day 2
Exploring Montréal
Montreal, QC B,L SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as a hot dish, waffles, cereal, fruit, bread and pastries, milk, juices, coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water.

Morning: We’ll board a motorcoach with a local expert and ride through some of Montréal’s neighborhoods as we learn about history, architecture, immigration, and the astounding underground city that features a 20-mile network of pedestrian walkways. Along the way, we will make some stops to sample culinary specialities.

Lunch: At one of the city’s numerous cafés, we’ll order from a menu.

Afternoon: With our Group Leader, we will go by motorcoach to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) for an overview of the Quebec and Canadian art exhibition. Founded in 1860, the MMFA has an outstanding permanent collection representing artistic achievements from antiquity to the present day with paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs, and decorative art objects in four major areas: international art, world cultures, decorative arts and design, and Québec and Canadian art that we will visit. Returns to the hotel will be via taxi in small groups for those who wish to leave earlier or stay later.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: With our Group Leader, we will explore the Mémoire en histoire outdoor projection circuit. We’ll walk along the streets of Old Montréal that will be animated for the occasion with multi-media projections inspired by historical events.

Day 3
Explore Old Montréal & Discover Canadian Art
Montreal, QC B,D SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Led by an expert, we’ll set out on a walking field trip in Old Montréal. We’ll learn about the delicate transformations of public art and architecture, and why the importance of blending old and new is at the heart of this urban conversion to create the Montréal of today.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to independently explore Old Montréal, Pointe-à-Calliere Museum, the port, the Botanical Garden.

Dinner: In Old Montréal, we will have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (chicken, fish, steak), dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 4
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Train to Québec City
Quebec City, QC B,L,D Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Getting on/off a train. The train ride is about 180 miles, approximately 3.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will take a short walk to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal for an expert-led exploration followed by a presentation for our group of the fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist. We will then walk back to the hotel and check out, take taxis to the train station, and board a train for the transfer to Québec City.

Lunch: Aboard the train, we’ll have box lunches from a local bakery with a sandwich, salad, and soft drink, coffee, or tea.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Québec City, we will take taxis to our hotel for check-in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: We will walk to a renowned pub in Old Québec for a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (meat, seafood, vegetarian), and dessert of the day, plus beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: Walking back to the hotel, we will begin to explore the streets of the Old City and see the famous Chateau Frontenac.

Day 5
Québec City History & Architecture
Quebec City, QC B,L Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles; varied terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Led by an expert, we will go for a walking field trip through Québec's Historic District and be charmed by the very European atmosphere of its quaint streets as well as the history and architecture. 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. The Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. From the inscription: “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.”

Lunch: At one of the city’s numerous cafés, we’ll order from a menu.

Afternoon: Free time. You might like to explore Quartier Le Petit Champlain and discover Musee de la Civilisation (voucher included) where you can visit the fabulous exhibition: This Is Our Story: First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century. This new permanent exhibition takes an in-depth look at today’s aboriginal cultures, from their diversity, worldviews, beliefs, and ways of identifying with their pasts, to contemporary expressions of aboriginality around the world.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Governor-General's Residence, Musée des Ursulines
Quebec City, QC B,D Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Led by an expert, we will visit the Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada, located within the Citadelle of Québec and overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River; a historic building housing an important collection of art and period furnishings. Québec, the cradle of French civilization in North America, is a repository of history and culture from the French, English, and Canadian periods. Its old fortified boundaries of the British fortress — La Citadelle — are the only such remaining walled defenses on the continent. It includes the official Québec residence of the Governor-General of Canada. 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.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: We will re-group at the hotel and walk to Le Musée des Ursulines, an art and history museum where we will learn about the rich heritage of the oldest teaching order in Canada including Québec’s religious and social history. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Old Quebec, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (chicken, fish, steak), dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 7
Train to Baie St-Paul-Charlevoix
Baie St-Paul & La Malbaie - Charlevoix B,L,D Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Activity note: For the night of Saturday August 31, it will be possible to leave your luggage at Hotel Manoir Victoria in Québec and bring only a carry-on for the overnight stay in Charlevoix. Getting on/off a motorcoach; on/off a train. Walking up to 2 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and ride the short distance to the foot of Montmorency Falls.

Lunch: We’ll have box lunches with a sandwich, salad, and soft drink, coffee, or tea.

Afternoon: We will have some time to explore Parc de la Chute-Montmorency — Montmorency Falls Park — independently. This is one of the most scenic spots in Canada. The spectacular falls are nearly 100 feet (30 meters) higher — though much narrower — than Niagara. You might like to take a short walk to the bridge that goes over the falls. Then we will ride the train from Québec City through beautiful scenery of the Charlevoix region along the St. Lawrence River to our destination, Baie St-Paul. We expect to arrive mid-afternoon at the lovely village of Baie St-Paul, renowned for its numerous art galleries and artisan workshops. Led by a local expert, we will explore Le Musée d’art contemporain of Baie St-Paul followed by time for independent exploration with a list of suggestions.

Dinner: At a bistro in the heart of Baie St-Paul, we’ll order from a menu.

Evening: We will board the motorcoach, drive from Baie St-Paul to La Malbaie (30 miles), and check in at our historic hotel, the Manoir Richelieu, perched high above the St Lawrence River. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 8
Train to St-Joseph de la Rive, Return to Québec City
Quebec City, QC BR,D Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach, on/off the train. The train ride is about 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles.

Morning: With a local expert, we will visit the Charlevoix Museum and attend a talk on the history of art in the region. We will then go to Domaine Forget, a music and dance academy in Saint Irénée.

Brunch: At Domaine Forget, we’ll have a buffet lunch featuring local gastronomy. As we dine, we will enjoy music performed by a guest of the Academy.

Afternoon: We will transfer to the train station and travel from Ste-Irénée back to St-Joseph de la Rive along the St. Lawrence River and see more of the magnificent shoreline. Stepping off the train in St-Joseph de la Rive, we will take a walking field trip with a local expert to visit a local landmark: the Papeterie St-Gilles, a paper-maker and the first economuseum. We will have a close up look at the intricate process of crafting traditional handmade paper. We will be able to see unique patterns, watercolors, binding, silk-screen prints, and original decorative objects by masters of their crafts. We will then return to Québec by motorcoach and check back in at our hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (meat, seafood, vegetarian), and dessert of the day, plus beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar. Share experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 9
Program Concludes
Quebec City, QC B
Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

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!

Day 1: Thrilling Toronto

Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, full of fine restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of cultures. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.

Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara Relaxed Start

Travel up University Avenue to see Queen's Park and the Parliament Buildings, before venturing on to spectacular Niagara Falls. Take in this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls. Browse quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto.

Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa

Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City and view the old buildings, churches and fortifications, with many of them being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a Make Travel Matter® experience with the culinary experts of C’est Bon at the Just Food community farm.  You’ll learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine. Ingredients include Canadian staples such as maple sugar, haskaps, labrador tea and wild flowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.

Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal

Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, you'll join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project which aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain

Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal, the grand mansions of Mount Royal, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.

Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City Relaxed Start

Depart Montreal and head to Montmorency Falls today.Stop at a traditional Sugar Shack and learn how maple syrup is created and harvested.After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (83 metres) tall. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside.Continue on to Quebec City.

Day 7: Quintessential Quebec Relaxed Start

Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert, who will guide you along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale. You'll also walk past the Citadel, which offers great view of the city and Château Frontenac. In the evening you’ll choose from a selection of top local restaurants on a Dine-Around Evening.

Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor

Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself.

Day 9: Explore Acadia National Park

Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.

Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston

Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy, New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.

Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty

Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.

Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple

Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with stunning views of the New York skyline. Alternatively, take a scenic bike tour of Central Park and explore its iconic sights.Your hotel is in the heart of Midtown and a short, 10-minute walk from the United Nations Headquarters and just steps away from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.

Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start

Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.

Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening before spending the night at the luxurious Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown.

Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time

In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.

Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.

A morning transfer at leisure will take you to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay at your own pleasure.