ITINERARY
Day 1: Home City ~ Montreal, Quebec - Travel aboard a deluxe highway touring motorcoach for Montreal, Quebec. Rest and meal stops will be made periodically. Later this afternoon we arrive in Montreal for a delightful overnight stay. As Canada’s second largest city, Montreal is an industrial, commercial and financial center and, although nearly 1,000 miles from the ocean, it is one of the country’s major seaports. This evening we gather for a welcome-to-the-tour group dinner.
Day 2: Montreal Sights ~ Old Port ~ Basilica of Notre Dame ~ VIA Rail Canada ~ Quebec City - This morning after breakfast we explore Old Montreal. Located between the St. Lawrence River and the city centre, Old Montreal and the Old Port take you on a historical tour of a great city which began back in 1642. Enjoy the remarkable 18th-century architecture along with the many boutiques, sidewalk cafes and public places that are alive with activities all year long. Visit one of the most magnificent French-Canadian churches and one of the largest churches in Canada, the Basilica of Notre Dame. Renowned for its opulent décor, the Gothic Revival Notre Dame Basilica features spectacular stained glass windows depicting religious scenes and the history of the original parish. Continue past St. Joseph’s Oratory and enjoy a scenic river drive to the summit of Mont Royal for a spectacular panoramic view of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River against the backdrop of New York’s Adirondacks. Later this afternoon climb aboard VIA Rail’s sleek, comfortable, high-speed train for an exciting ride to Quebec City. Enjoy plush reclining seats and large observation windows as we glide through the rural communities of Quebec’s south shore en route to historic Quebec City. Delight in a full-course dinner along with all the special amenities of VIA 1 first-class service as we travel through southern Quebec. Later this evening arrive in historic Quebec City for a delightful two-night stay.
Day 3: Quebec City ~ French Quarter ~ Basilica of St. Anne-de-Beaupre ~ Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum ~ Montmorency Falls - Regally carved into the bluffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec is a proud, picturesque city. Capital of the province, Quebec reflects an old-world charm and grace of another era and is the only walled city north of Mexico. This morning after breakfast we embark on a guided tour through old Quebec featuring the historic French Quarter, Parliament Buildings, National Battlefields Park and the Citadel – official residence of the governor-general in French Canada. Later today following a lunch break we travel along the scenic north shore of the St. Lawrence River to Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre. Visit the Basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre, a world-famous shrine that annually attracts more than a million pilgrims and visitors and has been the site of countless miraculous cures since the first chapel was built in 1658. Later this afternoon we stop at Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum which features multiple creations in embossed or enamelled copper. Continue on to towering Montmorency Falls for a special group dinner in the parks restaurant overlooking this impressive natural attraction. The balance of the day is at leisure in Old Quebec. Visit the many boutiques, galleries and shops of Old Town. Items such as antiques, leather goods, Eskimo and Indian art, books and native handicrafts are for sale. Take a relaxing stroll along Dufferin Terrance for a lovely view of Old Lower Town and the St. Lawrence.
Day 4: Quebec City ~ St. Lawrence Seaway ~ Thousand Islands Boat Cruise ~ Journey Home – This morning following breakfast we depart Quebec City and head south along a picturesque route following the mighty St. Lawrence Seaway. By early afternoon we arrive in the lovely Thousand Islands region of southern Ontario. In Alexandria Bay, New York we embark on a scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands which are like brilliant green jewels, gently strewn through the waters where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River. Later today we leave Upper State New York and begin our journey home. Rest and meal stops will be made periodically.