Day 1: May 15 ,2024 – Schenectady, NY to Ottawa
Good morning and welcome to the start of our exciting adventure to Canada and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Settle into your seat in our deluxe motorcoach for relaxing journey through upper New York state and into the Canadian province of Ontario. Once we have passed through Canadian Customs and Immigration it is a short and scenic journey along the slopes of the ancient Laurentian Mountains to the Canada’s National Capital, Ottawa. Tonight, we will have time to meet our travel colleagues and enjoy a welcome dinner. Our centrally located hotel is only a few blocks walk from the nearby Parliament Buildings. Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: Ottawa – Lord Elgin
Day 2: May 16 ,2024 – Ottawa Touring
With a history dating back 1945, The Canadian Tulip Festival is one of Canada’s premier events. This morning we’ll travel to Commissioners Park and stroll along the half mile pathway to view the over 300,000 multicolored blooms planted annually for maximum tulip viewing enjoyment. There will be time to enjoy the Tulip Market complete with artisanal crafts and entertainment. We’ll end the morning in the historic Byward Market packed full of outdoor food and craft vendors of every kind. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our tour viewing the Notre Dame Basilica, the Parliament Buildings and Embassy Row as well as the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Museum of Civilization, Canada’s premier national museum. You will not soon forget standing in the Great Hall surrounded by magnificent totems and First Nations art. Breakfast.
Overnight: Ottawa – Lord Elgin
Day 3: May 17 ,2024 – Ottawa – Quebec City
We will take a final tour through the vast array of colorful tulips this morning before starting our journey into the province of Quebec. Our route this takes us through the beautiful Laurentian Mountains and continues along the shores of the mighty St Lawrence River. In the afternoon, we’ll pass through pastoral farming communities as we make our way towards Quebec City. This beautiful city is the oldest walled community in North America (400 years) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will take a short familiarization tour through the old town portion of the city before retiring to our cozy boutique hotel located in the centre of historic Quebec City. Tonight, enjoy dinner with a French-Canadian flare! Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Manoir Victoria
Day 4: May 18,2024 – Quebec City
Our morning tour takes us east along the shores of the St Lawrence River. It is a short journey to Montmorency Falls where we board a comfortable cable car for a scenic ride to the top of the falls. Later, we’ll visit the world-famous twin towered shrine of St Anne de Beaupres Our journey continues into the picturesque farming communities of the Charlevoix region. We’ll stop in the beautiful village and art center of Baie-Saint-Paul. Take time to enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes and explore the galleries and shops and chocolatiers of this artistic center. Return to your hotel to continue your exploration on your own. Breakfast
Overnight: Manoir Victoria
Day 5: May 19,2024 – Quebec City – Montreal
After a friendly “Bonjour” our local guide will take us on a tour of this enchanting city including the historic Chateau Frontenac, the Parliament Buildings, and the historic Plains of Abraham where Canada’s heritage was established over 400 years ago. Our tour passes by the Fortifications du Quebec and the statuesque Notre Dame Cathedral – the oldest Catholic Church north of Mexico. The tour will end in the beautifully recreated lower village of Place Royale where there will be time to enjoy lunch (on own), explore the shops and galleries and visit with the period costumed families and artisans who frequent the village. In the early afternoon, board our coach and journey along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Crossing the majestic Jacques Cartier bridge, we enter the city of Montreal, Canada’s second largest city and the largest French speaking city outside of France. Tonight, enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old Town Montreal. Breakfast
Overnight: Embassy Suites by Hilton
Day 6: May 20,2024 – Montreal
This morning, meet our Montreal guide and enjoy a special City Tour highlighting St. Joseph’s Oratory, Jacques Cartier Square, McGill University, and a panoramic view of the city from the top of Mt. Royal. Marvel at the beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral and have time to explore the Underground City (the RESO). The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the shops and museums of Old Montreal. Our hotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance of Place de Champlain and dozens of shops and galleries. Tonight, celebrate the final night of our Quebec Tour with dinner at one of Old Montreal’s finest restaurants. Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Embassy Suites by Hilton
Day 7: May 21,2024 – Montreal to Schenectady
After Breakfast included and before we journey home, a morning visit to discover another Quebec Gem!
Price per person: Single $3,345 | Double $2,450