Enjoy the holidays in the most charming city-by-the-sea, Quebec. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral for the famous light show, stroll through the Baie-Saint-Paul and sample all the galleries, boutiques and cafes. Gazing at the lovely Fairmont Château Frontenac, adorned with lights, this Canadian winter wonderland will simply cast a spell on you.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive Montreal, Quebec - Your tour begins in Montreal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world! Famous for its European style, culinary delights, and trend-setting fashion, Montreal will delight you. Arrive at the lovely Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, your home while in Montreal.
Day #2 Montreal - A fantastic sightseeing tour of Montreal highlights Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Jacques Cartier Square and McGill University. The city tour concludes with a stop high atop Mount Royal to behold the panoramic view of the city. Enjoy time to explore local arts and crafts at the popular marketplace, Bonaventure. This evening you will be treated to a savory dinner in one of the dining establishments for which Montreal is famous.
Day #3 Montreal - Charlevoix - Traveling north through the province of Quebec, view Montmorency Falls, the highest falls in Eastern Canada. Take some time to stroll the beautiful grounds at the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre. Continue through the countryside of the Quebec province, known for its agricultural history and rich culinary heritage. Enter the Charlevoix region, passing mountains rolling into verdant valleys along the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Arrive at the incomparable Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, your home for the next two nights, which is decked for the holidays!
Day #4 Charlevoix - Awake to the stunning panorama of your hotel. From the summit of Pointe-au-Pic cliff, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu towers majestically over the estuary of the St. Lawrence River. After breakfast, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen where the master chefs create masterpieces with food from around the Charlevoix region. After learning the secrets of the kitchen, learn the secrets of cooking as you witness first-hand the art of making a favorite French dish – the Crepe – during a cooking demonstration. Later, join a historian for a tour of the hotel to showcase the history as well as famous events the hotel has been part of. This evening, enjoy Manoir Richelieu with an evening at leisure.
Day #5 Charlevoix - Quebec City - Depart for Quebec City this morning, stopping en route at the Copper Museum where you will learn about the "Repoussé," the art of embossing and view the incredible work of a master craftsman. Arrive in timeless Quebec City, where traditional stone buildings line the river and cobblestone streets are lined with artists displaying their work. A fascinating sightseeing tour showcases the beauty and rich history of both Old and New Quebec. Your tour, which includes the parliament and the St. Louis Arch, ends at Palace Royale, the site of the original settlement of the city of Quebec, set inside the old walled city. Later, arrive at the famous Fairmont Château Frontenac, which will be your home for the next two nights. Set high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River in historic Old Quebec, this breathtaking hotel is adorned with holiday lights and decorations, making it a truly festive sight! Upon arrival you will be whisked away by a historian who will walk you through the famous hotel, telling of the history of the property and the many romantic stories it holds.
Day #6 Quebec City - This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast at a local sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside. Learn about the traditions of maple syrup making and indulge in its sweet taste as you sample the many traditional foods it is used to make. Before leaving, try a favorite regional treat - maple taffy in the snow! Later, enjoy leisure time to explore this beautiful city on your own. Tonight's dinner is included at a classic, quintessential Quebec restaurant.
Day #7 Quebec City - Tour Ends - Your tour ends today in Quebec City.