Arrive To: Independent arrivals and check- in.

Afternoon: 5:30 pm - Meet in the hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration

Dinner: 6:00 pm - Welcome dinner in a French restaurant to introduce you to your fellow participants and coordinator, Andrée Girard. She will act as your personal guide in making the most of your independent study time, sharing her local knowledge and insider tips to ensure you are able to comfortably venture beyond the city's most touristy sites to discover the true Montreal. An introduction to our Blue Metropolis Festival VIP Pass, which is included in the program cost, provides exclusive access to the Author’s Suite where you will mingle with renowned writers from all over the world. Also included is a public transportation pass and vouchers for The McCord Museum and the Montreal Fine Arts Museum, two of the city's most prestigious cultural institutions. In addition, before dinner you will meet the Programming Director of the Montreal International Literary Festival Gregory McCormick, who will give you the highlights of this unique event, known locally as the Blue Met.

Lodging: Hotel 10

Meals Included: Dinner

Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast

Morning: Learn about the history of Montreal by visiting the city's most historic district at its Old Port where the majestic facades, cobblestone streets and public works of art never fail to delight. Including a guided visit of the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Lunch: On your own. Suggestions will be made or join your coordinator.

Afternoon: 1:30 Walking tour: The work of Louis Penny. A local expert on Louise Penny gives a tour of some Montreal areas where Penny’s books are set, followed by a high tea. In the afternoon, you will be invited to independently explore Old Montreal; the port, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology (built on the very foundations of the city) and a popular street known for its art galleries.

Dinner: 5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail Hour: (optional) Early each evening, you're invited to join our coordinator Andrée over drinks (not included), to share your literary discoveries along with the other highlights of your day and to plan your evening.Dinner is on your own, allowing you to explore the multitude of Montreal eateries. Our coordinator will offer guidance and suggestions. For this dinner, a reservation will be made by Andrée in one of Montreal's fine restaurants for anyone who wishes to accompany her. (optional)

Evening: After dinner, set off on your own to take part in the many discussions, readings and other activities on offer at the Blue Met literature festival. Your coordinator will provide you with plenty of suggestions for activities, performances and events as well as a list of Montreal hangouts favored by locals and visitors alike.

Lodging: Hotel 10

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast.

Morning: Introduction to Canadian Literature with the Programming Director of the Festival Gregory McCormick.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to further acquaint yourself with the Golden Square Mile, the downtown area, exploring its impressive art galleries, and grand museums, including the stately McCord Museum and the Montreal Fine arts Museum.

Dinner: 5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail Hour: Early each evening, you're invited to join our coordinator for drinks (optional), to share the highlights of your day, and plan your evening.

The hotel is ideally located as a base to explore the wonders of Montreals restaurant scene. Our concierge will offer suggestions and directions to local favorites.

Evening: After dinner, enjoy the thrill of more independent discovery, whether at the festival itself or throughout Montreal's bustling downtown.

Lodging: Hotel 10

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast.

Morning: This is a day for food lovers. Our specialized guide will lead you on an adventure through the many flavours of Montreal, strolling along beloved Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Here you'll discover many colourful restaurants, brought to the city by the different ethnic communities that have settled along the length of the street over time. We will finish our food lovers' tour at the Jean-Talon public market in Little Italy, a favourite meeting place of Montrealers. Savour the doughnuts found only in Chinatown... Jewish Bagels... Portugals' renowned egg tarts (Pasteis de nata)... true italian coffee and an array of Quebec products at the public market.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, you can continue exploring Montreal in the direction of the prestigious Botanical Garden and the renown and surprising Biodome—a museum that recreates some of the most beautiful ecosystems of the Americas.

Dinner: Farewell dinner in a landmark restaurant in Old Montreal. Review the days discoveries with fellow participants and enjoy local input from our coordinator.

Evening: After dinner, enjoy a last chance to explore or revisit a favorite cafe with new friends. Our concierge will have plenty of suggestions for where you can go and what you can do, from performances, festivals and events to discovering favorite Montrealais hangouts

Lodging: Hotel 10

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast,

Morning: Coffee and farewell discussion the Festival Programming Director and Andree our coordinator.

Meals Included: Breakfast