Road Scholar : Home
Montreal: A Signature City

Program Number: 2755RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Price starting at: $1,270.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    

Every step you take in Montréal reveals the richness of its history, allure of its cobbled streets and color of its public squares. Join well-known experts and discover the city’s European flavor and diverse swirl of people, culture and language, where pride and the past merge in an ever-changing tapestry. Enjoy a private concert at Nôtre-Dame Basilica, and experience all of French cuisine's interpretations — traditional, haute, bistro, Québécois — and discover the city’s neighborhoods and food markets.




Highlights

• Discover the city's cultural side as you explore its multi-ethnic neighborhoods and Jean Talon Market.
• Visit the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture, followed by a private recital with organist Pierre Grandmaison.
• Explore the Château Dufresne Museum and the works of master stained-glass artist Guido Nincheri.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles daily. Public transportation is used; some stairs.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Montreal

Montreal is an intoxicating blend of Old World charm and big-city excitement, from the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to the concert halls and theaters of the Place des Arts. The second-largest French-speaking city after Paris, Montreal hosts world-class museums and galleries alongside centuries-old basilicas and family-owned restaurants.
Accommodations
Centrally located hotel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Jim Manson
In 1980, Dr. Jim Manson began his teaching career in Jamaica before returning to his native Canada, where he taught in the Quebec high school system for the next several years. He then served as a history professor at Concordia, McGill and Bishops Universities. Dr. Manson has been a Road Scholar instructor since 1992, and has journeyed by train, boat and coach with participants during numerous learning adventures across Canada.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
  Montreal, QC 5 nights
 Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Delta Centre-Ville is a luxurious four-star hotel situated between historic Old Montreal and vibrant New Montreal. Centrally located, guests are mere moments from some of the area's most notable sites including the Old Port, Mount-Royal Park and the Convention Centre. Guests of the Delta Centre-Ville have fast, easy access to public transport and the hotel is set mere moments from Montreal's subway system. The hotel features the city's only revolving rooftop restaurant, which serves delicious, mouthwatering dishes whilst boasting unique, awe-inspiring views. The Centre-Ville also offers a fully equipped fitness centre and relaxing indoor swimming pool. The Centre-Ville is the perfect choice whether you are staying for either business or pleasure.
  Contact info: 777 University Street
Montreal, QC H3C3Z7 Canada
phone: 888-890-3222
web: www.deltahotels.com/en/hotels/quebec/delta-centre-ville/directions-and-local-events/
  Room amenities: Guest rooms feature floor to ceiling panoramic windows, cable TV’s with in-house videos, voicemail, data ports, dial-up Internet access, AM/FM alarm clock radios, irons and ironing boards, mini-bars, coffee makers, and hairdryers.
  Facility amenities: Hotel amenities include multilingual staff, 24-hour front desk, room service, dry cleaning, parking, wake-up calls, safe deposit box, Express Check-in/out, supervised children's club, indoor heated pool, sauna, seasonal sun deck, concierge, gift shop, business center, and a fully equipped fitness center with lockers and showers. Dining is available at two onsite venues, The Bistro Bar Chez Antoine, and The Tour de Ville, Montreal's only revolving rooftop restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates Contact the hotel directly at 888-890-3222 for additional nights before/after the program. There is a special Road Scholar rate available using rate code RUL. Cost is $135 per night - based on availability. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates Contact the hotel directly at 888-890-3222 for additional nights before/after the program. There is a special Road Scholar rate available using rate code RUL. Cost is $135 per night - based on availability. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the program hotel in Montreal. Check-in is after 3:00 pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm at the hotel. You will be staying at Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures from Montreal after breakfast between 7:00 and 9:00 am. Check-out is 12 noon. You will be staying at Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A valid government issued passport is required for ALL travel to/from Canada. A US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires those traveling to/from the United States by land & sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure documents (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
Indoor parking available at the hotel at an approximate cost of $21 per day plus taxes (Price is subject to change). To arrange for parking at the hotel please contact the hotel directly at 866-332-3590.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreal, QC
  Nearest highway: Highway 10 or Highway 15
  Nearest airport:  Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport (Montreal, QC)
  From End of Program
  Location: Montreal, QC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Montreal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximate cost is CAD$40.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximate travel time is 30 minutes 
   

Taxis are readily available from Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to the hotel.
 

Montréal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
747 Express - Aeroport P.E. Trueau/Centre-Ville
phone: 514-786-4636

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $9.00 CDN one way (exact change - coins only)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 - 45 minutes 
   

Express bus service - 747 Aeroport P.E Trudeau/Centre-Ville will take clients from the Montreal International airport to the a stop near the Delta Hotel (1/2 block from hotel). Visit http://www.stm.info/english/info/a-747.htm for fare and schedule information. Purchase a bus pass in advance at Airport on the Arrivals level; the $9 fare can also be paid in cash with exact change on board the bus. Only coins are accepted (no bank bills).
 

Montreal

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $10.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
   

Taxi from bus station approximately $15
 

Montreal

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
   

Taxis are readily available from the hotel to Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
 

Montreal

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
747 Express Aeroport P.E. Trudeau/Centre-Villle
phone: 514-786-4636

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$9.00 (exact change required on board the bus. Only coins are accepted (no bank bills).
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
   

Take 747 Express Aeroport P.E. Trudeau/Centre Ville bus from a stop near the Delta hotel (1/2 block from hotel) to the airport - 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Purchase tickets at the Arrivals Level at the airport or pay the fare in cash with exact change on board the bus. Only coins are accepted (no bank bills). Visit http://www.stm.info/english/info/a-747.htm for up to date fare and schedule information.

 

Montreal

 

To Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$10 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
   

Taxi to train station $10 - approximate travel time is five minutes or a five minute walk (uphill). Taxi to the bus station approximately $15.
 
Driving Directions
  From Montréal Airport (Delta) Head west on Boulevard Roméo Vachon N, Slight right onto Boulevard Roméo Vachon S, Take the ramp onto Autoroute Côte-de-Liesse/Autoroute 520 W, At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Boulevard Bouchard, Take the ramp on the left onto Autoroute 20 E, Continue onto Autoroute 720 E, Take exit 4 toward Rue de la Montagne N/Rue Saint-Jacques, Turn left onto Rue Jean d'Estrées, Turn right onto Rue Saint Antoine O, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue Saint-Jacques, hotel will be on the right. This takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
  From New York State Border to Montréal (Delta) Highway 87 North becomes highway 15 North at the border.-Follow the signs to Champlain bridge.-After the bridge keep to the right and follow the signs for highway 10 (Centre-Ville).-Highway 10 becomes University Street. Turn right onto Rue Saint Antoine O, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue Saint-Jacques, hotel will be on the right.
  From Québec City to Montréal (Delta) Take Highway 20 West towards Montreal.-Follow the signs for Champlain Bridge.-After the bridge, keep to the right and follow signs for highway 10 (Centre-Ville).-Highway 10 becomes University Street.-Keep to the right on University Street. Turn right onto Rue Saint Antoine O, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue Saint-Jacques, hotel will be on the right.
  From Toronto 401 to Montréal (Delta) Take Highway 401 East.-Follow the signs for Highway 20 East toward Montreal.-Follow the signs for "Autoroute Ville-Marie", 720 East and keep right.Continue onto Autoroute 720 E, Take exit 4 toward Rue de la Montagne N/Rue Saint-Jacques, Turn left onto Rue Jean d'Estrées, Turn right onto Rue Saint Antoine O, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue Saint-Jacques, hotel will be on the right. This takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
  From Vermont border to Montréal (Delta) Highway 89 North becomes highway 133 at the border.-Highway 133 leads you to Highway 10 West. Follow the signs to Champlain bridge.-After the bridge keep to the right and follow the signs for highway 10 (Centre-Ville).-Highway 10 becomes University Street. Turn right onto Rue Saint Antoine O, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue du Square-Victoria, Turn right onto Rue Saint-Jacques, hotel will be on the right.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrivals and Orientation
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Arrive To: ARRIVALS AND CHECK-IN: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation. Take the rest of the evening to become acquainted with your fellow participants or stroll around the local area. The hotel offers direct underground access to the Metro (public transit system) and is within walking distance of Old Montréal, museums, and some of the finest restaurants in the city.
   
Accommodations: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: History of Montreal/Exploring Old Montreal
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Discover the history of Montreal with an expert historian who will examine the architecture and cultural life of the city, as well as its intriguing history and development.
 Lunch: Lunch at Fourquet Fourchette
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Explore Old Montreal on foot and discover its plazas, 18th- and 19th-century heritage architecture and fascinating history. Walk through Place d'Armes, with its fascinating historical remains, and Place Jacques Cartier, two beautiful squares in the center of the Old Town. Learn about the Chateau Ramezay Museum, a former Governor's residence built in the 18th century. Walk along the cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal and through the Marche Bonsecours, inaugurated in 1847, a wonderful example of the neo-classical style of the time.
 Dinner: Enjoy classic French cuisine at Vieux Port located in the heart of Old Montreal
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Free evening to enjoy and explore on your own or rest at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Montreal's Multi-Ethnic Neighborhoods/Jean Talon Market/Exploring Montreal's Landmarks
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Montreal’s Multi-Ethnic Neighborhoods. Discover the city’s cultural side as we explore some of Montreal’s multi-ethnic neighborhoods. From Little Italy and Little Portugal to the Orthodox Jewish District and Chinatown explore the diversity of the people, the cuisine and the architecture. Visit the Jean Talon Market where 300 vendors, mostly farmers from the countryside around Montreal, sell their products.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Explore the city's well known heritage landmarks including Saint Joseph’s Oratory, a stunning Basilica nestled in the Northern slope of Mount Royal. Learn about Brother Andre Bessette, the humble doorkeeper who initiated its construction in 1904 and was canonized in 2010. The Basilica is dedicated to Saint Joseph and attracts over two million pilgrims and visitors each year. Enjoy two island retreats, located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. Drive through Jean Drapeau park, and visit St Helens Island with a wealth of discoveries including the impressive dome designed by Buckminster Fuller and admire several monumental public works of art, such as the imposing Man, sculpted in steel by artist Alexander Calder.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own (at your own expense).
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time to explore Montreal independently, relax at the hotel or make plans with new friends.
 Dinner: Dinner at Modavie offering a Mediterranean gastronomic experience with hints of international flavors in a warm intimate ambiance of jazz and comfort.
   
Accommodations: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Musee des Beaux Arts/Chateau Dufresne
(Wednesday, June 26)

Note: We will be using the Metro (Montréal transit system) today.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Founded in 1864, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Canada's oldest art museums. Guided by an experienced docent, view the museum’s permanent collection of pre 1940 Canadian art, post 1960 contemporary Canadian art and Inuit and Amerindien art. The museum is also home to galleries featuring a collection of a hundred works and objects, some rare and unique, associated with Napoleon and the arts under the First Empire. Among the personal effects featured in the presentation is the famous cocked hat – the only one in North America – which Napoleon wore during the Russian campaign in 1812.
 Lunch: Lunch is at Café des Beaux Arts. This elegant bistro offers a highly inventive and diversified menu. Guests enjoy the art of fine dining accompanied by courteous and attentive service.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Chateau Dufresne Museum. Enjoy a guided exploration of the museum to view the works of painter and master stained glass artist Guido Nincheri (1885-1973). Learn the intriguing story of the murals and stained glass pieces, commissioned by the Dufresne family, painted over in the 1950’s and finally restored in the 70’s. Visit the stained glass studio that was established by Nincheri in 1925 and examine mock-ups and drawing used to create the pieces. Hear about different aspects of the artist’s work and the techniques used in making stained glass.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore one of the many dining options Montreal has to offer.
   
Accommodations: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Notre Dame Basilica/Organ Recital/Pointe a Calliere Museum
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Notre Dame Basilica. Visit the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, a jewel of Montreal. This masterpiece of Gothic revival architecture is renowned for its interior, sculpted in wood, paint and gold leaf. See the boldly modern design of the Notre Dame du Sacre Coeur Chapel (or the Wedding Chapel) captivating thousands of visitors each year. Learn about the history of Notre Dame followed by a private recital with organist Pierre Grandmaison. More than 100 years old, the Basilica's organ is a world-renowned masterpiece.
 Lunch: Lunch at L'Arrivage at Pointe a Calliere Museum. This Montreal museum of Archaeology and History is a national historic site as well as the birthplace of Montreal. Enjoy a lovely lunch, with views of the Old Port.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit Pointe a Calliere Museum of Archaeology and History. Built atop actual remains, the Museum offers an indepth archaeological tour of the original foundation of the first public square, the vaulted canalization of the St. Pierre River, the first Catholic cemetery, and much more. The museum is truly a unique and spectacular place. Its exhibition, "Where Montreal was Born" is a spellbinding trip into the past.
 Dinner: FAREWELL DINNER: Special farewell dinner.
   
Accommodations: Delta Centre Ville Hotel Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Independent Departures
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel between 7:00 and 9:00 am.
 Morning: Independent departures after breakfast. Check-out is 12:00 p.m.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Montreal, QC Château Ramezay
Montréal’s portal to its past, the Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum, was built in the 18th century as a prestigious residence. It was the first building in Quebec to be classified an historic monument. Relive more than 500 years of history through its numerous exhibits, its multimedia portrayals of historic figures and its French colonial style garden. For additional information, visit www.chateauramezay.qc.ca/museum/history/
  McCord Museum
The McCord Museum embodies the vision of a passionate collector, David Ross McCord, whose abiding wish was to shed light on the history and cultures of his country and thus bring its people together. The McCord Museum is a public research and teaching museum dedicated to the preservation, study, diffusion and appreciation of Canadian history. The McCord Museum helps individuals connect with generations, cultures and communities, inspiring them to become informed, open-minded and engaged citizens. For additional information, visit www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Moon Handbooks Montreal & Quebec City


Author: Sacha Jackson


Description: Sacha Jackson guides travelers to the highlights of Montreal and Quebec City, from the trendy bars, restaurants, and festivals of Montreal to the original city walls and historic center of Quebec City. (CND386, $17.99)



Montreal Then and Now


Author: Alan Hustak


Description: This illustrated chronicle of Montreal pairs archival photographs alongside modern ones, their contrast demonstrating the city's change. Each pair is accompanied by a brief, historical description. (CND249, $19.95)



The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz


Author: Mordecai Richler


Description: The book that established Richler as a novelist, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz unfurls amid the bumptious, working-class splendor of Montreal's Plateau neighborhood, once solidly Jewish and more recently home to the city's music scene. (CND263, $10.95)



Fodor’s Montreal’s 25 Best


Author: Fodor’s


Description: A shirt-pocket guide to Montreal, this slim book includes an excellent map of the center of the city and essential information on its highlights, including restaurant recommendations and sightseeing -- all in a slipcover. (CND41, $11.99)





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768