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Quebec: A Signature City

Program Number: 19748RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/8/2013 - 7/13/2013; 8/12/2013 - 8/17/2013; 9/23/2013 - 9/28/2013; 10/28/2013 - 11/2/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Price starting at: $1,385.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Discover the best that Quebec City has to offer as locals introduce you to the food, arts and history of this fascinating region. Explore the heart of Old Quebec’s Upper and Lower Towns, examine the city’s extensive fortification system and discover its quiet residential neighborhoods. A presentation at Musee National des Beaux Arts introduces you to paintings and sculpture by Quebecois artists. Experience field trips to landmark sites and less-heralded parts of the city, opening doors unknown to most visitors. Top off your exploration with a farewell dinner at Le Chateau Frontenac.




Highlights

• Explore the cobblestone streets and well-preserved 17th-century architecture of Old Quebec with an architectural historian.
• Meet locals and experience the flavors of Quebec on an expert-led culinary walk exploring the vibrant St. Jean neighborhood and historic Old Port market.
• Discover the rich cultural heritage at the National Museum of Fine Arts, boasting the highest concentration of artists in the province.



Activity Particulars

Walking 2 miles on uneven surfaces, cobblestones; some hills and stairs.




Date Specific Information

7-8-2013, 8-12-2013, 9-23-2013

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



10-28-2013

For the October program participants will stay at the world-famous Château Frontenac.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Quebec City

The towers and turrets of Chateau Frontenac dominate the skyline of this 400-year-old walled city on the St. Lawrence River, the only fortified city north of Mexico. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage City, Canada’s oldest city is known and loved for its European charms and narrow, cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old homes.
Accommodations
European-style hotel in the heart of Old Quebec.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Stephen Marchessault
Stephen Marchessault was raised in a bilingual family and has spent most of his life in Québec City. He majored in history at Glendon College at York University in Toronto, and over the years, has developed an interest in the history of Québec City. Stephen enjoys sharing his interest and knowledge of this World Heritage City with lifelong learners.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Manoir Victoria Hotel
  Quebec City, Quebec 5 nights
 Manoir Victoria Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of the historic, culturally vibrant and gastronomic activity of Old Quebec, the European style Hotel Manoir Victoria extends a warm and friendly welcome in an inviting décor. Highly renowned chefs Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand are the two of the new stars that are shining in Hotel Manoir Victoria . Visit the new restaurant Chez Boulay-bistro boréal for an original and distinctive gastronomic experience.
  Contact info: 44 cote du Palais
Quebec City, QC G1R 4H8 Canada
phone: 418-692-1030
web: www.manoir-victoria.com/english
  Room amenities: Hairdryer, iron and ironing board, flat screen TV, free wi-fi Internet access (Internet lounge also available in lobby), alarm clock with iPhone and iPod charger/player, in room safe, coffee maker, minibar ($).
  Facility amenities: Indoor pool, sauna and fitness center as well as the ''Boutique et Spa signé Pevonia'' offering expert body and esthetic care in one of its ten treatment rooms.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Contact hotel for rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Cleland Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 5:30 PM
  Additional nights after: Contact hotel for rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Cleland Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the program hotel in Quebec City. Check-in after 3:30 pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm in the hotel. You will be staying at Manoir Victoria Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast is at 7:30 am to 9:00 am; independent departures from the hotel after breakfast. Check-out is 12:00 noon. You will be staying at Manoir Victoria Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. PASSPORTS: Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available at the program hotel. Please contact the hotel directly for rates at 418-692-1030.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Quebec City, Quebec
  Nearest highway: Trans Canada Highway
  Nearest airport:  Jean Lesage International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Quebec City, Quebec
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Quebec City

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $30.00 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 - 30 minutes 
 

Quebec City

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $8 - $10 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 - 10 minutes 
   

Via Rail offers service to Quebec City. Call 888-842-7245 or visit www.viarail.ca
 

Quebec City

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $30 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 - 30 minutes 
 

Quebec City

 

To Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $8 - $10 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 - 10 minutes 
   

Via Rail offers train service from Quebec City. 1-888-842-7245 or visit www.viarail.ca/en

 
Driving Directions
  From Maine border to Québec City (Manoir Victoria) From Maine, route 201 to Quebec border, becomes 173 north at the border 173 north on to fwy 73 north to St-Lawrence river, crossing on Pierre Laporte suspension bridge. Exit on blvd. Laurier wich changes name to Chemin St-Louis and again to Garnde-Allee (4 miles ride). Turn left on Honoré-Mercier (Parliament building will be on your left) wich becomes Dufferin-Montmorency. Turn right on rue St-Jean. After the St-Jean stone gate, left at the traffic light (Cote du Palais Street). ATTENTION: During the period of June to September, St Jean st is reserved to pedestrians from 5.30 pm and all day long on weekends. You then need to continue on Honoré Mercier for 3 more streets further than St Jean st to Côte de la Potasse on your right. At the bottom, it will become Côte du Palais on the right.
  From Montréal to Québec City (Manoir Victoria) Quebec City is 253 km (151 mi) east of Montreal. From Montreal take Highway 20 East to Quebec City to Pierre Laporte bridge. Exit on blvd. Laurier wich changes name to Chemin St-Louis and again to Garnde-Allee (4 miles ride). Turn left on Honoré-Mercier (Parliament building will be on your left) wich becomes Dufferin-Montmorency. Turn right on rue St-Jean. After the St-Jean stone gate, left at the traffic light (Cote du Palais Street). ATTENTION: During the period of June to September, St Jean st is reserved to pedestrians from 5.30 pm and all day long on weekends. You then need to continue on Honoré Mercier for 3 more streets further than St Jean st to Côte de la Potasse on your right. At the bottom, it will become Côte du Palais 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: Arrival and Registration/Orientation
(Monday, July 8)
   
 Afternoon: ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel in Quebec City in the afternoon; check-in to the 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. You are embarking on a learning adventure to discover Quebec's vibrant culture and history through a broad range of presentations and exciting field trips led by some of Quebec's most knowledgeable and engaging experts. You will explore the heart of Old Quebec's Upper and Lower Towns, discovering many of the most important sites, institutions, and monuments along the way. This exciting new program embodies the best that Quebec City has to offer!
   
Accommodations: Manoir Victoria Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Historic Quebec: Overview of Quebec City/Plains of Abraham/Museum of Civilization
(Tuesday, July 9)
   
 Breakfast: Full American breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant includes scrambled eggs, home-fried potatoes, bacon, ham, sausages, home baked beans, thin pancakes and French toasts.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: History of Quebec City. A power point presentation by a local historian entitled "The History of Québec City" will give you an excellent overview of Québec City from its founding to the present day. Learn about the principal historical events that occurred here. The city was awarded its World Heritage City designation in 1985 based partially on the preservation of the fortifications around the Old Town, which date from 1745. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants. FIELD TRIP: Plains of Abraham. Following the presentation on the history of Old Quebec City, we will explore the Plains of Abraham by coach. With commentary provided by our local expert, discover the site of many clashes for supremacy between the French and British Empires. The park is the scene of the 1759 Conquest, which changed the fate of North America. Apart from its historical past, the park is to Québec what Central Park and Hyde Park are to New York and London: a city park of outstanding value, the lungs of the city.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The Museum of Civilization. Explore the Museum of Civilization, the city’s most popular museum, located close to the historic site of Place-Royale. This internationally renowned museum features four permanent and six temporary thematic exhibitions. Meet a local expert who will take you through the “People of Québec, Now and Then”. This exhibit focuses on life in the province of Québec throughout the centuries of European habitation, which encourages discovery of artifacts, photos and recreations of historic and domestic scenes. Immerse yourself in the ups and downs, the successes and setbacks, intense heat and extreme cold of a history that belongs to all those who have lived in and built Québec.
 Dinner: Enjoy a two course dinner at Le Patriarche; a choice of three entrées from a menu featuring Quebec products. This 1827 heritage home-turned-restaurant is set in a decor inspired by its old stone walls and imbued with a unique architectural cachet.
 Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow adventurers, explore the local galleries and shops on your own or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
   
Accommodations: Manoir Victoria Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Quebec Architecture: Guided Architectural Walk/Good Shepherd Museum
(Wednesday, July 10)
   
 Breakfast: Full American breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant includes scrambled eggs, home-fried potatoes, bacon, ham, sausages, home baked beans, thin pancakes and French toasts.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Set out on foot to with a local expert to explore the city’s architecture on a guided walk through the historic Old City. Start at the Lower Town and Place Royale, known as the cradle of French civilization in North America with its fine stone merchant houses and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church. Uncover the charming commercial district of rue du Petit-Champlain and continue on to the Cathedral-Basilica Notre-Dame-de-Québec, site of the first diocese in Canada. Arriving at Place d'Armes, visit the monument of Samuel de Champlain, Father of New France and founder of Québec City who established his first “abitation” here in 1608. Dufferin Terrace offers magnificent views of the mountains, St. Lawrence River, Lower Town and the star-shaped Citadel. Examine how Québec's defenses developed under the French and English regimes and learn about the cannons, loopholes, Artillery Park, and fortresses that are part of Quebec's fortifications.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The Good Shepherd Museum makes you discover the captivating story of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Québec, a community founded in the heart of Quebec City in 1850. Set in a magnificent historic building erected between 1878 and 1887, the Museum also provides a comprehensive analysis on the social history of marginalized women and abandoned children during the 19th and 20th centuries.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Take some time to independently explore the city. Venture downtown, take in a show or stroll the cobblestone streets.
   
Accommodations: Manoir Victoria Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Quebec Art: Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec/Image Mill/Urban Art
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: Full American breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant includes scrambled eggs, home-fried potatoes, bacon, ham, sausages, home baked beans, thin pancakes and French toasts.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: The National Museum of Fine Arts. We will meet a museum expert for an in-depth presentation and examination of the works of art. Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec is home to the most important collection of paintings and sculpture by Québécois artists. Over 22,000 selections of works are displayed in three chronological exhibitions: The earliest date from the beginnings of Québécois art and are largely influenced by religion. The second covers the European-influenced modernist period up to 1945. The third showcases figurative and abstract art from the mid-20th century.
 Lunch: Lunch is at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The Image Mill. Meet at the Image Mill production location for a private talk on Robert Lepage's creative production - the world's largest architectural sound and light projection screen ever seen. Robert Lepage is an internationally acclaimed performer, playwright, producer and director, having been made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2009, and was awarded the European Commission's Europe Theater Prize in 2007. Discover Lepage's vision and interpretation of retracing the history of Quebec City. How do you travel through four centuries of history in just… 40 minutes? That was the challenge given to internationally renowned theater director Robert Lepage—a challenge he has met with his customary panache. The outcome: a stream of images evoking the milestones that shaped Québec. As soon as the lights go down, spectators are plunged into the collective memory of the Québécois and the city of which they are so justly proud! Go behind the scenes for an exclusive peek into what makes this monumental project work. Your local expert will help you consider the implications of creating such a piece of historic art and how it reflects the proud culture of the Quebec people and their heritage.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own will give you time to unwind, relax and dine at your leisure before meeting up with the group back at the hotel to depart for this evening’s event.
 Evening: ENTERTAINMENT: The Image Mill. In the evening (9:00 pm) we will have reserved seats to attend the outdoor production of The Image Mill an architectural projection produced and performed, in Quebec City, by Robert Lepage and Ex Machina. Representing the largest projection ever done, it requires the use of fine technology to project a huge quantity of images and films on the grain silos of the Quebec Harbour, an oversized screen, 600 meters wide by 30 meters high! In the hands of the creators, this huge mass of concrete is in constant transformation, which gives us the strange impression of it being alive and talking to us. An atmosphere of drama and magic this is a visual odyssey with fantastic images and inspiring sounds brought to you by the inspired and inspirational Robert Lepage.
   
Accommodations: Manoir Victoria Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Cultural Quebec: Culinary Exploration/Marché du Vieux-Port/Rue St Jean/Chateau Frontenac
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: Full American breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant includes scrambled eggs, home-fried potatoes, bacon, ham, sausages, home baked beans, thin pancakes and French toasts.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: French Gastronomy. We will meet with a local French food expert and embark on a gastronomical adventure exploring the European style food district and the Old Port Market. We will have the opportunity to learn about present day society on a guided walk and tasting of St. Jean Street and the Old Port Market meeting with local vendors and shop owners, specializing in Quebec produce and sampling specialty foods, artisanal cheeses, meats and other local products. This has been a tradition stretching back more than three centuries. Built on the site of Marché Saint-André (1841) and in the same style, Marché du Vieux-Port is a reminder of a time when country folk would meet and exchange with city folk.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own to enjoy local fare or join the Group Leader (at a local restaurant).
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore this historical city on your own.
 Dinner: On our final night together we will have a special farewell dinner at Le Château Frontenac where food lovers from around the world have enjoyed the art of Quebec fine dining for more than 100 years. It is a tradition of cuisine which continually innovates in its blend of the original and the creative; dine in a relaxed setting with an incomparable view of the St-Lawrence River and Dufferin Terrace.
 Evening: After dinner it is time to reflect on our experience and say goodbye to new friends. Take the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s facilities or rest up for the journey home.
   
Accommodations: Manoir Victoria Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Independent departures
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: Full American breakfast buffet at the hotel at 7:30 am. Includes scrambled eggs, home-fried potatoes, bacon, ham, sausages, home baked beans, thin pancakes and French toasts.
 Morning: Independent departures from Quebec City after breakfast. Check-out of the hotel is 12:00 noon.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Quebec City, Quebec Cruise on the St. Lawrence
Set sail with our costumed guide, Louos Jolliet on a captivating cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Discover the history of Quebec City, the river and the surroundings. Navigate from the Cap Diamant to the Montmorency Falls. This Maritime Excursion is a fascinating cruise and the perfect occasion to admire the breathtaking beauty of Québec City, as seen from the river. Relax on our outside terraces as you learn about the city, its fortifications and surroundings. There are also a number of other cruises available on their web site. For additional information, visit www.croisieresaml.com/en/
  Musee du Fort
The Musee du Fort presents an original and unique sound and light show on the military history of Québec City. The Musee is centrally located in front of the Hotel Chateau Frontenac. For additional information, visit www.museedufort.com/site/home_en.html
  Quebec Parliament Building
The most important historical site in Québec City. The Parliament Building is an imposing structure comprising four wings that form a square of about 100 metres (330') per side. One of the few buildings in North America whose architecture in Second Empire style. The tour of the Parliament Building includes the National Assembly Chamber (where the members of provincial parliament sit) with its Renaissance architecture and the Legislative Council Chamber (standing committees have been held here since 1968). For additional information, visit www.assnat.qc.ca/en/visiteurs/index.html
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


Arundel


Author: Kenneth Roberts, N. C. Wyeth (Illustrator)


Description: The grand historical novel of Colonel Benedict Arnold's doomed march on Quebec in 1775, told through the eyes of a soldier in the Continental Army. Rich in historical detail.



Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories


Author: Robert Bothwell


Description: An in-depth look at Canada-Quebec relations through interviews with prominent Canadian figures.



Eyewitness Top Ten Montreal & Quebec City


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions in Montreal and Quebec City.



Michelin Green Guide Quebec


Author: Michelin Travel Publications


Description: A thorough introduction to the region in the classic Michelin style, featuring brief descriptions of all the major attractions.



Montcalm and Wolfe, The French and Indian War


Author: Francis Parkman, Caleb Carr (Editor), John Keegan (Introduction)


Description: This volume, a reprint of the original 1884 edition by the great Francis Parkman, is an extensively researched account of the French and Indian War and of the great generals Montcalm and Wolfe.



Shadows on the Rock


Author: Willa Cather


Description: Set at the end of the 17th century in rural Quebec, this beautifully realized novel highlights the struggles of the Parisian widower Auclair and his young daughter to adapt to their new land.



Wolfe at Quebec, The Man Who Won the French and Indian War


Author: Christopher Hibbert


Description: Hibbert brings the campaigns, life at Louisborg and dramatic capture of Quebec in 1759 to life in this tale of the neurotic, complex British general.





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