Road Scholar : Home
French Canada: An Artistic Journey

Program Number: 10382RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/1/2013 - 7/7/2013; 7/29/2013 - 8/4/2013; 8/19/2013 - 8/25/2013; 9/9/2013 - 9/15/2013; 9/23/2013 - 9/29/2013; 10/21/2013 - 10/27/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Price starting at: $1,699.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 14; 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Quebec is “la belle province” where architecture, French language and artistic passion combine in a sensuous taste of Europe right here in North America. In the flagship cities of Montreal and Quebec City — one a boisterous hub of artistic expression, the other a time capsule of historic buildings, cobblestone streets and European charms — discover the visual, performing, culinary and technical arts inspired by the joie de vivre that unites the Québécois.




Highlights

• Get expert perspectives on prestigious museum collections, including the Quebec National Fine Arts Museum in Quebec City.
• Delight in the festival season in Montreal, featuring a summer-long parade of concerts, parties and cultural events, including chamber music, jazz, costume balls and street performances.
• An unforgettable visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal featuring an exclusive presentation of the fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist.



Activity Particulars

Walks up to two miles on uneven surfaces, cobblestones; some hills. Participants need to carry their own luggage and on the train each participant is restricted to one piece of baggage and one carry-on bag.




Date Specific Information

7-1-2013

Montreal: Revel in the atmosphere of the The Montréal Jazz Festival and in Quebec City: Attend a free outside performance presented by the famous Cirque du Soleil



7-29-2013

Attend a free outside performance presented by the famous Cirque du Soleil.



8-19-2013

Attend the famous Tattoo Concert at the International Military Band Festival which showcases musical and dance choreography, military acrobats and dance forms.



9-9-2013, 9-23-2013

Opportunity to visit: Mosaïcultures Internationales® at the Botanical Garden! More than 40 stunning works created by horticulturist-artists from thirty or so countries will be displayed at the Botanical Garden or / and The astonishing Magic Lanterns at the Botanical Garden, more than 400 silks lanterns in the Chinese Garden, one of the most beautiful area in the Botanical Garden



10-21-2013

Opportunity to visit: The astonishing Magic Lanterns at the Botanical Garden, more than 400 silks lanterns in the Chinese Garden, one of the most beautiful area in the Botanical Garden



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Montreal, 3 nights; train to Quebec City, 3 nights; departure.




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
Montreal: Hotel in historic Old Montréal. Quebec City: Hotel inside the fortifications of the Old City.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Andree Girard
Andrée Girard has been an active figure on the arts scene in Québec and in Canada for over 25 years. She worked as a broadcaster for CBC radio and television before becoming programming director for CBC French radio’s Chaîne culturelle for several years. She was also a founding member and director of the Conseil québécois de la musique. Over the course of her career, she has been associated with the creation of the Opus Prize, as well as the development of the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
 
Michel Jutras
Michel Jutras holds a university degree in cultural organizations and is passionate about Montreal’s colorful history. With a love for researching and creating adventures, he is focused on the history of immigration and the development of cultural communities in Montreal. He is also smitten with Quebec's culinary traditions — the subject of his forthcoming book.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   SpringHill Suites Old Montréal
  Montreal, QC 3 nights
   Hotel Manoir Victoria
  Quebec City, QC 3 nights
 SpringHill Suites Old Montréal
Type: Hotel
  Description: This all-suites hotel is situated in the heart of historic Old Montréal. It is within walking distance of Notre Dame Basilica, museums, and some of the finest restaurants in the city. The rejuvenated Old Port of Montréal is just a few steps away. The underground Metro is close by to whisk you through the city, as is the lively area of Chinatown. .
  Contact info: 455 St-Jean Baptiste
Montreal, QC H2Y 2Z7 Canada
phone: 866-875-4333
web: www.springhillsuites.com
  Room amenities: The hotel provides complimentary in-room coffee, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, microwave, fridge, complimentary high-speed internet and self-service laundry facilities.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has an indoor pool, exercise room, whirlpool and spa on-site, offering massage and treatments.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability. You could book on line at www.springhillmontreal.com/en, 1. Click on Marriott.com. 2. Put your date request 3.Click on special rates. 4.Click on senior discount box or use the special SNU in the corporate/promotional code box and confirm your reservation. You could also contact your coordinator Sylvie at snadeau@quebecculture.travel or 1 888 569-4040 to get a registration form for the additional nights. Thanks
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Hotel Manoir Victoria
Type: Hotel
  Description: Hôtel Manoir Victoria is a European-style hotel, situated inside the walls and in the heart of historic Old Québec. It is within walking distance of the Château Frontenac and the funicular to lower town.
  Contact info: 44 cote du Palais
Vieux-Québec
Quebec, QC G1R 4H8 Canada
phone: 800-463-6283
web: www.manoir-victoria.com
  Room amenities: The hotel offers hair dryer, ironing board and iron, coffee maker, minibar, pay movies, complimentary high speed internet access.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has an indoor pool, sauna, fitness center, spa and offers dry cleaning and laundry services (non-holiday weekdays only).
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Call for availability Call Hotel Manoir Victoria and indicate that you are with Road Scholar Program.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Montreal - 3:00pm Hotel Check-In Time. 5:30pm Meet in the hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at SpringHill Suites Old Montréal that night.
  End of Program:
Quebec City - Breakfast is served 7am-10am. Independent departures at leisure. Hotel checkout by noon. You will be staying at Hotel Manoir Victoria the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport is required for all air travel to and from Canada. A valid passport or original birth certificate along with a valid driver’s license or a state issued photo ID card will be required for land and sea border crossings to and from Canada. Passport requirement for land and sea entry is subject to change. Visit www.cbp.gov for up-to-date information.
  Parking availability:
$24.00 cdn per day
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreal, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Dorion and Longueil
  Nearest highway: Highway 20 (Trans Canada)
  Nearest airport:  Pierre Trudeau International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location:  Quebec City, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Levis, Québec
  Nearest highway: Highway 20 (Trans Canada) and Highway 40
  Nearest airport:  Jean Lesage International Airport
Travel Details
 

Quebec City - Gare du Palais

 

To Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5-6 cost can be shared
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
 

Montreal

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$9-10 cost can be shared
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 minutes 
 

Montreal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40.00 cost can be shared
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 minutes 
 

Montreal

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$9.00 cost can be share
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

7-8 minutes 
 

Quebec City - Gare du Palais

 

To Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5-6 cost can be shared
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
 

Quebec

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$38 cost can be shared
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 minutes 
 

Montreal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
747 Express Bus

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$9.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

40 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

25 miles
   

Public Transportation: 747 Express bus $9 per pers. You could buy your ticket right after you pick up your luggage.The 747 will bring you to the central bus station and from there, you could take a taxi to the hotel (8-9 minutes/ $8-9). Or you could stop at St-Laurent blvd and from there take a taxi to the hotel (5 minutes). Or you could walk South 4 blocks (last block is uphill). After crossing Notre-Dame St, you will turn left on Le Royer St. (small street) and you'll see the hotel entrance.
 
Driving Directions
  From New York State. From New York State: The New York State Thruway (1-87) becomes Highway 15 North. Exit Champlain Bridge. Cross bridge into Montreal. Take direction to Highway 10 (Centre-ville). Just before you hit downtown, turn right on Notre-Dame street. Then turn right on St-Jean-Baptiste street (1st small street after St-Laurent). Time of travel from the border: 1 hour .
  From Ottawa From Ottawa: Take Highway 417 East to Highway 40 East and to 15 South / Then take the 720 East / Take exit 6 (Vieux-Montreal, rue Berri / Blvd. St-Laurent.) / At the first traffic light make a right on Bonsecours St / Then make another right on Notre-Dame St / Finally make a left on St-Jean-Baptiste St. Time of travel: 2.5 hours.
  From Quebec City From Quebec City: Take Highway 20 West to Highway 132 West / Exit at Champlain Bridge / Cross the bridge to Montreal / Follow directions to Highway 10 (Centre-ville) / Take Exit 1 Notre-Dame/Rue Wellington / Keep right and go straight on Duke Street / At the fourth traffic light turn right on Notre-Dame St / Then turn right again on St-Jean-Baptiste St (1st street after St-Laurent St). Time of travel: 3 hours
  From Toronto From Toronto: Take Highway 401 East to Highway 20 East and to the 720 East Take exit 6 (Vieux-Montreal, rue Berri / Blvd. St-Laurent.) / At the first traffic light make a right on Bonsecours St / Then make another right on Notre-Dame St / Finally make a left on St-Jean-Baptiste St. Time of travel: 6 hours.
  From Vermont State to SH From Vermont State: Take Highway 89 North to the border / After the border you will be on Highway 133 North / Then 133 North merges into 35 North / Exit at Highway 10 West (Montreal) / Drive until Champlain Bridge / Cross the bridge to Montreal / Follow directions to Highway 10 (Centre-ville) / Take Exit 1 Notre-Dame/Rue Wellington / Keep right and go straight on Duke Street / At the fourth traffic light turn right on Notre-Dame St / Then turn right again on St-Jean-Baptiste St (1st street after St-Laurent St). Time of travel from the border: 2 hours
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: Orientation and Registration
(Monday, October 21)

Note: Registration from 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 in the lobby.
   
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the popular steak house restaurant Le Vieux Port, located on rue St-Paul, the oldest street in Montreal.
 Evening: After dinner, presentation of program details, general information and a few other useful tips to enhance your stay in French America.
   
Accommodations: SpringHill Suites Old Montréal
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring Montreal/Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
(Tuesday, October 22)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: Expert-led excursion of Montréal by deluxe motorcoach, focusing on the city's history, architecture, main neighborhoods and its astounding underground city, which features a 20-mile network of pedestrian walkways.
 Lunch: Montreal is known for its abundant cafés, which are well attended by Montrealers at lunchtime. We will select one for a light yet fulfilling meal.
 Afternoon: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts new Pavilion, featuring 600 works of its outstanding collection of Quebec and Canadian Art.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
 Evening: Free time to explore Montreal.
   
Accommodations: SpringHill Suites Old Montréal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Explore Old Montreal/Private Jazz Concert
(Wednesday, October 23)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: Enjoy an expert-led walking exploration of Old Montreal. Learn about the delicate transformations of public art and architecture, and why the importance of blending old and new is at the heart of this urban conversion to create the Montreal of today!
 Lunch: Lunch in Old Montreal.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, you will be invited to independently explore Old Montreal, the port, the Botanical Garden. Suggestions will be made.
 Dinner: Dinner in the landmark restaurant Chez Queux, in Old Montreal.
 Evening: Private jazz concert performed by well-known musicians from the Montreal jazz scene.
   
Accommodations: SpringHill Suites Old Montréal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal
(Thursday, October 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: An unforgettable visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal featuring an exclusive presentation of the fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist. The visit is followed by a transfer to Quebec City by train.
 Lunch: Lunch on the train.
 Afternoon: Check-in at the Hotel Manoir Victoria.
 Dinner: Dinner in Old Quebec.
 Evening: A local expert will tell you all about the history of Québec City — the birthplace of French America and the first settlement in Canada. This stimulating lecture will also highlight different aspects of the city's present-day social and economic reality.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Quebec City: History and Architecture/Montmorency Falls Park
(Friday, October 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Enjoy an expert-led walking exploration of Quebec's historic district. You will be charmed by the very European atmosphere of its quaint streets, as well as the historic value of its buildings.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Manoir Montmorency, featuring area specialities, and visit the astonishing Montmorency Falls Park, just a few minutes away from Québec City. Located between the river and the cliffs, it's one of the province's most spectacular sites.
 Afternoon: Explore Quartier Le Petit Champlain on your return to the lower town, Old Quebec.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own. Suggestions will be made.
 Evening: Free time to explore the city.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada/Quebec National Fine Arts Museum
(Saturday, October 26)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Visit the Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada, located within the Citadelle of Quebec and overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River; a historic building housing an important collection of art and period furnishings.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own. Suggestions will be made.
 Afternoon: Visit the Quebec National Fine Arts Museum. Discover its remarkable Inuit art collection, as well as works by some of Quebec's most prominent artists. Enjoy free time to explore Quebec City (we will provide suggestions of places to explore).
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Departures After Breakfast
(Sunday, October 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Independent departures after breakfast.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
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


A People’s History of Quebec


Author: Jacques Lacoursière


Description: A People’s History of Quebec is a lively guide to a little-known part of North American history. It tells of the settlement of the St. Lawrence Valley, but also of the Montreal and Quebec-based explorers and traders who travelled, mapped, and inhabited most of North America, and embrothered the peoples they met.



A short history of Quebec


Author: John Alexander Dickinson and Brian J Young


Description: A Canadian classic, A Short History of Quebec offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the province from the pre-contact native period to present-day constitutional struggles. The authors bring a refreshing perspective to the history of Quebec, focusing on the social and economic development of the region and its diverse peoples.



Canada and Quebec: One country, Two Histories


Author: Dr Robert Bothwell


Description: An in-depth look at Canada-Quebec relations through interviews with prominent Canadian figures by a well known professor of Canadian history and a frequently published author. Dr Robert Bothwell’s research interests include modern Canadian history and political, diplomatic and military history. 279 pages $27.01 USD



Montreal & Quebec City Guide – Lonely Planet


Author: Montréal-based author


Description: Montréal and Québec City really serve it up. You've got old-world grandeur, new-world sensibilities and big-city charms - there's enough neighbourhoods, restaurants and festivals to keep you mon-dieu'ing for months. This guide, penned by a Montréal-based author, gets you straight to the action. Pick & Mix: buy and download individual chapters from this book You could download free: Introducing Montreal (Very interesting…)





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