Road Scholar : Home
Independent Quebec City and Montreal: People, Places, Culture

Program Number: 20338RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/12/2013 - 7/20/2013; 8/14/2013 - 8/22/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/23/2013; 10/3/2013 - 10/11/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/21/2013; 10/24/2013 - 11/1/2013;
Duration: 8 nights
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Price starting at: $2,089.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Independent City Discoveries Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 10; 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Enjoy French Canada’s two very different cities—cosmopolitan Montréal and charming Québec City—and revel in the fine cuisine, history and artistry of both cities, with plenty of cultural insights from longtime residents. Expert-led field trips to numerous artistic and cultural institutions set the stage for your own exploration of 17th century architecture, European charm, traditional Québécois faire, and joie de vivre.




Highlights

• Explore hidden treasures and highlights with local residents who will lead you off the beaten path.
• Learn about the Montréal’s history of immigration through the influences in an exclusive tasting tour, including a memorable lunch at the Château Frontenac.
• Discover Canada’s unique geopolitical journey at the residence of the Governor General and the verdant fields that lie between French Canada’s twin jewels.



Activity Particulars

Urban walking of two miles or more over varied terrain; some stairs. 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.



This program includes substantial free time and directions for self-guided excursions.



Itinerary Summary

Independent arrivals. Montreal, 4 nights, train to Quebec City, 4 nights. Independent departures.




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
Stylish, modern all-suite hotel with indoor pool in the heart of Old town Montreal and Hotel Manoir Victoria, a four-star European-style hotel located 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.
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.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
  Montreal, QC 4 nights
   Hotel Manoir Victoria
  Quebec City, QC 4 nights
 Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
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: 445 rue St-Jean Baptiste
Montreal, QC H2Y 2Z7 Canada
phone: 514-875-4333
web: www.springhillsuites.com
  Room amenities: The hotel provides complimentary in-room coffee, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, microwave fridge and self-laundry facilities. complimentary wireless highspeed internet access.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for current prices. Call the Marriott SpringHill Old Montreal Office: Local number (514) 875-4333 or 1-866-875-4333 or E-Mail: shsreservations@marriott.com . ask for the special rate program of: SN Tourisme/Road Scholar) 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.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Hotel Manoir Victoria
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of historic, culturally vibrant, gastronomic and romantic Old Québec, the unique 4-star European-style hotel extends a warm and friendly welcome in an inviting decor and spectacular surroundings that have been delighting visitors for centuries.
  Contact info: 44, cote du Palais
Quebec City, QC G1R 4H8 Canada
phone: 800-463-6283
web: www.manoir-victoria.com
  Room amenities: Hairdryer (ll0 volts), Individual digital thermostat, Colour TV, Alarm clock, Direct access telephone, Movies($), Iron and ironing board, Free high speed internet access, coffee-maker.
  Facility amenities: Indoor pool and Sauna, Health Club, Internet Lounge in lobby gives you the opportunity to use the hotel equipment and software($).
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Contact hotel for rates. 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 Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal that night.
  End of Program:
Quebec City-Early Morning Departures At Leisure – Hotel Check out by Noon. You will be staying at Hotel Manoir Victoria the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for all air travel to/from Canada. On June 1, 2009, a new US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require those traveling to/from the United States by land and sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure document (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
  Parking availability:
$22.00 per day
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreal, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Montreal
  Nearest highway: Trans Canada Highway #40
  Nearest airport:  Pierre Elliot Trudeau Int'l Airport (formerly Dorval)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Quebec City, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Quebec City
  Nearest highway: Highway 20 (Trans Canada) and Highway 40
  Nearest airport:  Jean Lesage International Airport - Quebec City
Travel Details
 

Quebec City to Montreal

 

 
 

Service:

 

Train
Via Rail
phone: 888-842-7245
Advanced Reservations Required

   

To return to Montreal downtown by train: Schedule and rate: www.viarail.ca or toll free 1 888 842-7245. We do not suggest to take the train back if you have to catch a flight mid-afternoon. The bus is more efficient.

 

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:

 

$38,00 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).

 

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 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
 

Quebec

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

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

Travel Time:

 

25 minutes 
 

Quebec City to Montreal airport

 

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Orleans Express

   

RETURN after the program - Individual departure. By Deluxe Motorcoach (no reservation needed) - Quebec City bus terminal is located half mile from the hotel. From Quebec City to Montral-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport YUL (One-way: for 60+ $58 / Adult $69 CAD) Duration 4 hours Departure from Quebec City every day Except Saturday and Sunday at 06:30- 9:30 am 12:30, 3:30 pm,5:30 pm or 10:30 pm Saturday & Sunday: first departure 9:30 am
 

Quebec City to Montreal downtown

 

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Orleans Express

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

60 plus - $49
Prices are subject to change.
   

RETURN after the program - Individual departure. From Qubec City to Montral downtown (not to the airport). Deluxe Motorcoach. Daily service between Qubec City and Montreal downtown living every hour (one-way: 60 +$49 / adult $57). Duration 3 hours.Starting at 5:30 am on weekdays and at 7:30 am on Saturday and Sunday.

 
Driving Directions
  From New York State From New York State: Take Highway 87 North to border / After the border you will be on Highway 15 North / 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 from the border: 1 hour. Quebec road are in French, and speed limits are in kilometres (100 k/h equals about 62 m/h).
  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 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: Check-In and Orientation
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Arrive To: Independent arrivals and check- in.
 Dinner: Welcoming-dinner in a gracious French restaurant and introduction to fellow participants and your concierge. The concierge will act as your premier resource in making the most of independent study time, offering local knowledge and insider tips to ensure you discover Montreal beyond the city's highlights. An introduction to Montreal's Museums Pass, which is included in the program cost and provides access to public transportation and the city's most important museums.
   
Accommodations: Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Montreal Architecture, History and Old Montreal district
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: Attend an engaging talk on the history of Quebec and Canada and the role of Montreal in their social, economic and cultural development. We then depart for a guided tour of Old Montréal, focusing on its history and architecture.
 Afternoon: 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), the remarkable Notre-Dame Basilica and a popular street known for its art galleries.
 Dinner: 5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail Hour: Early each evening, you're invited to join our concierge for drinks (Dutch Treat), to share the highlights of your day, and plan your evening.

Dinner is on your own to explore the multitude of Montreal eateries. Our concierge will offer guidance and suggestions. For this dinner, a reservation will be made by your concierge in one of Montreal's fine restaurants for anyone who wishes to accompany her. (Optional)

 Evening: After dinner, enjoy the excitement of more independent discovery. 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
   
Accommodations: Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Facets of Daily Life in Montreal: Yesterday and Today
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: This second day of discovering Montreal will be dedicated to two of the city's star attractions: the surprising "Underground City" and the Golden Square Mile, including the renowned McGill University and the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to further acquaint yourself with the Golden Square Mile, exploring its impressive art galleries, imposing 19th century houses, and grand museums, including the stately McCord Museum.
 Dinner: 5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail Hour: Early each evening, you're invited to join our concierge 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 excitement of more independent discovery. 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
   
Accommodations: Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Food-Lovers' Guide to Neighborhoods/History of immigration
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: This is a day for food lovers. Our specialized guide will lead you on an adventure through the many flavors 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 surprising Biodome: a museum that recreates some of the most beautiful ecosystems of the Americas.
 Dinner: Farewell to Montreal dinner in a landmark restaurant in Old Montreal. Review the days discoveries with fellow participants and enjoy local input from our concierge.
 Evening: After dinner, enjoy a chance to explore or revisit a favorite Montreal 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
   
Accommodations: Marriott Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 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.
 Afternoon: Check-in at the Hotel Manoir Victoria.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: After dinner, stroll with your concierge through the streets of the Old City to the famous Château Frontenac to form your first impressions of Quebec and discover the city.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Old Quebec City/Architecture and History
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is on your own. There are many options from a simple pastry and coffee to a full cooked breakfast at nearby cafes. The hotel also offers breakfast for an additional charge.
 Morning: Accompanied by our specialist guide, head off to discover Quebec, with its eclectic architecture, streets and monuments: eloquent, perfectly conserved testaments to its evolution. Enjoy the city's uniquely European atmosphere, enchanting setting and friendly inhabitants.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the famous Château Frontenac, one of the landmarks of Quebec City and the most photographed hotel in the world. The Château, which boasts a fascinating history, owes its name to a flamboyant French governor, the Count of Frontenac, who guided the destiny of New France from 1672 to 1698. Bon appétit!
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, explore the lower part of Old Quebec near the river and enjoy Petit Champlain, one of the most appreciated neighborhoods in Quebec City, known for its architecture, street performers, boutiques, craftsmen, art galleries and the Museum of Civilization. 5:00 - 6:00 Cocktail in a local bistro (optional).
 Dinner: After meeting for cocktails at the bistro (optional) dinner is on your own to explore the varied and exciting Quebec City dining opportunities
 Evening: After dinner, enjoy the excitement of more independent discovery. Our concierge will have plenty of suggestions for where you can go and what you can do.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 7: Distinctive Features of French America, The Political and Social System.
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is on your own. There are many options from a simple pastry and coffee to a full cooked breakfast at nearby cafes. The hotel also offers breakfast for an additional charge.
 Morning: Our second full day in Quebec City is dedicated to an intimate visit designed exclusively for our group. Strategically located on the heights overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City is the first major milestone on the road leading to the foundation of Canada. A visit to the Residence of the Governor General of Canada, within the walls of the Citadel, will help you understand the region's unusual geopolitical journey over the course of history as well as how the province functions today. This private tour includes access to a unique exhibition of Canadian artists.
 Lunch: Lunch at Musée National des Beaux-Arts de Quebec’s restaurant.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, you can explore the famous Plains of Abraham, a magnificent 267-acre urban park composed of plains, woods and gardens. It is also the setting for the National Fine Arts Museum of Quebec. Discover this exceptional museum dedicated to the works of the best artists of the region at your own pace, continuing on to its surprising annex, the former prison of Quebec, home today to a remarkable and imposing collection of Inuit art. 5:00 - 6:00 pm Cocktail hour in a local pub (optional).
 Dinner: After meeting for cocktails at the local pub dinner is on your own to explore the varied and exciting Quebec City dining opportunities.
 Evening: The evening is free to stroll the Old Town or enjoy coffee and a digestif in a cafe or bar.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 8: Quebec City Today
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is on your own. There are many options from a simple pastry and coffee to a full cooked breakfast at nearby cafes. The hotel also offers breakfast for an additional charge.
 Morning: Meet a professional who has been involved for several years in Quebec's political scene at a government level and who will situate you more firmly in the social universe of present day Quebec to help you understand its health and educational systems, its nationalist leanings and the challenges that lie ahead for the province. It's a meeting that will surely spark some rewarding discussions among participants.
 Afternoon: On the third day, you can continue exploring Quebec City (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and what is known as New Quebec. A list of suggestions for individual exploration and other activities will complement the program. Options include a walk on the Grande Promenade Samuel-De Champlain along the Saint Lawrence River and a visit to the Public Market.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner. On our final evening we will enjoy dinner together with our Quebecer friends at a renowned restaurant in Old Quebec for its local gastronomy.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 9: Independent Departures.
(Saturday, July 20)
   
 Morning: Early Morning Departures At Leisure – Hotel Check out by Noon
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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