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Montreal Intergenerational: Cultural Immersion and City Discovery

Program Number: 19682RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/7/2013 - 7/12/2013; 8/9/2013 - 8/14/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Price starting at: $999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational; Language Study
Intergenerational
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 11 - 14 years of age.

Experience the difference between simply speaking French and actually living it, as you and a grandchild spend five nights enveloped in French Canada’s cultural capital. Together with experienced instructors, have fun learning practical phrases and vocabulary commonly used in the French-speaking world, then practice what you’ve learned among the cultural and scientific institutions of this exciting world city.




Highlights

• Step inside Montreal’s Biodome and Insectarium to discover tropical forest and icy Arctic habitats, as well as the role insects play in maintaining ecological balance.
• Meet local musicians and hear them perform.
• Hone your French culinary vocabulary in the specialty shops and restaurants of the bustling Rue St. Denis.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles on cobblestones, busy city streets.




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
Hotel within Montreal's charming historic district, steps from the waterfront and all major attractions and venues. Full spa on the property.

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.
 
Jennifer Bell
Introducing Jennifer Bell on saxophone. Jennifer was the first female recipient of a bachelor's in jazz studies from McGill University. She has made her home in Montreal since 1981 and is an active member of the thriving jazz scene there. She founded the group Streetnix in 1987 and has appeared at every edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal since. She has been an instructor of jazz combos, saxophone and jazz history at the McGill Conservatory of Music since 1985.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
  Montreal, QC 5 nights
 Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Type: Hotel
  Description: SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Nestled within the charm of Old Montreal, located in the historical district, just steps away from the waterfront and all major attractions & venues. Enjoy a stroll along our cobble stone roads, ride the St. Lawrence River on a cruise, visit a museum or dine in one of our many quaint restaurants. Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel is one of the oldest restaurants around (circa 1754) and is connected to the hotel! Our 124 suites offer lots of space and separate areas for working, eating, sleeping and relaxing.
  Contact info: 445 rue St-Jean Baptiste
Montreal, QC H2Y 2Z7 Canada
phone: 866-875-4333
web: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yulsh-springhill-suites-old-montreal/
  Room amenities: Free high speed internet, Complimentary buffet breakfast, Micro-wave, Fridge & Coffee Maker Some suites offer a balcony, 25% larger then standard Marriott hotel room.
  Facility amenities: The hotel also features a full spa (Gibson Spa) on-property, offering esthetic & therapeutic cares. Complimentary buffet breakfast is served on the Mezzanine level. At Marriott SpringHill Suites Old Montreal enjoy the personalized service of our staff and the uniqueness of the Old Montreal.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for current pricing 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
  Additional nights after: Call for current pricing 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 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 Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal that night.
  End of Program:
After hot chocolate or coffee and final discussion 9:30am. Room checkout 12:00 noon. You will be staying at Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal 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:
$24 CAD 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: Montreal, QC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Montreal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
747 Express Bus

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$8.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

40 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

25 miles
   

Public Transportation: 747 Express bus $8 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 blocs.

 

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 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 Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$8,00 cost can be share
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

7-8 minutes 
 
Driving Directions
  From New York border. Montreal is 29 mi from New York border. The New York State Thruway (1-87) becomes Route 15. US 1-89 becomes two-lanes Route 133, joining Route 10 at the border. From 191 in MA, Routes 55 and 10 reach Montreal. Entering from east or western Canada Highway (Highway 1) via routes 20 and 40. Then take highway 720 east, exit St.Laurent/Berri (Vieux Montreal). Follow Berri onto St-Antoine. Turn right on Bonsecours (first traffic light). Turn right on Notre-Dame. West on Notre-Dame to St-Jean-Baptiste. Turn left on St-Jean-Baptiste. Quebec road are in French, and speed limits are in kilometres (100 k/h equals about 62 m/h).
  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/Old Montreal
(Friday, August 9)
   
 Arrive To: Independent arrivals and check- in.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner in a fine steak house in Old Montreal.
 Evening: After dinner, presentation of the various program elements and general information on the stay followed by a healthy walk through Old Montreal, for those interested.

Tonight we'll have our first French language workshop, focusing on everyday conversation: forms of greeting; introductions, formulation of simple questions, use of numbers, time, days of the week, months, etc

   
Accommodations: Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring Montreal/Redpath Museum on McGill University Campus
(Saturday, August 10)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: A guided tour of Montréal will reveal its history, architecture, main neighborhoods, and astounding underground city, with its 20-mile network of pedestrian walkways.
 Lunch: Montreal is renowned for its abundance of cafes, which are well-attended by Montrealers at lunch time. We will select one such café for a light, but comforting meal.
 Afternoon: Visit the Redpath Museum located on McGill University Campus. Opened in 1882, this Museum is one of Canada's oldest museums with exhibits showcasing a large variety of biological and geological specimens as well as cultural artefacts fro around the world.
 Dinner: Dinner in Old Montreal.
 Evening: Meet Jennifer Bell saxophonist and jazz specialist. Learn about the history of jazz in Montreal and attend a demonstration of jazz improvisation with Jennifer and her accompanist, friend, musician and guitar player.
   
Accommodations: Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Montreal Science Center
(Sunday, August 11)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: Located a block away from the hotel, the Science Centre's amazing, fun, and surprising exhibitions allow Grandkids and Grandparents to explore, learn, and understand through a variety of interactive means.
 Lunch: Lunch in Old Montreal.
 Afternoon: Second part at Science Center: Visit the new exhibition Stars Wars Identities a world Premiere made possible by Lucas film ltd. and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions.
 Dinner: Dinner in Old Montreal.
 Evening: French language workshop - Exploring the city. This session will look at street signs, modes of transportation - bus, subway, bixi (bike-taxi), taxi, train - asking for information and directions.
   
Accommodations: Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Montreal Nature museums (Botanical Garden, Biodome & Insectarium)
(Monday, August 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: We'll begin today with a visit to the Biodome.The word Biodôme comes from the Greek words bios, or life, and domos, house. The Biodome is "the house of life". Explore and transport yourself to the lush Tropical Forest, a maple grove in the Laurentian Forest, the banks of the St. Lawrence River and the icy Arctic and Antarctic shores. A medley of plants, animals, rocks and climates, the ecosystems reproduced here are breathtakingly realistic and teeming with life.

A French language workshop will expand your vocabulary with a nature and outdoor slant.

 Lunch: Lunch at the Biodome.
 Afternoon: At the Insectarium located the Botanical garden, discover the wonder of the insect world and learn how insects play an essential part in ensuring the Earth’s ecological balance.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own. A list of interesting restaurants will be prepared
   
Accommodations: Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Public Market Jean-Talon
(Tuesday, August 13)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: We'll start the morning with a language workshop to make sure you know your "pommes" from your "pommes de terre", before we embark on a trip to the famous public market Jean-Talon. Featured topics today will include types of store - boutiques, malls, grocery stores, public markets, etc. -Montreal's underground city and the monetary system. Marché Jean-Talon is a riot of colors and a feast for the senses. A unique off-the-beaten-path excursion to meet real Montrealers and experience their favorite regional products, especially their fine gourmet delicacies.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore Montreal and put new language skills into practice in different situations according to your personal interests and tastes. Your coordinators will present you with several options to choose from.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner in one of the finest restaurants in the city.
   
Accommodations: Marriot Springhill Suite Vieux Montreal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Last workshop in French!
(Wednesday, August 14)
   
 Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
 Morning: This morning is our last chance to get together and talk about the week and your favorite experiences and your previous days explorations - in French!
   
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


Get By in French


Author: Brigitte Rix, Louise Rogers Lalaurie, Julia Key


Description: Get By is a phrase book and mini course all in one making it the perfect travel companion for your trip abroad. Designed specifically for travellers of all kinds, it will introduce you to all the language you need to get around with confidence.Get By in French will help you to:understand the basics of the language with clear and easy-to-follow explanations, try out what you have learned with mini role plays and activities, communicate with confidence using thousands of essential words and phrases, get around easily with useful tips for the visitor, eat out the French way with the comprehensive menu reader.



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.



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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