Dinner: 5:30 pm Departure from the hotel to go for dinner at a gracious French restaurant a short walk from the hotel, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), 3 choices of entrée, dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages available for purchase from the bar.
Evening: Orientation. This is a Road Scholar INDEPENDENT PROGRAM. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own independently for a significant part of the day/night. The program is staffed with a Study Leader who will also serve as Group Leader. As Study Leader, she will be your primary resource in making the most of your independent study time, offering local knowledge and insider tips to ensure you get to know the cities beyond tourist highlights. As Group Leader, she will attend to logistical details. After welcome and introductions, we will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also have an introduction to Montréal's Museums Pass that is included in the program cost and provides access to public transportation and the city's most important museums. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Study Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
Morning: Walking guided tour of Old Montreal focusing on history and architecture including a tasting stop at the Maple Delights. We will end the tour by an unforgettable visit of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal featuring an exclusive presentation of the fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist.
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 Bonsecours Market (Quebec Arts & Craft s -featuring top-quality “made in Québec” creations) and a popular street known for its art galleries. 5:00 p.m. With our Local expert, we will take the Montréal Métro (public transportation system) to Place Ville Marie, a landmark of modern architecture designed by I.M. Pei and Henry N. Cobb and the tallest of its kind in Canada. There, we’ll have a 360° bird’s eye view of the city from the 46th Floor Observation Deck. Anyone who is not comfortable with heights is welcome to remain at the hotel and relax.
Dinner: On your own to explore the multitude of Montréal eateries. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
Morning: This second day of discovering Montreal will be dedicated to three of the city's star attractions: the surprising "Underground City", theater District and the Golden Square Mile, including the renown 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: Dinner on your own.The hotel is ideally located as a base to explore the wonders of Montreals restaurant scene. Our coordinator will offer suggestions and directions to local favorites.
Evening: After dinner, enjoy the excitement of more independent discovery. Our coordinator 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
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 flavours 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... the famous Schwart’s smoked meat at Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen...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. A popular oasis in the heart of the city, the Montréal Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the world’s largest. Explore the beauty of the garden through its 10 greenhouses, some thirty thematic gardens!
Dinner: Farewell dinner in a landmark restaurant in Old Montreal. Review the days discoveries with fellow participants and enjoy local input from our coordinator.
Evening: After dinner, enjoy a last chance to explore or revisit a favorite 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
Breakfast: Varied, buffet-style breakfast, including waffles and fruit.
Morning: Coffee and farewell discussion on city life and local issues with our Montreal friends in one of their favorite local Café. 10:00 a.m. End of the program Room checkout 12:00 noon.
