Québec
Independent Québec City and Montréal: People, Places, Culture
Program No. 20338RJ
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Montréal and Québec from experts, learning about the art, architecture, history and cuisine of these two great French Canadian cities.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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PRICES
Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2025
Starting at
2,849DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 25 - Jun 2, 2025
Starting at
3,809Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2025
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9 days
8 nights
10 meals
4B 2L 4D
2
Old Montreal
Montreal, QC
4
A Day for Food-Lovers, Montréal Boroughs
Montreal, QC
5
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Transfer to Québec City
Quebec City, QC
6
Old Québec City, Chateau Frontenac, Music Tradtion
Quebec City, QC
7
Citadel, Plains of Abraham
Quebec City, QC
8
Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls
Quebec City, QC
9
Program Concludes
Quebec City, QC
At a Glance
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.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
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.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover Québec, with its eclectic architecture, streets and monuments — eloquent, perfectly conserved testaments to its evolution.
- Delight in a day for food lovers that'll lead you on an adventure through the many flavors of Montréal, strolling along beloved Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
- Enjoy independent study time with the benefit of insight from our local expert, entry to five major museums and the Botanical Garden and a metro pass.
General Notes
This program is an active exploration of Montreal and Québec City and includes substantial free time and directions for self-directed excursions.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Andrée 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.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Andrée Girard
View biography
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
View biography
Originally from Montreal, Michel Jutras holds a master's degree in the management of cultural organizations and has extensive experience in leading educational excusions. Passionate about researching history, especially the history of the dietary and culinary traditions of Quebec, he is working on a large collection of ethnological texts, the first volume of which has already been published, while the second is currently being printed.
Marie Legroulx
View biography
Marie Legroulx, a native of Québec City, has a bachelor's in history and a master's in Québec literature. She taught French and Québec literature at local universities for over 20 years. In 2008, she returned to college to become a professional in the tourism industry, and has since been leading historical, architectural and literary explorations. Québec history and language are topics close to her heart since she is a twelfth-generation Québécoise whose ancestors settled on the St. Lawrence River in the mid-seventeenth century.
Julie Bélanger
View biography
A Montrealer by birth, Julie has diplomas in cultural animation and teaching. With her warm and dynamic personality, her prime objective is to share her passion and knowledge of Montreal and Québec City as well as little secrets of the living style of each community.
Françoise Baby
View biography
Françoise Baby loves to share her enthusiasm about Montreal with visitors. She has a penchant for great food — her mother is French! — history, and architecture. What she enjoys most about being a local expert is interaction with Road Scholars. Her wish is that they come away with a cultural experience. The two most frequently asked questions Françoise gets are whether she is a native Montrealer and what is her favourite “thing” about the city. The answers are “yes”, and the multiculturalism that best defines Montreal.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Independent Québec City and Montréal: People, Places, Culture
Program Number: 20338
Montreal & Quebec City Guide – Lonely Planet
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…)
A People’s History of Quebec
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
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.
Champlain's Dream
In this enthralling biography, acclaimed historian David Hackett Fischer brings to life the remarkable Samuel de Champlain—soldier, spy, master mariner, explorer, cartographer, artist, and Father of New France.
Shadows on the Rock
Set in seventeenth-century Canada, an evocation of North American origins highlights the men and women who struggled to adapt to the new world even as they clung to the one they left behind. The novel covers one year of the lives of Cecile Auclair and her father Euclide, French colonists in Quebec.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Montreal, QC
Program Concludes
Quebec City, QC
Meals
10
| 4B |
2L |
4D |
Activity Level
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.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover Québec, with its eclectic architecture, streets and monuments — eloquent, perfectly conserved testaments to its evolution.
- Delight in a day for food lovers that'll lead you on an adventure through the many flavors of Montréal, strolling along beloved Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
- Enjoy independent study time with the benefit of insight from our local expert, entry to five major museums and the Botanical Garden and a metro pass.
General Notes
This program is an active exploration of Montreal and Québec City and includes substantial free time and directions for self-directed excursions.
Featured Expert
Andrée 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.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Michel Jutras
Originally from Montreal, Michel Jutras holds a master's degree in the management of cultural organizations and has extensive experience in leading educational excusions. Passionate about researching history, especially the history of the dietary and culinary traditions of Quebec, he is working on a large collection of ethnological texts, the first volume of which has already been published, while the second is currently being printed.
Marie Legroulx
Marie Legroulx, a native of Québec City, has a bachelor's in history and a master's in Québec literature. She taught French and Québec literature at local universities for over 20 years. In 2008, she returned to college to become a professional in the tourism industry, and has since been leading historical, architectural and literary explorations. Québec history and language are topics close to her heart since she is a twelfth-generation Québécoise whose ancestors settled on the St. Lawrence River in the mid-seventeenth century.
Julie Bélanger
A Montrealer by birth, Julie has diplomas in cultural animation and teaching. With her warm and dynamic personality, her prime objective is to share her passion and knowledge of Montreal and Québec City as well as little secrets of the living style of each community.
Françoise Baby
Françoise Baby loves to share her enthusiasm about Montreal with visitors. She has a penchant for great food — her mother is French! — history, and architecture. What she enjoys most about being a local expert is interaction with Road Scholars. Her wish is that they come away with a cultural experience. The two most frequently asked questions Françoise gets are whether she is a native Montrealer and what is her favourite “thing” about the city. The answers are “yes”, and the multiculturalism that best defines Montreal.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
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.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
10 meals | 4B | 2L | 4D |
1 expert-led lecture
8 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:15 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table at the mezzanine to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in the heart of Old Montréal.
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 (during the program). 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.
Day
2
Old Montreal
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore Old Montréal, focusing on its history and architecture. Along the way we’ll venture into the Old Port on the St. Lawrence River and discuss its transformation and impact on the surrounding community, native Montrealers and visitors alike.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In Old Montréal, you might like to see the port, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology (built on the very foundations of the city), the Bonsecours Market (Québec Arts & Crafts, featuring top-quality “made in Québec” creations), or a popular street known for its art galleries.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the multitude of Montréal eateries. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Underground City, Golden Square Mile, Theater District
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Use of public transportation, métro & bus. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This second day of discovering Montréal will be dedicated to three of the city's star attractions with a local expert: the surprising "Underground City," the Theater District and the Golden Square Mile, including the renowned McGill University and the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like at the farmer market.
Afternoon:
Free Time. As you continue exploring Montréal, you might like to visit the impressive Botanical Garden. A popular oasis in the heart of the city, the Montréal Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the world’s largest. You can explore the beauty of the garden through its 10 greenhouses and some thirty thematic gardens.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
A Day for Food-Lovers, Montréal Boroughs
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Use of public transportation, métro & bus. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This is a day for food lovers. A local expert will lead us on a culinary adventure through the many flavors of Montréal by strolling along beloved Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Here we'll discover many colorful 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' exploration at the Jean-Talon public market in Little Italy, a favorite meeting place of Montréalers. We’ll be able to savor the Schwartz’s famous Montreal smoked meat, Jewish bagels, Portugal's renowned egg tarts (Pasteis de nata), true Italian coffee, and an array of Québec products at the public market.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like at the Museum or in the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
Free Time. You may wish 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:
At a landmark French restaurant in Old Montréal, we’ll say farewell to the city with a 3-course plated meal including appetizer, choices of entrée, dessert of the day, coffee, hot tea, water; other beverages available for purchase from the bar.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to explore more on your own, attend a performance or other event, or revisit a favorite Montréal café with new friends. The Group Leader will have plenty of suggestions. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Baggage aboard the train is limited to one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag.
Day
5
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Transfer to Québec City
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Baggage aboard the train is limited to one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag per person. We will carry our baggage when we transfer to the train station. There it will be loaded onto the train for us; keep carry-ons with you. The train ride is about 180 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in Québec City, we will retrieve our baggage and load it onto a van for transfer to the hotel where it will be taken to our rooms. Getting in/off taxis and train.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll take a field trip to the incredibly beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. Our visit will feature an exclusive presentation of its fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist. We’ll then return to the hotel for check out and transfer to the train station for the trip to Québec City.
Lunch:
On your own. We suggest buying your lunch at the food court in the train station, one the best in Montréal, and take it with you to have on the train.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Québec City, we will transfer to the hotel by taxis for check-in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Old Québec known for its local gastronomy, garden to table.
Evening:
We’ll set out on a stroll of discovery and first impressions with our Study Leader through the streets of the Old City to the Terrase Dufferin overlooking the St-Lawrence River behind the Château Frontenac.
Day
6
Old Québec City, Chateau Frontenac, Music Tradtion
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
L
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2 hours; cobblestones, hill.
Breakfast:
On your own to enjoy what you like. There are many options from a simple pastry and coffee to a full cooked breakfast at nearby cafés. The hotel also offers breakfast for an additional charge.
Morning:
At the hotel, our local expert will give a presentation highlighting the city's foundation and exceptional geographical location as well as its present-day social and economic facets. We’ll gain an understanding of how Québec City's history contributed to the creation and development of Canada and why it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We’ll then head out on a walking field trip with our expert to explore Québec City with its eclectic architecture, streets, and monuments that serve as eloquent, perfectly conserved testaments to its evolution. Enjoy the city's uniquely European atmosphere, enchanting setting, and friendly inhabitants. We’ll conclude at the renowned Château Frontenac, one of the city’s landmarks and the most photographed hotel in the world. It boasts a fascinating history, owing its name to Louis de Buade de Frontenac, the powerful Governor-General who guided the destiny of New France in the late 1600s.
Lunch:
At the Château Frontenac. Bon appétit!
Afternoon:
Free Time. You might like to explore the lower part of Old Québec near the river and enjoy Petit Champlain, one of the most appreciated neighborhoods in Québec City which is known for its architecture, street performers, boutiques, craftsmen, art galleries and the Museum of Civilization. At 5:00 pm at the hotel. 5:00 pm Join local musicians who will guide us in a discovery of Québec through song, instrumental music, tales, and jigs. We will learn about Québec musical traditions, rhythm and song, and experiment with musical instruments.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the varied and exciting Québec City dining opportunities.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Citadel, Plains of Abraham
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
L
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
Our second full day in Québec City will be dedicated to a field trip designed exclusively for our group and led by a local expert. Strategically located on the heights overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, Québec City was 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 us understand the region's unusual geopolitical journey over the course of history as well as how the province functions today. This private exploration includes access to a unique exhibition of Canadian artists.
Lunch:
At neighborhood restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. You might like to 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 Québec. This exceptional museum is dedicated to the works of the best artists of the region. Its surprising annex is the former prison! At 4:30 pm take part of our Book-Club Hour. Join our literary expert for a one-hour walking field trip to some of the sites featured in Bury Your Dead, the best-selling novel by acclaimed author Louise Penny. A great way to bring the book to life.(voucher included in the program). From 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., we’ll enjoy cocktail hour. You're invited to join our study leader for drinks (Dutch treat), to share the highlights of your day, and plan your evening.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the local fare of your choice.
Evening:
At leisure. Perhaps you would like to stroll through the Old Town and enjoy coffee and a digestif in a café or bar.
Day
8
Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles.
Breakfast:
On your own.
Morning:
We’ll take an expert-led field trip via motorcoach a few miles from the city to experience the beauty of the traditional Québec countryside. The birthplace of French America, Île d'Orléans is a large pastoral island known for the quality of its agricultural products as well as the heritage of its many historic buildings. This well-preserved natural and cultural landmark is situated in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. On our return to the city, we'll stop for a closer look of the Montmorency falls that we saw from the Ile d'Orlean. With its 272' tall, (30 more than Niagara) the falls offers a stunning demonstration of the power of nature. The falls has captivated visitors in all seasons for centuries.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. You might like to continue exploring Québec City — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and what is known as New Québec. 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.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have our farewell dinner. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends and enjoy a lovely evening.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
Quebec City, QC
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
On your own. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
10 Meals
4 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
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- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025 (Montreal, QC to Quebec City, QC)
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- May 25, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025 (Montreal, QC to Quebec City, QC)
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- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025 (Montreal, QC to Quebec City, QC)
Participant Reviews
Based on 58 Reviews
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The combination of the Fall colors with the immersion into the French Canadian culture and history of the area was perfect. As a Canadian, it was a good review of all the events that were the beginning of my country.
— Review left October 29, 2024
This was a very well-planned and well-coordinated program. All the guides were outstanding. The free afternoons and evenings provided an essential balance to meet personal needs. I value having a greater sense of Canadian social and political history and its relationship to (and differences from) the United States.
— Review left October 22, 2024
This was a great program and Julie made it easy for us to adapt to another culture. The speakers were fabulous!
— Review left October 22, 2024
Learn a lot about Canadian history while having enough time to visit places of particular interest to you and at your own pace. Every single encounter with any Canadian in any capacity was 100% gracious, fun...even when we were stammering our few, poorly pronounced French words!
— Review left October 16, 2024
5 Stars!!! This was an exceptionally well-organized program and Julie, our Group Leader was so fantastic. This was my first visit to Québec and we lucked out with great weather (little to no rain the entire visit). The Fall colors were so lovely to see. I achieved my goal to practice speaking French every day and learned a lot about Québec. Our visit happened to be during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend which was a treat in some ways but we didn't get to visit Montmorency Falls because of big crowds and traffic congestion. But, I appreciate our group leader's decision to bag the visit so we could do other things on our itinerary that were more unique to the area. Thanks to the wonderful experience with Road Scholar, I'm sure I'll be back to Québec again and I will see the falls another time.
— Review left October 15, 2024
This is the tour for you if you want a blend of guided and self-exploration. If you want to be handheld and managed all the time or have trouble with mobility, skip this one.
— Review left October 15, 2024
Wonderful food iin two beautiful French Canadian cities with such interesting history. The hotels were very nice, the locations were great. And everybody on the tour was pleasant and punctual and easy to be around.
— Review left October 12, 2024
thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history and culture of our northern neighbor. Great guides and well organized.
— Review left October 1, 2024
It is so much more fun and easy to be able to go to wonderful places and have all of the details taken care of so you can enjoy without the hassle.
Loved every minute!
— Review left October 1, 2024
Our first program was terrific
— Review left September 30, 2024
There is much to learn and enjoy on this trip. Take your
walking shoes.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Our first time on a tour. Hard to imagine other tours doing any better than this!
— Review left September 11, 2024
Road Scholar is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of an area, enjoying touring at a level of activity that fits your lifestyle.
— Review left September 10, 2024
The program is an excellent introduction to two great Quebec cities. We learned so much about Canadian government, history, and culture and the importance of French language and heritage. A highlight for lovers of fine cuisine, art, and architecture. Plenty of time for personal exploration.
— Review left August 30, 2024
This is an excellent program with excellent guides and instructors. "Independent" means that participants are on their own for about half of each day and evening, but with plenty of suggested activities supplied in the written program materials and by the guides. One receives an excellent immersion into the multiple facets of Quebec history and culture in a hands-on format. Highly recommended!
— Review left July 29, 2024
This program gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the life and culture of French Canada. I loved the experience and learned a lot from it.
— Review left July 18, 2024
A five star trip. We just returned from this wonderful excursion to Montreal and Quebec City. We really do not have one negative comment to make. Ian Beaulieu was our tour leader. He was friendly and kind, informative, organized, and ready to take on any issues that came up with our fellow group members. We all felt that we were treated like family. The daily guest tour guides were extremely informative, while being friendly and always sharing a sense of humor.
The planned dinners and lunches were always good, and Ian was ready to give us great suggestions when we went off on our own. Since this was labeled an independent tour, we had plenty of free time, but we were never at a loss of what to do. We were provided many vouchers for visiting museums and points of interest. It is important that anyone considering this trip be aware that there is a good amount of walking and time on your feet. There is time to relax, but there is only one bus excursion. The rest of the time is spent around the cities.
I appreciated being located in each city for 4 nights. It was more enjoyable not being on the road every day and being able to take in the sights and surroundings in more depth.
Another plus of this trip and other Road Scholar trips is meeting the nicest people.
If Montreal and Quebec City are places you might want to visit. I would definitely recommend that you consider this program.
— Review left July 16, 2024
Well planned introduction to the culture of French Quebec lead by a knowledgeable group leader with a nice sized group of people of similar interests. The tours of each city introduced us to a variety of neighborhoods and their unique character. Excellent.
— Review left July 16, 2024
This was our first Road Scholar trip and we loved it. We usually travel on our own, so we were attracted to this trip that gave us a chance to try Road Scholars while having some time to ourselves. We enjoyed the group we traveled with, and the guides and instructors were excellent. We liked the group meals, but also enjoyed finding and trying restaurants on our own. A special highlight was the "Bury Your Dead" tour of Quebec City, since reading the Louise Penny books was one of the things that attracted us to visiting this part of the world.
— Review left June 17, 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Time flew too quickly. There was a good balance between organized time and free time. The leader and instructors were wonderful. The trip inspires us to want to return to Montreal and Quebec City
— Review left June 12, 2024
The Independent Montreal and Quebec City program was our first trip with Road Scholar for myself and my husband. The trip exceeded my expectations. Ian, our Group Leader was knowledgeable, organized, pleasant, funny and a wealth of information on restaurants, museums and places to see. Our local tour guides including Ronny, Claire, Michel, in Montreal and Marie in Quebec City were excellent in their knowledge and understanding of their cities. Our fellow travelers were all lovely - I felt like they were my friends by the end of the trip. I miss them already! I can't wait to go on another Road Scholar trip!
— Review left June 12, 2024
Old Montreal and Quebec City far exceeded my expectations. I am an architect, and it was exciting to see the beautiful French and English period architecture that has been carefully cared for and preserved.
— Review left June 11, 2024
We had a wonderful time. All the guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Our tour leader, Julie Belanger worked very hard to keep us moving and interested. The meals, especially the lunch at Chateau Frontenac, were of excellent quality. We didn't expect to enjoy the demonstration of Quebecoise music as much as we did. I'm actually looking for a jig puppet to purchase. They had them in Montreal I was told.
The one black mark that soured the trip for us was the extra day included on our airfare. This went unnoticed until I tried to check in. In the pursuit of some repayment for our extra day at the hotel, we were unsuccessful. I was told that I indicated I was possibly interested in staying an extra day. That's how the airfare was booked. I never saw the 1/5/24 email and wonder if I would have realized it included an extra day. We are very dissatisfied with the way this was handled. Maybe travelers should have to indicate their approval of the flight arrangements. I actually was surprised and relieved to learn in one of my phone calls that I had booked the airfare through Road Scholar. I thought everything was fine. Ha. I've learned my lesson.
Mary Jo Tozzi
— Review left June 7, 2024
Wonderful adventure in Montreal and Quebec City!!!! So much beauty and history. The foods are fabulous and the people friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 4, 2024
A very thorough and enjoyable tour of Montreal and Quebec City. Lots of walking and steps, but well worth it.
— Review left October 18, 2023
Fabulous trip. Loved the independent nature, which allowed plenty of time to explore on our own. Trip leader, Ian, was very helpful with suggestions and recommendations.
— Review left October 14, 2023
The Montreal and Quebec City program was filled with fascinating history, excellent museums, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and, in general, was a relaxing, fun filled experience. Ian was an exceptional group leader, and managed to balance the perfect amount of activity with free time.
— Review left October 9, 2023
This program was very interesting and well-run, and we had beautiful weather (Sept. 24 to Oct. 2). The leaves were just starting to turn color. Our guides were terrific: Andree in Montreal and Marie in Quebec City. All the guided walks were very good. The included meals were fantastic. Both hotels were nice, quiet, and in good locations. In case you are debating whether you want to take an "independent" version of the trip, I'll say that the free time gave us a very important opportunity to rest or take long walks, to poke around in stores, to try different restaurants, and take all the time we wanted in museums. There's plenty to see and do in these two cities!
— Review left October 7, 2023
Excellent program with inspirational leaders. I learned so much about Canada; the language, the heritage, the country. I have been enriched by attending this program...and I went to places and listened to locals that love, love, love their occupations and their country, Americans need to take note!
— Review left September 8, 2023
This was our first trip with Road Scholar and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. Each of the guides brought a unique and interesting perspective to the history of these cities. The daily tours provided just enough information to be informative but not overwhelming. We appreciated having free time to explore at our own pace and our trip leader provided great guidance on areas to explore that we might not have found on our own. We highly recommend this trip.
— Review left September 6, 2023
Very enjoyable, excellent group leader, comfortable and convenient hotels.
Big negative was no breakfast vouchers for Quebec hotel. Other RS groups at same hotel had such vouchers.
— Review left August 31, 2023
Thank you Road Scholar for an amazing first experience. You exceed my expectations in every way! What stands out the most were the program guides. Through their immense knowledge about the history and culture of the cities we visited, I learned so much and had fun doing it! Looking forward to my next adventure.
— Review left August 31, 2023
This was a great trip that featured outstanding sights, delicious food, informative local guides, friendly traveling companions, amazing experiences, and a top notch leader. A great guide can make the difference between a good trip and an amazing journey. Ian led us on an amazing journey from Montreal to Quebec City.
I was on my first solo trip, but I was never alone. It was easy to connect with the other solo travelers but also with the couples. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.
If you’re on the fence about a solo adventure, hop down and sign up.
— Review left August 24, 2023
Excellent program with a near perfect mix of group activities and free time. You will learn a great deal about the history and changes in these great cities, from their founding to immigration to modernization. Comfortable convenient accommodations.
— Review left August 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this tour. Ian was a great director, helpful with any questions and free time suggestions. This was a nice blend of activities and offered flexibility for participate to use their time as they wanted. Also enjoyed the train ride from Montreal to Quebec City. Accommodations and group meals were quite nice.
— Review left August 20, 2023
I have just returned from Road Scholar's independent study in Montreal and Quebec and I highly recommend it! This was my first Road Scholar trip and I couldn't be more pleased. Every aspect of the program was excellent and I loved the independent time for personal exploration.
— Review left August 20, 2023
If you want to feel the unique French experience but do not want to venture outside North America, I strongly recommend Independent Quebec City and Montreal. Great learning experience with enough time to explore at your own pace. Quebecers are very friendly, helpful and kind. You cannot go wrong with this tour!
— Review left July 18, 2023
Road Scholar is an excellent tour to learn the culture and history of new places in a well organized and not stress envinronment
— Review left July 18, 2023
If you can get Ian for a Group Leader be sure to go! He's so much fun.
— Review left June 29, 2023
This was an excellent trip. The perfect balance of RS led tours and independent exploration. The local guides were so smart and interesting. I learned so much about both cities and their history that was new to me. Our RS leader, Ian, was just the best. He was fun, interesting, knowledgable and always available to help when needed. He made the trip exceptional. There was a lot of walking - more than I expected but everyone did fine and I am of the mind that you see so much more walking that on a bus or in a car. A 5 star trip. RS scores again.
Mary Mahre - Richfield, MN. USA
— Review left June 19, 2023
Excellent program to two places you will want to visit. Good blend of guided and free time. Vey enjoyable.
— Review left June 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this program.
— Review left October 10, 2022
This was an extraordinary trip - just the right amount of group learning experiences with individual time. Ian, was phenominal!!! Montreal and Quebec City were beautiful and easy to get around. The added book tour was really fun.
— Review left September 14, 2022
Independent Quebec City and Montreal: People, Places, Culture.
If you are not quite ready to travel to Europe but loved all things French, this is the trip for you. Excellent itinerary, with plenty of time for exploring on your own. All the guides are local and enthusiastic about their cities. I learned a lot and it was the perfect post-Covid adventure for me, after three years of minimal travel. Good value for the money. Excellent meals. I felt like I was living like a local in both cities.
— Review left September 13, 2022
The Montreal and Quebec tour was so enjoyable with the right mix of guided activities and independent exploring. Our main guide Andree was outstanding, professional, fun, warm and welcoming . The local guide were experts and enthusiastic about sharing the local treasures. I recommend highly.
— Review left August 31, 2022
This was a fun, informative and interesting trip. It went by so fast that I can hardly believe it. I would recommend it to any US citizen who wants to visit a foreign country but does not want to travel overseas (for whatever reason).
— Review left August 17, 2022
Loved the trip.
— Review left August 14, 2022
My recent Road Scholar trip to Montreal and Quebec City was great. It was an “independent” trip with a great deal of free time to explore your own interests. Our group was especially open and welcoming, and most of the time, and often decided to go to the same places on our free time. Our group leaders (one in each city) gave us a real understanding of the people and the places, guided us through the key sites, and taught us to use the Metro and the bus system for our independent exploring. Four days in each city was enough time to see a great deal, but definitely not everything there is to see. I go to Ontario often, and now plan to add Quebec to my future visits.
Each day we were joined by local experts, typically for a morning excursion. The local experts and our group leaders were knowledgeable and had tremendous enthusiasm for sharing their cities and their culture with us. Most afternoons and evenings we were free to roam. The food was excellent everywhere, and these very old cities have preserved their sense of their own history -- it's all around you in the architecture and streets. The cliche is to say it's like being in France, and it's true. Rather than recount a list of events, I'll mention two (and let you check out the rest in the trip itinerary on the website). In Montreal, it has to be the visit to Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral and the demonstration by the master organist there. In Quebec City, it was the traditional music demonstration with two fantastic local musicians. They got the whole group involved in the music and we all had fun.
I want to say a special thank you to Lise and Andree for sharing their cities with us.
— Review left June 15, 2022
I've been on two Road Scholar Independent trips and I loved them both. They were a great way to meet new people and see a new place, but they also allowed time to explore on my own.
— Review left June 1, 2022
Learning about Montreal and Quebec were great fun--have your walking shoes. The history is fascinating, the architecture makes you feel like you are in a European city, and the food was amazing! The opportunity to meet interesting fellow travelers and the wonderful guides and lecturers make RS my favorite way to travel.
— Review left September 25, 2019
I loved this trip! Sylvie Nadeau was an amazing facilitator!!!! She was always helpful, cheerful and organized. I learned so much about Canadian history while enjoying the beauty of Quebec.
I have always wanted to visit Quebec, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
— Review left September 9, 2019
If you love European charm, but don't want to take the trip "across the pond," then Quebec City is the place for you! It was lovely, and we had lots of time to explore since most of your afternoons and evenings are on your own. The group trips were very informative, especially the visit to the Governor General's residence in the Citadel in Quebec City.
There are also loads of things to see and do in Montreal. The local guides were wonderful! Seeing the demonstration of the organ in Notre Dame was a surprising highlight. The organist has been there for 45 years and is very charming and informative.
— Review left July 12, 2019
Our trip to Montreal and Quebec was informative and fascinating. I learned so much about history and current affairs while there that I didn't know. Meeting with the organist at Montreal's Basilica of Notre Dame was an absolute highlight. I highly recommend going to Aura there at least one night -- there's nothing like it anywhere else!
— Review left July 11, 2019
This program delivers just what it says - culture and history of the area. Also has a few surprises that make the trip memorable. If you love walking and eating fantastic food this tour is for you. Also, read the suggested novel (one of the surprises)!
— Review left July 10, 2019
The link that was sent to me in e-mail to enter my review did not work:
https://evaluations.roadscholar.org/account/prog_eval_requestasp?Id=1-I3BS82
I hope that entering this review satisfies the e-mail sending routine!
We enjoyed this independent program to Montreal and Quebec City very much. I like the arrangement of tours and information in the morning, with afternoons free for our own explorations. Really loved having the bus/rail pass in Montreal!
I wish we could have trekked up the Montmorency Falls, but perhaps this is part of another program. And we got some rain in Quebec City, but you can't control the weather.
Highlights of the program were the organ recital in the Notre Dame Basilica, the Armand Gamache tour, the chamber music recital, and our own independent afternoon visit to Mont Royale. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone able to keep walking!
One (minor) quibble. I'm the one who registered us for the program, made travel arrangements through Road Scholar, etc., but when we checked into the hotels, the rooms were always being held under my husband's name. Why not my name?
— Review left July 7, 2019
This is the third time I have submitted an evaluation of my most recent tour. The website is great. The mailings are WAAAAAY too many.
— Review left June 16, 2019
The Let's Go Montreal and Quebec City was an awesome experience! Our guide, Julie, was terrific, and the tour was well-organized, including a great variety of educational and food experiences, as well as free time. Met
some wonderful fellow travelers and shared a great experience together!
— Review left June 12, 2019
Travel with an open mind and be prepared to be happily surprised by the experiences you did not expect. Make a quiet but determined effort to talk separately with each person in the group. Sometimes it's hard if one is shy, but others welcome hearing a stranger use their name and listen to their story or what's on their mind.
— Review left May 27, 2019
