Montreal & Quebec City by Rail | Splendors of Eastern Canada

Day 1 Toronto to Montreal | VIA Rail Business Class Enjoy the facilities of the Business Class Lounge before boarding the train. Complimentary newspapers and non-alcoholic beverages are available in the lounge. Once on your way, the train follows the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, to Trenton Junction, where the St. Lawrence River flows from the lake. Passing the village of Napanee, look south as you cross the river to view a series of beautiful waterfalls. The city of Kingston is an historic Canadian city, being the early capital of the “Province of Canada” (1841-1867) and is the birthplace of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Here, you cross the Rideau Canal, built in 1832 to connect Kingston with Ottawa and originally designed after the War of 1812 to guarantee a supply route north of the US border in the event of another war. Past Cornwall, the line enters the Province of Quebec. Approaching Montreal, cross the Ottawa River to Dorval, before arriving at Central Station in Montreal. The station is located below the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in the heart of downtown. (Lunch is included today)

Day 2 Montreal | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Beyond the Market Food Walking Tour Experience Montréal through its flavours on a locally led food tour around Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy, tasting independent local favourites while discovering the city’s diverse communities, vibrant café culture, artisanal chocolate, seasonal produce and neighbourhood stories beyond tourist clichés. Option 2. Mont Tremblant and the Laurentians Coach Tour Escape Montreal for a scenic journey through the Laurentian Mountains, where forested hills, lakes and charming villages lead to Mont-Tremblant’s colourful pedestrian village, with free time to stroll, shop and soak up Quebec’s mountain atmosphere. Option 3. Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour Explore Montréal beyond the usual sights on a lively walking tour from Old Montréal and Notre-Dame Basilica through Chinatown, the Underground City and festival district to neighbourhoods, blending history, architecture, street art and local culture Option 4. Heart of Montreal City Coach Tour Discover Montréal’s highlights on a guided city tour with photo stops at Old Montréal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Mount Royal and Olympic Park, combining panoramic views, iconic architecture and over 200 points of interest. Option 5. Walking Tour of Old Montreal Explore Old Montréal on a relaxed walking tour through cobblestone streets, landmark squares and Old Port viewpoints, uncovering historic architecture, hidden corners and local stories, with stops at Place Jacques-Cartier, Place d’ Armes and Underground City.

Day 3 Montreal to Quebec City | VIA Rail Business Class Following the St. Lawrence River, pass from city suburbs to the rural landscapes of forests and rich pastures, dotted with tiny villages that extend to Quebec City. For the first hour, you will note the rugged Monteregian Hills that seem to loom up from nowhere. These huge volcanic mounds were formed over 120 million years ago. There are seven of these hills in a row, including Mont Royal in Montreal, ending with Monte Rouge near the tiny village of Boloeil. Many of the trees you see are maple trees, producing the great Canadian staple, maple syrup. Your rail journey is just over two hours to Quebec, the oldest walled city in North America and heart of the French Canadian culture of Canada. Arrive into Quebec at Gare du Palais. Steeped in history, Quebec is the most charming city in Canada, 400 years old and most of the original architecture and buildings have been lovingly preserved. (Lunch is included today)

Day 4 Quebec City | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions. Option 1. Rendezvous with History Quebec City Tour This is your chance to visit history first hand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, world famous Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Quebec City are the perfect introduction to the city. Option 2. A Fabulous Country Tour Travel back in time to rural Quebec along the Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, pass through the many traditional villages of rural Québec. In Sainte-Annede- Beaupré, you will be given time to visit the world famous Shrine and a stop at the Montmorency Falls. Just as you think your day is over, you will be treated to a short visit on the Island of Orléans, discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, where the picturesque village of Sainte-Pétronille, with its 19th century rural atmosphere, waits to be rediscovered again. Option 3. Historic Food Tour in Old Quebec Join Louis Hébert or Marie Rollet, renowned as the first farmers of New France, on this tour that combines the history of the old city with the evolution of local agricultural knowledge. These notable characters will share how they established homes in the heart of Old Quebec and persevered through harsh winters and scarce food supplies. This tour offers an authentic experience of Old Quebec and its local flavors, including four tastings at local establishments. Option 4. Pedicab Tour of Old Quebec Lower Town and Old Port Discover the charm of Old Quebec’s Lower Town and Old Port on an engaging pedicab tour. This guided experience offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic streets, with stops at key landmarks and hidden gems. Learn about Quebec’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture as your guide shares captivating stories. The leisurely pace allows for photos and memorable moments, making it a perfect way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 5 Quebec City | Departure Upon check-out of your hotel your package ends.