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Join other KCUR listeners for a..
Holiday
in Quebec
featuring Fairmont's Queen Elizabeth, Le Manoir Richelieu
and Chateau Frontenac
December 4 - 10, 2008
Tour
Highlights
Montreal,
Notre Dame Cathedral, Charlevoix, Baie-Saint-Paul, Old &
New Quebec
Day
1: Arrive Montreal, Quebec
Our tour begins in Montreal, the second largest French-speaking
city in the world! Arrive at the lovely Fairmont Queen Elizabeth,
our home while in Montreal.
 Day
2: Montreal
After a delicious breakfast at the Fairmont's Le Montrealais
Bistrot Restaurant (be sure to try the maple crepes!) we'll
gather for a sightseeing tour of Montreal highlights including
Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Jacques
Cartier Square and McGill University. The city tour concludes
with a stop high atop Mount Royal for a panoramic view of
one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Next, we'll
explore local arts and crafts at a popular local marketplace.
After dinner, we'll experience the enchanting light show "And
Then There Was Light" at Notre Dame Cathedral. Set amidst
the regal backdrop of the Cathedral, known for its gorgeous
neo-gothic architecture, this show uses modern multimedia
techniques to bring the cathedral's cultural, architectural
and spiritual history magnificently to life.
Day 3: Montréal - Charlevoix
This morning we'll leave for a journey through the beautiful
winter countryside of Quebec traveling north to visit Montmorency
Falls, the highest falls in Eastern Canada. Along the way,
we'll take some time to stroll the beautiful grounds of St.
Anne de Beaupre. This beautiful church and shrine was established
in 1658 by the first sailors and pioneers along the St. Lawrence
River. We'll continue our journey to the Charlevoix region,
passing along the Laurentian mountains and into the rolling
 valleys
along the banks of the mighty Saint Lawrence River. This evening
we'll arrive at the incomparable Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
(pictured) which is always spendlidly dressed for the holidays.
Le Manoir Richelieu is truly a grand resort full of old world
charm. Referred to as the "castle on the cliff",
the hotel sits on the summit of Pointe-au-Pic cliff and towers
majestically over the estuary of the St. Lawrence River.
Day 4: Charlevoix
After breakfast, we'll for a day of exploration in the Charlevoix
region, renowned for its hospitality as well as for its landscapes,
which have won the hearts of painters, poets, writers and
musicians for hundreds of years. We'll visit Baie-Saint-Paul,
nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence and one of the
oldest towns in Quebec. Boasting two-hundred-year-old houses
in traditional Quebec style, there are also countless art
galleries and fascinating craft boutiques interspersed with
quaint terraces and pleasant cafes. There will be plenty of
leisure time to explore this charming town at your own pace.
A short ferry ride brings us to L'isle-aux-Coudres, an island
in the St. Lawrence with a rich history and friendly inhabitants.
Aftwerward, we'll return to the mainland and Manoir Richelieu
for an evening at leisure. Enjoy the beautiful lobby, swim
in the outdoor heated pools, stroll the grounds or even visit
the tiny and very popular Casino Charlevoix next door.
Day 5: Charlevoix - Quebec City
A short drives brings us to Quebec City, where traditional
stone buildings line the river and cobblestone streets are
lined with artists displaying their work. A sightseeing tour
showcases the beauty and rich history of both  Old
and New Quebec including the parliament, St. Louis Arch and
Place Royale, the site of the original settlement of the city
of Quebec, set inside the old walled city. Later, we'll arrive
at the famous Fairmont Château Frontenac (pictured),
which will be our home for the next two nights. Set high on
a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River in historic
Old Quebec, this breathtaking hotel is adorned with holiday
lights and decorations, making it a truly festive sight!
Day 6: Quebec City
This morning we'll enjoy a traditional lumberjack breakfast
at a local sugar shack nestled in the Quebec countryside.
Here, we'll learn about the traditions of maple syrup making
and indulge in its sweet taste as we sample many traditional
foods it is used to make.(more maple crepes!) Before leaving,
we'll try a favorite regional treat - maple taffy in the snow!!
Later, enjoy some leisure time and explore this beautiful
city on your own. Enjoy walking along the narrow cobblestone
streets of Old Quebec and looking through the many quaint
shops and galleries around our hotel. Or, perhaps you'll take
one of the horse-drawn carriage rides the city is famous for.
Tonight's farewell dinner is included at a classic, quintessential
Quebec french restaurant.
Day
7: Quebec City - Montreal
This morning we will return to the Montreal airport and wish
each other a fond au revoir.
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