Montreal, Quebec City & Vermont 26

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach through the lush green landscape of central and upstate New York en route to Montreal, Canada. After checking into our hotel in Plattsburgh, New York for the night, relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner on your own at a restaurant conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast have those PASSPORTS ready, as we cross the border into Canada. Once across the border we continue on to Montreal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Upon our arrival we meet our step-on guide and depart for a tour of Montreal. The tour will include both historic and modern sites, and admission to Montreal's famous Notre Dame Basilica, which is a replica of the one in France, complete with its ornate alters and statues. Next, we will have some leisure time to explore Place Jacques Cartier in the Old Port for shopping and lunch on your own. Later we depart for Quebec City, Canada, known for its European flavor, French foods, language, and fashion! Upon arriving we check into the Hotel Chateau Laurier, located just outside the Old City Walls, for the next two nights. Tonight, dinner and entertainment are served up in a quaint, French restaurant located in Old Quebec. After dinner explore the Boardwalk, (weather permitting), which comes alive with street performers, entertainment, and artists for your enjoyment!

Day 3

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide and depart for a day of Quebec sightseeing. Experience the beauty and history of both Old and New Quebec on our tour while we view such landmarks as the "Place d'Armes," the Parliament, Plains of Abraham and a walking tour of the Place Royale, the site of the original settlement of the city of Quebec. Following our tour, a delicious luncheon is included at the stately Le Chateau Frontenac. This afternoon you will have the option of some leisure time to explore Old Quebec and experience its culture while you browse its many quaint shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants or visit the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, was known as the healing saint. The Catholic Church has credited The Basilica with the miraculous curing of the sick and disabled. Later return to our hotel to sit back, relax, and enjoy dinner on your own at your leisure in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 4

After breakfast we say goodbye to our host Canadian cities and Canada. Have your PASSPORTS ready! Once we cross over the border and re-enter the U.S.A. relax and enjoy the scenic ride as we travel south to Quechee, Vermont. Upon our arrival, we visit Quechee Gorge Village for a shopping experience that is both fun, interesting, and rewarding, and shoppers are sure to find something for every budget and taste! A collection of shops and attractions that just scream "Vermont," Quechee Gorge Village is stuffed with locally made edible treats, hand-crafted jewelry, home décor items, clothing, and a vast array of antique, vintage, and collectible treasures. Located at the heart of the Quechee Gorge, "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon" the village was originally established in 1985 as a Woodsman Museum, Country Store, and Antique Mall. It has since evolved into a wonderful shopping and dining attraction featuring The Vermont Toy & Train Museum, Cabot Cheese Store, artisans, live alpacas, seasonal amusement rides and much more! Before checking into the Hampton Inn in Rutland, Vermont for the next two nights, we make a photo-stop at Quechee Gorge, followed by a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that serves great local flavors.

Day 5

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide and depart for a day of Vermont sightseeing. We begin at the Mendon Mountain Orchards in Mendon, Vermont for a tour of the orchards, followed by some free time to browse the farm store which offers a wide selection of Vermont products year-round. Next, we travel to Plymouth Notch, Vermont to visit the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, birthplace, and boyhood home of President Calvin Coolidge, for a self-guided tour. Calvin Coolidge is brought to life through an interactive exhibit, objects, photographs, newsreels, personal correspondence, political cartoons and the renowned work of Jim Cooke, the re-enactor acclaimed for his insightful portrayal of President Coolidge. The historic site dedicated to our 30th President includes President Coolidge's birthplace, his homestead, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a carriage barn, and historical museum. Following our tour, we travel to the picturesque New England community of Woodstock, Vermont where you will have some leisure time to explore this quintessential New England town with a unique charm. A visit to the Village of Woodstock, "The Prettiest Town in North America," is not complete without exploring Woodstock's two main streets, its charming shops, local boutiques, art galleries, great restaurants, covered bridge, and attractive Bed and Breakfast Inns. All Main Street merchants are located comfortably within walking distance. Following lunch on your own, we travel to Pittsford, Vermont to visit the New England Maple Museum where we will view a slide show that chronicles the maple sugaring process on a Vermont family farm, followed by a tasting of different grades of maple syrup. After our tour, enjoy free time browsing and shopping in the gift shop, and sample some of the assorted goodies found in the tasting room. We conclude our Vermont touring at the Blue Ledge Farm in Salisbury, Vermont. A family owned and run goat dairy and cheese-making farm producing a full line of fresh and aged award-winning cheeses! We will learn how these delicious organic cheeses are produced, and later see some of the farm's adorable goats, followed by a sampling of their different cheeses. Before returning to the hotel for a restful night's sleep, we are treated to a gourmet dinner and live cooking demo featuring a local Vermont chef. Enjoy being entertained "in the kitchen," learning cooking tips and recipes, and in the end tasting the delicious results!

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for home with fond memories of our fascinating and delightful tours of two of Canada's most exciting cities and the best of Vermont sightseeing and shopping!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner