Montreal, Quebec City & Vermont 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach through the lush green landscapes of central and upstate New York en route to Montreal, Canada. Upon arrival in Plattsburgh, New York, we check into our hotel for the evening. Enjoy your leisure time, with dinner on your own at a restaurant conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast please have your PASSPORTS ready as we cross the border into Canada. Once across, we continue on to Montreal, the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. Upon arrival, we meet our step-on guide for a sightseeing tour featuring both historic and modern highlights, including admission to Montreal's famous Notre Dame Basilica, a magnificent church inspired by the renowned cathedral in France and noted for its ornate altars and statues. Following the tour, enjoy leisure time in Place Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port, where you will have time for shopping and lunch on your own. Later, we depart for Quebec City, known for its European charm, French cuisine, language, and fashion. Upon arrival, we check into the Hotel Chateau Laurier, located just outside the Old City walls, for a three-night stay. This evening, dinner and entertainment are enjoyed at a quaint French restaurant in Old Quebec. After dinner, we return to our hotel for a restful night's sleep.

Day 3

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide and depart for a full day of sightseeing in Quebec City. Experience the beauty, history, and charm of both Old and New Quebec as we view such notable landmarks as Place d'Armes, the Parliament Building, and the Plains of Abraham. Enjoy a walking tour of Place Royale, the historic site of Quebec's original settlement, and discover the fascinating history and European character of this remarkable city. Following our sightseeing tour, a delicious luncheon awaits at the magnificent Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of Quebec City's most iconic landmarks. This afternoon, continue to the revered Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, one of Quebec's most treasured religious and architectural landmarks. This magnificent basilica has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for centuries and is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate mosaics, and impressive works of art. Take time to explore this sacred and peaceful sanctuary and admire the many details that make the basilica such a memorable destination. We conclude our touring day with a scenic drive around Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans), a picturesque island located just outside Quebec City in the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy the beautiful countryside as we travel through charming villages and past rolling farmland, historic homes, stone buildings, and spectacular views of the river and surrounding Laurentian Mountains. Later, we return to our hotel where you can relax and enjoy dinner on your own at your leisure in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 4

After breakfast enjoy a free day in Quebec City to explore this beautiful and historic city at your own pace. Stroll through the charming streets of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, browse the unique shops and boutiques, visit local attractions, or simply relax at a sidewalk café and soak in the European atmosphere. With the day at leisure, you are free to choose how you spend your time and discover the many treasures of Quebec City on your own. Lunch and dinner are on your own today, giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and enjoy the city your way.

Day 5

After breakfast we bid farewell to our host Canadian cities and depart for the United States. Please have your PASSPORTS ready for the border crossing. Once back in the U.S., sit back and enjoy a scenic drive south to Quechee, Vermont. Upon arrival, we visit Quechee Gorge Village, a charming destination that captures the true spirit of Vermont. This delightful collection of shops and attractions offers something for every interest and budget, featuring locally made specialty foods, handcrafted jewelry, home décor, clothing, and a wide variety of antique and collectible treasures. Originally established in 1985 as a Woodsman Museum, Country Store, and Antique Mall, the village has grown into a vibrant shopping and dining experience. Highlights include the Vermont Toy & Train Museum, Cabot Cheese Store, local artisans, live alpacas, and seasonal attractions. We then stop for photos at Quechee Gorge, often referred to as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon," where you can take in the area's natural beauty. Later, we continue to Rutland, Vermont, where we check into the Hampton Inn for a two-night stay. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional flavors.

Day 6

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide and depart for a full day of Vermont sightseeing. Our first stop is Green Mountain Sugarhouse in Ludlow, Vermont, where we visit a family-owned sugarhouse and learn how maple syrup is made. Enjoy sampling different grades of syrup, try a maple creemee, and browse the store featuring a wide variety of Vermont-made items and gifts. Next, we travel to Plymouth Notch, Vermont to visit the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, the birthplace and boyhood home of President Calvin Coolidge. Here, you will enjoy a self-guided tour where President Coolidge is brought to life through interactive exhibits, photographs, newsreels, personal correspondence, political cartoons, and the renowned work of Jim Cooke, a re-enactor acclaimed for his portrayal of President Coolidge. The historic site includes the President's birthplace, homestead, one-room schoolhouse, general store, carriage barn, and historical museum. We then continue to the picturesque New England village of Woodstock, Vermont, where you will have leisure time to explore this quintessential town filled with charm and character. Stroll along Woodstock's two main streets lined with charming shops, local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, a covered bridge, and attractive Bed and Breakfast Inns - all conveniently located within walking distance. Lunch will be on your own while in Woodstock. This afternoon, we travel to Mendon, Vermont to visit Mendon Mountain Orchards. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the orchards, followed by free time to browse the farm store, which offers a wide selection of Vermont products year-round. We conclude our Vermont touring at Blue Ledge Farm in Salisbury, Vermont, a family-owned goat dairy and cheese-making farm known for its award-winning cheeses. During our visit, we learn how their organic cheeses are produced, meet some of the farm's goats, and enjoy a sampling of their delicious cheeses. Before returning to the hotel for a restful night, we are treated to a gourmet dinner and live cooking demonstration featuring a local Vermont chef. Enjoy being entertained "in the kitchen" while learning cooking tips and recipes - and, of course, tasting the delicious results.

Day 7

After breakfast we depart for home, taking with us fond memories of our fascinating and delightful journey through two of Canada's most exciting cities, along with the best of Vermont's sightseeing and shopping.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner