Montréal & Quebec City in Style

Bienvenue à Montréal! Try to arrive in the early afternoon so you don't miss a moment of the great adventure that awaits. Grab a 20-minute taxi/Uber ride from the airport to the historic Hotel William Gray in Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal). Overlooking Place Jacques Cartier, the hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants, and is steps from some of Montreal's most cherished attractions, including the Old Port and the Notre-Dame Basilica.

We'll meet at 4:30 pm for a champagne toast on the rooftop terrace. Enjoy the stunning views of the St. Lawrence River before we head to The Aura Experience, a spellbinding fusion of light and music that brings Montréal's Notre-Dame Basilica to life. 

We'll enjoy dinner together at Mondavie Wine Bar, a stylish venue that offers an elegant atmosphere and a curated selection of fine wines paired with contemporary cuisine.

Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Then, we're off to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal for a private tour with our guide Barbara Tekker Brzezinski, who will regale us with the stories hidden behind the collections. 

After our cultural infusion, we'll brunch at Bar George, a delightful brasserie reminiscent of one in Paris. 

In the afternoon, we'll set out on a guided walking tour of Old Montreal, exploring its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Let's cap off this perfect day with a private cooking demonstration and dinner at Appetite Books with Jonathan — an intimate and interactive culinary experience that beautifully celebrates Montréal’s rich food culture.

We’ll start the morning with a light breakfast at the hotel—keep it easy, as a brunch cruise awaits. Later, we’ll board a boat for a leisurely brunch cruise along the St. Lawrence River, soaking in spectacular views of Montreal’s skyline and nearby islands while enjoying a delicious meal on the water.

After disembarking, our adventure continues with a scenic three-hour driving tour of Montreal. We’ll explore vibrant neighborhoods like Westmount and Outremont, visit the lively Jean Talon Market to experience its bustling atmosphere, and make stops at Café Olympico, as well as at the Belvedere and the second lookout on Mount Royal for breathtaking panoramic views. We’ll also pause at Beaver Lake to take in the natural beauty.

Returning to the hotel to freshen up, we’ll then gather in the lobby and enjoy a short walk to dinner at Garde Manger, a beloved spot near the hotel known for its inspired cuisine and inviting ambiance.

For those interested in an extra evening outing, an optional drag show, Mado, offers a lively and unforgettable experience to cap off the night.

Au revoir Montreal! — Hello Quebec City! We’ll start the day with a transfer to the train station and settle in for a comfortable ride, enjoying breakfast on board as the beautiful scenery rolls by.

Once we arrive, we’ll drop our bags at the hotel before heading out for lunch at Bistro Le Sam, a cozy spot known for its delicious and inviting dishes.

After lunch, we’ll take a leisurely walking tour through Old Quebec, soaking up the history, charm, and stunning architecture that make this part of the city so special.

When the tour wraps up, we’ll return to the hotel to relax and get settled before checking into the iconic Château Frontenac, where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the views.

As evening falls, we’ll stroll to Rioux & Pettigrew for dinner, savoring creative plates made with local ingredients. 

We’ll begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off to visit the breathtaking Montmorency Falls. This stunning natural wonder, taller than Niagara Falls, offers spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities. 

After taking in the beauty of the falls, we’ll transfer to the historic Plains of Abraham for a guided tour. Here, amidst the wide-open green spaces steeped in history, we’ll stop for coffee and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Following the tour, lunch awaits at Restaurant Le Parlementaire, a charming and elegant spot where you can savor refined Quebecois cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. 

After lunch, we’ll head to the National Assembly of Quebec for a fascinating tour of this important political and historical site. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, with dinner on your own to explore Quebec’s many dining options.

We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the serene Storm Nordic Spa. Make sure to bring your bathing suits, a water bottle to stay hydrated, flip-flops for comfort, and perhaps a good book to enjoy during quiet moments.

Once at the spa, immerse yourself in one of the many luxurious treatments designed to refresh your body and mind. Take full advantage of the thermal experience, moving through the warm baths, steam rooms, and relaxing lounges that create a perfect balance of tranquility and invigoration.

Midday, a delightful lunch will be served at the spa, offering nourishing dishes that complement the restorative environment.

In the afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel, where you’ll have some free time to explore nearby shops or rest and unwind in your room, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

As the evening approaches, we’ll take a gentle walk to one of the city’s finest dining establishments, St Amour. Here, we’ll enjoy a remarkable farewell dinner in an elegant setting, savoring exquisite dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients to mark the perfect end to our day.

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments shared and the friendships formed along the way.

For those continuing on the Charlevoix and Baie-Saint-Paul extension, we’ll depart after breakfast and begin our scenic drive through the countryside. For those heading home, taxis or private transfers can be arranged for the short drive to Québec City Airport.

After breakfast, we’ll depart Québec City and enjoy a beautiful drive along the St. Lawrence River toward Tadoussac. Upon arrival, the group will stop for a quick and delicious lunch at Café Bohème, a charming and highly rated café conveniently located near the AML Whale Watching Cruise departure point. After lunch, we’ll make our way to the river to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon whale-watching cruise on the St. Lawrence.

Following the cruise, we’ll continue on to the elegant Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix, where you’ll check in and settle into your rooms. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Le Bercail, a warm and inviting spot known for its seasonal, locally inspired cuisine—perfect after a full day of travel and adventure.

Begin your morning with a guided walking and tasting tour through the charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul, located in the heart of the Charlevoix region. As you stroll along its vibrant streets, you’ll enjoy a variety of curated local flavors, sampling artisanal products and regional specialties that highlight the area’s rich culinary heritage. This relaxed and enjoyable experience offers the perfect blend of culture, craftsmanship, and taste, giving you a delicious introduction to the spirit of Charlevoix.

Later, we’ll enjoy a casual lunch at Joe’s Smoked Meat, a local favorite where you can sample Québec’s famously seasoned smoked meat, similar to pastrami and beloved throughout the province. After lunch, we’ll continue wandering through the charming shops before stopping at the Cidrerie des Vergers Pedneault boutique to taste their signature alcoholic ciders and apple-based specialties.

From there, we’ll return to the hotel to relax and unwind. In the evening, we’ll regroup for a beautiful dinner at Le Mouton Noir, one of Baie-Saint-Paul’s most loved farm-to-table restaurants, known for its seasonal cuisine and warm atmosphere.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at your leisure. Mid-morning, we will make our way to the Nordic Spa Le Germain for a peaceful few hours of thermal baths, saunas, and one included spa treatment per person—an ideal opportunity to fully unwind and enjoy a restorative experience in the heart of Charlevoix.

After your spa session, the rest of the early afternoon is yours to enjoy. Lunch will be at your leisure, offering flexibility depending on the timing of individual treatments. You may choose to explore Baie-Saint-Paul, relax with a coffee, browse local boutiques, or simply enjoy some quiet time back at the hotel.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm and intimate farewell dinner at Buvette Gentille, a cozy neighborhood bistro known for its delicious small plates and relaxed ambiance—an ideal way to celebrate our final night together.

Wake up and enjoy one last peaceful breakfast before departing Charlevoix. Together we will then travel back to Québec City for our flights home. As we begin our journey back, we’ll bid farewell to an amazing nature-filled experience complete with beautiful moments and lasting memories. 

Our ride back to the Quebec City Airport is just under 1.5 hours. Please note on this trip you’ll be flying into Montreal but returning from Quebec City. Be sure to book a late afternoon or evening flight home as we won’t be at the airport until 12 noon.