Saveur Best of Quebec Province

Itinerary

• Quebec

  Located in east-central Canada, Quebec is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level. Quebec occupies a territory nearly three times the size of France or Texas, most of which is very sparsely populated.  More than 90% of Quebec's territory lies within the Canadian Shield, a rough, rocky terrain sculpted and scraped clean of soil by successive ice ages.

• La Malbaie (Charlevoix)

  La Malbaie is a municipality in the Charlevoix region of Quebec and is situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, at the mouth of the Malbaie River.  The name La Malbaie, from the French for "bad bay", was given to this region by Champlain, when low tide left his ships high and dry in the bay.

• Montreal

  Montreal is the cultural capital of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada. For over a century and a half, Montreal was the industrial and financial centre of Canada, leaving a legacy of architecture and wealth. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest cities in North America, with an inordinate number of attractive, fashionably dressed people. Tourism is centered in Old Montreal's historic and quaint riverfront, downtown's shopping, and museums, and the Latin Quarter's restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and pubs. Summer brings a seemingly endless stream of festivals, celebrations, and musical events.

• Quebec City

  Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. The ramparts surrounding Old Quebec are the only remaining fortified city walls in the Americas north of Mexico, and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Quebec City is internationally known for its Summer Festival, Winter Carnival, and the Château Frontenac, a hotel which dominates the city skyline. The National Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Civilization are found near Vieux-Québec. Other attractions near the city are Montmorency Falls and the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

• • Montreal
  • Inside Notre Dame Montreal
  • Opus Hotel Montreal

  Day 1: Montreal

  You will be provided with a pre-departure package which will include all necessary information that you will need for your trip including materials such as vouchers, maps, train tickets (if relevant) etc.

  Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

  This afternoon, set out on a private walking tour with your own professional guide and learn about the history and architecture of the city, including many colourful anecdotes that reveal the secrets of Old Montreal, from yesterday to today. The tour will take you from Place d'Armes to Place Jacques-Cartier, including the Royal Bank, Notre-Dame Basilica, Cours Le Royer, St. Jacques, Notre-Dame and St. Paul Streets, City Hall, the Champ de Mars and the old Bonsecours Market.

  You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to your chosen restaurant for dinner tonight and your driver will pick you up again when you are ready to go back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Opus

  A stylish and contemporary hotel in the heart of Montreal city centre, this property offers all modern amenities, unique on-site dining options and is within walking distance of Old Montreal. Opus Hotel features spacious guestrooms furnished with flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access and large work desks. The hotel also offers an on-site fitness centre as well as 24-hour concierge services. While staying at the Opus Montreal, guests can enjoy creative cocktails and international dishes as the Suco Lounge. Koko restaurant is also on-site and serves contemporary Asian cuisine along with live DJ music. The pet-friendly Hotel Opus is situated a short stroll from the beautiful St. Denis Theatre and the vibrant Latin Quarter. Nearby access to public transport systems also make exploring the exciting city easy and instant.

• Day 2: Montreal

  Pull on your skirt (the rubber kind) and launch your kayak into the legendary waters of the St Lawrence. From Montréal to Anticosti and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, innumerable islands and archipelagos, verdant or rocky, invite you to discover their marine life, fauna and flora and hear the legends of the farmers, sailors and fishermen who lived there once.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Opus
• • Quebec City
  • Hotel Le Germain-Dominion

  Day 3: Montreal - Quebec City

  Sit back and relax on your private transfer between Montreal and Quebec city. Experience the authentic rural pleasures of Quebec's "Route de Vin" (Wine Route) as you make your way eastwards. As you are driven south of the city, take in the views of the pastoral rolling countryside of the Eastern Townships, where scenic villages are interspersed with lush vineyards. Sample local vintages, artisanal cheeses and local delicacies brought fresh from the farm to the table, then enjoy lunch at one of our favourite local restaurants (lunch not included) before continuing on to Quebec city.

  Accommodation: Le Germain-Dominion

  This Quebec property has a bar/lounge. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas. Business amenities at this 3.5-star property include a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms for small groups, and a technology helpdesk. Event space measures 1278 square feet. The staff can arrange tour/ticket assistance, wedding services, event catering, and business services. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, valet parking, and a concierge desk. The property may provide extended parking privileges to guests after check-out (surcharge). This is a smoke-free property.

• • Îles de la Madeleine

  Day 4: Quebec City

  A private vehicle and driver are at your disposl for half of the day today.

  Discover the greater Quebec City area and experience the joy of flying aboard a vintage open cockpit aircraft. This aircraft is an antique Stearman built in 1944 and approved by Transport Canada. Typical cruising speed is approximately 160Km/h, just enough to feel the wind in your hair.

  Immerse yourself in the culinary side of life in Quebec city as you are brought on a private guided walking tour of the city with a focus on all things food related. Enjoy a visit of Les saucisses des Iles-de-la-Madeleine, located at the Old Port Market (Marché du Vieux-Port de Québec), where you will get to sample some of the artisanal products. Then make your way to Le Chocolatier, located on St-Jean Street just outside the St-Jean Gate. Here you are invited into the exhibition hall to gaze upon the impressive collection on display before sampling some of the delights!

  Consider doing a private culinary workshop in the L'Academie Culinaire in the heart of Quebec city, or make your way to the pretty Island of Orleans, located about 30 minutes from the heart of Quebec city, where you can learn some culinary secrets during your private culinary session. Please speak to your Sale Advisor if you are interested in adding either of these workshops to your itinerary.

  Accommodation: Le Germain-Dominion
• • Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

  Day 5: Quebec City - La Malbaie (Charlevoix)

  Leave Quebec city today and make your way eastwards as you are transferred by private vehicle to La Malbaie in Charlevoix. Stop off en route at the picturesque artisanal village of Baie St Paul. Today, the artist's paradise is still known for its panoramic environment as immortalized by Clarence Gagnon, Marc-Aurèle Fortin, Jean-Paul Lemieux and Daniel Brunet. The village has a large variety of galleries and studios. Spend time meandering around town and meeting up with a local artist before sitting down to lunch (included). Then continue on your way towards la Malbaie.

  Stop off at the Mills of the l'Isle-aux-Coudres alog the way and watch the miller grind the grain of wheat and buckwheat using the methods of yesteryear. You can also get freshly ground flour or enjoy oven baked goods here. During your visit, you will have a guided tour of the premises and stop at the "Grinders science" where you can participate in educational workshop.

  The final stop on your tour today is at the Laiterie Charlevoix - one of the rare Quebec dairy enterprises that as chosen to preserve the artisanal aspect of processing cheddar cheese, always, of course, in strict compliance with current processing standards. Founded in 1948 by the present manager’s grandparents, the dairy houses an economuseum, where you can not only admire old pieces of dairy equipment, but also sample delectable products such as cheddar cheese curd, block cheese, raw milk cheese, cheese aged to perfection, ad habitant cream.

  Relax in the sumptuous surroundings of the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. If you feel like being active, there are plenty of options to choose from. For golf enthusiasts there is the always the lure of the on-site course which was nominated for Best New Canadian Courses (2006) by Golf Digest's. The on site spa includes an indoor and an otdoor pool and whirlpool, steam room and full excercise room. Hiking and skiing (in season) are also possibilities.

  Accommodation: Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (4*)

  Nestled majestically between the sea and the mountains, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Quebec Resort (4*) in Charlevoix is a vision of historical splendor. Rich in tradition, this exquisite paragon of hospitality blends the quiet charm of the countryside with the sophistication of a world-class resort. The hotel offer 405 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites that are fully equipped with modern amenities. All the hotel grounds and many guest rooms offer an unmatched view of the stunning St. Lawrence River. Discerning diners will be delighted with their three fine hotel restaurants in Charlevoix which feature a variety of unique options, both local and international. Amerispa, their health spa, helps ease stress and tension.

• • Baleine of the Tadoussac

  Day 6: La Malbaie (Charlevoix)

  Spend half of the day today onboard a zodiac to see the whales that inhabit the waters by Tadoussac. After being picked up at your hotel you will be driven by private vehicle and driver to the launch site of your boat excursion. Be amazed by the friendly and curious mammals and see them in their natural habitat on a private boat excursion. After all the excitement, you will be driven back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (4*)

• Day 7: La Malbaie (Charlevoix)

  Transfer from La Malbaie to Quebec city airport by private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Opus Hotel Montreal
  • Opus Hotel Montreal Red Room

  Opus

  A stylish and contemporary hotel in the heart of Montreal city centre, this property offers all modern amenities, unique on-site dining options and is within walking distance of Old Montreal. Opus Hotel features spacious guestrooms furnished with flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access and large work desks. The hotel also offers an on-site fitness centre as well as 24-hour concierge services. While staying at the Opus Montreal, guests can enjoy creative cocktails and international dishes as the Suco Lounge. Koko restaurant is also on-site and serves contemporary Asian cuisine along with live DJ music. The pet-friendly Hotel Opus is situated a short stroll from the beautiful St. Denis Theatre and the vibrant Latin Quarter. Nearby access to public transport systems also make exploring the exciting city easy and instant.

  • More information

• Le Germain-Dominion

  This Quebec property has a bar/lounge. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas. Business amenities at this 3.5-star property include a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms for small groups, and a technology helpdesk. Event space measures 1278 square feet. The staff can arrange tour/ticket assistance, wedding services, event catering, and business services. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, valet parking, and a concierge desk. The property may provide extended parking privileges to guests after check-out (surcharge). This is a smoke-free property.

  • More information
• • Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

  Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (4*)

  Nestled majestically between the sea and the mountains, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Quebec Resort (4*) in Charlevoix is a vision of historical splendor. Rich in tradition, this exquisite paragon of hospitality blends the quiet charm of the countryside with the sophistication of a world-class resort. The hotel offer 405 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites that are fully equipped with modern amenities. All the hotel grounds and many guest rooms offer an unmatched view of the stunning St. Lawrence River. Discerning diners will be delighted with their three fine hotel restaurants in Charlevoix which feature a variety of unique options, both local and international. Amerispa, their health spa, helps ease stress and tension.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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