Day 1 Montreal to Eastern Townships | 138 km/86 mi
Today travel east to North Hatley in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec. Stops can be made along the way at the small chocolate museum in Bromont, and L’Orpailleur Winery in Dunham, approximately 30 km south of Bromont. Be sure to stop at Sherbrooke - the principal city of the townships. The Musee des Beaux Arts (admission not included) exhibits a fine collection of Quebec Art, focusing on the Eastern Townships. If time permits, stop in the town of Magog and enjoy one of the scenic cruises which afford splendid views of the snow-capped peaks around the lake. (Dinner is included today)
Day 2 Eastern Townships | Exploring
While visiting the Eastern Townships region, don’t miss a visit to the Abbey of St. Benoît du Lac, Magog, North Hatley, Coaticook with its canyon, park & suspension bridge and the Beaulne Museum where you can admire costumes and textiles, fine arts and decorative arts, as well as local heritage. (Breakfast & dinner are included today)
Day 3 Eastern Townships to Quebec City | 251 km/156 mi
Today drive north through the Eastern Townships to Quebec City - the historical and political capital of la Belle Province. Experience the old world charm of Vieux Quebec with its cobblestone streets, fortified city wall (one of a kind in North America), and seventeenth century architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is complemented by artisan shops, Parisian cafes, landscaped parks, and numerous monuments. Take a stroll on the Plains of Abraham and visit the historic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. (Breakfast is included today)
Day 4 Quebec City | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions.
Option 1. Rendezvous with History Quebec City Tour
This is your chance to visit history firsthand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, world famous Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Quebec City are the perfect introduction to the city.
Option 2. A Fabulous Country Tour
Travel back in time to rural Quebec along the Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Here you will be given time to see the world-famous Shrine and Montmorency Falls before visiting the Island of Orléans. Discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, the picturesque village of Sainte-Pétronille has a 19th century rural atmosphere waiting to be rediscovered.
Option 3. Foodie Walking Tour of Quebec City
Throughout the years, the food of Quebec has been influenced by Amerindian, British and French cuisines. Treat yourself to a behind-the-scenes experience of Quebec City, discovering its gastronomy and culinary history by taking part in five exclusive tasting presentations.
Day 5 Quebec City to St. Alexis des Monts | 191 km/119 mi
Leave Quebec City and travel west along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, passing fertile farmland, wooded countryside and historic French Canadian communities. Continue to Trois-Rivières, one of Quebec’s oldest cities, set where the Saint-Maurice River meets the St. Lawrence. You may wish to pause here to explore the historic district or enjoy views of the riverfront.
Continue through the rural landscapes surrounding Louiseville before turning inland toward the Mauricie region. The scenery gradually changes as farmland gives way to rolling hills, quiet lakes and dense forest. Arrive in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, a peaceful community bordering the vast Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in this beautiful wilderness setting or enjoying the outdoor activities available in the surrounding forests and lakes. (Dinner is included today.)
Day 6 Auberge Lac a l’eau Claire | Exploring
Spend the day relaxing by the lake, walk the many trails whilst observing the flora and fauna, or relax and enjoy the fine gourmet menu, featuring regional specialties. (Breakfast & dinner are included today)
Day 7 St. Alexis des Monts to Montreal | 139 km/87 mi
Leaving St. Alexis des Monts, you will return south to the cosmopolitan city of Montreal. Your tour ends today upon returning your rental car. (Breakfast is included today)
