EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

OVERVIEW

Experience the splendor of French Canada’s countryside as you drive into the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains to the renowned Lake Beauport area. Surrounded by emerald forests, enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and mountain scenery. Enjoy a sweet maple taffy tasting at a local sugarshack. Continuing toward the Beaupre Coast, a stop will be made at the magnificent Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot (83 meter) cliff, Montmorency is one-and-a-half times as high as Niagara Falls. Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d’Orléans where you’ll take a scenic drive through the picturesque villages of traditional rural Quebec. Passing the tip of the island, see the lovely 19th century resort homes of Quebec’s rich merchant class with spectacular views of the skyline of the city.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Journey into the foothills surrounded by lush emerald forests.
• Enjoy a sweet treat at the Sugarshack
• Cross the bridge to this historic island for a step back in time.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

Before making your way to the airport why not discover the European charm and character of the first French City in North America as you explore the city sites and learn the fascinating history of Quebec’s legacy. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is Chateau Frontenac, the best-known landmark in Quebec. Located just outside the chateau is the romantic boardwalk known as Dufferin Terrace from where you’ll have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile D’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Passing through the St. Louis Gate, next explore the National Battlefields Park, with a short photo stop at Cap Diamant. Continue on past the trendy Grand Allee, the Champs-Elysees of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafes and boutiques. Next, pass the Hotel du Parliament, an imposing Second Empire-style building. Before making your way to the Quebec Airport a stop will be made at the Montmorency Falls where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views and see the powerful forces of natures as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the rich history and character of North America’s first French city.
• Quebec’s most famous landmark perched atop a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
• Romantic boardwalk with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River, Ile D’Orleans, and Laurentian Mountains.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

Your excursion begins at the pier in Quebec City where you’ll board your coach for a comfortable 3-hour ride to the quaint island city of Montreal. Upon your arrival in the Old Town you can set off to explore this historical district on your own. There are certain attractions here that you won’t want to miss. Place d'Armes, the heart of the city offers a striking historical panorama. Here all the periods of Montreal's past are gathered in one place, around a monument dedicated to the city's founders. This section features the oldest standing building in Montreal, the huge church of the city's mother parish, the head office of the country's oldest bank and the city's first skyscraper. At the inviting Place Jacques-Cartier you’ll discover an appealing spot for people-watching, shopping and relaxing in the sun. Right up until the 1950s, the Bonsecours Market, the city’s central marketplace, was open two days a week. Even today, the flower vendors and the artists' easels are discreet reminders of this earlier role. Montréal's oldest street, Rue Saint Paul has regained its former vibrancy and Rue St. Jacques reveal’s Montréal's version of Wall Street. For the piece de resistance, however, be sure to leave plenty of time to fully explore the Notre Dame Basilica, one of North America's largest and most historic cathedrals. Everything about this church is bigger-than-life. We highly recommend you step inside the Basilica! Completing your self-guided walking tour of the enchanting Old Town, you’ll board your transportation and continue your drive to Montreal Trudeau Airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wander through the historic district filled with iconic landmarks and vibrant streets.
• See the historic marketplace, now home to artists and flower vendors.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

If you’re interested in religious history, or just in the mood for a scenic leisurely drive along the St. Lawrence River, you won’t want to miss this trip to the world-renowned shrine of Ste. Anne de Beaupre. With over one-and-a-half million visitors and pilgrims making their way to the shrine each year, Ste. Anne has become one of the most important Catholic sites in North America. After a narration by your guide en route, you’ll be able to independently enjoy the lovely grounds and major sites of Ste. Anne de Beaupre. Built in medieval style, the most prominent structure is the Basilica. The impressive cross-shaped building is covered with granite and lit by over 200 stained glass windows.

The Scala Santa, built in 1891, contains a replica of the Holy Stairs which Christ climbed before being sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate. The Memorial Chapel was built to commemorate the third church constructed on the site. Departing Ste. Anne, a stop will be made at the spectacular Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot (83 meter) cliff, Montmorency is one-and-a-half times as high as Niagara Falls. At the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum, be seduced by the art form of repousse, masterfully interpreted by the craftsman Albert Gilles whose talent served prestigious people like Pope Pius XII and Walt Disney. Also admire the 'Life of Christ' in 50 hand-wrought silver panels (15 years of labor). His work can be found in Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica as well as in many churches throughout the north.

Experience the splendor of French Canada's countryside as you drive into the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains to the renowned Lake Beauport area. Surrounded by emerald forests, a photo stop will be made to view the beauty of the lake and mountain scenery. Continuing toward the Beaupre Coast a stop will be made at the magnificent Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot (83 meter) cliff, Montmorency is one-and-a-half times as high as Niagara Falls. Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d'Orleans where you'll enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque villages of traditional rural Quebec. Passing the tip of the island, see the lovely 19th-century resort homes of Quebec's rich merchant class with spectacular views of the skyline of the city. The Quebec area is well-known for its production of maple syrup therefore, during the tour you'll have the opportunity to visit an authentic sugar shack, learn about the production of the maple products and sample the sweet maple taffy.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Quebec, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Quebec, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Civilization Museum
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Saint Lawrence River
• Louis XIV statue
• Place Royale square

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Quebec.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of the Saint Lawrence River while riding a funicular.
• Pose at the Place Royale, where the city was founded in 1608.
• Stand before the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the oldest church in Canada.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Welcome to New France! Discover the European charm and character of the first French City in North America as you explore the city sites and learn the fascinating history of Quebec's 400-year legacy. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is the Chateau Frontenac, the best-known landmark in Quebec. Located just outside the Chateau is the romantic boardwalk known as Dufferin Terrace from where you'll have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Passing through the St. Louis Gate, you'll next explore the National Battlefields Park, with a short photo stop at Cap Diamant. Continuing past trendy Grand Allee, the Champs-Elysees of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafes and boutiques, you'll pass the Hotel du Parliament, an imposing Second Empire-style building.

On this tour you'll experience the best of both the city of Quebec and the surrounding countryside. Perched high above the St. Lawrence River, your tour will include a stop at Dufferin Terrace and Chateau Frontenac, where you'll have an opportunity to independently visit the surroundings of the Chateau Frontenac and take in the spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains from Dufferin Terrace. Passing through the St. Louis Gate, you will explore the National Battlefields Park, site of the historic battle where the French surrendered to the British in 1759. A photo stop will be made at Cap Diamant before continuing to the heart of the lower town and the beautifully restored market square, Place Royale.

Within minutes of the Old Walled City of Quebec are the beautiful pastoral landscapes of the Island of Orleans and Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot cliff, Montmorency Falls is one-and-a-half times as high as Niagara Falls. Take a step back in time as you cross the bridge to the Ile d'Orleans, where you will enjoy a scenic drive passing the tip of the Island and the lovely 19th-century resort homes of Quebec's rich merchant class with spectacular views of the skyline of Quebec. Located along the infamous Beaupre Coast, your journey takes you along the Chemin de Roy (King's Road) to the world-renowned shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre. With over one-and-a-half million visitors and pilgrims making their way to the shrine each year, St. Anne has become one of the most important Catholic sites in North America. You'll enjoy lunch at a beautiful setting in the countryside of Quebec.

Best explored on foot, your experienced guide will make the history of Quebec come alive as you walk the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town. In the heart of the Lower Town, and site of the first settlement of Quebec, is Place Royale. The typical stone buildings surrounding this historic square were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Along its narrow cobblestone streets you'll find an array of quaint boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor cafes as well as strolling musicians, jugglers and street performers. From Lower Town to Upper Town, enjoy a short funicular ride to reach the Chateau Frontenac area. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the castle-like Chateau is the most well-known landmark in Quebec. It was here that Roosevelt, Churchill and Mackenzie King met to discuss their strategy during WW II. In front of the Chateau lies the romantic boardwalk of Dufferin Terrace. From here, enjoy a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Continuing through the walled city, pass Place d'Armes, the Seminary of Quebec and the Ursuline Convent before returning to your ship.

Discover the European charm and character of the first French City in North America as you explore the city sites and learn the fascinating history of Quebec’s legacy. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is Chateau Frontenac, the best-known landmark in Quebec. Located just outside the chateau is the romantic boardwalk known as Dufferin Terrace from where you’ll have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains.

Passing through the St. Louis Gate, next explore the National Battlefields Park, with a short photo stop at Cap Diamant. Continue on past the trendy Grand Allee, the Champs-Elysees of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafes and boutiques. Next, pass the Hotel du Parliament, an imposing Second Empire-style building. Within minutes of the walled city of Old Quebec are the beautiful pastoral landscapes of Quebec’s countryside. A photo stop will be made at the Montmorency Falls where you'll enjoy the breathtaking views and see the powerful forces of natures as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.

As skies begin to darken, your costumed tour guide strikes a match and lights his lantern. You wait in anticipation, for you know you'll be walking through Old Quebec to hear over 300 years of murders, executions, mysterious ghost sightings, tragedies and hauntings. The cobblestone streets and ancient buildings set the stage for a truly unique experience.

Experience the splendor of French Canada's Beaupre Coast as this tour takes you along the St. Lawrence Waterway to the natural wonder known as Canyon Sainte Anne. An impressive waterfall, three suspension bridges and various lookout platforms with interpretive displays provide for spectacular views.

You’ll visit a local vineyard to discover vandal-Cliche, a typical Quebecois variety of grape adapted for the climate here. Learn about their cultivation and production methods, then sample the wine. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Montmorency Falls and see the powerful forces of nature as the water rushes down to the St. Lawrence River.