Explore the culture of Quebec and the singular charm of Montreal on the backdrop of its world-renowned annual jazz festival. Step into the world of the Québécois as you venture to the major points of interest around Montreal, stopping to immerse yourself in the culture, from learning their culinary secrets to taking in their art and history. Your experience will be enhanced by nightly live concerts by some of the biggest names in jazz. By day, visit points of interest ranging from the botanical to the archeological, giving you both a perspective on the history of Quebec and an authentic feel for this utterly unique Canadian province.
Degree of Difficulty –
Your adventure begins as you arrive your hotel in Montreal, the largest city in Québec. Its name is derived from Mount Royal, the triple peaked hill located in the center of the city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Montreal’s nearby restaurants. Your home for the next four nights is the Marriott Spring Suite Vieux Montreal, centrally located in the heart of charming and historic Old Montréal. Tonight, enjoy a three-hour evening cooking class and wine tastings with Ateliers & Saveurs (make five savory tapas and one sweet). After enjoying the fruits of your success for dinner, return to your hotel. Afterward, you’re free to explore Montreal on your own. MARRIOTT SPRING SUITE VIEUX MONTREAL.
(Welcome Dinner at Ateliers & Saveurs)
This morning discover the major historical sites in the eastern sector of Old Montréal. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and winding alleys of the historic district, revealing its rich heritage. End your morning at the Notre Dame Basilica for a guided tour that will take you in very private areas of the Basilica such as the galleries and the baptistery. The famous Gothic style basilica was built by James O’Donnell, a Protestant who became so inspired with his work that he converted to Catholicism. The exterior and interior of this house of worship are a feast for the eyes, combining classic architectural elements with luxe and colorful artwork, including the massive and ornate organ installed behind the altar, a selection of detailed wooden sculptures, glittering stained glass windows that favor scenes from Montreal’s religious history (rather than Biblical scenes) and the golden stars set in deep blue that cover the ceiling. Enjoy lunch at the Vieux-Montréal Steakhouse and in the afternoon visit the Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex. This archaeological tour will take you on a historical journey from the 14th century to present day. Tonight, enjoy your first concert at Montreal’s Jazz Festival. MARRIOTT SPRING SUITE VIEUX MONTREAL.
(B,L)
Enjoy the collections and exhibitions of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts with a private tour guide. It now numbers over 41,000 works from Antiquity to today, making it unique in Canada. It comprises paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs and decorative art objects displayed in four pavilions. Lunch is on your own before an afternoon visit to the Biodôme de Montreal, an oasis in the heart of the city, which recreates some of the most beautiful ecosystems of the Americas (the Tropical Rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Labrador Coast & SubAntarctic Islands). Continue with your visit to the Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique de Montreal) with a private tour guide. One of the city’s jewels, it is recognized as one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens. Its rich collection of more than 22,000 plant species and cultivars, its ten exhibition greenhouses, tree house, and some 30 thematic gardens make the venue exceptional. Walk through the various themed gardens, like the Chinese Garden inspired by the gardens of the Ming Dynasty or the traditional Japanese garden which pays homage to Japanese culture and art and includes a tea room, outdoor bonsai garden, a Zen garden, and a number of fascinating hedge sculptures and exhibits. Tonight, attend another Jazz Music Festival concert. MARRIOTT SPRING SUITE VIEUX MONTREAL.
(B)
Start your day with a step-on-guided tour of Montreal “Public Art and Architecture” in a bus, which highlights the French, British, and North American influences. This city tour covers the most prominent buildings and works of public art in Montreal, which includes some truly eye popping sculpture in public areas. The tour terminates at the Jean-Talon market – where you will have ample time to explore one of the largest public markets in North America. Located in the heart of Little Italy and opened in May of 1933, making it one of the oldest public markets in Montreal, this market is known for the many local fruit and vegetable vendors that come together to sell fresh foods. From fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and oils to cheeses, meats, and even artisanal bakery goods, this market has everything a gastronomical shopping spree could ask for. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to navigate through the history of Montreal’s Old Port in an intimate and special boat with electric pollution free propulsion system. Founded in 1642 by Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, Montreal’s old port is declared a historic district, where French fur traders once plied their trade and the distinct Montreal Clock tower stands, welcoming six million visitors annually. The history of this beautiful city is simply amazing. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Gibby’s and bid farewell to this amazing adventure. MARRIOT SPRING SUITE VIEUX MONTREAL.
(B, D)
After breakfast, you’re free to proceed to the Montreal airport for your flight home.
(B)
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
NOTE: The Montreal Jazz Festival is only in June. This program can be offered year-round. We can substitute other performing arts and events based on the time of the visit, and the individual interest
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- All meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Services of an experienced Canadian driver.
- Local step-on guides for the tours indicated in itinerary.
- Transportation in air-conditioned private bus.
- Included activities:
a. Private cooking class at Ateliers & Saveurs including wine tasting.
b. Private guided walking tour of old Montreal -90 minutes.
c. Private tour of Notre Dame Basilica – 60 minutes (10 travelers minimum).
d. Private guided architectural bus tour -2 hours.e. Fine Arts Museum, collections & exhibitions – private tour-1 hour.
f. Private guided Old Port Boat Tour, including one drink – approximately 2 hours. - All applicable hotel taxes.
- All entry fees as specified per the itinerary.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
“I feel like family in Québec and Montréal, and by the way, Montréal is my
favourite city in the world! It’s the only place that combines all the good things
about Europe and America, with none of the bad!”
–Holly Cole, Jazz Singer
July and August is warm and often humid during the day – can reach the 80s, although nights by the water or at higher altitudes are cooler. June and September ar e more comfortable or fresh during the day and sometimes cold at night. September is the best month for the foliage. Montreal can be visited any time of the year, but the Jazz Festival is offered only in late June.
