Christmas in Canada
December 5 -10, 2024 | 6 Days 5 Nights Tour
Itinerary
December 5 Arrive in Montreal ~ The Great Christmas Market
Today arrive at Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and receive a warm greeting from your Universal Travel representative. Board your motorcoach and transfer to your centrally located hotel to begin your Montreal & Quebec City Christmas Markets tour! Take time to freshen up before visiting the Grand Marché de Noël ~ The Great Montreal Christmas Market. Here you’ll enjoy a magical cultural culinary journey through the Quartier des spectacles. Whether it’s sipping mulled wine or admiring beautiful Christmas decorations that get you into the festive spirit, nothing says it’s the Holiday season like a Christmas Market!
Overnight: Downtown Montreal
December 6 Montreal City tour, Train Ride to Quebec City
Following breakfast, meet your local Tour Guide for a tour of the city. Montreal is a vibrant commercial and financial metropolis, with a large francophone culture and is widely regarded as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America. Enjoy the many sites, both new and old, throughout the city, highlighting the Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Jacques Cartier Square, McGill University, and a panoramic view of the city from atop Mount Royal. From here transfer to the Montreal Central train station and board the VIA Rail Canada for a scenic and relaxing train ride to the “Paris of North America”, Quebec City. Carved into the bluffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is the provincial capital and probably the best-preserved city in North America. Upon arrival you board your motor coach and check into your hotel for an exciting three-night stay. Once settled, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel before you embark on a private walking tour, discovering the 5 different locations of the German Christmas Market through old Quebec. The Marché de Noël Allemand de Quebec ~ German Christmas Market is a magical place that comes to life in the heart of Old Québec, designed to recreate as closely as possible the atmosphere of the big European Christmas markets and to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy a wonderland with a unique and warm atmosphere, a great selection of succulent German treats (bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread, and other traditional delicacies), delicious terroir products, exquisite Christmas gifts, and pop-up performances.
Overnight: Old Town Quebec City (B,D)
December 7 City tour & Chateau Frontenac Costumed Guided Tour & German Christmas Markets
This morning, after breakfast, meet your local Tour Guide for a tour of Québec City, the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico! Discover beautiful cityscapes and see how Québec’s defenses developed under the French and English regimes. Cannons, loopholes, the Esplanade Powder Magazine, a star-shaped Citadel, Artillery Park, and fortresses are all part of this outstanding tour! Then experience Castle life on your guided tour of the iconic Chateau Frontenac hotel found on one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec City. Discover the famous characters and historical events that shaped the identity of the Fairmont Château Frontenac over the years, as well as its architectural development and rejuvenation process, undergone in recent years. Enjoy a planned luncheon at the Chateau Frontenac. The balance of the afternoon is yours to shop in Old town and visit the German Christmas Markets one more time.
Overnight: Old Town Quebec City (B,L)
December 8 Copper Museum Experience, Saint Anne de Beaupre & Montmorency Falls
Set off for a wonderful day of sightseeing along the Saint Lawrence River. On the first stop of the day, you’ll visit the Albert Gilles Copper Museum. For nearly 100 years the Gilles family have been entranced by the “art of repoussé”, masterfully interpreted by the craftsman Albert Gilles whose talent served prestigious people like pope Pius XII and Walt Disney. Here, you’ll enjoy a unique hands-on experience creating your own piece of art along with Tea, Coffee, and Canelé Cakes baked in their copper molds. Continue to the magnificent Saint Anne de Beaupre Basilica – the Shrine is the second oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Discover the shrine’s extraordinary history through its painting, stained glass, mosaics, and wooden sculpture. Mid-day, enjoy a lovely luncheon followed by a visit and views of the magnificent Montmorency Falls. Return to the city and explore some more of the 5 different areas of the Christmas Markets you may have missed! Dinner tonight is on your own.
Overnight: Old Town Quebec City (B,L)
December 9 Quebec City to Montreal & Experience the Holiday Season at a Traditional Sugar Shack!!!
Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast before checking out of your hotel and returning to Montreal. Upon arrival, you’ll check in once again at your Montreal downtown hotel. Later this afternoon, experience the holiday season at one of the most authentic and traditional Sugar Shacks in all of Canada – Sucrerie de la Montagne! Upon arrival, you’ll be shuttled by sleigh or cart pulled by horses to partake in a traditional Quebec holiday feast while enjoying live musical entertainment!
Overnight: Downtown Montreal (B,D)
December 10 Flight home
This morning, enjoy breakfast before you bid farewell and head to the Montreal International Airport for your flight home, taking many wonderful memories of your Montreal & Quebec Christmas Markets tour with you! (B)
INCLUSIONS:
- Round-trip transportation to the airport
- Round-trip airfare to Montreal
- Five-night in 4*Hotel accommodations (two in Montreal and three in Quebec City)
- Total of 5-Breakfasts, 2-Lunches, 2-Dinners
- Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Montreal and Quebec City
- One-way VIA Rail Canada ticket from Montreal to Quebec City
- Local step-on guides in Montreal and Quebec City
- Albert Giles Copper Museum, incl. hands-on experience, tea/ coffee, and Canelé Cake
- Fairmont Chateau Frontenac guided tour & lunch
- Sugar Shack experience with entertainment & dinner
- Luggage handling (one piece per person)
- Hotel taxes; meal taxes and gratuities (excludes airline baggage fees)
- All resort, service, and government fees
- Service of a full-time Universal Travel representative
- All driver and guide gratuities are included
Payments
$700.00 deposit due to confirm reservation
Final Payment due Aug 20, 2024- no penalties until Aug 26, 2024
Cancellation
50% non-refundable Aug 27, 2024
100% non-refundable Sept 7, 2024
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.