May 17, 1642
1.78 Million
Highlights and Inclusions:
Day 1: Discover Montreal: A Journey Through Old Montreal and the Underground City
Morning:
Your group will arrive in Montreal and you’ll meet your A-Z Travels Tour Director and begin your guided walking tour of Old Montreal. Your starting point will be The Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours), established in 1771, is the Old Port of Montreal’s first pilgrimage site for sailors seeking safe voyages. Visitors can climb the spire for panoramic views of the harbor and city.
Afternoon:
After lunch, continue to Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montréal) is Canada’s first purpose-built municipal administration building. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1922. A new building, modeled after the city hall in Tours, France, was completed in 1926 with marble and gold decor, Art Deco lamps from Paris, and a heavy bronze-and-glass chandelier. The council room’s stained-glass windows depict key aspects of the city.
After a quick tour of the interior, the group will move to the Ramezay Castle (Château Ramezay). It became the Canadian headquarters for the Continental Army in 1775 and Benjamin Franklin stayed there in 1776 while seeking support for the American Revolutionary War.
Next is the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) which is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. The richly decorated interior boasts intricate woodwork, elaborate stained glass windows depicting Montreal’s history rather than biblical scenes. Across the street from the Basilica is Arms’ Square (Place d’Armes) one of Montreal’s oldest public spaces which is a popular spot for relaxation.
The group will make its way to Saint-Paul Street (Rue Saint-Paul) is Montreal’s oldest street. This winding and cobblestoned street is now a vibrant area filled with souvenir shops, art galleries, boutique hotels, rooftop terraces, cafés, and international eateries.
Conclude your walking tour at the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port de Montréal). A stroll through the Old Port is a great way to conclude your walking tour of Old Montreal.
Evening:
Enjoy a welcome dinner in this spectacular city! You’ll then make your way to Montreal’s “Underground City” for a brief walking tour and some free time. Your long day will conclude when you return to the hotel for a much-needed rest.
Day 2: Montreal’s Treasures: Art, History, and Scenic Splendor
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for a day immersed in culture. Your first venue will be The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Montreal Museum of Fine Arts), one of Canada’s premier art institutions, renowned for its diverse and extensive collection. Founded in 1860, it is located in the heart of Montreal and features an impressive range of artworks spanning over 5,000 years of history.
Afternoon:
Continue your tour to Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours), which served as Montreal’s main agricultural market for over a century. Today, it houses a mall with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and boutiques selling Canadian crafts like jewelry and hand-blown glass. The group will break here for lunch at one of the many cafes.
Have lunch on your own before departing for Centre d’exposition La Prison-des-Patriotes. Your audio tour will explain the history of the Rebellion of 1837-1838 and serve as a reminder of the 1300 Patriots who were imprisoned and, in some cases, executed.
You will continue on and visit Le Mont-Royal, a scenic hill located in the heart of Montreal that offers panoramic views from a large observation deck at the top, known as the “Belvedere”, which is a popular spot for taking in the city’s skyline and the Saint Lawrence River.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a wonderful French restaurant. Group can enjoy free time shopping in Old Montreal and then make your way back to hotel.
Day 3: Montreal’s Wonders: Explore the Big Wheel, Science Centre, and Planetarium
Morning:
After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to The Big Wheel of Montreal (La Grande Roue de Montréal), that provides stunning 360-degree views of Montreal, including the skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and, on clear days, the surrounding regions.
Afternoon:
After lunch, your educational immersion continues on as you visit Le Centre des Sciences de Montréal, renowned for its hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages. You’ll conclude your visit to the museum in the IMAX theatre that screens educational and entertaining films in high definition.
Evening:
Your group will enjoy another French styled dinner. Afterwards you will depart for the Planétarium de Montréal, where you’ll ponder questions such as: How did life appear on Earth? Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? Your Search for Life in the Universe takes you on a captivating quest through spectacular images and animation, projections, and multimedia games. Your visit will conclude with the Night Sky show.
Make your way back to the hotel for a much-deserved rest.
Day 4: Montreal’s Marvels: From Biosphere and Beyond to AURA Nights
Morning:
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll ready yourself for another day of exploration. Depart for The Biosphere, Montreal’s environmental museum, is a unique and engaging destination dedicated to promoting ecological awareness and sustainability. Delve into and explore the 5 biospheres of North America.
Afternoon:
Your group will enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own. We continue to Montreal’s famed Olympic Tower. Take a ride on the spectacular Funicular, a glass encased transport that rises up the side of the Tower to the Observatory Deck where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and the distant mountains.
After seeing the city from the Olympic Tower, amble to Rue Saint-Denis, a vibrant and historic street located in the heart of Montreal. It runs through several neighborhoods, most notably Plateau Mont-Royal, and is known for its eclectic blend of cultural, commercial, and residential areas. Enjoy free time to shop and explore.
Evening:
Enjoy a farewell dinner, and then make your way to Notre Dame Basilica for the AURA night show. This is a spectacular multimedia experience that transforms the historic church into a vibrant canvas of light and sound. This immersive show is designed to highlight the basilica’s architectural beauty while providing a captivating experience for visitors. When finished, make your way back to your hotel for the evening.
Day 5: Adieu, Montreal!
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast and then check out of the hotel. Tour the grounds of McGill University, one of Canada’s most prestigious and historic institutions, provides a comprehensive look at its beautiful campus, rich history, and vibrant academic environment.
Afternoon:
After your last lunch in Montreal, you will depart Montreal and begin your safe journey home!
