Compare Charms of Charlevoix: Québec Self-Drive by Audley Travel vs Best of Eastern Canada & USA 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 11 days | 16 days |
Price From | $ 2,894 | $ 5,750 |
Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 359 |
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Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Bear watching in coastal rainforests, glacier-strewn mountains, chasing the northern lights… On a tailor-made holiday to Canada with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Canada specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
See the top destinations in two countries on this 16-Day guided tour of Canada and the U.S. Stroll the urban-but-regal Queen's Park in downtown Toronto, then get up-close to the world’s most infamous waterfall, Niagara Falls. Wander the grand mansions of Montreal and step inside the Notre-Dame Basilica — a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring a gold and azure-hued sanctuary — with a Local Expert. In Maine, dine on decadent, authentic local lobster caught fresh from a nearby harbor. Walk with a guide along the Freedom Trail in Boston, a 2.5-mile trail with 16 historically significant sites, including the house where the Boston Tea Party was planned in 1773. In Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell, rung throughout history to announce some of the country’s most historical moments, such as the death of George Washington. |
Day 1 : Québec City
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Québec City. On arrival in Québec City make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.
Day 2 : Québec City
Begin your day with a small group guided walking tour of Québec City's highlights, including its walled Old Town, Citadel and Place Royale. You'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the city's winding cobbled streets and scenic viewpoints.
Day 3 : Québec City
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Québec City; we recommend taking a scenic cruise along the St Lawrence River, learning more about Québec's history at the Plains of Abraham, or visiting the impressive Musée national des beaux-arts.
Day 4 : Baie St Paul
Make your own way to Québec City airport, where your hire car will be ready and waiting for you. Your car hire package includes all insurances and a GPS navigation system.Departing the city, pass the mighty Montmorency Falls as you follow the ever widening St. Lawrence River towards welcoming Baie St Paul, in the heart of Québec's picturesque Charlevoix region. You may wish to stop and admire the magnificent Basilica at Ste. Anne de Beaupré en route.
Day 5 : Baie St Paul
Enjoy the day exploring the delightful town of Baie St Paul, or drive out to the nearby Parc National des Hautes Gorges de la Riviere Malbaie.
Day 6 : Tadoussac
Travel from Baie St Paul northwards to Baie Sainte Catherine, where you take the short ferry crossing the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord to Tadoussac.
Day 7 : Tadoussac
Join a thrilling 2 and a half hour whale watching trip in the St. Lawrence River - this is one of the best places in Canada to observe humpback, minke, beluga and blue whales. Watch and listen as these magnificent mammals spout water and breech the surface.
Day 8 : Chambord
Leaving the mighty St. Lawrence River behind, travel inland following the beautiful Saguenay Fjord. You may wish to visit the Site de la Nouvelle France, the place where Samuel de Champlain first landed in 1509. Your destination is Chambord, a little village that lies on the shores of Lac Saint Jean.
Day 9 : Chambord
The claim to fame of this little village is the reconstruction of the 1920s village of Val Jalbert. Here you can wander around the reconstructed houses, village shops, church and school and learn about the former inhabitants and the lives they led here. You may also wish to drive along the shore of Lac Saint Jean to visit the highly reputed zoo at Saint Felicien.
Day 10 : International return flight
Today, drive through the large expanse of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, keeping a look out for moose, black bears and white tailed deer. This route takes you past the beautiful Jacques Cartier National Park which is a great place to break your journey back to Québec City. Drop off your hire car at the airport prior to boarding your onward flight.
Day 11 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Thrilling Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, a vibrant city on Lake Ontario, full of fine restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of cultures. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, a transfer will take you to your hotel. You’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with wine at 18:00.
Day 2: Toronto and the Thundering Falls of Niagara Relaxed Start
Travel up University Avenue to see Queen's Park and the Parliament Buildings, before venturing on to spectacular Niagara Falls. Take in this great natural wonder up-close on a cruise to the base of the falls. Browse quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto.
Day 3: Kingston and Ottawa
Journey to historic Kingston, otherwise known as the Limestone City and view the old buildings, churches and fortifications, with many of them being constructed from limestone itself. Continue to the Canadian capital of Ottawa where you’ll join a Make Travel Matter® experience with the culinary experts of C’est Bon at the Just Food community farm. You’ll learn new culinary skills and discover more about local cuisine. Ingredients include Canadian staples such as maple sugar, haskaps, labrador tea and wild flowers. End the experience with a delicious three-course dinner with wine, before heading back to your hotel.
Day 4: Canada's Capital to Montreal
Get ready for an exciting morning exploring Ottawa, with a tour of the city’s stately boulevards. Then, you'll join your Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors and experience a lively traditional Pow Wow dance. Join this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn about the Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot Project which aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans. Continue to the diverse metropolis of Montreal, which is in the French-speaking province of Quebec.
Day 5: Montreal, the Royal Mountain
Today you’ll join a Local Expert who will guide you around Old Montreal, the grand mansions of Mount Royal, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you please.
Day 6: Montmorency Falls Park to Quebec City Relaxed Start
Depart Montreal and head to Montmorency Falls today.Stop at a traditional Sugar Shack and learn how maple syrup is created and harvested.After lunch, continue onwards to Montmorency Falls Park where you will experience that natural wonder that towers 272 feet (83 metres) tall. Walk the full width of the falls on a suspension bridge, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the panoramic staircase down along the cliffside.Continue on to Quebec City.
Day 7: Quintessential Quebec Relaxed Start
Discover more of Quebec’s unique European charm with a Local Expert, who will guide you along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. You'll see the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, City Hall and Palace Royale. You'll also walk past the Citadel, which offers great view of the city and Château Frontenac. In the evening you’ll choose from a selection of top local restaurants on a Dine-Around Evening.
Day 8: Quebec to Bar Harbor
Bid 'Au Revoir' to Quebec City as you cross the U.S. border and travel toward Mount Desert Island on the Atlantic Coast. A tranquil getaway, this large island comes with freshwater lakes, rugged clifftops, forests and striking mountains. Make the most of the serene setting at your hotel, which is situated on the island itself.
Day 9: Explore Acadia National Park
Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well-known spots such as Thunder Hole. You'll have time to explore Bar Harbor on your own. Stop for an ice cream or head to the bustling souvenir stores to stock up on some holiday treats. The evening is saved for a delectable Highlight Dinner with your new friends, as you feast on authentic Maine lobster, a local specialty and one that won't disappoint.
Day 10: Coastal New England to Boston
Follow the rocky Maine shoreline, stopping in picturesque Kennebunkport, a glitzy, New England resort town and the iconic home of the Bush family. The town has a number of fine, well-preserved mansions, many of which have been turned into charming inns.
Day 11: Boston, the Cradle of Liberty
Famous for its American Revolutionary war history, Boston is a place for keen history buffs. Join your Travel Director as they guide you along the Freedom Trail, a route that leads you to several historically significant sites, including the Old State House and the meeting house where the Boston Tea Party of 1773 was planned. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For foodies in search of the city's best street eats, head to Boston's North End. With its large Italian community, this part of town houses some of the best Italian bakeries in the city, as lines of shoppers circle the block to get their hands on fresh cannoli and other treats.
Day 12: A Bite of the Big Apple
Follow the bright lights to New York City. Choose to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck with stunning views of the New York skyline. Alternatively, take a scenic bike tour of Central Park and explore its iconic sights.Your hotel is in the heart of Midtown and a short, 10-minute walk from the United Nations Headquarters and just steps away from Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.
Day 13: A Manhattan Masterpiece Relaxed Start
Explore the City that Never Sleeps with your Local Expert, before heading out on your own. If it's tranquillity you're after, relish the calm of Central Park, an expansive space designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Day 14: Liberty in Philadelphia and D.C.
Travel to Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell first chimed and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Explore Independence National Historic Park and visit the Liberty Bell with your Travel Director. Journey to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional Illuminations Tour in the evening before spending the night at the luxurious Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown.
Day 15: Washington, D.C. Sightseeing and Leisure Time
In the morning, immerse yourself on a sightseeing tour and delve into the proud heritage of a nation. View the White House, the striking Washington Monument, and sprawling National Mall. Reflect on the country's most turbulent days at the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. The rest of the day is at leisure. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner and toast to new friends and fantastic memories.
Day 16: Depart Washington, D.C.
A morning transfer at leisure will take you to Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay at your own pleasure.