Canada: Historic Quebec–La Belle Province

It’s Like Visiting Europe Without Leaving North America!

Renowned French cuisine at sidewalk cafes, dramatic cliff top vistas of the Saint Lawrence River, evening strolls along the romantic Dufferin Terrace are a few of Quebec City’s highlights. This cradle of French civilization brings Old World flavor in warm historic surroundings.

This tour, in its twenty-sixth season, introduces the finest of Quebec. Cycle through charming countryside and visit major historical landmarks around Quebec City. A tour of Ile d’Orleans takes you past homes of 18th century traditional architecture and roadside stands that abound with maple products, fruit, fresh homemade bread, and unique woven crafts. The tour starts on the Ile d’Orleans and continues along the Saint Lawrence southern shoreline, finally returning for a luxurious two night stay in Quebec City.

The lodging and dining for our Quebec tour is simply exquisite. The Auberge La Goeliche, a peaceful country inn located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River will be our home for two nights. In Montmagny, we will lodge at the Manoir des Erables (4-star) a magnificent country manor more than 150 years old, which has been transformed into a sumptuous hotel. We spend our last two nights in the heart of Old Quebec City at the renowned (5-star) Chateau Frontenac, a Norman-styled structure with green copper roofs that has dominated the area since the late 1800’s. (If you’re in Quebec, there’s no place else to consider!) Two of the hotels boast massage facilities.

Daily Itinerary

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Day 1. Arrive at Auberge La Goeliche, on Ile d’Orleans. 4:00 p.m.–bike-fitting session before a cocktail reception and dinner at the inn.

Day 2. Cycle the Ile d’Orleans. Ride through villages with superb traditional architecture. Fruit and vegetable stands abound. Traditional local handmade goods featured. Finish your day off with a hand-dipped ice cream from the Chocolaterie in St. Petronille. (35 or 47 miles)

Day 3. Ferry ride from Quebec City along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River to explore the fertile valleys of the Chaudiere-Appalaches. Visit historic churches located in a magnificent setting. (35 or 47 miles)

Day 4. Today’s shorter loop winds through L’Islet, Cap-St-Ignace, and back to Montmagny. Or take the longer option through St-Jean-Port-Joli, a unique town, considered a woodcarving “mecca.” Wine tasting at La Pomme St. Laurent, known for its apple ice wine. (35 or 52 miles)

Day 5. Cycle quiet country roads from Montmagny into the Chaudiere-Appalaches region. Our lunch destination is Le Ricaneux, where we will enjoy a tour of this unique winery, which uses a variety of wild berries to produce wine, liqueurs and jam. After lunch return to Quebec City. (28 or 48 miles)

Day 6. Guided walking tour of historic Quebec City. Your private guide will highlight history, culture, and important landmarks. Cycle to Montmorency Falls or visit museums and shops. (2-hour walk + 16 mile ride)

Day 7. Departure via air or rail from Quebec City.