Start the tour in the wonderful city of Montreal with a two-night stay at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton. Explore the vibrant downtown region with high-end shops and a wide range of shops, explore the mansions of the Golden Square Mile or head up to Mont Royal for sweeping views over the city and the St. Lawrence River. On the waterfront, you will find the grandeur of Old Montreal and Vieux-Port, with a French vibe reflected in the excellent choice of restaurants located amongst the old cobblestone streets, a perfect palace for exploring on foot.

Collect a hire car in downtown Montreal and trace the St. Lawrence River, heading north towards Québec City. The slower Route 138 takes you off the mundane highways in order to experience rural Québec and the remaining farms from the seigneurial regime. Along the way, pass through Trois-Rivieres, one of the first European settlements dating back to 1634 before arriving in the city for a two night stay at the boutique, luxury hotel, Auberge Saint-Antoine.

To orient yourself and get the most out of this wonderful and historic city, make your own personal decision between three possible experiences. These include Rendezvous with History Québec City Tour, to introduce you to the city. Or A Fabulous Country Tour, covering rural Québec and highlights such as Montmorency Falls. The final option is Foodie Walking Tour of Québec City, discover some amazing gastronomic delights influenced by Amerindian, British and French cuisines.

Depart today to La Malbaie, in Québec’s beautiful Charlevoix region. Take time to explore the scenic area, the beauty of which has inspired generations of artists. Along the way, you may stop to visit the Sainte Anne de Beaupré shrine, before staying for a night at the stunning Fairmont le Manoir Richlieu.

Start the day with a drive north to Tadoussac, located at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord. It's the perfect place to depart on an exciting whale watching adventure. Board a fast zodiac or covered boat where an experienced naturalist will explain the habits of the Finback, Minke and Beluga whales that frequent the region during the summer. Once finished on the water, continue on to La Baie for two nights at the quaint Battures Hotel Fjord Saguenay, located on the edge of the Saguenay River.

Take a day to explore the region with numerous towns, including La Baie and Saguenay, located along the fjord. Follow the river all the way to the impressive Lac Saint-Jean, for more options to hike the landscape or visit historic locations like Val-Jalbert, an early 20th century village preserved, with guides in period costume to give you facts about the history, while the Ouiatchouan Falls, which powered the old wood-pulp mill, are spectacular sight too.

Depart from the Saguenay region to drive to Saint-Simeon to take a 75 minute ferry crossing over the St. Lawrence River to Riviėre-du-Loup. On the south shore of the river, spend one night at Hotel Levesque. The region is home to a number of parks and museums with plenty of choice of bars and restaurants within the town, there is more than enough to keep you occupied.

Head further into Southern Québec and the Eastern Townships region. You will have the opportunity to visit the small chocolate museum in Bromont along the way, or maybe stop at the L’Orpailleur Winery in Dumham, approximately 30 km south of Bromont. Your stay here will be two nights at the fabulous Manoir Hovey, a Relais&Chateau property overlooking Lac Massawippi, where you will find dinner & breakfast included.

While visiting the Eastern Townships region, don’t miss a visit to the Abbey of St. Benoît du Lac, Magog, North Hatley, Coaticook with its canyon, park & suspension bridge, and the Beaulne Museum where you can admire costumes and textiles, fine arts and decorative arts, as well as local heritage. On the final day, drive back to Montreal and drop the car off before flying home.