July 8 - Independent arrivals at the Auberge Saint Antoine, located in the center of Quebec City’s Old Port opposite the St. Lawrence River. The tour begins with an insightful lecture by study leader John Meffert, introducing the history and architecture of the city. Meet fellow travelers over a traditional French Canadian dinner in one of the most picturesque restaurants of the city.

July 9 – Take a historic walking tour starting with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River from Duffering Terrace followed by a walk through the Seminary of Quebec founded in 1663 and an interior visit of Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica. Continue to Place Royale in Lower Town to see North America’s oldest settlements and Quebec’s oldest church, Notre-Dames-des-Victoires. After a delightful lunch, enjoy a guided visit to the internationally renowned Musee de la Civilisations, the city’s most popular museum, with an experienced guide. The afternoon will come to a special conclusion with a visit to a lovely historic private home.

July 10 - Spend the morning at the Musée National des Beaux Arts du Quebec, examining the largest and most important collection of Québec art. A museum expert will take you through the former Quebec City prison, the work of architect-engineer-surveyor Charles Baillarge, which is now the Museum’s annex. Next, a beautiful drive to the south shore of the St. Lawrence River takes you to Domaine Joly-De Lotbiniere, a romantic, 19th-century park boasting one of the most beautiful gardens in North America as well as a gracious manor house built during the seigniorial period of Quebec. After a relaxing lunch at the estate’s café, follow a passionate guide on a walk through the fairyland colors and scents of the domaine’s luxuriant gardens with its 2,300 varieties of plants, many at their peak in the warm early summer.

July 11th - An expert guide uncovers the fascinating history and secret treasures of Montreal this morning. Discover the Ville Marie Mission where Montreal was founded in 1642, and the Chateau Ramezay, former residence of Montreal’s governor, with its period garden and architecture. Other highlights include Montreal’s Second Empire “Hotel de Ville” (City Hall), the boutiques of St. Paul Street, and an interior visit of the grand Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica.

July 12th - Make a special visit to the Canadian Center for Architecture, an international research center and museum founded by Phyllis Lambert in 1979 and designed by Montreal native architect Peter Rose. A tour of CCA will include a walk through the Shaughnessy House Mansion, a National Historic Site of Canada, as well as a sculpture garden by Melvin Charney. A special highlight will be a luncheon hosted by local preservation leaders, followed by a private tour of a historic Montreal home. This afternoon, take a bus ride to Montreal’s greatest natural landmark, the Parc du Mont-Royal, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who created New York City’s Central Park. The day ends with a visit to Olympic Park to see the Olympic Tower, Biodome and Botanical Gardens.

July 13th - Depart Montreal on flights to the U.S.