Just America

Holidays & Flights to the USA, Canada & the Bahamas

French Canada & Gaspe Peninsula by Rail Escorted Tour Take a scenic adventure by road, rail and sea to the rustic and romantic Gaspé Peninsula. Overnight by train to the lovely seaside village of Percé. Venture by boat into the spectacular waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway, with whales, bird life and towering rock formations. Visit the cosmopolitan cities of Montreal and Quebec to experience their charm and European ambiance. The ultimate way to see the best of French Canada! 1. Arrive Montreal. Tour begins: Delta Centre-Ville at 6:00 PM. Welcome to the quintessentially French city of Montreal, one of Canada's oldest and largest cities, located on an island in the St. Lawrence River; old European charm blends with modern ideas. Join us for a welcome dinner to meet your Tauck Director and fellow travelers. Meals: D 2. Montreal / Rail Journey.  With its dual French and English cultures, Montreal is one of Canada's most cosmopolitan cities. A sightseeing tour includes St. Joseph's Oratory, McGill University, Olympic Park and Notre Dame Cathedral. Spend some time at leisure in Montreal before boarding the Chaleur, destined for the Gaspé Peninsula. Sleep to the rhythm of the rails as the Chaleur winds its way toward scenic Percé. Meals: BLD 3. Bonaventure Island / Percé. Today is an adventure by land and sea. Enjoy the passing seascapes from the comfort of your train berth or the domed observation lounge before arriving in the lovely village of Percé. Enjoy a cruise around Percé Rock, the most distinctive geologic feature of the Gaspésie, and Bonaventure Island; this natural bird sanctuary is home to over 80,000 gannets. The afternoon is at your leisure in this charming seaside village. Meals: BLD 4. Forillon National Park. The drive encircling the Gaspé Peninsula features magnificent views of the rugged coastline as well as mountain scenery. Visit Forillon National Park; pause at "Hyman's General Store" (seasonal), which inspires memories of days-gone-by. See the picturesque view at Cap-Bon-Ami, where rock formations meet the sea at land's end. Following lunch in lovely Grande Vallée, travel through quaint fishing villages along the shore. Overnight in Matane, one of Quebec's most renowned fishing villages, at a charming family inn; dine overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Meals: BLD 5. Métis Gardens / St. Lawrence. Visit Métis Gardens, a lovely 40-acre estate garden created in 1926. It features over one thousand varieties of indigenous, exotic plants. Cruise across the St. Lawrence Seaway, home to many whale species including the playful White Beluga. Travel to Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Quebec's beautiful Charlevoix region. Your hotel is an example of 19th-century French-style architecture. Enjoy the attractive grounds and pleasing view of the river, or try your hand at the casino. Meals: BLD 6. Charlevoix Region. Traveling south through the Charlevoix region of Quebec,visit the picturesque town of Baie-Saint-Paul featuring 19th-century Quebecoise dwellings, and the renowned shrine of Ste. Anne de Beaupré and its famous basilica.  Arrive this afternoon in Quebec's beautiful and historic capital city. Your home for the next two nights is magnificent Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, situated high above the river in the heart of Old Quebec City. Meals: BD 7. Explore Quebec City. Quebec reflects the old-world charm and grace of another era. Grayed by the brush of time, ancient stone houses huddle beside churches and historic monuments. This morning take a sightseeing tour of Old Quebec. See the Plains of Abraham, the Provincial Parliament Buildings, Porte St-Louis and Place Royale. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the quaint streets, with their many cafés and shops. Meals: BD 8. Montreal / Journey Home. You have seen some of the most magnificent scenery in French Canada, and enjoyed a romantic train ride to the Gaspé Peninsula! Return by motor coach to Montreal. Tour ends: Montreal's Dorval Airport at 12:00 PM. Allow a minimum of two hours for your flight check-in. Meals: B About the Train: The Chaleur, operated by Canada's VIA Rail Corporation, offers a cozy but comfortable overnight journey to the remote Gaspé Peninsula. This service features an observation dome / lounge, sleeping cars and casual dining en route. It's a unique way to travel the Gaspé Peninsula! Accommodations: Twins choose either a Double Bedroom, Drawing Room or two Single Bedrooms based upon availability at time of booking. Single guests are accommodated in a Single Bedroom. Triples are accommodated in a Drawing Room or three Single Bedrooms, based upon availability at time of booking. Single Bedrooms offer a window seat that converts to a single bed which slides out from the wall; some Single Bedrooms require a step-up for access. Double Bedrooms and Drawing Rooms offer a window and two armchairs which at night are replaced with upper and lower beds. Amenities include a small closet, private toilet, mirror, and sink / vanity; Single Bedroom toilet is not accessible when bed is lowered. A public shower and rest rooms are located in each sleeping car. Schedule: Train departs Montreal on Day 2 approximately 6:45 PM and arrives Day 3 in Percé approximately 10:45 AM. Dinner and breakfast are included on-board. This schedule is subject to local rail and traffic conditions. Departure Dates 2008 8 Days / 7 Nights Begins Montreal Jun Jul Aug Sep Additional dates may become available as these sell out. Prices 2008 Price Per Person - With Single Bedroom on train (23 sq. ft.) Twin £1225 Single £1489 Triple £1129 (twin with roll-away) With Double Bedroom on train (35 sq. ft.) Twin £1249 Single N/A Triple N/A (twin with roll-away) With Triple Bedroom on train (68 sq. ft.) Twin £1269 Single N/A Triple £1155 (twin with roll-away) 18 Meals Included.  B = Breakfast,  L = Lunch,  D = Dinner Special Airfares: Just America will be pleased to quote transatlantic airfares - please enquire at the time of booking. Night 1 Delta Centre-Ville, Montreal, Quebec Night 2 Aboard the Chaleur Night 3 Riotel Percé, Percé, Quebec Night 4 Hotel Belle Plage, Matane, Quebec Night 5 Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, Pointe-au-Pic, Quebec Nights 6 &7 Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec