Quebec: Beer, Jazz & Summer Fest

July 5 - 12, 2013
$2295, $415

Come along and explore the burgeoning food and brewpub culture in Canada's French speaking province. Start with 3 nights in cosmopolitan Montreal during the final days of the International Jazz Festival, spend the night in Shawinigan for beer and history on the St. Maurice River, and end the trip with 3 nights in Old Quebec during the opening week-end of the annual Summer Festival. We will visit about a dozen brewpubs along the way and see first hand what the creative Quebecois brewers are up to. Stay in fine, small hotels in excellent locations, travel by private coach and public means, meet a few brewers, and enjoy locally guided walking tours with like-minded, beer loving travelers. Quebec is also home to a proud culinary tradition which has been heartily embraced by brewpubs throughout the province; and we'll indulge in 3 beer dinners, and 2 brew pub lunches. Beer and summer and music, with good food and good company, what could be better?

Daily Itinerary*:

Friday, July 5 - Travel to Montreal, Welcome Dinner & Brewpubs

Upon arrival in Montreal, transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city. After time to settle in, meet the group in the hotel lobby to begin our beer exploration of Montreal. Our target brewpubs for the night are Benelux, Dieu du Ciel!, and a beer dinner at Amere a Boire. Surely some late music is order as Montreal will be in the final day of Jazz Fest. Overnight in Montreal

Saturday, July 6 - Morning Guided Walking Tour, Time to Explore, Jazz Festival

This morning we will have a guided walking tour around Montreal to get better acquainted with the area, learn some history, and see the sights. The afternoon and evening are free for exploring the city, and visits to any of the many brewpubs in this very lively city. Today is the final night of Jazz Fest, so many options aboumd for entertainment. Overnight in Montreal

Sunday, July 7 - Daytrip to Chambly

Relax this morning until noon, when we 'll travel by public means to nearby Chambly, home to Unibroue, Fourquet Fourchette and Bedondaine & Bedons Ronds. We will have lunch (on your own) at Fourquet Forchette, and have dinner and beer at Bedondaine. There will be time to explore the town and fort a bit as well. Return to Montreal this evening. Overnight in Montreal

Monday, July 8 - To Shawinigan

A leisurely start this morning before leaving Montreal behind and moving north-east to We'll stop at Hopfenstark for a visit and tasting, and have lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Shawinigan, there will be time to explore a bit before we stop by the town's two worthy brewpubs. We'll enjoy a dinner of local ingredients and recipes along with fine beer. Overnight in Shawinigan

Tuesday, July 9 - Morning Free, Afternoon in Trois Rivieres, to Quebec City

This morning is free to walk around Shawinigan, shop or explore the riverfront before we travel the short distance to Trois Rivieres, the province's second oldest city and home to Gambrinus Brewpub, our destination for lunch. There will be time to visit Trois Rivieres this afternoon. Continue to Quebec City and our hotel in the heart of the Vieux Quebec. Summer Fest will be in full swing, offering even more to do and see in this very European city. Nothing is scheduled this evening. Overnight in Quebec City

Wednesday, July 10 - City Tour, Beer hunting

A summer Saturday in Quebec City! We'll start the day with a local guide, as we take a walking tour of the historic capital of Quebec. After our tour, the rest of the day is completely free to visit brewpubs and explore the city. Bar L'Inox and La Barbarie are the local brewpubs not to miss. A ferry ride across the St. Lawrence brings us to Corsaire Microbrewery for yet one more version of the noble beverage. Overnight in Quebec City

Thursday, July 11 - Free Day, Summer Fest, Farewell Beer Dinner

Another day to enjoy the city and experience the joie de vivre of Quebec City. There are numerous museums and cultural attractions, and a few worthy bars and pubs. Tonight we'll gather for a farewell dinner of fresh, regional, cuisine and toast a great trip with a local beer or two. Overnight in Quebec City

Friday, July 12 - Alas, time to go home

The trip ends today, transfers to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport are easily arranged, or take the train back to Montreal.

	Beer Highlights & Brewery Visits The Brewpubs of Montreal: Benelux, Dieu du Ciel!, Amere a Boire, Hopfenstark and more. Chambly, home to Unibroue, Fourquet Fourchette and Bedondaine & Bedons Ronds Shawinigan brewpubs, Gambrinus in Trois Rivieres Bar L'Inox and La Barbarie in Quebec City
	Overnight Stays* Montreal - A great international city by any standard, with world class food and entertainment, and a dozen or so great brew pubs. Shawinigan - Our riverside stop over en route to Quebec City and home to a great brew pub. Quebec City! You might just forget which side of the Atlantic you are on.
	Included Tours City Tours in Montreal and Quebec City
	Included Meals 7 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 3 Dinners
	Trip Price (Land-only, Based on double occupancy) $2295 per person Single Room add $415
	Arrival & Departure Trip Begins in Montreal & Ends in Quebec City

Please Note:

The overall style of the trip is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events and excursions will, for the most part, be informal. Guided touring is generally the exception, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.

* Please note also:

This itinerary is subject to change based on brewery or hotel availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense or bad weather, etc. Smaller breweries, as well as the Trappists, are often unable to commit to hosting groups until a couple of weeks before we arrive. Substitutions, when necessary, will be as good or better than what we replaced. And, don't worry, the beer is always good!