Explore Québec's Food & Culture: Québec City & Montréal – 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Québec City, Walking Tour & Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec

Welcome to Canada! Your driver will take you to your hotel to settle in before you head out for an Old Québec walking tour. Wander the narrow, cobblestone alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only walled city north of Mexico. Your guide will point out iconic 17th and 18th-century architecture, which features European-style church spires, hilltop citadels, and buildings that now house French-style bistros. You'll also meet character actors bringing the city's colorful history to life along the way.

Next, visit the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ). This world-class art museum, aiming to promote and preserve Québec art, showcases over 42,000 pieces dating from the 17th century to the present. Browse permanent exhibitions focusing on art in the early French colonies to contemporary works. Don't miss the spectacular Brousseau Collection of Inuit Art, one of the museum's highlights.

Day 2: Explore Île d'Orléans & Evening River Cruise

Take a self-guided tour of Île d'Orléans, a 22-mile-long (35 km) island just 15 minutes from Québec City today. Classed as a historic district, this idyllic island is the birthplace of French North America, home to villages established by original settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Over 600 buildings on the island have been restored to their colonial splendor, including the oldest rural church in New France, Église Saint-Pierre.

Île d'Orléans is also a hotspot for artisans and food lovers. Stop at cheesemakers and farm stands heaving with locally-grown produce to pick up picnic supplies, which you can enjoy at a scenic spot overlooking the St. Lawrence River. You can also visit a vineyard or cider producer for a tasting session and browse for souvenirs at a gourmet chocolate shop before returning to Québec City.

Spend the evening taking in views of Québec City from the water. Board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the St. Lawrence River, watching the city's lights float by. Look out for key landmarks like Château Frontenac, illuminated at night.

Day 3: Train to Montréal, Mile End Food Tour

This morning, head to the train station for the beautiful journey to Montréal. Canada's second-largest city offers French-soaked history, a famous food scene, and cultural attractions. Stroll through the lively downtown, stopping for poutine (fries smothered in cheese and gravy), and head down to the St. Lawrence River, where you'll find market stalls, the Old Port, boat trips, and the observation wheel.

Take a horse-drawn carriage among 18th and 19th-century residences in Old Montréal, passing the imposing Notre-Dame Basilica and museums that tell the city's fascinating story, including the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and the Center of History of Montréal. Hike up Mount Royal for lake-dotted parks and sweeping city views.

Later, enjoy a food tour of Montréal's famous Mile End, a thriving community of musicians, artists, and young entrepreneurs. You'll explore the area's back alleys, acclaimed shops, and exhilarating culture with a guide to uncover some of Montréal's cuisine. Sample everything from popular St-Viateur bagels to poutine and patisseries. End with a drink at one of Mile End's top breweries.

Day 4: MMFA, Jean-Talon Market & Food Tour & Montréal Observation Wheel

Spend the morning exploring the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), which features exhibitions combining various disciplines, from film and music to fashion and design. You'll also find collections of international art with a focus on local Québec pieces. Make time for the two new pavilions: the Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion and the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace. The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts complex includes Bourgie Hall, a 462-seat concert hall, an auditorium, and a movie theater.

Next, you'll experience the culinary delights of Jean-Talon Market, located in Little Italy. As one of the largest outdoor markets in North America, there's plenty to discover on this food-lovers tour, from seasonal produce to fine meats and cheeses, fresh flowers, and gourmet cookbooks. After the market tour, you'll continue into the heart of Little Italy to learn about the area's vibrant community and taste some local specialties.

End the day with a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal ("Montréal's Big Wheel"), Canada's largest observation wheel at 200 feet (60 m) high. Set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the wheel offers views of Old Montréal and beyond; step into a climate-controlled pod to soar above the city and savor panoramic views.

Day 5: Depart Montréal

Your Canadian adventure ends today, and you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!