Vibrant Quebec & New England

Welcome to the Great White North. On arrival at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, you will begin your journey with a transfer to your luxury hotel, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. One of Montreal's most iconic landmarks, the hotel has been boldly decorated to reflect the golden years of Montreal with new, bright and dynamic interiors. Located in the heart of the city's thriving shopping and business district, enjoy a leisurely browse around the stores or simply relax at your hotel before you meet your fellow travellers and Travelling Concierge at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in the evening. (DW) Stay: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal.

Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning before heading out to explore historic Old Montreal with a local guide. Situated on the edge of the Saint Lawrence River, stroll through its cobblestone streets and visit the Old Port, where Montreal founder, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, is said to have anchored in 1642. Later, visit the dramatic Notre Dame Basilica to see its stained-glass windows. This ornate building was constructed between 1824 and 1829 and was created in a Gothic Revival style. Originally designed by esteemed artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé, the church's intricate interior decoration was completed in 1880 by architect Victor Bourgeau. After a morning exploring, you'll have the rest of the day to do as you please. (B/DW) Stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City (Deluxe Riverview Rooms).

Depart Montreal for one of the oldest European cities in North America, Quebec City. Soak up the lively and unique French Canadian culture and enjoy the 400-year history you'll find within its ramparts. Visit the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, where you will be greeted by Local Experts for a guided visit of this historic chateau. Learn about its history and go behind-the-scenes to places closed to the public. The evening is yours to do as you please. (B) Stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City (Deluxe Riverview Room).

The day begins with a guided walking tour of Old Quebec. See the Citadel of Quebec, the Latin Quarter, the National Assembly and the Place-Royale, as you explore the city's Old Town. As one of North America's oldest settlements, it also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the Canadian cities with the most French influence. Leave this pretty city behind as you make your way to your VIP experience on Île d'Orléans. Stop at Confiturerie Tigidou, a local artisan jam workshop, where you will be met by your hosts or “sorcerers”, Catherine and Vincent – natives of the island have historically always called themselves “sorcerers”, due to the great numbers of fireflies that appear at night. Be welcomed into their shop by the sweet smell of cooked berries. The couple close the store exclusively for Luxury Gold guests, allowing you to learn more about the delicious jams, their passion for healthy food and life on the island in a private session. You'll be provided with a delicious picnic basket filled with flavoursome goodies to indulge on outside, with views of lush rolling hills and the garden of Tigidou. Back in Quebec City, your evening is at leisure. Ask your Travelling Concierge for recommendations on where to head for dinner. (B/L)

Start the day with a journey to Quebec's area known as the Eastern Townships. Pass the beautiful Memphrémagog region and stop at the Abbaye De Saint-Benoit-Du-Lac for a private guided tour of the cloisters and church. Founded in 1912, this quaint building still houses some 30 monks who live by the rule of St. Benedict. Enjoy a hearty lunch and learn about the cheese and cider that is made at the Abbaye by the monks. Later, move on to Le Vignoble Le Cep d'Argent, where you will indulge in the world of Champagne in the Eastern Townships and learn about the historic controversy of differentiating champagne from sparkling wine. Witness the final steps of the traditional method of making sparkling wine, including a live disgorging by the owner, just before corking. You'll then get to taste the Brut Nature, something exclusive to Luxury Gold guests, before one lucky traveler gets to saber a bottle of the sparkling wine – you'll be given a small course on how to do it first. The experience concludes with the tasting of some of the products that are produced at Le Vignoble Le Cep d'Argent, including l'Archer, a type of Port wine with maple syrup. After settling in at your beautiful mountain resort, indulge in a dinner with wine this evening. (B/L/DW) Stay: Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods.

Wake to storybook views at your hotel before heading out for more breathtaking scenery aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway. This morning journey to the summit of Mount Washington, where you'll find 360° views of the surrounding areas including up to five states, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. Once there, take in the summit and head to the Sherman Visitor Center. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a National Historic Engineering Landmark and part of America's heritage. Later, take time for lunch on your own in North Conway before exploring North Conway Village. This quintessential New England suburb is home to a number of quaint shops, cafes, a beautiful park, historic train station, museums and dining options. Journey along the famous Kancamagus Highway. This 34.5-mile scenic drive in Northern New Hampshire is known as one of the best viewing areas to experience the magnificent orange hues of America's fall in all its glory. Now a designated American Scenic Byway, take in its beauty from the comfort of your luxury coach, as you cut through the White Mountain National Forest, with its breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. (B)

Depart the vibrant forests of New Hampshire and stop in Portsmouth, a picturesque historic seaport on the Piscataqua River. Next, make your way to Massachusetts and the town of Salem, known for the witch trials of 1692. Enjoy lunch on your own here before travelling on to Boston to discover its revolutionary spirit. (B) Stay: Hotel Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston.

Explore Boston with your Travelling Concierge this morning and discover this city's incredible past and present. See the red-brick Freedom Trail and famous landmarks that shaped the nation. Visit Cambridge this afternoon, also known as "the most innovative square mile on the planet" thanks to many successful businesses that got their start here. Home to famous Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), there is plenty to see and do here. After a full day of exploration, join your new friends and Travelling Concierge for a delightful Celebration Dinner. (B/DW)

Your colourful fall foliage trip ends this morning and a departure transfer to Boston Logan International Airport is provided. (B)