Quebec to the Maritimes

Your exciting tour of Quebec and Canada's Maritimes begins in the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, the second largest city in Canada. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of your day soaking in the history and culture of this charming city, visiting the fashionable shops, and indulging in the city's fine dining and entertainment. Overnight Montreal.

This morning's sightseeing excursion shows you more than 200 points of interest as you travel throughout the city. Highlights include Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Park, Old Montreal, and St. Joseph's Oratory. The afternoon is yours to explore the city's colorful neighborhoods, marveling at historic architecture dating back to the 17th century. Be sure to shop Montreal's "underground." This evening board your VIA Rail train for the 3-hour journey along the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City. Chat with your fellow travelers and admire the passing scenery as you're whisked to your next destination. Overnight Quebec City.

• Dinner

This morning's sightseeing tour of Quebec City shows you both the modern and historic sides of the city. Highlights of your excursion include the Plains of Abraham, the Latin Quarter, the Citadel, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, and Place Royale among many other sights. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own. Soak in the French Canadian culture, relax at a sidewalk café, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or collect souvenirs as you visit the unique shops. Make sure to enjoy a delicious French meal this evening before transferring to the rail station in Sainte-Foy for your overnight rail journey to Halifax aboard VIA Rail's Ocean. Settle into your first-class accommodations and bid adieu to Quebec as the train leaves the St. Lawrence River behind and speeds toward the Maritimes. Overnight train.

Awake this morning and enjoy a hot breakfast in the Dining Car. Afterward, visit the Park Car for panoramic views of the passing scenery from the observation dome as well as entertaining and informative presentations about the Maritimes region from the onboard Learning Coordinator (Learning Coordinator is seasonal). This afternoon, the Ocean pulls into Moncton, an outdoor lover's paradise, for a 15-minute stop. Stretch your legs and get a glimpse of the town. Because Moncton is well-situated to both the ocean and woodlands, it is ideal for visitors interested in kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Admire the passing scenery as you continue the last leg of your journey.

Upon arrival in Halifax, drop your bags at your hotel and venture out for dinner this evening. Argyle Street, located in the heart of downtown Halifax, will have an array of options to choose from. You may also opt for a meal by the water along the boardwalk. Enjoy the fresh Nova Scotian seafood the local cuisine has to offer and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight Halifax.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today is at leisure to explore this maritime city on your own. You may wish to visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, relax and enjoy the view at the top of the award-winning Central Library, or take a stroll along the waterfront and up and through the Halifax Public Gardens. Add an optional excursion to Peggy's Cove, a picturesque seaside village and iconic lighthouse which have been welcoming artists and explorers alike for more than 150 years, or make the big splash into Halifax Harbour, cruising past the waterfront Boardwalk and the stone buildings on a Harbour Hopper tour. Both excursions are available seasonnally. Overnight Halifax.

Your tour comes to a close today. You may elect to extend your stay in Halifax to relax in this seaside town and explore its many surrounding coastal towns. Or, transfer to the airport (not included) for your return flight home.