The Best of Egypt: October 6, 2021

St. Lawrence River Cruise | Quebec City to Ottawa: August 19, 2021

 

 $5249 $4999  per person

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐+

 

*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and discounted rate reflects early booking savings

*Single Supplement: $1800 CAD

*We are limited to 2 single travelers on this group departure, due to availability on the cruise portion. If you are a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate (of the same gender), please reach out to us for details.

*Book by January 31st, 2021 and Save $250 CAD per person!

Members are welcome to invite Family and/or Friends to travel with them on this group departure at the same rate. 

 

August 19 – 29, 2021

Join Tom and Ryan (Founders of Trip Merchant)

 

“What river is this?” asked Jacques Cartier of his Indian guide as he looked on the St. Lawrence.

“A river without end,” the Indian replied. And so it seems, as this cruise explores the staggering variety of one of the world’s great rivers.

With domestic travel being in demand, we wanted to organize a unique travel experience that explores a spectacular region within our diverse country. On this journey you will experience the numerous attractions and extraordinary scenery of the Upper St. Lawrence; Quebec City, Canada’s showpiece, provides the venue for the beginning or end of your cruise. Here you can immerse yourself in the charm and grace reminiscent of “Old” Europe. You will encounter Quebec City’s unparalleled joie de vivre (love of life) found nowhere else in North America. Enjoy Old Quebec (the only walled city in North America) with its massive ramparts still bolstering the Plains of Abraham; and behold the imperial green-roofed towers of the legendary Chateau Frontenac. En route you will discover the magic of the Thousand Islands, the deep historical roots of “Loyalist Brockville” and the unique living community of Upper Canada Village. Between Montreal and Quebec City there are the “grassy Battures”, rich mudflat home to myriad species of birds. You will pass the “Segnieury” areas, the prominent village cathedrals of Quebec, and witness the awesome cliffs stretching up to the historic Plains of Abraham.

 

We hope you will join us!

We will be limiting this group departure to 30 guests. We will be utilizing a 56 seat motorcoach to maintain social distancing during all land components including sightseeing and transfers. 

 

Highlights:

 

Spend 3 nights in Quebec City in a centrally located hotel

An exciting walking tour of Quebec City sampling local foods along the way

Enjoy an included lunch overlooking Montmorency Falls

Explore Ile D`Orleans, a time capsule into an era of traditional vegetable cellars, ancient farms, bread ovens, and sugar shacks

6-night river cruise along the St. Lawrence River (Quebec City to Kingston)

Experience a miniature train to meet horse-drawn wagons to tour Upper Canada Village; additionally visit Trois Rivieres, Lachine (a borough of Montreal), Brockville (“City of 1000 Islands”), Ivy Lea

1 night in the nation’s capital with an included Farewell dinner!

 

What’s Included:

 

4 nights in first class hotel accommodations (3 nights Quebec City/1 Night Ottawa)

Baggage handling at the hotels of 1 piece per person

Welcome Cocktail (1 Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic Beverage) on arrival day

25 Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners, (which includes a Farewell Dinner in Ottawa including 1 Beverage (1x glass of soda, beer or wine)

Transportation throughout / arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times

Local English-speaking guides

Walking Culinary Tour (including tastings) with a local guide

Montmorency Falls Park Fees

Activities/Attractions: One-way “Funiculaire” Ticket (gondola connecting Upper & Lower Town); Winery OR Cidery visit, guided tour & tasting

6 night St. Lawrence river cruise (Quebec City to Kingston) in a cabin on the  St. Lawrence deck including full onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping service, all meals and snacks, domestic beer and private reserve wine with meals, private shore excursions and transportation, deck and parlour activities, and nightly entertainment

24 hour Customer Service Line for assistance / support of Ryan/Tom on the trip

Prices include all applicable taxes and fees

Gratuities included throughout – all tipping for guides, drivers, included meals and luggage handling

 

Not Included: 

 

Domestic airfare – Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway

Cancellation and out of Province Medical Insurance

Optional 3 Day/2 Night Post Ottawa Extension:

$449pp based on double occupancy | $629 based on single occupancy

 

Day 11: OTTAWA SIGHTSEEING – Guests will continue to stay at the Lord Elgin Hotel. Meet a local guide for a Culinary Tasting Tour of Ottawa`s famous Byward Market (minimum of 6 passengers). In the afternoon, guests can walk to the Senate of Canada or Parliament Buildings for their pre-booked guided tour. (Breakfast included)

 

DAY 12: OTTAWA LEISURE DAY – Day at leisure in Ottawa for your own exploration. A list of optional activities will be available for guests to book in advance. (Breakfast included)

 

DAY 13: DEPARTURE – After breakfast and check-out, individual departure from hotel. (Breakfast included)

 

Terms and Conditions:

 

$500 CAD per person deposit (refundable up until March 31st, 2021)

 

Final Balance for both the base trip and post extension will be due by June 19th, 2021 (100% non-refundable after final payment)

 

To book, call us at 1-800-481-9739 ext. 0 or email us at info@tripmerchant.com!

Day 1: August 19th: Arrival into Quebec City, QC

Upon arrival at the Quebec City International Airport you will be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel by motorcoach. Please Note: We will have 2 transfer times available which will coincide with the majority of the arrival times of the group flights.

Join your hosts, Tom and Ryan for a Welcome Cocktail at the hotel. (1 Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic Beverage per guest)

Accommodation: Hotel Chateau Laurier, Quebec City

Hotel Château Laurier Québec is a four-star hotel known for its outstanding service and ideal location in the heart of the city.

Meals Provided: None

Day 2: August 20th: Quebec City Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Quebec City, the crown jewel of French Canada. Explore UNESCO – listed Vieux Quebec, with its cobbled streets, ancient city walls and colourful Victorian facades. Your tour will also pass the colonial citadel and the majestic Chateau Frontenac, as well as the imposing 19th Century parliament buildings. A one-way ride on the “Funiculare”, a gondola connecting Upper & Lower Town, is included.

Afternoon at leisure.  Join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Chateau Laurier, Quebec City

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: August 21st: Quebec City Culinary Tour & Leisure Time

Best explored by foot, see hidden treasures while learning about Quebec’s heritage sites (UNESCO), history and culture. During your 2.5 hour tour, walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the views from Dufferin Terrace’s boardwalk and do not forget to take great “selfies” along the way. You will also see Château Frontenac, Place Royale, Petit Champlain. Along the way enjoy sampling local foods concocted by Quebec artisans.

Tasting includes: Poutine, maple cake, fudge, cider and a special surprise to take home

Remainder of the day is at leisure in this fascinating town that still exudes the spirit of New France.

Accommodation: Hotel Chateau Laurier, Quebec City

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4: August 22nd: Quebec City – Ile d’Orleans & Montmorency Falls – Board Cruise Ship

We start the day with a stop at Montmorency Falls, Quebec`s greatest waterfall which stands even taller than Niagara Falls! Explore the walking trails and bridge over the waterfall. After lunch, we explore nearby Ile D`Orleans, a time capsule into an era of traditional vegetable cellars, ancient farms, bread ovens, and sugar shacks. Riddled with old stone houses and with all of its pristinely preserved land, this Island just 5 km from the city centre is truly a can’t miss! Enjoy the afternoon sightseeing on the island. A stop will be made at a traditional winery for a guided tour & tasting. Later, we also stop at the Chocolatier of the island, where the group will be able to pick-up a souvenir box of chocolates before returning back to the city to board the cruise ship.

17:30 – Passenger boarding commences at Quebec City

18:00 – Captain’s Punch & Cheese Reception

18:30 – Captain’s Welcome Remarks – Safety Instructions & Crew introductions.

18:50 – Depart the harbour to cruise the City’s waterfront

19:30 – Empress Class Roast Prime Rib of Beef Buffet; Harbour cruise, Montmorency Falls and the beauty of Quebec City at night, complimentary liqueurs will be provided

22:00 – Return to port – piano music on the player piano & lounge services

Accommodation: M/V Canadian Empress

The Canadian Empress is a grand ship with a warm and friendly personality, and the size and design of the vessel serves to enhance the intimacy of river cruising. The exterior of the ship emulates the classic steamboats of the Victorian era, while the interior is a mix of charming early heritage style, with brass handrails and ornate metal ceilings, and contemporary fashion. This classic riverboat style is combined with modern technology to provide all of the safety, comfort, and amenities expected by today’s travellers. All staterooms are above the waterline and include daily maid service.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: August 23rd: Quebec City – Trois Riviéres

07:00 or earlier – Depart Quebec City bound for Trois Riviéres / Shipboard activities

Post Lunch – Comprehensive Safety Presentation & Crew Drill

15:15-16:15 – Disembark at Trois Riviéres for a brief coach tour en route to the Shrine at Cap de la Madeleine

16:30-17:15 – Return to Trois Riviéres. Time permitting – guests are welcome to do a self-guided walking tour of the Old City.  Afterwards, return to the ship.

Evening – Cruise Director’s “Fun with Trivia” and get acquainted party

22:30-close – Soft piano music on the player piano

Accommodation: M/V Canadian Empress

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: August 24th: Trois Riviéres – Montreal – Lachine

06:30 – Depart Trois Riviéres bound for Montreal / Shipboard activities

15:15 – Disembark at Port of Montreal for a 2 hour guided tour via motorcoach

18:30 – Depart Montreal to enter the Seaway Lock system and overnight at Lachine

Evening – Fun-loving entertainment

Accommodation: M/V Canadian Empress

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: August 25th: Lachine – Lake St. Lawrence – Upper Canada Village

07:30 – Depart Lachine bound for Upper Canada Village / Pass through Beauharnois Locks (2) Lower and Upper  Shipboard activities

16:00 – Pass through Eisenhower & Snell Locks (U.S.A.) into Lake St. Lawrence

Early Evening – Ship arrives Upper Canada Village, Crysler Park Marina

Evening – Relax and stroll the marina and grounds / Fun-loving entertainment

Accommodation: M/V Canadian Empress

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: August 26th: Upper Canada Village – Prescott (Fort Wellington) – Brockville

09:00 – Miniature train departs to meet horse-drawn wagons to tour Upper Canada Village

12:00 – Transportation returns from the Village

12:30 – Depart marina bound for Prescott – pass through lock at Seaway Control Dam Iroquois

16:00 – Disembark at Prescott for a tour of Fort Wellington (National Historic Site)

17:30 – Coach returns from Fort Wellington

17:45 –  Depart Prescott bound for Brockville

19:15 – Arrive Brockville, “The City of the 1000 Islands” for overnight

Evening – Relax and stroll along the park walkways / Fun-loving entertainment

Accommodation: M/V Canadian Empress

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: August 27th: Brockville – Ivy Lea (1000 Islands Tower)

09:15 – Transfer by motorcoach for a tour of Fulford Mansion

11:15 – Coach returns from Fulford Mansion to the ship

11:30 – Depart Brockville bound for Millionaires’ Row and turn-about at Rock Island light – bound for Ivy Lea

15:30 – Disembark at Ivy Lea for a coach transfer to 1000 Islands Tower

17:00 – Return to the ship and overnight at Ivy Lea

Evening – Dance the night away to Big Band sounds & vocals (new & old)

Accommodation: M/V Canadian Empress

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: August 28th: Ivy Lea – Gananoque, Ontario – Kingston

08:15 – Depart Ivy Lea bound for Gananoque, Ontario

10:00 – Disembark at Gananoque for tour of the Heritage Centre of the 1000 Islands

11:30 – Depart Gananoque – meander through the Admiralty Group of the 1000 Islands

13:45 – Tour Kingston waterfront

14:00 – Arrive Kingston / Closing Ceremonies (Grand Saloon)

14:15 – Final disembarkation and farewells – Brock St. Dock, Kingston

Upon disembarkation in Kingston, meet your driver & coach for a direct transfer to the Nation’s Capital – Ottawa. After checking into your hotel, meet up for a Farewell Dinner at a restaurant within walking distance to the hotel.

Accommodation: Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa

Lord Elgin Hotel is one of the most centrally located downtown Ottawa luxury hotels, just a stone’s throw away from the Rideau Canal, Confederation Park, the Shaw Centre and Parliament Hill. Stay with us and you’ll discover the most alluring and captivating parts of Ottawa, Canada’s beautiful capital city. Immerse yourself in vibrant festivals, museums, galleries, eclectic dining and a world of shops and boutiques. Lord Elgin’s extraordinary location puts bountiful delights within easy walking distance. Constructed in 1941, Lord Elgin is a piece of Ottawa’s history. Independent and thoroughly Canadian, this historic landmark is a leader among hotels in downtown Ottawa.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: August 29th: Ottawa to Airport: Departure Day

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and transfer via motorcoach to Ottawa Intl. Airport for your departure flight OR continue with your Ottawa Post Extension.  (Transfer is unassisted and will be leaving at a set time which will be determined at a later date and based on flight schedules)

Accommodation: N/A (Depart home)

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Ship Name: M/V Canadian Empress

The Canadian Empress is a grand ship with a warm and friendly personality, and the size and design of the vessel serves to enhance the intimacy of river cruising. The exterior of the ship emulates the classic steamboats of the Victorian era, while the interior is a mix of charming early heritage style, with brass handrails and ornate metal ceilings, and contemporary fashion. This classic riverboat style is combined with modern technology to provide all of the safety, comfort, and amenities expected by today’s travellers. All staterooms are above the waterline and include daily maid service. *Note: The Canadian Empress is only equipped with stairs between decks. Persons with mobility issues should inquire with reservations staff about stateroom accessibility and potential accommodations.

To view the Cabin/Deck plans, Click HERE!

Other information while onboard cruise:

Meal Times:

0700: Early morning coffee – Grand Saloon (or observation deck)

0730-0900: Breakfast (latest full breakfast serving – 0900)

1030-1100: Morning bouillon

1200: Lunch – early sitting (at the call of the bell)

1315: Lunch – main sitting (at the call of the bell)

1600-1630: Afternoon tea – Grand Saloon (or observation decks)

1730: Dinner – early sitting (at the call of the bell)

1915: Dinner – main sitting (at the call of the bell)

Activities on Board:

– Shuffle Board, Parlor Games, Kite Flying

– All times are approximate. This itinerary is subject to change without notice or incurring obligation. Currents, weather and seaway traffic may be modifying factors.

Key Attractions along cruise routing:

1000 Islands: The cruise will take you to witness the island paradise and natural, and man-made, charm of the archipelago

1000 Islands Tower: 1000 Islands Tower is a unique attraction and will show you the best of what the area has to offer.

Fort Wellington: The first Fort Wellington was built during the war of 1812 high above the St. Lawrence River at Prescott

Fulford Place Mansion: Fulford was able to purchase 14 acres of waterfront property in Brockville, Ontario.

Montreal Sightseeing: A complete City tour, taking in many points of interest, including Notre Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.

Notre Dame du Cap Shrine: Featuring a lake about the size of a football field with an island in the middle always dressed with flowers.

Seaway Locks: All locks on the Seaway are similar in size. In width they are 80 feet; the depth over the sill is 30 feet; and the length – that is breast gate to fender – is 766 feet.

Thousand Islands Heritage Center: On Gananoque’s waterfront there’s a grand Victorian building designed in the tradition of the late 19th century two storey “grand cottage” with its expansive verandahs and a “widow’s walk” lookout tower.

Upper Canada Village: Parts of it formed with buildings, moved from flooded lands, is a living museum community that recreates the life, work, and development of the early settlements along the upper St. Lawrence River valley.