Vibrant Eastern Canada, New England & New York

9 Night Luxury tour - Starting in Montreal, Canada - ending in New York City, New York.

A Gold Escorted Tour with Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations Gold Escorted journeys offer the ultimate in luxury touring with each itinerary carefully crafted to ensure the finest hotels, epicurean delights and absolute comfort. Enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, luxury hotels, business class legroom and complimentary WiFi and water onboard luxury motorcoaches.

Delve into the scenic roads and spectacular scenery of Canada and the USA on this dazzling trip, that takes you from historic Montreal, along the famous Kancamagus Highway and on to the Big Apple. Meet knowledgeable locals such as two jam-making islanders on Île d'Orléans, see iconic sites and dine at the finest of restaurants, including Chez Rioux and Pettigrew in Quebec City. As you travel in style, stay at the most sought-after addresses – the Sagamore Resort on Lake George offers a blissful getaway, positioned on a secluded island. Enjoy a selection of exclusive VIP Experiences, as you learn more about the world of Champagne at Le Vignoble Le Cep d'Argent and spend the day like a Vanderbilt in the towering Adirondack Mountains, at the family’s iconic estate.

BOOK EARLY (THIS TOUR SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR, TO SECURE YOUR PLACE.
 
2021 Guaranteed departure dates:
September 24th - SOLD OUT
October 01st - SOLD OUT
October 08th - SOLD OUT
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVEL.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: WELCOME TO MONTREAL

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. 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 for a Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Hotel: The Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal

Meals: Welcome Dinner & Wine

Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF 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 be driven from Montreal to Quebec City. Once there, you’ll be checked in to your hotel for the night, the blissful Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, where you’ll be given river-view rooms. Freshen up at your hotel before a delicious dining experience at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew, famous for its authentic cuisine and high-quality seasonal ingredients.

Hotel: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City (Deluxe Riverview Rooms).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: QUINTESSENTIAL QUEBEC

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.

Hotel: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City (Deluxe Riverview Rooms)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: QUEBEC CITY TO WHITEFIELD

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. End the day in your beautiful hotel, Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa. Set high among the spectacular peaks of the White Mountains, you’ll have panoramic views of the New Hampshire White Mountain vistas.

Hotel: Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, Whitefield.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5RELAXED START - WHITE MOUNTAINS SIGHTSEEING.

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 explore, take in the summit and head to the Sherman Visitor Centre. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a National Historic Engineering Landmark and part of America’s heritage. Later, take time for lunch 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. Step outside the deck that overlooks waterfalls and the Koi pond before enjoying a Dinner with Wine with your fellow travellers in the elegant Garden Room of your resort.

Hotel: Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, Whitefield

Meals: Breakfast,  Dinner with Wine

Day 6: A SWEET SERVING OF STOWE

Today you’ll join the Rock of Ages quarry stonemasons as they tell their fascinating stories about creating monument stonework sculptures, mausoleums and civic monuments featured throughout the United States. See how the craftsmen work with Barre granite and view the quarry from where this world-famous stone is taken. Later, you’ll move to Woodstock, one of New England’s walkable villages. Chartered in 1761, this pretty Vermont destination is known for its artisan culture and American charm. The Woodstock Village Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features its own covered bridge spanning over the Ottauquechee River. In the afternoon, travel through the heart of beautiful Vermont, through state forests and past its famous ski areas and local farms. Check in to your accommodation, the Sagamore Resort on Lake George. Originally built in 1883, the Sagamore is an elegant nod to a bygone era. You’ll stay in lakefront rooms in the historic main building and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, including award-winning restaurants, pool and waterfront areas. Nourish your taste palates with a delicious Dinner and Wine at one of the resort’s eight restaurants.

Hotel: The Sagamore Resort, Lake George

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: THE MAGNIFICENT ADIRONDACKS

Prepare yourself for another journey of spectacular scenery as you drive through the impressive Adirondack Mountains, a massive, six million-acre natural park. Take in these incredible vistas of towering trees as you make your way to the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. Once here you’ll get an insight into people’s connections to the Adirondacks through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and culturally rich collections. From the Vanderbilts to the Rockefellers, the Adirondacks were the playground of the rich and famous of the Gilded Age, attracting guests keen for a mountain getaway. The elite would escape the city and “rough it” in luxury compounds, designed to blend into their natural surroundings from the outside. Still in existence, they are now known as the Adirondack Great Camps of the Gilded Age. Take a look inside the most extravagant of them all, the Vanderbilt’s Great Camp Sagamore. Built on the shores of Shedd Lake, it is a National Historic Landmark. Dine like a Vanderbilt at the estate for lunch and find out more about the heritage of the region and the Historic Great Camps. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Take in the natural beauty of the area from the hotel’s grounds or perhaps ask your Travelling Concierge for tips on where to dine or things to do locally.

Hotel: The Sagamore Resort, Lake George

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: FROM LAKE GEORGE TO NEW YORK CITY

A day made for history and nature enthusiasts, start your morning with a journey along the Hudson River, a place Henry James famously called “The Great Romantic Stream.” Stop off in the capital city of Albany, where you will see the State Capitol Building, a National Historic Landmark that was built in 1899. Continue south to the scenic Hudson Valley. A National Heritage Area, Hudson Valley is known for its picturesque farms, Victorian cottages, apple orchards and old-money mansions built by New York’s elite. Unsurprisingly, its beauty became romanticised by the painters of the Hudson River School. In the afternoon you’ll visit Hyde Park and the Culinary Institute of America, which is widely recognised as the world’s premier culinary college. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch in the institute’s American Bounty Restaurant, which focuses on local produce from the Hudson Valley, paired with New York State wines. Later, take a guided tour of Kykuit. Home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, it was once the residence of John D. Rockefeller, who at one point was the richest man in America. Steeped in history, discover its art collection, architecture and immaculate grounds. It was originally designed as a steep-roofed, three-story mansion but was rebuilt a few years later in a Classical Revival Georgian form. In 1979 it was bequeathed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Head south into the heart of New York City, where your hotel awaits. Bordering the southern edge of Central Park, JW Marriott Essex House makes for a rejuvenating stay. Now a member of the Historic Hotels of America, this famous venue began construction one day after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, but did not open until 1931. Known for housing celebrities, then presenter of the Saturday Night Live Show, Don Pardo, used to announce that, “Guests of Saturday Night Live stay at the Marriott’s Essex House,” during each episode. Your evening is free for you to choose from one of Manhattan’s restaurants. Ask your Travelling Concierge for tips on where to head. If you’re drawn to the bright lights and exciting shows of Broadway, ask them to help you book an experience in advance.

Hotel: Essex House, New York City 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9RELAXED START - MANHATTAN SIGHTSEEING

After a relaxed morning, join your Local Expert as you explore the sights and sounds of New York City. Start in Central Park, the most visited urban park in the United States, before making your way through the trendy Upper West Side, past the esteemed Julliard School and Lincoln Center. After passing through Times Square and the Broadway theatre district, make a stop at one of America’s great gourmet food halls, Chelsea Market. Take a short walk to the High Line with your local guide and learn how this former freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side was saved from demolition and transformed into a peaceful public park for the local community. Your guide will reveal all the hidden spots and historic sites that surround you as you make your way to the Hudson Yards, an entirely new neighbourhood. Learn more about this ambitious project and be inspired to climb the Vessel, a new interactive structure from which people can enjoy viewsof the city. In the evening enjoy a Celebration Dinner with your fellow travellers at one of New York’s acclaimed restaurants.

Hotel: Essex House, New York City

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: FAREWELL NEW YORK OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Bid farewell to your travelling companions as you are transferred to JFK, LaGuardia or Newark Airport for your onward journey. Or why not extend your tour and stay for a few more days !.

Full Breakfast

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Your Insight Vacations Tour Highlights

VIP EXPERIENCES

Ile d'Orleans: Visit a secret gem on the Île d'Orléans where you will be met by your hosts, the charming couple, Catherine and Vincent – two “Sorcerers,” as the natives of Ile d’Orleans call themselves, and indulge in the different flavours of jam made with locally grown berries. As you enter, you will be immediately welcomed by the sweet smell of cooked berries as you explore their shop which, captures the ambience of the island from a hundred years ago.Then enjoy a tasty picnic lunch with cheese, bread, fruits and wine - all produced right on the island. As you eat, take in the views of rolling hills and red-roofed farm houses.

Quebec: Indulge in the world of Champagne in the Eastern Townships. Learn about the historic controversy of differentiating Champagne from sparkling wine.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Montreal: Explore historic Old Montreal with a Local Expert and see the Old Port and dramatic Notre Dame Basilica to see its glorious stained-glass windows.

Bar Harbor: Take 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 this city’s French-Canadian influence.

Quebec: Journey to Quebec’s area known as the Eastern Townships, past the beautiful Lake Memphrémagog region and stop at the Abbaye De Saint-Benoit-Du-Lac for a private guided tour of the cloisters and church.

White Hampshire: Travel along the panoramic Kancamagus Highway, a 34.5 mile American Scenic Byway that is well known as one of the best areas in the country for viewing fall foliage.

White Mountains: Take a trip to Mount Washington, the highest peak and most prominent mountain in the Northeastern United States at 6,288.2 ft (1,916.6 m). Enjoy a scenic ride aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Vermont: Join Rock of Ages quarry stonemasons as they talk about creating monument stonework sculptures, mausoleums and civic monuments featured throughout the United States.

New York: Take a guided tour of Kykuit, home to four generations of the famous Rockefeller Family, including John D. Rockefeller, who was the richest man in America in his time.

EXCEPTIONAL DINING

Quebec City: Indulge on authentic regional flavors at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew.

Adirondack Mountains: Dine like a Vanderbilt at their famous estate.

Hudson Valley: Visit Hyde Park and The Culinary Institute of America, widely recognized as the world’s premier culinary college. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch in the institute’s American Bounty Restaurant, which focuses on local produce of the

Hudson Valley paired with New York State wines.

Dining Summary: 9 Breakfasts (B), 4 Lunches (L) and 6 Dinners with wine (DW).

LUXURY HOTELS

Montreal: One of Montreal’s most iconic landmarks, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, has been boldly decorated to reflect the golden years of Montreal with new, bright and dynamic interiors. Completed in 1958, it is now home to a completely redesigned wellness centre and indoor pool, an urban market, a signature bar and Rosélys restaurant, dedicated to fresh produce from the hotel’s artisan market.

Quebec City: Located inside the walls of Old Quebec, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac holds magnificent views of the St. Lawrence River and Quebec City’s Old Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be guaranteed river rooms and a relaxing stay, with luxurious lodging, gourmet cuisine and a new health club there to keep you pampered, nourished and refreshed for the journey ahead.

Whitefield: Mountain View Resort opened in 1866, and since then this picturesque hotel has offered the perfect storybook setting for an idyllic mountain retreat, with sweeping views over the New Hampshire countryside. Guests can enjoy locally grown, farm-to-table cuisine at its in-house venue, Harvest Tavern.

Lake George: Situated on a secluded private island on Lake George, The Sagamore Resort dates back to the 1880s and is famous for hosting families, celebrities and dignitaries alike. It offers lakeside accommodation, award-winning dining and its own 18-hole golf course designed by famous golfer Donald Ross. You’ll dine at one of the venue’s eight exceptional dining destinations during you stay.

New York: Elegance, plush décor, marble bathrooms and striking Art Deco touches can be found at Essex House. Spread across 44 floors, you'll be presented with stunning views at this upscale Manhattan hotel, including of one of New York's finest treasures, Central Park. You'll be situated just moments away from Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle and Fifth Avenue.

INCLUSIVE LUXURY GOLD SERVICES

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

Enjoy the comfort of Luxury Gold's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard restroom.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.

We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

From time to time, your Travel Concierge will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination.

Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport (Within 150 miles). Your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Insight tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private executive saloon car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Insight you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Insight standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple
24th Sep, 01st & 08th Oct 2021  £5,539 £3,999 Please call
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Insight Vactions, Trafalgar tours or CostSavers before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount that is in addition to the 15% early payment discount so you will get 20% off in total - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £157.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Insight Vactions. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.