Unique Floral Landscapes of Quebec's Eastern Townships - Notch Above Tours

Unique Floral Landscapes
                      of Quebec’s Eastern Townships

                       This tour simply makes scents!

       Departures Available June through September, 2020
                        4 Days/3 Nights

Bienvenue au Québec! The Eastern Townships is a big collection of small cities, towns
and villages nestled in nature in southeastern Quebec. It’s like a miniature version of
New England, but with a French twist. Because of its mild microclimate, the Townships
area is home to one of the largest concentrations of organic farms in North America and
is one of the most prominent wine regions in Canada. This unique climate and
topography have made possible the cultivation of exceptional crops and some of the most
beautifully landscaped gardens in the world.

The first thing that will strike you is that villages throughout the Eastern Townships
retain their individual charm and character. They are people-oriented, architecturally
intact, vibrant communities. Experience the joie-de-vivre of the locals as you are invited
to explore their private gardens, stroll through rolling fields of lavender and take an
unforgettable walk through an illuminated forest. Alons-y! Let’s go!

Day One:

Arrive by 1:00 pm in Montreal, Canada’s largest city. Your tour begins at one of the most
beautiful destinations in the city, the Montreal Botanical Garden. With its collection of
22,000 plant species and cultivars, 10 exhibition greenhouses and over 30 thematic
gardens, this verdant complex is considered to be one of the most important botanical
gardens in the world. Explore the themed gardens at your leisure and refresh with a
beverage or snack at the Garden Restaurant.

Depart the garden late afternoon and travel to your full-service, four-star, downtown
Montreal hotel. With its elegant accommodations and exceptional customer service, this
is the perfect place to relax and refresh after an afternoon in the gardens.

A visit to Montreal would not be complete without dinner in a French restaurant.
Tonight’s dinner is served at a crêperie, where you will savor the flavors of this
traditional “flat pancake” rolled and filled with delicious ingredients.

Day Two:

After a hearty breakfast buffet served in the hotel, pack your bags and check out of your
rooms. Today’s travels take you into the heart of Canada’s Eastern Townships.

Before you depart Montreal, visit the Jean Talon Market where you will witness a lavish
array of locally grown and produced goods from over 300 vendors. As in the European-
market-style, you will have the opportunity to meet the merchants and take advantage of
their know-how, as they are always happy to answer questions and share helpful tips with
a smile! Before you depart, purchase the makings of a “to-go” lunch to enjoy as you
travel to the Townships.

Depart Montreal about noon and travel to the quaint town of Saint-Hyacinthe, known as
the agri-food capital of Quebec. Your bilingual, local guide will meet you upon arrival.

Your first stop is at the Daniel A. Seguin Garden. This floral park is a teaching garden for
Quebec’s Agri-Food Technology Institute and attracts over 15,000 visitors a year. It
displays 50,000 plants over 11 acres, including more than 20 thematic gardens and has
the largest collection of annuals in Quebec. Your visit includes a docent-led tour,
followed by time to visit the gift shop.

Depart the garden mid-afternoon and continue east to your next destination. Along the
way, your guide will share tales of the region’s rich history, culture and traditions and
explain how the unique growing climate allows so many diverse species to flourish.

Late afternoon, arrive at Le Cep d’Argent, an ideal location for a refreshing break. This
114-acre vineyard has over 60,000 vines and is one of the first vineyards in the Eastern
Townships. Besides the sparkling wines that have made the vineyard a household name,
Le Cep d’Argent also offers a selection of red, white and rosé wines. Your visit includes
a tasting of five of their wines, a tour of the vineyard and time to visit their on-site store.

Depart the vineyard and drive a short distance to your full-service hotel, located on the
shores of Lake Memphremagog. This hotel offers a warm setting, luxury
accommodations and splendid scenery. There will be time to relax and refresh before
dinner.

Gather in the lobby and prepare to walk to your dinner destination. This charming,
locally-owned Italian eatery is known for its delicious cuisine, great service and
waterfront views.

Day Three:

After breakfast in the hotel, join your local guide and set out a scented summer day.

Your day begins in North Hatley, a charming village on the north shore of Lake
Massawippi. It is known for its magnificent homes that date back over a century and built
by landowners who fled the American South after the Civil War. Here you are invited to
explore Pat Webster’s private garden, Glen Villa. Upon arrival, Pat will warmly greet you
and orient you to her property. You will quickly learn that Pat is passionate about the
land and is an accomplished artist, writer, popular speaker and experienced gardener.

After the orientation, head out at your leisure to explore this 750-acre property that
weaves nature, art and history into a rich horticultural landscape. Discover distinct
outdoor “garden rooms,” contemporary sculpture, Asian artifacts and works of art. More
a garden of woodland paths than a traditional country garden, Glen Villa integrates nature
and art, past and present, into a tapestry of many experiences.

Your next stop is at Bleu Lavande in Stanstead. This farm is the largest lavender farm in
Canada and the second largest in North America. Bleu Lavande’s history began with a
dream of seeing a blue flower with remarkable properties that would grow in Quebec.
The unique species and brilliant blue hue of Lavandula Angustifolia thus inspired one of
the first lavender farms in Canada. Your visit includes a guided tour and a picnic lunch to
enjoy at one of the many picnic venues situated around the rolling lavender fields. There
will also be time to explore at your leisure and to shop at the on-site boutique’s showcase
of products for home and body.

Depart Bleu Lavande early afternoon and travel to Herbes Orford, a three-acre farm that
cultivates a wide range of edible plants, herbs and medicinal plants. The gardens are
dedicated to wellness and health through an inspiring herbal culture and the production of
natural products. Your visit includes a guided tour and a hands-on herbal tea-making
workshop where you will learn how to grow, harvest and prepare herbal tea. And, to
reward your efforts, enjoy a tasting of five different teas!

Depart Herbes Orford late afternoon and travel back to the hotel. There will be time to
refresh and recharge before this evening’s activities.

Board the coach and travel to Coaticook for a most memorable evening. Arrive at your
dinner destination located in a century-old building that houses a restaurant, gift shop and
outdoor terrace set in the middle of the forest. In keeping with the garden theme, this
eatery is integrated with nature and the beauty of the Eastern Townships. Dine on
traditional Quebecois cuisine.

After dinner, walk next door and prepare to embark on an incredible journey through an
enchanted forest. Foresta Lumina brings to life the story of Margaret, a young woman
who lived near the forest of Coaticook decades ago and was blessed with an uncommon
gift that allowed her to see what others could not. The soul of this woman still breathes in
these woods. This experiential walk through the forest is filled with music, light and
magical creatures. Remember to whisper a wish to the forest fairies in the Garden of
Wishes.

Depart Foresta Lumina and return to the hotel. You’ll be ready for a good night’s rest
after this busy day.

Day Four:

Enjoy a traditional Quebecois breakfast buffet served at the hotel before you depart.
Today’s travels lead you out of Quebec and on your way home.

Along the way you will stop in the elegant Victorian village of Knowlton. It was founded
in 1802 by United Empire Loyalists from New England and New York. Knowlton has
been chosen on several occasions as one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec.

Your first stop in Knowlton is at the private garden of Claire Leger, Domaine des
Fougères (Field of Ferns), which overlooks the tranquil shores of Lake Brome. Upon
arrival, Claire will greet you and guide you through her gardens that include woodland
paths, magnificent sculptures and water features. Along the way, discover the Haida path
and its totem poles, the Lovers’ Mirror, the Pond of the Woman Rider, the Embers
Corner and many more unique venues.

Say goodbye to Claire, board the coach and travel a short distance into downtown
Knowlton for an included lunch. Dine on contemporary, regional fare, served in a
country-chic décor.

After lunch, board the coach and continue your travels home.

Your Package Includes:

      3 Nights accommodations
      3 Breakfasts
      2 Lunches
      3 Dinners
      Admission to the Montreal Botanical Garden
      Visit to the Jean Talon Market
      Guided tour at the Daniel A. Seguin Gardens
      Tour and taste at Le Cep d’Argent, maker of sparkling wines
      Private tour of the gardens at Glen Villa
      Guided tour at Bleu Lavande Farm
      Guided tour of Herbes Orford

   Herbal tea making workshop
      Admission to Foresta Lumina
      Guided tour of the private gardens of Claire Leger
      Souvenir gift
      Services of a local, bilingual guide for 1 ½ days
      Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per traveler
      Accommodations, admissions, group meals and baggage handling for the coach
       driver
      Taxes and gratuities (NOTE: Gratuities for the local guide and coach driver are
       not included and are at your discretion based on service)

Pricing Information:

Call now for custom pricing.

824 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3, Colchester, Vermont 05446
802-881-0661
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