Quebec's Eastern Townships - Lakes, Lights & Lavender Fields
Sep 7, 2023 - Sep 11, 2023
Join The Connecticut Horticultural Society to travel back in time and take in the old-world flavor of Québec’s Eastern Townships. In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, uncover the delights of charming French villages, lush green valleys, enchanted woods, idyllic farmland and Victorian Architecture.
Savor the local flavors of the area with Traditional High Tea, Local Honey, Cheese tasting, Black Currants, Quebec Wines, Spirits, and Craft Brews. Bask in the sights and scents of Lavender, flowers, topiary, sculptures & more. Relax at the beautiful 5-star OTL Gouverneur Hotel for all four nights.
5 Day(s) | 9 Meals
Private Garden - Fall Festival - Dinner Cruise - Bleu Lavende
Highlights
- Deluxe Motorcoach
- 4 nights hotel accommodations at the OTL Govourneur Hotel
- 9 Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 2 Boxed Lunches, 3 Dinners
- High Tea
- Private Garden
- Dinner Cruise
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Friendship Tours Escort
- Proof of Citizenship: U.S. Citizens: Valid Passport required—must be valid 6 months past the return date
- Non U.S. Citizens are responsible for obtaining proper documentation for travel. Friendship Tours / The Ship Shop is not responsible for passengers not having proper documentation for travel.
- Entry into Canada: Please note that Canada may deny entry to any person for reasons including, but not limited to, security risks, health issues, involvement in criminal activity (including crimes that have occurred in the past) such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence, theft and other crimes. It is recommended that a person who has ever been charged with, or convicted of a crime obtain the necessary approval documents before attempting to enter Canada.
Itinerary
Day 1
We depart for the border with a lunch stop enroute. Upon arrival in Sherbrooke, we will enjoy a Traditional High Tea at Uplands Cultural and Heritage Center, complete with period costumes, tea, scones and of course the cucumber sandwiches. Guided Tour of Sherbrooke will show us this wonderful town including the topiary & greenhouses. Welcome Dinner at OMG Resto, located in the former Sainte-Thérèse church. Our home for 4 nights will be the OTL Gouverneur Hotel in Sherbrooke. D
Day 2
After breakfast we will head to Parc Marie-Victorian in Kingsey Falls. This oversized garden will surprise all! Discover its amazing 3D giant mosaicultures and gigantic statues made of recycled metals. Tour through six themed gardens and a tropical greenhouse. Enjoy our boxed lunches here. Then head to Herbes Orford, gardens on a 3-acre site designed for walking and relaxation along the Mont Orford National Park. Back to hotel to freshen up. Enjoy an unforgettable Dinner Cruise aboard the Grand Cru over the waters of legendary Lake Memphremagog, a natural wonder in the Eastern Townships. You'll be swept away by the poetry of the scenery… You'll indulge in a delicious menu, enjoy live music and narration. B, L, D
Day 3
We begin our day with the bees! We visit Miellerie Lune de Miel . Prepare yourselves to enter the fascinating world of bees. A guided tour for all awaits you on their well-organized social life and the production of honey. Off to Bleu Lavande, discover the lavender farm in Magog. Bleu Lavande...the peaceful haven of unforgettable fragrances & unique sensory experience. This amazing purple haven awaits with a tour & time to enjoy your boxed lunch! Afternoon to enjoy Fête des Vendanges Magog-Orford, the fall festival focused on the discovery of Quebec wineries and agri-food products. In a festive atmosphere and enchanting setting on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, music and fun not to be missed! Dinner on own before our evening event, Foresta Lumina. Walk through the enchanted forest to meet fantastic fairies & creatures within this magical illuminated world. B, L
Day 4
First stop today, Private tour at Glen Villa Art Garden in North Hatley. A country 750 acre property, owned by Patterson & Norman Webster, located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki, this lakeside treasure weaves formal and wild gardens, ponds and cascades, tranquil walks, sculptures, Asian artifacts and art installations into a rich tapestry of experiences. Explore ideas about history, memory and our relationship to the land as you walk through themed garden rooms, fields and forests. After lunch on own, visit Fromagerie La Station for a tour and tasting. Fields, cows, delicious organic cheeses and people who really enjoy what they do! Off to Domaine Ives Hill, to learn about black currants including a tasting. Farewell Dinner tonight. B, D
Day 5
Return to the States with great memories of the Eastern Townships! (Appropriate rest/food stops enroute) B
Departure Locations
West Hartford at Emanuel Synagogue
Depart: TBA
Return: TBA
Emanuel Synagogue Parking Lot, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT
Please park in rear along tree line.
Manchester
Depart: TBA
Return: TBA
Manchester, Park & Ride Commuter Lot, Buckland Street & Pleasant Valley Road
Pricing
DOUBLE - PER PERSON
$1709
DOUBLE - PER PERSON CT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMBER PRICE
$1659
SINGLE - PER PERSON
$2239
SINGLE - PER PERSON CT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEMBER PRICE
$2189
Policies
Payment Policy
DEPOSIT: $300 per person with reservation; FINAL PAYMENT: June 1, 2023Cancellation Policy
If a passenger cancels from deposit to June 1, 2023 fee of $100.00 pp; June 2, 2023 to July 5, 2023 fee of $800.00 pp; no refunds if canceled after July 6, 2023 unless a substitute is provided.Trip Protection Policy
Trip Protection Coverage is strongly recommended. Trip Protection offers coverage for Cancellation for covered medical reasons, Interruption, Emergency Medical, Travel Delay, & more.
The AON/NTA Travel Protection Plan offers 3 levels of insurance: Basic or Enhanced or Enhanced with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR). The Pre-existing medical condition exclusion can be waived by purchasing the Enhanced Plan within 14 days of your deposit or initial payment. The Enhanced Plan with the add-on of CFAR must be purchased within 14 days of initial deposit. CFAR allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 priors to departure and reimburses up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip cost.
To enroll: https://nta.aontravelprotect.com Tour Operator Location #076068 OR call AON 1-800-388-1470.
Premiums are non-refundable once paid. Terms & Conditions apply. Plan details are available at https://www.friendshiptours.net/protection-plan. Call Friendship Tours 860-243-1630 for assistance in enrolling.