Experience the Magic of a Canadian Christmas

Join The Traveling Professor for a heartwarming journey through Montréal and Québec City, two of North America’s most festive and picturesque destinations. Celebrate the season surrounded by sparkling lights, joyful music, and timeless memories that will last a lifetime.

A Magical Holiday Journey Through Old-World Charm and Festive Cheer

Step into a winter wonderland in Montréal and Québec City, where twinkling lights, cobblestone streets, and joyful Christmas markets bring the holiday spirit to life. Experience the European-style Christmas markets you remember from years gone by—hand-crafted wooden toys, ornaments, local artisan gifts, and the warm aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread filling the air. Hear the music of carolers, brass bands, and horse-drawn wagons as snow gently falls across beautifully decorated town squares lined with glowing Christmas trees.

Savor bratwurst, pretzels, and sweet treats while sipping a comforting cup of hot chocolate. The warmth of the season surrounds you on this nostalgic, small-group holiday tour.

A Holiday Experience with The Traveling Professor

The Montréal & Québec City Christmas Markets Tour combines luxury, tradition, and the joyful spirit of the holidays. Enjoy top-rated hotels, a fully guided itinerary, and plenty of free time to shop, explore, and soak in the charm of two of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Celebrate the yuletide season the way it was meant to be—festive, magical, and unforgettable.

Québec City Highlights

Stay at the legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Your guided city tour reveals stories of royalty, movie stars, and world leaders who have graced its halls. Journey by private coach through the countryside to see majestic waterfalls and the winter beauty of Île d'Orléans.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the Saint Lawrence River before visiting Le Grand Marché de Québec, the city’s largest indoor holiday market filled with local delicacies and festive cheer.
The next morning, join a guided walking tour of Old Québec—then spend the afternoon exploring the city’s four Christmas Markets, all within walking distance of the hotel.

Montréal Highlights

Travel by scenic business-class train from Québec City to Montréal, enjoying onboard lunch and refreshments. Upon arrival at Gare Centrale, check into your centrally located hotel before attending the breathtaking AURA light show at Notre-Dame Basilica—a highlight of Montréal’s holiday season.
The following day, explore the city on a private coach tour featuring Mount Royal, the Olympic Stadium, and charming neighborhoods. Then, stroll through the lively Montréal Christmas Markets, where festive stalls and glowing lights make for a perfect evening.

• Small-group holiday tour (ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers)

• Top hotels including Le Château Frontenac

• Scenic business-class train between Québec City and Montréal (with lunch and drinks)

• Professional guides and private coach transportation

• Plenty of free time for shopping, dining, and personal exploration

Small Group Travel with a Personal Touch

Experience the difference of traveling in a small group of just 12–16 friendly travelers. With fewer people, we move efficiently at our own pace—no rushing, no waiting for big bus groups. Everyone feels welcome and connected, making each trip comfortable, relaxed, and enjoyable.

We’re proud to welcome both solo travelers and those joining with friends or family. In fact, many of our guests are solo women travelers who appreciate the safe, supportive, and social atmosphere our tours provide. Whether you’re traveling alone or with companions, you’ll quickly feel like part of the group.

Personal Service from The Traveling Professor

From the moment you reserve your spot, The Traveling Professor is with you every step of the way. We provide expert travel advice on every detail—air itineraries, packing, passports, money matters, insurance, and what to expect before and during your journey.

Have questions? We’re here to help. You can always call us at 413-528-2125 or email us directly for personalized assistance. We believe that great trips start with great service.

Thoughtfully Designed Itineraries

Our itineraries are carefully crafted for active travelers who want to experience the best of each destination—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Each tour balances sightseeing, local culture, and leisure time, allowing you to see more and enjoy more.

We also plan strategically to avoid the biggest tourist crowds, giving you a richer, more authentic, and memorable travel experience. Every journey is designed with intention, care, and over 15 years of expertise in small-group travel.

Since each tour is planned with traveler input, your tour may be slightly different. We always add in “off the itinerary” sites of interest. Adjustments may be made for crowd management, weather, special events, or conditions beyond our control.

We travel with a small group of 12-20 active adults. This offers the flexibility to do what we want to do, on our own schedule. A bountiful breakfast is included each day of the tour. Every day we plan a relaxing lunch and dinner. Please join us or go out on your own - we are glad to offer our best recommendations.

Our guide is with us during the day. Tour leaders are with the group 24/7. Unless otherwise noted, we ask travelers to be ready to go at 9:30 a.m. for a full and active day of touring.

Before departure date, each traveler is supplied with a “final” detailed itinerary along with a complete and detailed information packet. It has advice on packing, money matters, passports, weather, etc. We make sure travelers are well-prepared. And of course, we are always available to personally answer any questions you may have.

Extra nights in Montréal and Québec City are available upon request.

Arrive and check-in at the world-famous Fairmont Château Frontenac, the most-photographed hotel in the world. It is majestically perched overlooking the St. Lawrence River within the largest walled city in North America. Let’s meet in the lobby to say “bonjour!” this afternoon. Then, our professional guide takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour to tell the stories of the chateau’s history and famous guests like Princess Grace, Queen Elizabeth, Celine Dion, Charles de Gaulle, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Let’s get together for a welcome dinner (not included in the price of the trip) and get to know each other. Hotel: Le Chateau Frontenac

After breakfast, A private coach tour takes us into the countryside. The giant waterfalls of Montmorency, taller than Niagara Falls, reveal scenery only to be found in this part of the world. The Sanctuary of SainteAnne-de-Beaupré is a destination for pilgrims from all over the world. Visit while it is in all its glory, decorated in full for the Christmas season. We plan a visit to Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau for holiday treats made from local produce. Then, a delightful lunch (included with the tour) on Île d'Orléans overlooking Québec City. Rounding out the day is a visit to Le Grand Marché de Québec. There you will find a wide range of local foods, Christmas gifts, and seasonal crafts. We are back in Old Québec with the rest of the day to enjoy the charms of the old city. Hotel: Le Chateau Frontenac

This morning, follow your professional guide off-the-beaten-path to be charmed by Old Québec, all dressed up for Christmas. This UNESCO World Heritage city is the site of fine old buildings and proud monuments that line winding streets and picturesque places such as the National Assembly and Parliament Hill, the Battlefields Park, the Citadel, Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica and Place d’Armes. A stop will also be made at Place Royale, the cradle of French civilization in North America, in the heart of the old Lower Town along the St. Lawrence river front. After the tour, go out on your own to experience charming Québec City decorated with Christmas delights. It's like going back to a time you knew from long ago. All 5 Christmas Markets are open day and night until 9 pm and are within easy walking distance of the hotel. Hotel: Le Chateau Frontenac

Relax and enjoy breakfast at Le Chateau Frontenac. Just after noon, we board the high-speed luxury train from Québec City to Gare Central (Montréal Central train station). Enjoy lunch (included) on the train. Arrival time in Montréal is about 4 pm. The train station is located directly under the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, accessible to us by private entrance. After check-in, let’s head over to Notre-Dame Basilica for a tour and experience “Aura”, the dynamic Christmas multi-media show. Hotel: Fairmont The Hotel Queen Elizabeth.

A full day in this fascinating city. Our private coach, accompanied by a professional tour guide, allows the traveler to delve deep into this sprawling city. We plan to see Dorchester Square, Square Victoria, Mount Royal, Place Ville Marie, Chinatown, the Latin Quarter, Quartier des Spectacles, Fine Arts Museum, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory. After the tour, do some shopping on your own or return to the Christmas Markets for a full day and evening of exploring and shopping. Hotel: Fairmont The Hotel Queen Elizabeth.

Enjoy another bountiful breakfast at The Hotel Queen Elizabeth. Steve and Linda will help you get to your next destination. Au revoir!