Europe Without the Jet Lag

Historical architecture, cobblestone streets, trendy boutiques, fine food and wine, engaging sights, and the echoes of chatter in a language other than English. Êtes-vous en France? Well, not quite. In this case, you are actually in the lovely Canadian province of Québec. For those who desire a Euro-cultural experience without traveling all the way to Europe, this honeymoon could be just the ticke

If you are like most, you will...

want a bit of rest and relaxation right after the wedding. Fortunately, we can accommodate you. Upon landing in Montréal, you will pick up your convertible rental car and immediately head east out of the city. Don't fret, you will be back. Your first destination lies about 90 minutes away, hidden near the peaceful lakeside town of North Hatley. Here you will find Manoir Hovey, a charming inn that mixes laid back country living with fine dining. And, when we say "fine dining," we are talking world class food and wine. While there is plenty to do during the day, from hiking, to boating, to horseback riding, most folks come to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in gourmet cuisine. Bon appetit!

After a few days in the country, you will...

hop back into the car and meander your way north along the majestic St. Lawrence River to Québec City. The primary draw for visitors is the walled old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which contains narrow cobblestone streets, slate-roofed granite houses, and grassy squares. With virtually all sights and sounds in French, you could easily confuse Quebec City for a mid-size town in Normandy. Your home base here will be the highly regarded Dominion 1912, a chic boutique hotel that sits in the Basse-Ville section of the old town. Quebec CityHoused in the renovated 1912 Dominion Fish & Fruit building, the property offers an eclectic mix of old world charm and modern, edgy interior design.

Once you are settled in, stroll over to the incredible...

Museum of Civilization, one of the most unusual anywhere. For shopping, try the Rue du Petit-Champlain, allegedly the oldest street in North America. For outstanding views of the St. Lawrence, try the Terrasse Dufferin, a boardwalk that runs in front of the famous Château Frontenac hotel, whose former guests have included Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

From the provincial feel of Québec City, you will...

move to the more cosmopolitan environment of Montréal. Half the fun of Montréal is exploring its many diverse neighborhoods, some of which are very French and some of which are very English. The best place to start is in the area you will be staying, Vieux-Montréal ("old Montréal"). Check into the lovely Hôtel Nelligan, housed in two connecting buildings originally built in the mid 1800's. Surrounding the hotel you will find numerous art galleries, small outdoor cafes, boutique shops, street performers and, of course, traditional old-world architecture.

When you're ready for something different, jump on...

the Metro and head for the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, an ethnically eclectic area with interesting shops, good restaurants and great people watching. Downtown MontrealThe feel will get a bit more upscale as you continue south along the Rue St-Denis. Many consider this part of the city to be the heart of Francophone Montréal, with many bistros, bars, cafes, and offbeat stores. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Make sure to check out the Anglophone Downtown district which is known for designer shops, skyscrapers, and restaurants, along with the world-class Museum of Fine Arts and McGill University. For a peaceful break from urban sightseeing, take a walk through, or rather up, Parc du Mont-Royal, a beautiful park that sits right in the middle of the city.

Upon departing from Montréal, you may well be inspired to take up French - au revoir et merci!

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those seeking a European-like cultural experience without actually visiting Europe. A balanced mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, urban sightseeing, dining and access to the arts.

Who should avoid this trip:

Those who prefer water, beaches and a resort environment. Those who would prefer to stay in a single place. Those wanting total relaxation.