French Canada and Great Lakes - Montreal to Detroit

Upon your arrival to Victory II settle into your outside stateroom before joining your fellow guests for a Welcome Reception followed by dinner with house wines and cocktails included.

In 2017, Montreal celebrated its 375th birthday, making it one of the oldest cities in North America. Situated on the St. Lawrence River, it remains an important crossroads for shipping by land and sea, with a rich history of Iroquois, colonial, and cosmopolitan settlements. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old City with a visit to the Notre Dame Basilica. Explore Montreal old and new with a drive through the downtown business district to the top of Mont Royal for a commanding view of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Afterward, visit one of the world's largest and most important Botanical Gardens in downtown Montreal.

Quebec City is the only walled community in North America and is deeply engaged in preserving its history and its unique place in Canada. Coaches depart for the Plains of Abraham where the battle between invading English and French defenders took place as the English stormed the upper city and captured the town. Onward to Place Royale in the lower-town, which was bombarded in 1759 from across the river, as fire ships were dispatched towards the port. You'll then drive out of Quebec City to see the historical and majestic Montmorency Falls, including a cable car ride to the top where you will have magnificent views across to the Ile d'Orléans. In the afternoon, guests are encouraged to stroll on their own out the port to visit the Petit Champlain and take the funicular railway to the Chateau Frontenac and its magnificent Dufferin Terrace.

Enjoy a day of scenic sailing of the St. Lawrence Seaway as you make your way towards Kingston. Enjoy convivial conversation with your fellow passengers or join an engaging discussion with our shipboard experts, well-versed in the history, peoples, and natural wonders of the Canadian Atlantic region.

Kingston is the oldest city in Ontario and has long been a strategic site for commercial and military endeavors. After construction in 1832 of the Rideau Canal, which connects Ottowa with Lake Ontario, Kingston found itself situated along three important waterways: the Rideau Canal, the St. Lawrence River, and Lake Ontario.

Welcome to Toronto, the most multicultural diverse city on the planet: over 140 languages are spoken. It's estimated that over half of Toronto's residents were born outside Canada, and despite its complex makeup, Torontonians generally get along. Toronto is a vibrant, big-time city abuzz with activity. Some of the world's finest restaurants are found here, alongside happening bars and clubs and eclectic festivals.

After a leisurely morning on board, disembark the ship at Port Colbourne on the southern end of the Welland Canal. The original Welland Canal was opened in 1829 and was extended to reach Lake Erie in 1833. The current canal was completed in 1932 and boasts eight locks. At Niagara Falls, embark on the famous Hornblower "Voyage of the Falls" for a cruise into the misty spray of Horseshoe Falls. Back on shore, drive along the scenic Niagara Parkway, through the charming Chateau des Charmes for lunch and wine-tasting. After lunch, continue to the town of Niagara 0n-the-Lake to peruse the shops and galleries before rejoining the ship at Port Colbourne.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland represents the heartland of American life and history. Industrial landmarks from its days as a lakeside manufacturing town still stand as a testament to Cleveland's roots. Today, the city is also filled with beautiful urban spaces and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Explore the evolution of the musical genre that shaped a generation and track its cultural impact, housed in a striking structure designed by I. M. Pei. Explore the wonderful West Side Market, set in a 1912 landmark and home to more than 100 vendors.

Sailing from Lake Huron to Lake Erie, call on Detroit, Michigan, signaling the end of your journey. After breakfast, disembark the M/V Victory II and make your way to the airport for your flight home.