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Autumn Tour in New England

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Let the brilliant hues of autumn and the stunning scenery of the Eastern seaboard capture your soul this fall as you travel through New England aboard scenic rail lines and on beloved byways.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 3

2024 Tour code: ATN24

About the tour

Immerse yourself in the East Coast's annual display of fall colors, during which reds, oranges, and yellows overtake the lush terrain, on this memorable escorted tour. We venture into the heart of autumn's splendor from Boston, where the journey begins. Visit quaint New England towns and seaside locales that recount the region's rich heritage as we travel to the shores of Cape Cod; Plymouth, MA; Newport, RI; and Mystic, CT, rich in its nautical past. From here, we peek into another layer of America's history in Norman Rockwell's hometown and at Abraham Lincoln's summer home.

But the show does not stop here; instead, we witness the show-stopping beauty this part of the country is known for each autumn as we enter New Hampshire's White Mountains. Enjoy a front-row seat to nature's performance while riding aboard scenic railways and driving along America's most famous leaf-peeping destination, the Kancamagus Highway. Each stop along our course weaves the story of New England - past and present - and introduces us to charms that cannot help but leave you in awe. You'll experience the best of the Northeast on this incredible journey.

Unforgettable Experiences

View the Foliage Aboard Three Scenic Rail Journeys
View the Foliage Aboard Three Scenic Rail Journeys
Get a new perspective on what “fall colors” can mean in New England aboard three scenic rail journeys”: The Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Dinner Train, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, and the Conway Scenic Railroad
America's Top Fall Foliage Drive
America's Top Fall Foliage Drive
Ride along Kancamagus Highway and admire the brilliant fall colors
Uncover Boston's Historic Sites
Uncover Boston's Historic Sites
Learn about Boston’s title as the “Cradle of Liberty” on a guided tour of the city
JFK Hyannis Museum
JFK Hyannis Museum
Visit the JFK Hyannis Museum to learn more about the Kennedys and their time in the Cape
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum
This seaside museum offers a glimpse at the modern and historic elements of the Maritimes.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Boston

Arrive in Boston and transfer on your own to your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring the city, taking a trolley tour or relaxing in your room. Meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at your hotel this evening for a short tour briefing before heading out for dinner at your choice of local restaurants. Overnight Boston, MA.

Day 2 – Boston/Hyannis

One of the most influential cities in America's past, Boston is filled with historic sites and landmarks pivotal to America's history. Walk along the streets of the "Cradle of Liberty" on this morning's city tour. After lunch on your own at Quincy Market, we board our deluxe motorcoach for the drive to Hyannis. Here, we visit the JFK Hyannis Museum and learn more about one of America's most beloved presidents. Hear about JFK's personal life, his life before the presidency, and life as a member of Hyannis' most prominent family. We conclude the day with free time in downtown Hyannis. Overnight Hyannis, MA. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 – Plimoth Patuxet/Cape Cod Central Railroad

Today we visit Plymouth, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's arrival in its harbor in 2020. Our visit to Plimoth Patuxet allows us to step back in history and discover 17th-century Massachusetts as we hear the interwoven stories of two distinct groups - the English and the Native. Tonight, board the Cape Cod Central Railroad's Dinner Train for an excursion through cranberry bogs and lush marshes. Dinner is served as the train crosses the famous Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge into the historic village of Buzzard's Bay. Overnight Hyannis, MA. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Newport/Mystic

Today we travel to Newport, RI, the world's yachting capital. A trip down Ocean Drive reveals the splendor of this playground of the rich and famous. Tour one of Newport's summer "cottages" and see how the elite lived during Newport's Gilded Age. Our tour continues to Mystic, CT, home of the world's largest maritime museum, Mystic Seaport. Founded in 1929, this prominent museum offers tall ships, a recreated 19th-century nautical village, and a preservation shipyard. Relax on the motorcoach as we make the short drive to Springfield, MA, our home for the night. The evening is yours to relax in your hotel room or venture out to explore the city.

Overnight Hartford, CT.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Stockbridge/Hildene

Today we journey to the Berkshires and Norman Rockwell's hometown of Stockbridge, MA. Here, we appreciate the work of this remarkable artist at the Norman Rockwell Museum. The museum contains the world's largest original Norman Rockwell art collection, including his famous Saturday Evening Post covers. Following our time here, we drive further north into Vermont, pausing at the Publyk House restaurant for lunch in the historic barn restaurant tucked among the forested mountains.

This afternoon we visit Hildene, the Lincoln Family's summer home. Here, breathtaking gardens meet a well-preserved estate for a beautiful overall picture. You can also tour a Pullman car, the Sunbeam, built in 1888. Now fully restored, this wooden railcar is an example of the finest travel luxury of its time. The day's travels continue as we skirt the White Mountains, surrounded by fall brilliance, headed for the small town of Lincoln, New Hampshire. Overnight Lincoln, NH.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Mt. Washington Cog Railway/Kancamagus Highway

Take the morning at leisure to revel in the sleepy ambiance of downtown Lincoln. You may wish to wander along the main street in search of a pastry from a local bakery or a delicious cup of coffee. The lovely White Mountains sit just beyond the bounds of the town and hint at the adventures to come later this afternoon.

First, we venture to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast aboard the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The journey is a story of the beauty this region beholds - especially when aglow in fall's warm hues. Enjoy beautiful vistas over the forest and surrounding mountain peaks during the hour-long climb to the top. On a clear day, panoramic views over five states, the Atlantic, and even southern Canada await your gazing eye at the summit. Once we descend the mountainside, we continue our leaf-peeping adventure along the world-renowned Kancamagus Highway. Over 34 miles of unbelievable scenery guide the way, with glimpses of waterfalls, the Rocky Gorge, and the Swift River complementing the deep rust, crimson, and golden colors of White Mountain National Forest. Overnight Lincoln, NH.

 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Conway Scenic Railway

This morning, we join one of New England's most iconic trains, the Conway Scenic Railroad, for a one-of-a-kind journey through the region's autumnal splendors. Carefully restored railcars provide a romantic atmosphere from which to enjoy the dramatic colors found along the train's route. We move through the forests at a relaxing pace, and the train's attendants offer interesting anecdotes and point out notable sites as the journey unfolds. As the train arrives back at the station, you have some time to wander around Conway before we return to Lincoln for an afternoon at leisure.

The evening concludes with a Farewell Dinner at the Woodstock Inn. Join your fellow travelers - now new friends - in celebrating the success of your fall foliage adventure over a delicious dinner and drinks. Overnight Lincoln, NH.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Tour Conclusion

Our fall foliage journey concludes after breakfast. A group transfer to Boston South Station or Boston Logan Airport will accommodate trains and planes departing after 1:00 pm. 

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

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Holiday Inn Cape Cod - Hyannis

Holiday Inn Cape Cod - Hyannis

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North Conway Grand Hotel, North Conway

North Conway Grand Hotel, North Conway

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Cambria Hotel North Conway, New Hampshire

Cambria Hotel North Conway, New Hampshire

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Trains

Cape Cod Central Railroad
Conway Scenic Railroad
The Mount Washington Cog Railway

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