New England in a Nutshell: Rail & Drive

The Cradle of Liberty itself and a crowning jewel of the East Coast, the city of Boston, Massachusetts, is chock-full of Revolutionary history and is one of the most important cities in the founding of the United States. It is also the starting point for this memorable rail and drive vacation through New England. As you arrive today, transfer to your hotel on your own. You are free to begin your explorations of this historic city this evening. Overnight Boston.

Boston's cityscape boasts an interesting mixture of architectural styles that blends historic structures dating to the 1600s with modern designs that reflect today's trends. Admire these buildings and all the monuments and landmarks between them on today's walking tour. Each step immerses you further into the city's history. Places like Boston Harbor and Quincy Market pair with sites along the Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill, Boston Public Market, and Custom House Tower to paint a lovely picture of Boston's story. As you walk, listen to the guide's exciting tales - stories about the American Revolution, the founding of America as we know it, and even the Boston Massacre.

This afternoon, continue sightseeing at your own pace. Watching the boats sail through Boston Harbor is a peaceful way to pass the time. In contrast, Faneuil Hall Marketplace's shops and restaurants are a lively place to experience the city's vibrancy. You may wish to visit one of the city's museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Science. Overnight Boston

Take a leisurely morning to enjoy your hotel's amenities and Boston's offerings. Ahead of lunch, make your way to the local car rental facility to pick up your rental for the next five days. Today's journey takes us into the gorgeous surroundings and deep forests of the White Mountains, but while the destination is set, the route is yours to plan. Leave a little earlier and take the scenic route, or head straight to North Conway, New Hampshire; the choice is yours. Take some time to settle into your new surroundings on arrival. This delightful little village offers shopping and quaint mountain splendors. Continue deeper into the region later this afternoon, arriving in North Woodstock to join the Café Lafayette Dinner Train* for its 4:15 run. Your two-hour excursion aboard this beloved train takes you amongst the serene scenery of the White Mountains. As you travel, savor five courses of chef-prepared cuisine and enjoy company and conversation. Return to North Conway this evening with the remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight North Conway. 

*Please note the Café Lafayette Dinner Train Dress Code is Business Casual - Slacks, collared shirt, skirts, nice jean or shorts are all welcome.  Ripped clothing and tank-tops are discouraged. 

*Lafayette Dinner Train has many sold out dates during prime leaf peeping season in late Sept thru mid-Oct. Speak to your rail specialist regarding alternative options such as stopping at Lake Winnipesauke or Portland, Maine enroute. 

• Dinner

Another of New England's picturesque rail lines beckons today as you join the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. This line is located about an hour north of North Conway and was constructed in 1869 as the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway. Join it this morning and soak in spectacular views of the White Mountains during the climb to the summit of White Mountain at 6,288 feet above sea level. Look over the Ammonoosuc River, forests, large boulders, and the surrounding mountains while scaling the mountain at a grade of up to 35 percent. The roundtrip journey takes about three hours to complete and travels at a leisurely speed of 5 miles per hour.

It is back to the road following your trip up Mount Washington. Your drive takes you along the Kancamagus Highway, a roadway widely recognized as one of the most scenic in the United States-especially during fall foliage season-and follows a 34.5-mile route on New Hampshire's Route 112. In addition to offering panoramic views over the thick forests and the rolling White Mountains, enjoy peeks at waterfalls, the Swift River, and the Rocky Gorge. It takes about two hours to enjoy the byway to its fullest, but you are welcome to take your time and stop off at the lookouts and scenic points of interest that most delight you. Return to your home base following your drive and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. The North Conway region is home to numerous craft breweries and taprooms that give you a taste of the mountain's flavors. Overnight North Conway.

Begin your day aboard the rails with a morning excursion on the Conway Scenic Railroad. The train itself was first put into service in 1875, yet it was not opened as a tourist attraction until 1974. The train departs from the line's original 1874 station and follows several scenic routes, including one through the Conway Valley and another along the Sawyer River.

As the train arrives back at the station, set out on the Kancamagus Highway once more as you begin your drive toward Burlington, Vermont. The drive between North Conway and Burlington takes about three hours to complete if you drive straight through; however, there is so much to explore between each town. You may wish to stop at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks to sample 100 percent natural maple syrup or taste small-batch, artisanal cheeses along the Vermont Cheese Trail. There are many breweries along the route, and great restaurants tucked away in small towns. As you approach Lake Champlain, pull over and take a look. The contrast of the forests against the blue water is lovely. There is even more to see out on the water, and you are treated to up-close views of it all as you cruise Lake Champlain aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Your cruise is fully narrated, which allows you to learn the region's history while admiring its scenery. Continue to your hotel in Burlington following the cruise and enjoy the evening on your own. Overnight Burlington.

Today takes you further inland past colorful state forests and sparkling lakes to Stowe, Vermont. One of the highlights of Stowe is its Gondola Skyride, and as you arrive, it offers your first look at the ethereal terrain of Mount Mansfield. This mountain is the highest in Vermont and is extremely beautiful, especially in the autumn when covered in the ruby reds, rich rusts, and lovely ochres of fall's leaves. The gondola route is about 2.6 miles in length, and once it stops at the top, you have access to hiking trails, a restaurant, lookout points, and more.

Take the rest of the day to immerse yourself in the offerings of your new location. Perhaps visit the Cabot Farmers' Store to peruse a selection of locally crafted foodstuffs or head to the Ben & Jerry's factory to tour the facilities and a sampling of the ice-cold delicacy. Sip craft coffee - and grab a few bags to take home - at Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea, or grab a local brew at any of the local breweries. Some of the most popular include The Alchemist and Von Trapp Brewery and Beerhall. If it is more nature you seek, there are several state parks nearby, as well as waterfalls and walking paths. Stowe is also home to the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, constructed in 1844. Overnight Burlington.

Take your time traversing the White Mountains and the quaint towns that call them home as you drive back to Boston. The route takes you from northern Vermont, through the heart of New Hampshire, and down along the coast of Massachusetts to Boston. When you arrive in Boston, drop off your rental car and spend the evening enjoying the bustle of Boston. Head to the north end of town to seek out the city's best culinary offerings, or pop in one of the nearby pubs to have a drink with the locals. From historical sites to neighborhoods rife with culture and architectural intrigue, Boston is brimming with adventure. Overnight Boston.

Your New England vacation concludes this morning.