New England in a Nutshell

Arrive in Boston, and transfer to your hotel. You have some time to begin your explorations of this historic destination before meeting your tour manager in the hotel lobby. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy Bean Town's impressive culinary scene. Overnight Boston.

Scenic landmarks and sites that formed the United States as we know it lie ahead on this morning's guided tour of Boston. The excursion ends as we arrive at Quincy Market, where you enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon, we leave the city aboard our deluxe motorcoach and head toward the renowned Kancamagus Highway for some of the most impressive leaf peeping in all the country. Our drive continues along the scenic 34-mile stretch into the heart of the White Mountains en route to Whitefield, NH. Upon arrival, dinner is served at our hotel. Overnight Whitefield or North Conway, NH.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast at the hotel, we take a ride aboard the nation's first mountain-climbing cog railway, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. Fully restored vintage rail cars take us to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, all while traveling at a leisurely pace and offering spectacular scenes of the surrounding White Mountain Range. The journey to the top takes approximately 1 hour, and upon arrival, marvel at the 360-degree views that include up to five states, the Atlantic Ocean and even Southern Canada. Also at the top, peruse the visitors center, which includes a post office and a fascinating museum, and walk along the numerous hiking trails. The descent is just as beautiful, with even more colorful vistas unfolding as we travel to the base of the mountain for lunch at the railway's restaurant. Following our meal, the journey continues toward Burlington, VT, our home for the next two nights. Overnight Burlington. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

We travel into the lush state forests of Vermont this morning as we travel to Stowe, VT, a charming New England ski town surrounded by towering mountain peaks and stunning fall foliage scenes. Upon arrival in Stowe, we tour Cold Hollow Cider Mill to learn about the production of old-fashioned apple cider and Vermont maple syrup. Of course, there are plenty of samples to give you a taste of tradition - and delectable apple cider doughnuts, too. Lunch with impressive mountain views follows. Our time in Stowe concludes as we take in the autumn brilliance from yet another perspective: above. We ride aboard the Stowe Gondola Skyride to the top of Mt. Mansfield inside a glass-enclosed pod.

Returning to Burlington, our next adventure is found on the shores of Lake Champlain, as we board the Spirit of Ethan Allen for a cruise of the calm waters. The combination of blue water and fire-hued leaves is truly breathtaking. As we dock back in Burlington, we return to our hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight Burlington.

• Breakfast, Lunch

All aboard Amtrak's Vermonter today for a scenic ride from Burlington, VT, to Lebanon, NH. Upon arrival in Lebanon, we transfer to the amazing Quechee Gorge just across the White River. Known as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon," the gorge offers stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs and picturesque forest scenery. Enjoy all these sights from 168 feet above the Ottaquechee River on the gorge's passenger bridge and from the surrounding trails during our time here. We continue to Woodstock, where you have time to explore the local shops and eateries and have lunch on your own. As we arrive back in Boston later today, your evening is at leisure. Overnight Boston.

• Breakfast

Your New England expedition comes to a close this morning. Transfer to Boston Logan International Airport is available hourly via the hotel's shuttle service.

• Breakfast