New England in the Fall

Arrive in Boston and meet your tour manager and fellow travelers. Boston is one of America's most influential cities, which can be seen both in its historic and modern sites. Overnight Boston, MA.

Our New England explorations begin today with a guided sightseeing tour, which showcases Boston's popular sights including a portion of the Freedom Trail. We drive through the Back Bay area, past the historic USS Constitution to Copley Square, and Beacon Hill for insight into Boston's history.

This afternoon we join Amtrak's Downeaster for the journey north. Named after the sailing vessels built by Maine's shipbuilders, the Downeaster takes us on a 116-mile journey to Portland, Maine. In Portland, we meet our motorcoach and continue into the White Mountains, one of North America's most beautiful landscapes. Our journey takes us through Maine and New Hampshire during their golden season, when the trees are stunning shades of red and orange. Overnight North Conway.

This morning we board the Mount Washington Cog Railway - the world's first cog railway, which opened in 1869. The steam-hauled* journey takes us 6,228 feet up Mount Washington to the summit, where panoramic views look out across the stunning White Mountain Range, five states and, on clear days, Canada. We make our return journey by coach, enjoying a scenic drive through the spectacular scenery of the White Mountains. We see Crawford Notch and stop at Faddens Maple Sugarhouse in North Woodstock for lunch. Our journey continues along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, America's top fall foliage drive, where a breathtaking tapestry of color lines our route. Overnight North Conway.

*Please note: steam-hauled where possible. On occasion the 3-mile trip is made by bio-diesel locomotive.

• Breakfast

Today brings another heritage rail excursion through New England's brilliant fall foliage as we embark on a journey aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. Our journey begins in North Conway, at the charming Victorian station that dates to 1874, where we board this iconic New England heritage train and follow a route first taken by train over 132 years ago. We travel through the scenic Saco River Valley to Bartlett, admiring New Hampshire's scenery as it's covered in a stunning blanket of dark red, yellow and orange. We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight North Conway. 

• Breakfast

We make the journey to Hyannis today. On the way, we stop in Plymouth to discover the highlights of this historical town. We see Plymouth Rock, the spot where early Pilgrims first set foot on land in 1620 after their ship, the Mayflower, brought them to the New World. We also see the Founding Father's Monument, a striking national monument that celebrates the Mayflower Pilgrims. We continue to Hyannis, situated on the Cape Cod peninsula. Overnight Hyannis.

• Breakfast

We experience the beauty and charm of one of America's most iconic coastlines on a tour of Cape Cod. Starting in the picturesque harbour of Hyannis, we have time to absorb the atmosphere and explore the quaint shops and restaurants that line the waterfront. From here we board a coach to explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, seeing the dramatic scenery of windswept beaches and towering dunes. Next, we explore the charming town of Chatham, with its historic lighthouse and picturesque main street before visiting the vibrant and colourful town of Provincetown, where we soak up the artistic and bohemian vibe. Overnight Hyannis.

• Breakfast

Today we drive into Rhode Island with Newport as our destinations. Newport is known for its pristine sandy beaches and impressive mansions. We tour one of the most famous today: The Breakers. This manor was built in 1895 as a summer home for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad and a member of the famous Vanderbilt family. Today, the striking Italian Renaissance-style home is a National Historic Landmark. 

We continue to the Mystic Seaport Museum, an outdoor museum that recreates a 19th century New England whaling village. Strolling along the re-imagined waterfront, we enjoy a unique glimpse back in time at the country's maritime history. Overnight Hyannis.

• Breakfast

Today's excursion takes us by ferry to Nantucket, home to dune-backed beaches, cedar-shingled buildings, high-end boutiques and steepled churches. We take a walking tour of the quaint Main Street ahead of a free afternoon in which you can visit the town's Whaling Museum. Overnight Hyannis.

• Breakfast

We return to Boston this morning, where our tour concludes. Your group transfer will arrive at Quincy Market by 11am where you are free to make your way to the airport.

• Breakfast