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

Today, we're heading towards the Cape Cod peninsula. Along the way, we're making a pit stop in Plymouth to check out the highlights of this historic town. We'll see Plymouth Rock, the spot where the early Pilgrims first stepped foot on land back in 1620 after their ship, the Mayflower, brought them to the New World. We'll also swing by the Founding Father's Monument, honoring the Mayflower Pilgrims. Then, we'll continue on to our beachfront hotel in Falmouth, right on the Cape Cod peninsula, where we'll be kicking back for two nights.

• Breakfast

Today, we're embarking on a day trip to Martha's Vineyard to explore Cape Cod and its surrounding region. Named for its distinctive shape, Cape Cod boasts breathtaking scenery all year round. After a brief ferry ride, we'll arrive at Martha's Vineyard, a summer hotspot for New England's elite. The locals, known as 'Vineyarders,' fiercely preserve the island's traditions and heritage. Chain stores haven't yet made their mark here, lending Martha's Vineyard a nostalgic charm that's captivating to uncover. You'll have some free time to grab lunch before we hop back on the ferry to Falmouth later in the afternoon.

• Breakfast

We're diving into Rhode Island, renowned for its sandy beaches and charming Colonial-era seaside towns. Our first stop is the chic Newport, a long-standing haven for well-heeled travelers. Here, we'll marvel at some incredible mansions, including a tour of one of the most iconic, The Breakers. Built in 1895 as Cornelius Vanderbilt II's summer retreat, this Italian Renaissance-style masterpiece is now a National Historic Landmark. Next up, we'll make our way to the Mystic Seaport Museum, an open-air museum that transports us to a 19th-century New England whaling village. Taking a leisurely stroll along the recreated waterfront, we'll relish in this unique peek into the past. Finally, we'll head to the quirky capital of Rhode Island, Providence, a city that's racked up a slew of awards, including being named the "Number 3 favorite US city" and the "Best city for foodies." We'll be calling Providence home for the next two nights.

• Breakfast

Today, you have the freedom to explore Providence at your own pace. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with attractions like a cathedral, museums, and a zoo. Dining options range from New England classics to international cuisines. Don't miss the WaterFire art installation from April to November. You can also take a train to nearby cities like New Haven or Boston for a day trip.

• 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