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New England's Rails & Sails featuring Newport

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4.5 stars(20 reviews)
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Admire how the historic towns and verdant forests meet the blue waters of the Atlantic on this rail and sail adventure through New England.

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
8 days From $3,195 per person

2021 Tour code: EC-NRSA-21

About the tour

From the lush green of summer to the fiery hues of fall, the vibrant East Coast scenery is the backdrop for this tour to some of New England's most historic and picturesque sites. This round-trip tour begins and ends in Boston, and in between, experience places like Kennebunkport and Portland in Maine, Weirs Beach in New Hampshire and Newport in Rhode Island. Dine on freshly caught lobster, be immersed in the unique history of the Eastern Seaboard and enjoy looks at some of the most magnificent scenery the United States has to offer. 

Highlights

Activity level Natural Explorer

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You don’t mind spending the day on your feet. You enjoy sightseeing that includes walking, standing or stair climbing. You’re okay with longer days that are more active, such as multiple sightseeing stops, longer motorcoach journeys and getting on and off ships and trains.

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Boston

Arrive in Boston and transfer to your centrally located hotel on your own. After you are settled in your room, there is time to get acquainted with the city before joining your tour manager and fellow travelers at the hotel this evening for an introductory meeting. Overnight Boston, MA.

Day 2 - Boston

Start the day with a guided tour of Boston. Learn about Boston's history and see landmarks pivotal to the birth of a nation. Our tour ends at Quincy Market, where you can enjoy lunch at leisure in one of the restaurants or food stalls within this historic market. The remainder of the afternoon is free to sightsee at your leisure. Of course, the views of the observation deck at Prudential Center are wonderful, and you can always have a seat at the harbor and watch the boats pass by. Your tour manager can help you plan your day. This evening, you will rejoin your group for dinner. Overnight Boston, MA. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Kennebunkport

This morning board Amtrak's Downeaster at Boston's North Station for the journey to Wells, Maine. Upon arrival, we transfer by motorcoach to Kennebunkport, where you have time to explore the town's sites and have lunch before we set sail. This afternoon, get an up-close look at Maine's lobster industry on a scenic lobster cruise. Look at the colorful forests bordering the water's edge, pass the Bush family compound or have your picture taken with the day's catch. Following our cruise, we have some more time to explore Kennebunkport. Perhaps try another one of the local eateries, or simply enjoy the storybook views of rustic buildings against the deep blue waters and colorful foliage. Overnight Kennebunkport, ME.

Day 4 - Portland

From the beautiful waterline to the undeniable charm of the town's boutique shops and cobblestone streets, Portland has so much to offer. This morning we set out with a local guide to learn about the area's history, hear stories of the past and see some of the amazing sites in the area. Following the tour, you will have some free time to take in the essence of this coastal gem on your own. Begin with lunch at one of the eateries in town, perhaps warming your body and soul with a bowl of clam chowder. After, take some time to stroll through the streets, meander along the sandy and rocky beaches, see the region's lighthouses or explore the local arts scene. Later this evening, you will rejoin the group for a delicious lobster dinner. Overnight Kennebunkport, ME. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise

This morning we transfer from coastal Maine inland to Meredith, New Hampshire. It is here that we board the Mount Washington for a scenic cruise across the beautiful waters of New Hampshire's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. As we cruise, see other boats moving across the waters, beautiful lakeside houses and lush patches of colorful forest. This one-way cruise takes us to Weir's Beach, New Hampshire, where you have time to explore the resort town's most beloved sites. Later this evening, we board the Café Lafayette Dinner Train, for a 20-mile journey through the Pemigewasset River Valley. Savor a chef-prepared five-course dinner in a fully restored dining car as you gaze upon the dramatic evening vistas. The experience is so special, it was even named on the Wall Street Journal's list of "Dinner Trains Around the World." Overnight Lincoln, NH. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Newport

This morning we drive to Newport, RI, yachting capital of the world. This seaside town is nicknamed "New England's summer resort" and is known for its summer "cottages" as well as being a playground of the rich and famous. The most famous home is The Breakers, the Vanderbilt's summer home. We tour the 70-room mansion, now a National Historic Landmark, and its gardens and see how the elite lived during Newport's Gilded Age. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this coastal community. Overnight Newport, RI.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Newport

A day filled with adventure awaits! We start the day with an excursion aboard the Rum Runner II. This motor yacht is our guide back to the time of Prohibition. As we cruise through the waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, we see sites of old speakeasies and learn about the rum smuggling routes outlaws took. During this cruise, beautiful seaside mansions, islands and marine life come into view and complete this sailing experience. After lunch on your own in Newport, we meet at Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Co. for a tour of their beer- and spirit-making facilities. Sample some of the most popular offerings such as Rhoderage, 1639 Pale Al and seasonal beers. The evening concludes with a ride aboard the Newport & Narragansett Railroad for an elegant dinner train experience. Views of Aquidneck Island and Narragansett Bay are the backdrop of our trip as you dine on exquisite chef-prepared cuisine and are enraptured by the vintage Pullman-style experience the train offers. Overnight Newport, RI. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

This morning, your time on the East Coast comes to an end. A group transfer is available to Boston Logan Airport and South Street Station for planes and trains departing after 1:00 p.m. 

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

Boston Park Plaza

Boston Park Plaza

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The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport

The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport

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The Mountain Club on Loon, Lincoln

The Mountain Club on Loon, Lincoln

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Wyndham Newport Hotel, Middletown

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Newport Marriott

Newport Marriott

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Trains

Amtrak's Downeaster
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad

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Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 20 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (10)
  2. 4 stars
    (10)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
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  5. 1 star
    (0)

Eva H, Sycamore, OH

5 stars

Submitted 31 Dec 2018

Very impressed with the quality of accommodations, knowledge of the tour director and organization. I can truthfully say I have nothing to complain about

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Susan H, Tiffin, OH

5 stars

Submitted 30 Dec 2018

I enjoyed every minute of it. Great tour, enjoyed the other travelers that I travelled with from all over. Liked the destinations we went to. Guide & driver worked very well together.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Robert G, Bellaire, TX

4 stars

Submitted 18 Dec 2018

Well organized and great tour guide. Coach driver and step on guides did an excellent job. Hotels were not so great but the dinners were good. I would definitely consider doing another trip with Vacations by Rail.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Kathleen M., Auburn, IL

4 stars

Submitted 07 Nov 2018

Fabulous adventure with great personal services! My husband, sister and friends are already talking about reserving our place on another VBR in 2020 that includes stops in Canada in the fall!!!

Collected by Vacations By Rail

William T., Four Oaks, NC

4 stars

Submitted 28 Oct 2018

Very enjoyable. Well worth the money. Best tour manager and driver I have ever had.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Dorothy H., Louisburg., NC

5 stars

Submitted 17 Oct 2018

This is our second Vacations By Rail - we knew it would be well organized and safe. It was above our expectations.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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