New England Autumn Rails & Sails

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.

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.

• Breakfast

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. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we transfer from coastal Maine inland to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. It is here that we board the MS Mount Washington for a scenic cruise across the beautiful waters of New Hampshire's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. As we cruise, admire the fiery hues of autumn surround the lake. 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.

*For our September 27th departure, this group will be enjoying the jaw dropping views of the White Mountain Express Gondola with a provided lunch at the Summit cafe and a provided dinner at the Woodstock Inn Brewery to talk about their fall foliage adventures over some great food and drinks in place of the Cafe Lafayette Dinner train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

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, but it is just as special in the autumn. The most famous home in Newport 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.

• Breakfast

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. The afternoon is free to explore Newport at your leisure. 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. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

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. 

• Breakfast