Itinerary Details
Classic New England
Day 1: BOSTON AREA Welcome to New England! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Day 2: BOSTON–PORTLAND–BAR HARBOR Head north into Maine, famous for its beautiful coastal region, its legendary lighthouses and lobster industry. Stop in the historic maritime city of Portland and enjoy an included city sightseeing tour. See the famous Old Port waterfront with its cobblestone streets lined with working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. Continue northeast via Bangor, to Bar Harbor, a popular seaside resort and gateway to Acadia National Park. (CB)
Day 3: BAR HARBOR. EXCURSION TO ACADIA NATIONAL PARK Bar Harbor is situated on Mount Desert Island, home of ruggedly beautiful Acadia National Park. Drive through woodlands, past beaver lodges, rocky beaches, and rounded mountains to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, enjoying panoramic views along the way. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast and one of the first to see the sunrise. Your afternoon is free to explore the quaint village of Bar Harbor on your own. Perhaps walk the Shore Path, or visit the shops, galleries, and boutiques that line the streets. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for sightseeing and dining. (CB)
Day 4: BAR HARBOR–FARMINGTON–NORTH CONWAY Explore the roads less traveled of inland Maine, past pristine farmland with stone walls that mark centuries-old farms, blueberry barrens, peacefully still lakes, and forests noted for their vivid colors during the autumn. Stop to enjoy the small-town hospitality in Farmington, settled by veterans of the American Revolution. Continue to the White Mountains of New Hampshire for a two-night stay in North Conway. (CB)
Day 5: NORTH CONWAY Today, you are greeted with picture postcard views of New Hampshire’s charming rivers as you drive along Kancamagus Scenic Byway, renowned for its fall leaf viewing. The “Kanc,” as the locals call it, remains unspoiled by homes or service stations for its entire length. A drive through White Mountain National Forest brings you to the spectacular mountain pass, Franconia Notch. Continue on and visit a local sugarhouse and learn about traditional maple sugaring. Evening is at leisure. (B)
Day 6: NORTH CONWAY–WOODSTOCK–NORTH ADAMS This morning visit Woodstock, its village green reminiscent of 19th-century England. Then explore Vermont’s rural heritage at Billings Farm & Museum, a living museum and working dairy farm, home to a famous herd of dairy cows. Travel to Quechee Gorge State Park, Vermont’s little Grand Canyon, and marvel at the views. Then return to simpler times with a visit to the charming Vermont Country Store in Rockingham. End today with an overnight in North Adams, a town nestled in the beautiful Berkshires. (B)
Day 7: NORTH ADAMS–PLYMOUTH–HYANNIS Drive across Massachusetts today to Plymouth, the first landing place of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620 and see Plymouth Rock. Then cross the Cape Cod Canal, the widest sea-level canal in the world, on your way to the town of Hyannis, on the Cape Cod peninsula. Hyannis is known internationally as the “All-American City” and where you will find the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, award-winning restaurants, and quaint storefronts.
Day 8: HYANNIS. DAY EXCURSION TO PROVINCETOWN Today, drive the arm of the Cape, to the old whaling port of Provincetown. This eclectic seaside town is a tiny haven often referred to as “Land’s End.” Stroll MacMillan Pier with its fishing boats and craft shacks, browse the colorful shops of Commercial Street, or dig into a lobster roll, a delicious Portuguese pastry, or some tasty fried clams. There’s also time to kick up your wheels on an optional Sand Dune tour in National Seashore Park. Return to Hyannis, where the remainder of your day and evening are free for independent activities.
Day 9: HYANNIS–BOSTON Depart this morning for Boston. Upon arrival, your guided tour focuses on the city’s most prominent landmarks. See the historic sights of the Freedom Trail like Boston Common, the Old State House, the Old North Church where two lanterns were hung on the night of Paul Revere’s famous ride, and Faneuil Hall. Have time to browse in Quincy Market and dig into a bowl of famous New England Clam Chowder. Then head to Boston Logan International Airport for those with homebound flights (please schedule flights after 3:30 p.m.). You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Boston further.
