Day 1: Boston
Welcome to Boston! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Boston - Portland - Bar Harbor
Head north into Maine, with a stop in the historic Maritime city of Portland. An included city sightseeing tour upon arrival shows the beautiful coastal region, including lighthouses and the local lobster fishermen. Time to stroll the cobblestone streets of Portland’s famous Old Port waterfront, 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. This evening feast on steamed mussels, Maine lobster, and delicious corn on the cob at an optional lobster bake. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Bar Harbor - Excursion to Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is situated on Mount Desert Island, one of the most beautiful Atlantic Islands and site of ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, a landscape marked by woodland, rocky beaches, and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain. Among the wildlife are moose, beaver, whales, and seabirds. Drive through the park, passing Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast, to see some of New England’s most spectacular scenery. Your afternoon is free to explore the quaint village of Bar Harbor on your own. You may decide to go whale watching or take a nature cruise. Gift shops, galleries, and boutiques line the village of Bar Harbor, if you prefer some souvenir shopping. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing and dining. Meals included: Continental Breakfast
Day 4: Bar Harbor - Farmington - North Conway
Explore the roads less travelled of inland Maine, past pristine farmland, blueberry barrens 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. Overnight in North Conway.. Meals included: Continental Breakfast
Day 5: North Conway - Montpelier
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 Franconia Notch. Then visit an eighth-generation sugarhouse and learn about traditional maple sugaring before ending the day in Montpelier, the capital city of Vermont. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Monpelier - Woodstock - North Adams
This morning visit Woodstock, its viallage green remioniscent of 19th century England. New, visit Billings Farm and Museum, a living museum of Vermont's rural past and working dairy farm. At Quechee Gorge State Park, Vermont’s little Grand Canyon see fabulous views of the gorge and, in Rockingham, visit the charming Vermont Country Store. This afternoon enjoy some time in downtown Brattleboro, named one of the top 10 small art towns in the country. Meals included: Continental Breakfast
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, Portuguese pastry, or some 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 time on the Cape is free for independent activities.
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your tour.
Day 9: Hyannis - Boston
Depart this morning for Boston. Upon arrival, your guided tour focuses on the city’s most prominent landmarks. See Boston Common; Old State House; Old North Church, from where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride; historic sights of the Freedom Trail; and Faneuil Hall, with the chance to browse in Quincy Market. A stop at Boston Logan International Airport for those with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 3:30 pm.
Things to note
Enjoy the fall colors of New England on this vacation (if Mother Nature permits).
