Highlights include Newport, Block Island, Cape Cod, Gloucester, Pineland Farm, Boothbay Harbor, Lobster Dinner, Kennebunkport and more.|
Itinerary:
Day #1 Newport, Rhode Island - Tour Begins - Join tour group on a journey of natural beauty and traditional charm when you explore the unbelievable coastlines of New England. Your tour begins in Newport, Rhode Island, a town known as the “Yachting Capital of the East”, which was founded in 1639.
Day #2 Newport - Today, travel along scenic Ocean Drive on your way to Bellevue Avenue, a beautiful street lined with historic mansions representative of America's Gilded Age and its socially and financially preeminent families. In the mid-1800’s, Newport’s famous mansions began sprouting up, and at the time were called “summer cottages.” Now, 7 out of the 11 mansions have been designated National Historic Landmarks. Today you will have the opportunity to tour the majestic Belcourt Castle. Furnished with antique collections and art treasures from 37 Newport mansions and 33 countries, Belcourt Castle casts a spell on those who experience its charming atmosphere and deep history. Feast on a delicious welcome dinner at America’s oldest tavern, The White Horse Tavern, constructed in 1673.
Day #3 Newport - Block Island - Newport - This morning, board a ferry for a one hour cruise to Block Island. Discovered in 1614 by Adriaen Block, and just twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island, it’s considered “One of the Last Twelve Great Places of the Western Hemisphere.” You will love the 17 miles of beaches that surround 365 fresh water ponds, one for each day of the year. This island of Victorian charm, 300 miles of stone walls, 32 miles of nature trails and a view of Mohegan Bluffs will take your breath away. After a narrated tour with a local guide, you may use your free time to grab lunch at a local restaurant, visit the local shops or take a stroll on a sandy beach.
Day #4 Newport - Cape Cod, Massachusetts - This morning, enjoy some leisure time in charming Newport before journeying up the coast towards Cape Cod. En route, stop at one of New England’s largest vineyards, Westport Rivers, a family-owned vineyard and winery producing estate-grown wines. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting of their Chardonnay, Riesling or their world-renowned sparkling wines.
Day #5 Cape Cod - This morning you will travel up the hooked sandy peninsula of Cape Cod to the lovely town of Chatham, situated on the Cape’s Atlantic Ocean side. Along the way, visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History where you will have the opportunity to view exhibits about whales, indigenous birds, several species of fish, frogs, turtles and snakes, and the flora and fauna of Cape Cod. You can also spend this time exploring the woodlands and the salt marshes on the museum’s nature trails. You will spend the afternoon exploring downtown Chatham, perhaps visiting one of the many art galleries, antique shops or restaurants that reside on Main Street. Then, visit the JFK Memorial and Museum which depicts several aspects and stages of the former President’s life.
Day #6 Cape Cod - Portland, Maine - As you depart gorgeous Cape Cod you will venture north on the coast to “America’s Oldest Seaport”, Gloucester, where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch (on your own) at one of the many restaurants on the waterfront. A short drive from Gloucester brings you to Hammond Castle, one of the most unique homes in America, which is perched high on a hill overlooking the Atlantic. The castle, constructed between 1926 and 1929, was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr., one of America’s premier inventors, referred to as “the father of radio control” as many of his inventions focused on radio transmission. The castle houses a collection of medieval artifacts, a colossal pipe organ and Hammond’s famous invention room. Continue up the coast to Maine. Upon arrival into Portland – the city nestled between Maine's forest-covered mountains and spectacular rugged coast – enjoy a city tour that includes Portland Head Lighthouse, the popular landmark which first shone its light in 1791. The world-famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was said to be inspired at the sight of this graceful, stately lighthouse.
Day #7 Portland - Begin your day by embarking on a two-hour scenic cruise of Casco Bay. Your cruise takes you past lovely Victorian cottages along the shorelines of Great Diamond Island. This afternoon, you will visit one of Maine’s working farms, Pineland Farm, situated on 5,000 acres in the rolling hills of New Gloucester. Enjoy a tour of the farm, creamery and equestrian center. Get your hands dirty when you participate in the craft and ecology of the farm, leaving you feeling connected to the natural history, agriculture and livestock of this wonderful region.
Day #8 Portland - Boothbay Harbor - Portland - This morning is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Or, perhaps you will choose to take an optional trip back in time at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company followed by a tour of Portland’s largest brewery and a tasting of an assortment of their fine ale or famous crème sodas. Later, continue to world-renowned Boothbay Harbor, known as the “boating capital of New England.” Behold rugged coastline and awe-inspiring scenery as you drive along the picturesque Ocean Point Road. Enjoy strolling through this quaint town, visit one of the local boutiques or antique shops, or simply sit by the harbor and take in the scenery. Before returning to Portland, enjoy a stop at the Botanical Gardens where you will experience the tranquility inside the greenhouses and its surrounding artwork. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a very special farewell dinner featuring lobster.
Day #9 Portland - Boston, MA - Tour Ends - Today you travel through the enchanting seaside community of Kennebunkport as you drive along Ocean Drive on your way back to Boston. Your tour ends this afternoon, but the memories of New England’s beauty and classic coastlines will stay with you forever.