The charming islands and rugged coastlines of New England are the focus of this eight-day vacation. Join us as we explore Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the historic cities of Providence, Boston and Newport. In preservation-minded Providence, see one of the nation's best collections of restored colonial home and mansions on the streets around Brown University. In Newport, the opulence of the Gilded Age is combined with expansive ocean vistas as you take a guided tour of the Vanderbilt summer home, Marble House. In Boston, more colonial history awaits you in the city's historic North End, Beacon Hill, the Old South Meeting House and Old North Church. The story of the Pilgrims becomes very real at Plimoth Plantation, a meticulously researched recreation of their early settlement and center for early American history. On Cape Cod, see the summer playground (and presidential retreat) of the Kennedy family in Hyannisport. On Martha's Vineyard, summer home to celebrities, famous writers and artists, join a local guide to see the island's renowned gingerbread cottages, historic whaling port and captain's homes. On the island of Nantucket, explore the waterfront and browse the shops lining its cobblestone streets before embarking on a guided tour of the island's cottages, beaches and lighthouses.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Providence, Rhode Island - Tour Begins - Join tour group on a journey highlighting the natural beauty and traditional charm of New England. Your tour begins in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island.
Day #2 Providence - Newport - Providence - This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Providence, “America’s Renaissance City”. Following your city tour, visit a community enrichment center for underpriviledged youth that is sponsored by the tour group Foundation. Next, depart for Newport, the “Yachting Capital of the East.” Travel along breathtaking Ocean Drive en route to Bellevue Avenue which is lined with 11 historic mansions representative of America's Gilded Age. Begun in the 1800's as summer "cottages," 7 of the 11 mansions have been designated National Historic Landmarks. You will have the opportunity to tour the Marble House, one of these architectural marvels. As you explore the gorgeous summer home of Mr. and Mrs. William Vanderbilt, you will gain an understanding of why Newport became known as a legendary resort.
Day #3 Providence - Boston, Massachusetts - Providence - Depart Providence and travel north to the exciting city of Boston. Let Boston’s historical charm envelop you during a tour of Beacon Hill, the Old South Meeting House, Public Gardens, historic North End, Old North Church, the U.S.S. Constitution and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Then, use your leisure time to stroll along the famed Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile walking path along the streets of Boston showcasing the city's historical sites, or explore the lively marketplace in Faneuil Hall.
Day #4 Providence - Cape Cod, Massachusetts - Today you'll tour a traditional New England cranberry bog and learn about dry harvesting. Then, step back in time with a stop in the celebrated city of Plymouth where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. See legendary Plymouth Rock and board a reproduction of the Mayflower, the 102-passenger ship used by the Pilgrims for the 65-day journey from England. Experience the Pilgrim way of life with a visit to Plimoth Plantation, a re-creation of a 17th-century village. Tonight, indulge in a traditional, savory New England lobster feast.
Day #5 Cape Cod - Martha’s Vineyard - Cape Cod - A ferry ride transports you to the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. Known for visits by presidents and royalty, this summer home to many artists, writers and celebrities is full of surprises. A local guide will show you all the highlights of "the Vineyard," including quaint gingerbread-styled cottages and a once-famous whaling port, resplendent with sea captain’s homes and widow’s walks. Later, depart the island and cruise back to Cape Cod.
Day #6 Cape Cod - Nantucket - Cape Cod - Step aboard the Nantucket ferry complete with all the luxuries of first-class ferry service, en route to Nantucket. Upon arrival you’ll set out on a tour exploring the beauty of this idyllic island, from cobblestoned Main Street to its beaches and lighthouses. During leisure time explore the island’s waterfront where yachts bob in the harbor or perhaps shop for a famous Nantucket basket.
Day #7 Cape Cod - Hyannis - Provincetown - Cape Cod - Your day begins with a tour of Hyannis. Catch a rare glimpse of the Camelot era as you travel through Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and visit the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Visit charming Provincetown, a lively artist colony, famous for its crafts and bright, Cape Cod flair. Your evening features a dazzling farewell dinner onboard an elegant dinner train. Indulge in a fabulous meal while you sit back and watch the beautiful Cape Cod scenery roll by.
Day #8 Cape Cod - Tour Ends -