Itinerary:
Day #1 Newport, Rhode Island - Tour Begins - Welcome to a festive journey through New England where winter cheer and warm memories are among your souvenirs. Your unforgettable holiday begins with a stay in Newport, Rhode Island - the "Yachting Capital of the East."
Day #2 Newport - Travel along breathtaking Ocean Drive en route to famous Bellevue Avenue, an especially beautiful sight during the holiday season. The stately mansions of Bellevue Avenue, once referred to as "summer cottages" and now designated National Historic Landmarks, date back to the mid-1800s and reflect the opulence of America's Gilded Age. Glittering white lights, evergreens and thousands of poinsettia plants welcome you when you tour three of the historic mansions this morning: the Breakers, the Marble House and the Elms. Spend your afternoon strolling along famous Thames Street, dotted with galleries and boutiques. Later, visit America's oldest tavern, the White Horse Tavern - constructed in 1673 - for a delicious welcome dinner. After dinner, attend a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol performed by a local actor, set before the festive illumination of Newport Harbor.
Day #3 Newport - North Conway, New Hampshire - Leave Newport’s seaside beauty behind as you travel to North Conway, New Hampshire – a quintessential New England town that is part of lovely Mount Washington Valley. Enjoy lunch, followed by lively, festive entertainment in a 200-year-old farmhouse that has been converted into a charming timber-framed music hall. Take time to stroll through the quaint village or visit one of its many outlet stores. An evening of leisure allows you the opportunity to relax, perhaps by the outdoor fire pits with a cup of cocoa.
Day #4 North Conway - The White Mountains paint a tranquil winter scene as you drive through the countryside to a Christmas tree farm. Soak in lovely vistas of 1,400 protected acres over a cup of hot cocoa as you learn about the history of the farm. Then, step back in time for an old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon ride. Leaving the farm behind, continue to the charming village of Sugar Hill for lunch on your own and time to explore its quaint shops. Upon returning to the hotel, join your fellow travelers for a merry experience making gingerbread or decorating cookies – holiday crafts sure to warm your heart.
Day #5 North Conway - Kittery, Maine - Boston, Massachusetts - Today you travel to Kittery for the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts at one of its numerous outlet stores. With great finds in hand, continue to Boston, Massachusetts. Embark on a guided sightseeing tour that features the Old South Meeting House, the Public Gardens, the Old North Church, Beacon Hill and the U.S.S. Constitution. Later, stop at the famed Faneuil Hall marketplace, where colorful kiosks feature the handiwork of New England artisans. Before dinner, visit the top of the Skywalk Observatory for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Boston and beyond. Tonight, regale in the camaraderie of your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner at America’s oldest Oyster House. The restaurant, set on the historic Freedom Trail, truly evokes a “Ye Olde New England” atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy an evening drive to the Boston Common where the warm glow of holiday lights welcomes you to Boston’s city center. Behold the beautifully-decorated Christmas tree that stands at fifty feet, creating a picture-perfect way to end your day.
Day #6 Boston - Tour Ends - From quiet back roads to timeless towns, your exploration of New England during the holiday season will be woven into your memories forever.