Tucked between rugged mountains and a spectacular Atlantic coastline, this tour of New England takes you on a delightful journey through Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. Your first stop is picturesque Cape Cod where you'll tour Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound; and later indulge in traditional New England fare, a lobster dinner. Next, ferry over to Martha's Vineyard where a local guide will point out all the highlights of this once-famous whaling port. Traveling north, the history of the American Revolution is highlighted during a stop at the Minute Man National Historical Park before arriving in Lincoln, New Hampshire, in the heart of the scenic White Mountains. Travel across the dramatic Kangamangus Highway to North Conway where you can shop in the many outlet stores, and enjoy a cruise on New Hampshire's largest lake, Winnipesaukee, before heading off to the quaint village of Woodstock, Vermont. Here, the Simon Pearce glass blowing shop is a delight especially if you catch the artisans at work. Next you'll discover the great city of Boston with a sightseeing tour of some of history's famous sites. Finally, it's on to the maritime town of Salem, best known for its infamous witch trials of 1692, and where you will enjoy a walking tour that concludes with a visit to the "House of Seven Gables."
Itinerary:
Day #1 Hyannis, Massachusetts - Tour Begins - Join tour group on a journey highlighting the natural beauty and traditional charm of New England. Your tour begins in Hyannis on picturesque Cape Cod.
Day #2 Cape Cod - Provincetown - Cape Cod - Enjoy a full day tour witnessing the scenic countryside of Cape Cod. Start by catching a rare glimpse of the Camelot era as you tour Hyannisport, home of the Kennedy compound, and visit the poignant Kennedy Memorial. Next, visit the Cape Cod National Seashore and charming Provincetown, a lively artist colony. At tonight's welcome dinner, indulge in a traditional New England lobster feast.
Day #3 Cape Cod - Martha’s Vineyard - Cape Cod - Experience a full day on 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 including quaint gingerbread-styled cottages, and a once-famous whaling port, resplendent with sea captain’s homes and widow’s walks. Depart Martha’s Vineyard and cruise back to Cape Cod.
Day #4 Cape Cod - Lincoln, New Hampshire - Travel north, stopping at the Minute Man National Historical Park, where the historic battles of Lexington and Concord took place "that famous day and year" when colonists touched off the American Revolution. Then learn about the region's important literary role in the 19th century through a visit to "The Old Manse." Many important literary figures spent time in this house, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Take a short walk to the Old North Bridge, known for the famous "shot heard round the world," before continuing north to Lincoln, New Hampshire.
Day #5 Lincoln - Spend a full day sightseeing in the gorgeous White Mountains of New Hampshire. Journey along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, which winds through 800,000 acre White Mountain National Forest, en route to North Conway. In North Conway, you can stroll through the quaint village or visit one of the many outlet stores located there before returning to Lincoln.
Day #6 Lincoln - Lake Winnipesaukee - Lincoln - Sit back and relax as you take a nostalgic train ride aboard the Hobo Railroad. Board the m/s Mount Washington and spend the next hour cruising stunning Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. Cap off your day with a visit to Wolfeboro, the "oldest summer resort in America." While in this picturesque New England community, visit the Wright Museum which houses several exhibits and collections from WWII. Afterwards, return to Lincoln.
Day #7 Lincoln - Woodstock, Vermont - Andover, Massachusetts - Depart the White Mountains and journey to Woodstock, Vermont. With a covered bridge in the center of town, and beautifully restored Georgian houses surrounding the town green, it is easy to see why Woodstock has been called “the quintessential New England village”. Next, visit the impressive Quechee Gorge, carved out by the Ottauquechee River, and make a stop at the Simon Pearce glass blowing shop. If you are lucky, you will catch artisans at work on their beautiful creations. Later today, depart Vermont and continue through the New Hampshire countryside to Massachusetts.
Day #8 Andover - Boston - Andover - Discover the great city of Boston with a sightseeing tour that showcases Beacon Hill, the Old South Meeting House, the Public Gardens, the Old North Church, the U.S.S. Constitution, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where you will have time to do some shopping. With some time at leisure, you may stroll along the famed Freedom Trail, or peruse the red-brick townhouses, outdoor cafés and art galleries found along Newbury Street.
Day #9 Andover - Salem - Andover - Experience the picturesque maritime town of Salem today, best known for the infamous witch trials of 1692 and one of New England’s busiest ports in the 18th & 19th centuries. Enjoy a walking tour of present-day Salem and learn about the town’s rich and varied heritage. Finally, visit the “House of Seven Gables,” the famous Colonial-style home best known as the setting for the Salem-born writer Nathaniel Hawthorne’s most famous work. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, marking the end of a wonderful tour of New England.
Day #10 Andover - Tour Ends - Your tour ends in Andover. You will look back with many wonderful memories of your vacation to New England.