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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

New England Autumn Rails & Sails

Seven-day New England loop from Boston through Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island

Illustration of New England Autumn Rails & Sails

Vacations By Rail operates this 7-day escorted tour departing and returning to Boston, with a Tour Manager accompanying from start to finish. The route traces New England's autumn landscape through coastal Maine, New Hampshire's lakes, and Newport's harbor and mansions. Days blend guided sightseeing with independent time: Day 2 brings an Amtrak ride to Maine and a lobster-industry harbor cruise; Day 3 offers a guided walking tour of Portland's historic buildings and lighthouses, with time to explore on your own. Day 4 combines a Lake Winnipesaukee cruise aboard the MS Mount Washington with an evening aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, a restored dining car serving a five-course meal as it winds through the Pemigewasset River Valley. Day 5 includes a tour of The Breakers, the Vanderbilts' Gilded Age mansion. Day 6 features a cruise through Newport Harbor aboard the vintage Rum Runner II, followed by an evening on the Newport & Narragansett Railroad dinner train. Breakfasts are provided daily, with three included dinners. The pace suits travelers seeking guided comfort and a mix of group experiences with free time to wander coastal towns.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; the tour begins with an independent transfer to the hotel on Day 1.
  • Day 1 is an unguided arrival; you meet the Tour Manager and group in the evening.
  • The from-price does not include cancellation and travel insurance, though these can be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Boston

    Arriving Boston

    Transfer independently to the Back Bay hotel; meet the Tour Manager and travel group in the evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Ogunquit

    To charming coastal Maine aboard Amtrak

    Amtrak's Downeaster to Wells, Maine, then coach to Kennebunkport and a sightseeing cruise aboard the Kylie's Chance, learning about the lobster industry.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Ogunquit

    Exploring coastal Portland

    Guided tour of Portland's historic buildings and lighthouses, with free time to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lincoln

    Fall foliage vistas by cruise and scenic train

    MS Mount Washington cruise across Lake Winnipesaukee to Weirs Beach, then the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train through the Pemigewasset River Valley.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Newport

    Exploring Newport and The Breakers

    Free time in downtown Newport, then a tour of The Breakers, the Vanderbilts' Gilded Age summer mansion.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Newport

    Breathtaking views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay

    Cruise aboard the vintage motor yacht Rum Runner II through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, then an evening Newport & Narragansett Railroad dinner train.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Tour Conclusion

    Group transfer to Boston Logan Airport and South Street Station available for departures after 1:00 p.m.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride Amtrak's Downeaster to Wells, Maine, then cruise the Kylie's Chance to learn about Maine's lobster industry.
  • Day 4Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the MS Mount Washington, then dine aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train through the Pemigewasset River Valley.
  • Day 5Tour The Breakers, the Vanderbilts' Gilded Age summer mansion in Newport.
  • Day 6Cruise Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard the vintage motor yacht Rum Runner II, then board the Newport & Narragansett Railroad dinner train.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Rail travel on Amtrak
  • Transportation aboard a deluxe motorcoach
  • Scenic rail journeys
  • Breakfast each day, 3 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes Standard Class rail travel on Amtrak's Downeaster, the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, and the Newport & Narragansett Railroad dinner train. All rail and coach transportation throughout the tour is included.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from start to finish who travels with the group.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day and three dinners are included. Dinners are aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train (five-course) and the Newport & Narragansett Railroad dinner train, plus one other dinner.
What is included besides rail travel?
Six nights' hotel accommodation, all guided tours and excursions, transportation by motorcoach, a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, a harbor cruise near Newport, and tours of Portland and The Breakers mansion.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 2, which includes guided city walking tours, exploration of historic buildings and lighthouses, and a tour of The Breakers mansion with stairs and luggage handling.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, cancellation insurance, and travel insurance are not included, though insurance can be arranged.

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