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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

New England in a Nutshell

Six-day fall foliage tour of New England by rail, coach, and boat

Illustration of New England in a Nutshell

New England in a Nutshell, operated by Vacations By Rail, is a six-day fall foliage escorted tour that departs Boston and concludes in Woodstock. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, guiding visits to Boston's historic sites and leading scenic excursions across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The itinerary blends rail, coach, and water travel: the Mount Washington Cog Railway carries you in vintage rail cars to the summit; Amtrak's Vermonter travels from Burlington to Lebanon through rural Vermont; and the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruises Lake Champlain. You also ride the Stowe Gondola Skyride to Mount Mansfield's peak, drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway into the White Mountains, and explore Quechee Gorge. Each day is hotel-based, with five nights of accommodation and eight meals included. This tour suits travelers who want professional guidance, a mix of activity and leisure, and the comfort of a group itinerary during peak fall color season.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own transportation to and from Boston Logan International Airport
  • Day 6 requires independent transfer to the airport; no group departure is provided
  • The final hotel night (Day 5) returns you to Boston, not Woodstock, after touring there

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Boston

    Boston

    Arrive in Boston and transfer to the hotel; meet the Tour Manager in the evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: North Conway, NH

    Boston City Tour/Kancamagus Highway

    Guided tour ending at Quincy Market, then a deluxe motorcoach along the Kancamagus Highway into the White Mountains.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Burlington

    Mt. Washington Cog Railway

    Ride the Mt. Washington Cog Railway to the summit, lunch at the railway restaurant, a stop at the original Ben & Jerry's factory, then on to Burlington, VT.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Burlington

    Riding Stowe Gondola & Lake Champlain cruise

    Stowe Gondola Skyride to the top of Mt. Mansfield, then a Lake Champlain cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Boston

    Amtrak's Vermonter / Quechee Gorge

    Amtrak's Vermonter from Burlington to Lebanon, NH, then Quechee Gorge and free time in Woodstock before returning to Boston.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6

    Tour Conclusion

    Transfer to Boston Logan International Airport independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided Boston city tour ending at Quincy Market, then a deluxe motorcoach drive along the Kancamagus Highway into the White Mountains
  • Day 3Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway in vintage rail cars to the summit, lunch at the railway restaurant, and visit the original Ben & Jerry's factory
  • Day 4Stowe Gondola Skyride to the top of Mount Mansfield, then a Lake Champlain cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen
  • Day 5Amtrak's Vermonter train from Burlington to Lebanon, followed by a stop at Quechee Gorge and free time in Woodstock

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
  • Rail travel on Amtrak
  • Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
  • Scenic rail journey
  • 8 meals
  • Boston city tour
  • Stowe Gondola Skyride
  • Lake Champlain cruise

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 package includes the Mount Washington Cog Railway, Amtrak's Vermonter from Burlington to Lebanon, and the Stowe Gondola Skyride. Flights to Boston are not included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager who stays with the group from the first evening through Day 5.
What is included in the price?
Five nights of hotel accommodations, eight meals, rail travel on the three named trains and railways, deluxe motorcoach transportation, the Boston city tour, Lake Champlain cruise, and Stowe Gondola Skyride.
When does the tour run?
The evidence indicates this is a fall foliage tour, typically September and October. Confirm specific 2024 and 2025 departure dates with Vacations By Rail.
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 2 means there is typical city walking, stairs, and luggage handling. Most days rely on motorcoach transportation; the boat and gondola rides and visits to attractions require standing and light movement.
Can I extend the trip?
Yes, optional extensions are available; ask Vacations By Rail about details when booking.

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