New England in the Fall

Arrival in Massachusetts' capital, Boston

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow airport, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers ahead of the flight to Boston. Arriving in the late afternoon, transferred to the downtown hotel in the theatre district. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, one of the oldest European settlements in the United States and played a key role in American independence. Dinner together this evening at a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Uncovering historic Boston

A guided sightseeing tour of Boston reveals the Freedom Trail, Harvard University, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, USS Constitution, Copley Square and Beacon Hill. The rest of the day is free to explore further - options include the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, or Cheers bar. Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Sailing to Salem and the White Mountains

Leaving Boston after breakfast, board an hour-long cruise across Massachusetts Bay to historic Salem, renowned for the witch trials of 1692. Free time over lunch to explore Salem. Later, board a coach to travel into the White Mountains through New Hampshire's 'golden season' scenery to the mountain village of North Conway.

Meals: Breakfast

Mount Washington Cog Railway and Kancamagus Highway

After an early breakfast, transfer to Marshfield station to board the 10am Mount Washington Cog Railway. This bio-diesel service runs on the world's first cog railway (opened 1869), climbing to the summit of Mount Washington with an hour at the top for panoramic views. Return by coach via Woodstock (free time over lunch) and along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway with stops at waterfalls and covered bridges. Return to hotel mid-afternoon, remainder of day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

A superb journey on the North Conway Scenic Railroad

Travel aboard the iconic Mountaineer train on the Crawford Notch route of the North Conway Scenic Railroad in 1950s-era streamlined passenger cars. The route travels over the rugged terrain of Crawford Notch and alongside the Saco River Valley to Bartlett. Transferred back to hotel by coach in the afternoon. Free afternoon and evening in North Conway.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruising Lake Winnipesaukee to Wolfeboro

Check out after breakfast and travel by coach to Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. Board the historic MS Mount Washington for a narrated cruise across New Hampshire's largest lake. Disembark in Wolfeboro with free time over lunch to explore the 'oldest summer resort in America'. Journey eastwards to Portland, Maine. Free evening to dine independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Seashore Trolley Museum and Portland Head Lighthouse

Head to the Seashore Trolley Museum near Kennebunkport - the oldest and largest electric tram museum in the world (established 1939). Enjoy a ride on one of the exhibits. Continue to Fort Williams Park to visit Portland Head Lighthouse (dating from 1791, Maine's oldest lighthouse). Free time to explore the museum or park. Return to Portland for an independent dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Free day in Portland

A free day to explore Portland as you wish. Options include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, museums and art galleries in the Old Port district including the IM Pei-designed Museum of Art, craft beer taprooms (Allagash, Shipyard, Bissell Brothers). Final dinner together at a local restaurant this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Return to Boston on Amtrak's Downeaster

Step aboard the Amtrak Downeaster to return to Boston by rail while luggage is carried by coach. Free time in Boston including Quincy Market, the Public Garden and Boston Common. After transferring to the airport by coach, board the overnight flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Homeward bound

Landing back in the UK this morning, your exploration of New England in the Fall comes to a conclusion and you are free to make your way home.