ARRIVE IN BOSTON. Welcome to "Bean Town!" At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
2
BOSTON - PORTLAND - BAR HARBOR. From Massachusetts, head north via New Hampshire's short shoreline and along Maine's rocky coast to Portland, one of New England's most famous cities. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Portland's famous Old Port Exchange, lined with its many boutiques, coffee houses, and art galleries. The next two nights are in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine's oldest summer resort. Your dinner this evening is a typical LOBSTER BAKE featuring Maine lobster, steamed mussels, and delicious corn on the cob. (B,D)
3
BAR HARBOR. EXCURSION TO ACADIA NATIONAL PARK Nowhere along the Atlantic seaboard is the rock-bound coast as picturesque as in ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, one of America's most visited national parks. Take the scenic park road and enjoy the spectacular panorama from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the continental United States to see the sunrise. Afternoon is at leisure to pursue your favourite interests and activities. Maybe join an optional whale-watching expedition or stroll around the charming Bar Harbor waterfront with its many shops, galleries, and boutiques. This evening, choose from the many fine specialty restaurants this quaint seaside community has to offer. (B)
4
BAR HARBOR - NORTH CONWAY. Back to the mainland and west through Maine for vistas of sparkling lakes and forests. Then, on to New Hampshire and the scenic White Mountains, New England's greatest range and premier outdoor playgrounds. At Pinkham Notch, board the Wildcat Mountain GONDOLA for a thrilling ride to the 1,340 metres (4,397-foot) summit. Savour the 360-degree panorama of Mount Washington Valley and the famous Presidential Range, whose peaks are named after many U.S. presidents. Also enjoy the RAVEN INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM focusing on the unique environs of northern New England and local wildlife. (B)
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NORTH CONWAY - FRANCONIA NOTCH - LUDLOW. Depart for a beautiful drive through Franconia Notch and along the renowned Kancamagus Highway. Hugging the Connecticut River, head south to Hanover to see the Dartmouth College campus, one of the nation's eight prestigious Ivy League institutions. Cross the river into Vermont and visit Woodstock, its village green reminiscent of 19th-century England. Next, visit BILLINGS FARM AND MUSEUM, a living museum of Vermont's rural past as well as a working dairy farm. (B,D)
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LUDLOW - STOCKBRIDGE - STURBRIDGE. Journey south to Stockbridge in the Berkshire Mountains for a visit to the NORMAN ROCKWELL STUDIO AND MUSEUM, which houses a large collection of works by one of America's favourite artists. Continue on to Sturbridge, one of New England's most charming towns, where you will enjoy dinner at the Salem Cross Inn. (B,D)
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STURBRIDGE - MYSTIC SEAPORT- NEWPORT. This morning you'll visit STURBRIDGE VILLAGE to explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters at this 19th-century living history museum. Head south to explore MYSTIC SEAPORT, a living museum showcasing the many activities that might have been found in a New England coastal village in the 1800s. Next, travel to Rhode Island, the "Ocean State." (B)
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NEWPORT. Today, enjoy a Newport orientation tour and see the first state house, the nation's oldest synagogue, and the city's oldest meeting house and library. Afterward, explore the extravagant lifestyle of a bygone era when visiting THE BREAKERS, shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt's turn-of-the-century mansion. Your afternoon is free for exploring on your own. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
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NEWPORT - BOSTON. Depart this morning for Boston. Your tour of the city's landmarks with a Local Guide focuses on the city's most prominent landmarks, including the historic sites near Boston Common; Old State House; Old North Church, from where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride; Freedom Trail; and Faneuil Hall, with an opportunity to browse through Quincy Market. After a transfer to the airport for guests who have homebound flights, the motorcoach continues downtown to the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, where the vacation ends. Please schedule flights from Boston's Logan Airport after 3:30 pm. (B)
PINKHAM NOTCH: Gondola ride up Wildcat Mountain; Raven Interpretive Program
WOODSTOCK: Sightseeing and visit Billings Farm and Museum
STOCKBRIDGE: Visit Norman Rockwell Studio and Museum; Berkshires leaf peeping
STURBRIDGE: Visit Sturbridge Village
MYSTIC SEAPORT: Sightseeing
NEWPORT: Orientation tour; visit The Breakers; farewell dinner
Meals: American breakfasts daily (B); 4 three-course dinners (D), including a special lobster bake in Bar Harbor and a farewell dinner in Newport
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
Meals Breakfast - 8 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
29
USD
Name:NATURE CRUISE Location:BAR HARBOR Details:Board the Acadian for a cruise in the protected waters of Frenchman Bay, off Bar Harbor, Maine. This leisurely nature cruise follows the unspoiled shores of the rocky Maine coastline and navigates through the many tiny islands dotting the bay. Trip is fully narrated by naturalists onboard and lasts approximately 2 hours.
58
USD
Name:WHALE WATCHING CRUISE Location:BAR HARBOR Details:An incredible trip, fully narrated, on the Gulf of Maine. Look for and find a variety of whale species along with seals, eagles, porpoise, dolphins, offshore birds, lighthouses, and the North Atlantic puffins. Vessel has galley and bar service, indoor cabins and plenty of outdoor viewing space. Sailing time is approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Optional Excursions
