New England in a Nutshell

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New England in a Nutshell



Tour Description:

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF AUTUMN IN THE NORTHEAST, THIS FALL FOLIAGE-THEMED JOURNEY IS NEW ENGLAND IN A NUTSHELL, FEATURING SIX DAYS TO EXPLORE THE HISTORIC AND SCENIC SITES OF THE EAST BY RAIL, WATER AND SKY.

Behold the brilliance of nature’s seasonal finale in New England this fall. For 6 days, find yourself surrounded by sights of gold, rust and crimson as you travel through leaf-peeping hotspots in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Begin with time in Boston, where a guided tour acquaints you with the most historically significant sites of the city, including Quincy Market, which has served Boston since 1826. A deluxe motorcoach takes us out of the city and along one of the most famous fall foliage byways in the United States, the Kancamagus Highway, en route to Whitefield, NH. Enjoy the colorful vistas of fall by train, as we ride the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, and from the water aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise of Lake Champlain. During our time in Vermont, we also visit a cold cider mill and enjoy some time in the town of Stowe, where a gondola ride allows us to take in the beauty of autumn from yet another perspective: above. A ride aboard Amtrak’s Vermonter presents even more of the seasonal splendor of the East. As we arrive in Lebanon, enjoy a look at “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” the Quechee Gorge, before returning to Boston. Using several modes of transportation and visiting some of the most popular destinations in the region, this journey makes it easy to see why New England is a leaf peeper’s dream.

Highlights:
* Rail travel on Amtrak
* Scenic rail excursion on the Mt. Washington Cog Railway
* Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
* 8 meals
* Boston city tour
* America’s top fall foliage drive, the Kancamagus Highway
* Ride the Stowe Gondola
* Cruise Lake Champlain aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen
* Visit Quechee Gorge, “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon”
* Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
* Services of a professional tour manager
* Baggage handling

Map for New England in a Nutshell
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Boston
Arrive in Boston, and transfer to your hotel. You have some time to begin your explorations of this historic destination before meeting your tour manager in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy Bean Town’s impressive culinary scene. Overnight Boston.

Day 2 - Boston City Tour/Kancamagus Highway
Scenic landmarks and sites that formed the United States as we know it lie ahead on this morning’s guided tour of Boston. The excursion ends as we arrive at Quincy Market, where you enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon, we leave the city aboard our deluxe motorcoach and head toward the renowned Kancamagus Highway for some of the most impressive leaf peeping in all the country. Our drive continues along the scenic 34-mile stretch into the heart of the White Mountains en route to Whitefield, NH. Upon arrival, dinner is served at our hotel. Overnight Whitefield. (B, D)

Day 3 - Mt. Washington Cog Railway
Following breakfast at the hotel, we take a ride aboard the nation’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway. Fully restored vintage rail cars take us to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, all while traveling at a leisurely pace and offering spectacular scenes of the surrounding White Mountain Range. The journey to the top takes approximately 1 hour, and upon arrival, marvel at the 360-degree views that include up to five states, the Atlantic Ocean and even Southern Canada. Also at the top, peruse the visitors center, which includes a post office and a fascinating museum, and walk along the numerous hiking trails. The descent is just as beautiful, with even more colorful vistas unfolding as we travel to the base of the mountain for lunch at the railway’s restaurant. Following our meal, the journey continues toward Burlington, VT, our home for the next two nights. Overnight Burlington. (B, L)

Day 4 - Stowe/Lake Champlain Cruise
We travel into the lush state forests of Vermont this morning as we travel to Stowe, VT, a charming New England ski town surrounded by towering mountain peaks and stunning fall foliage scenes. Upon arrival in Stowe, we tour Cold Hollow Cider Mill to learn about the production of old-fashioned apple cider and Vermont maple syrup. Of course, there are plenty of samples to give you a taste of tradition - and delectable apple cider doughnuts, too. Lunch with impressive mountain views follows. Our time in Stowe concludes as we take in the autumn brilliance from yet another perspective: above. We ride aboard the Stowe Gondola Skyride to the top of Mt. Mansfield inside a glass-enclosed pod. Returning to Burlington, our next adventure is found on the shores of Lake Champlain, as we board the Spirit of Ethan Allen for a cruise of the calm waters. The combination of blue water and fire-hued leaves is truly breathtaking. As we dock back in Burlington, we return to our hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight Burlington. (B, L)

Day 5 - Amtrak’s Vermonter / Quechee Gorge
All aboard Amtrak’s Vermonter today for a scenic ride from Burlington, VT, to Lebanon, NH. Upon arrival in Lebanon, we transfer to the amazing Quechee Gorge just across the White River. Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” the gorge offers stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs and picturesque forest scenery. Enjoy all these sights from 168 feet above the Ottaquechee River on the gorge’s passenger bridge and from the surrounding trails during our time here. We continue to Woodstock, where you have time to explore the local shops and eateries and have lunch on your own. As we arrive back in Boston later today, your evening is at leisure. Overnight Boston. (B)

Day 6 - Tour Conclusion
Your New England expedition comes to a close this morning. Transfer to Boston Logan International Airport is available hourly via the hotel’s shuttle service. (B)