GTT
17132 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-848-1255
info@goodtimestravel.com
Featuring Boston, Lexington, Concord, Boston Pops' Concert, The Nutcracker, "Christmas at the Newport Mansions"
Tour Highlights
Tour Inclusions
Accommodations
Booking/Additional Information
Activity Level 3
Pace Level 3
Activity Level
Pace Level
Few places in the U.S. can match the charm of a New England winter wonderland during the Christmas season. This grand holiday includes extensive sightseeing in Boston and the Revolutionary towns of Lexington and Concord – along with two memorable holiday performances. In Newport, the glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as we tour four magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Thousands of poinsettia plants, spectacular evergreens trees, wreaths and 19th century-style ornaments turn the mansions into a Christmas wonderland during "Christmas at the Newport Mansions"!
Optional transfers from home or our departure points this morning will have us at the Los Angeles International Airport for our scheduled non-stop flight arriving in Boston late this afternoon. Those guests not taking advantage of the optional group airfare should arrive at Boston’s Logan Airport by 4:00 p.m. if they want to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and travel to Cambridge. Here, we'll begin a three-night stay at a premier, AAA Four Diamond hotel located just across the Charles River from downtown Boston. This evening, we’ll head downtown to visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace, home to a variety of eateries, retailers and the largest Christmas tree in the northeast! This 85-foot fir tree is adorned with decorations and 350,000 LED sparkling lights synchronized to holiday pops music. This magical holiday light and sound extravaganza is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Following an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide for a driving tour of Boston, – the birthplace of American liberty. We’ll follow in the footsteps of American history as we visit sights along the Freedom Trail, all festively decorated for the holidays. See Boston Common, The Old South Meeting House and the Old State House – site of the Boston Massacre. This evening we’ll enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite followed by a live performance of the Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House. This heartwarming ballet has enthralled audiences of all ages for over 50 years with its colorful characters, breathtaking costumes and majestic scenery. Follow Clara as she embarks on a journey filled with brave toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes. From the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this classical ballet – set to the memorable music of Tchiakovsky – conjures the childlike wonder in us all. Following the performance, enjoy a private VIP backstage tour of the Opera House! (Breakfast, Dinner)
After an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide and explore Cambridge, known as “Boston’s Left Bank. This quaint New England town is an eclectic mix of cool shops, student hang outs, hip cafés and of course, two of the most prestigious universities in the nation – Harvard University and MIT. We continue west to the historic town of Lexington, where the events which led to the Revolutionary War will unfold before your eyes. See the historic Lexington Battle Green (formerly Lexington Common) and the Buckman Tavern where the Minutemen assembled and waited. We’ll follow the route of the famous “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” to Concord and visit Minute Man National Historical Park to see the “Old North Bridge” and the famed Minute Man statue. We’ll then drive past the homes of Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. We’ll enjoy an included lunch at Concord’s Colonial Inn, a landmark historic hotel with a rich history dating back to 1716. This evening we’ll arrive at Boston’s Symphony Hall for a live performance of the world-famous Boston Pops Orchestra. Affectionately known as “America’s Orchestra,” the Boston Pops has been the most recorded and arguably the most beloved orchestra in the country since its founding in 1885. This spectacular holiday concert will be filled with holiday music favorites and traditional sing-alongs. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Following an included breakfast, we’ll depart Boston for "Christmas at the Mansions" in Newport, Rhode Island! Newport is not only famous for its yachting and maritime history, but for the spectacular summer homes built here during America’s “Gilded Age.” Step back in time to this opulent era when elite families such as the Vanderbilts and Astors escaped city life for these magnificent mansions they referred to as their “summer cottages.” We’ll be joined by a local guide and embark on a driving tour along Newport’s famous Ten Mile Drive where we’ll gaze in amazement at the magnificent mansions and unparalleled ocean views. The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle us as we tour these magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery, music and spectacular Christmas decorations. Tour the Marble House, built by Mr. William K. Vanderbilt between 1888 and 1892 as a birthday gift for his wife Alva. Modeled after Marie Antoinette’s private pleasure palace on the grounds of Versailles, the Marble House ushered in the era of opulent palaces in Newport. The mansion has 50 rooms and cost $11 million dollars to build, $7 million of which was spent on the 500,000 cubic feet of marble that give the mansion its name. Later, we arrive at our upscale, waterfront hotel located on the harbor of Narragansett Bay in Newport’s historic downtown. Tonight, we’ll partake in a special “Holiday Evening at the Breakers,” considered the grandest of Newport’s mansions. It took an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create this grand Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. The mansion features 70 rooms, a 2 ½ story central Great Hall, and has rare marble, alabaster and gilded wood throughout. Enjoy continuous live holiday music and sample holiday sweets, eggnog and cider while strolling through the mansion at your leisure. (Breakfast)
After an included breakfast, we’ll visit The Elms, the 60,000 square foot mansion modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau, d’Asnieres. Dressed up for the holidays like a giant jewel box, The Elms is lavishly decorated with fresh flowers, Christmas trees, garlands, and real gingerbread houses. After an included ‘high tea’ at one of Newport’s most historic and festively decorated landmarks, this afternoon we’ll visit Blithewold Mansion. This 33-acre estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay is transformed each holiday season into a dazzling display celebrating the magic of Christmas. Each room of the mansion is filled with elaborate holiday decorations, and the gardens become a glimmering winter wonderland! This evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, High Tea, Dinner)
Following an included breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to browse the unique shops in Newport’s charming downtown and harbor area. Our scheduled, late afternoon, non-stop flight from Boston will return us to Los Angeles this evening. Those guests not taking advantage of the optional group airfare, should depart Boston’s Logan Airport no earlier than 4:00 p.m. Back in Los Angeles, those with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-off locations. We return home with incredible memories of our "grand holiday" in Boston and Newport indelibly set in our minds. (Breakfast)
Thank you for your patience while we process this...