New England Fall Foliage

Day 1 – Welcome to Massachusetts!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at the Los Angeles International Airport this morning for a scheduled, nonstop flight arriving in Boston this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. In Boston, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and travel west to Sturbridge, Massachusetts where we’ll enjoy an included welcome dinner at the historic Publick House, followed by an overnight stay. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Vermont

This morning we’ll travel north through the scenic Pioneer Valley of “The Green Mountain State” of Vermont. Autumn in Vermont is extra special as the mountains and forests are normally awash in reds, oranges and yellows – welcome to the fall foliage capital of the world! We’ll visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, a spectacular, 24-room, 1905 Georgian Revival mansion that was once the summer estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of Abraham and Mary Lincoln. The 412-acre estate features a Georgian Revival mansion, formal garden, observatory and 1903 Pullman car. We’ll enjoy time at leisure with lunch on your own in downtown Manchester, featuring the prettiest little village greens you’ll ever see. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Vermont Country Store, the family-run emporium that harkens back to the general stores of bygone days. This evening we’ll begin a two-night stay with an included dinner at a premier mountain resort in Killington, Vermont. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – Vermont

This morning we’ll be joined by a local guide for a full day of sightseeing along the backroads of Vermont. We’ll visit Plymouth Notch and experience one of America’s best-preserved presidential birth sites at President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. This charming village is virtually unchanged since the 1920s and features a number of historic buildings including the home where President Coolidge was born, the family homestead where Coolidge took the presidential oath of office, the wood-paneled church where the Coolidge family worshipped and the humble grave site where President Coolidge is laid to rest. We’ll visit a Vermont sugar house and learn how Vermont maple sap is drawn and converted into Vermont’s most popular export. This afternoon we’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch and time at leisure in the quintessential New England town of Woodstock – home to one of Vermont’s iconic covered bridges. We’ll visit Quechee Gorge, known as Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” before enjoying an evening at leisure at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4 – Vermont, New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

This morning we’ll be joined by a local guide and travel east into the “Granite State” of New Hampshire and the picturesque Lakes Region. We’ll visit The Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough – established in 1781 it is quite possibly the oldest country store in the U.S.! After time at leisure for lunch on your own in Meredith, we’ll witness the amazingly clear water, rocky shores, celebrated islands, historic homes, scenic mountain views and remarkable wildlife on a narrated cruise on Squam Lake – the lake featured in the movie, On Golden Pond. Then it’s all aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to enjoy delicious roasted turkey dinner as we travel along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. We’ll overnight in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – White Mountains of New Hampshire, Kennebunkport

This morning we’ll travel into the White Mountains of New Hampshire and continue east along Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway considered one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the world! This afternoon we’ll arrive in the “Pine Tree State” of Maine and the charming town of Kennebunkport where we’ll enjoy time at leisure to explore the charming boutiques, galleries and craft shops in Dock Square. A local guide will provide a driving tour past Walker’s Point Estate (the Bush family compound), sea captain mansions, sandy beaches and the rocky coastline as we learn the history of this shipbuilding town and the legend of the Wedding Cake House. We’ll visit St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery Estate, featuring English-style gardens and outdoor chapels. This evening we’ll begin a two-night stay with an included dinner at an upscale resort featuring historic charm and modern comforts in a memorable riverside setting on the Kennebunkport River. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 – Kennebunkport & Portland, Maine

This morning we’ll enjoy a scenic lobstering cruise that highlights Kennebunkport’s picturesque shoreline while providing a first-hand lobstering experience as traps are hauled up from the ocean floor. We’ll continue north to Portland, Maine where we’ll be joined by a local guide for a driving tour through Portland’s historic neighborhoods. We’ll see Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s boyhood home, sea captain houses, elegant Victoria Mansion and take in views of the Casco Islands just off the coast. Visit the iconic Portland Head Light – commissioned by George Washington, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.! Enjoy time at leisure exploring Portland’s Old Port Historic District, a restored waterfront district featuring charming shops, cobblestone streets and gas lamps. This evening we’ll enjoy an included lobster dinner (alternative entrée available) at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – Boston, Journey Home

This morning we’ll travel south to Boston where we’ll be joined by a local guide for a driving tour of the “Capital of New England.” We’ll follow in the footsteps of American history as we encounter historic sights along the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, Public Garden, the gold-dome of the Massachusetts State House and travel through Boston neighborhoods like Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Enjoy time at leisure at Quincy Market, the historic Boston market. This afternoon we arrive at Boston Logan International Airport for our scheduled nonstop flight to Los Angeles. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a similar flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.