New England in fall is unlike any other part of the country, and the most magical way to see it is by train and by boat. This tour gives you the best of both while exploring the region's smaller cities and towns to better absorb what makes New England so special.
Day
1 & 2 Depart for New England
Your motorcoach trip to New England’s fall splendor begins as you make your way across the states of Ohio and New York.
Meals: D, B
Day
3 Lake Champlain Cruise
Leaving New York state, cross into Vermont to Burlington and board your vessel for a narrated cruise on Lake Champlain. The lake’s rich history, including the Revolutionary War, the adventures of Ethan Allen, and Indian lore come to life through the narration of the boat’s captain. The geographic formations and natural beauty unique to the area are sure to fascinate.
Meals: B, D
Day
4 Shelburne Museum
Located in Vermont’s scenic Lake Champlain valley, the Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s finest, most diverse and unconventional museums of art and Americana. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in a remarkable setting of 39 exhibition buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the museum grounds. Later, set off across Vermont to West Yarmouth, New Hampshire, your home for the next two nights.
Meals: B, D
Day
5 Conway Scenic Railroad
Board the Conway Scenic
Railroad today for a journey through the White Mountains.
The restored historic rail cars are powered by diesel and
electric locomotives and offer the comfort of riding in either
open or enclosed passenger cars.
Enjoy the scenery of the
Mt. Washington countryside through the fields and woodlands
while crossing the East Branch, Saco and Ellis Rivers. Relive part of railroad history, when the first train traveled over 130 years ago. Enjoy free time this afternoon.
Meals: B, D
Day
6 Casco Bay Cruise
Leaving the White Mountains of New Hampshire, arrive in Portland, Maine. Here, Maine’s rocky shorelines and wooded islands come into view as you board your boat for a scenic cruise of Casco Bay. Sail past lovely Victorian cottages nestled along the shores of Little and Great Diamond Islands. Watch for lobstermen and the local fishing fleets as well as the abundant sea birds, seals and other wildlife in the area. Leaving Maine, you follow the coast to Cape Cod.
Meal: B
Day
7 Nantucket
Climb aboard the high-speed ferry for the journey to the tiny island of Nantucket. This popular summer destination features dune-backed beaches, cedar-shingled buildings and the quaint cobble-stoned streets of the town of Nantucket. Enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and steepled churches and visit the town’s Whaling Museum which recounts the island’s role as a 19th-century whaling hub.
Meal: B
Day
8 Hyannis & Cape Cod
Enjoy time on your own this morning to stroll down Main Street Hyannis and visit the many shops which line the street. You may wish to stop at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. This afternoon travel up the cape through towns such as Harwich with its miles of windswept sandy beaches, and Orleans with the natural beauty of its forests, to Provincetown and the very tip. This once bustling whaling town is an important part of Pilgrim and American history.
Meals: B, D
Day
9 Essex Steam Train & Becky Thatcher Riverboat Cruise
The Valley Railroad Company operates the coal-fired locomotives of the Essex Steam Train. Be swept away by the hiss of steam and the blast of the whistle as you pass through some of the most beautiful country in the state. You will find forests, streams, nostalgic towns and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River. At Deep River Landing, you will board the
Becky Thatcher riverboat for a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River.
Meals: B, L
Day
10 & 11 Travel Home
Say goodbye to New England and travel through Pennsylvania. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions and share fond memories of your exciting New England Rails and Sails journey.
Meals: 2 B, 1 D