Day 1 : Welcome to Boston
Affectionately known as Beantown, this revolutionary city is one of the oldest in the United States. After settling in, perhaps take a stroll to Downtown Crossing or historic Faneuil Hall. For those looking to shop, Quincy Market offers big brands and local products, set indoors and surrounding the columns of a regal 19th century building. At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine and an opportunity to mingle with fellow guests at your hotel.
Accommodation : Hyatt Regency Boston
Day 2 : Beantown to Saratoga Springs
Today you’ll discover some of Boston’s most famous sights as you delve into the city’s transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Sights include Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Old South Meeting House. This afternoon, explore Stockbridge with an Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, home to the largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Alternatively, choose to take a guided tour of Chesterwood, the former summer home and studio of renowned 20th century sculptor Daniel Chester French. Travel on through the rolling hills of the Berkshires and onto your upstate New York hotel, situated within the Saratoga Spa State Park.
Accommodation : The Gideon Putnam, Saratoga Springs
Day 3 : The Legends of the Fall and Stowe
Journey through the bronze fall foliage of Vermont. Visit the Vermont Country Store for a unique shopping experience - you'll step back into history with their nostalgic assortment of products. Explore the Rockefellers' renowned Billings Farm and Museum, a captivating working dairy and farm life museum, followed by a stop in the quintessential Vermont village of Woodstock with its picturesque, covered bridge. Enjoy lunch at Bread & Butter Farm, hosted by Wholesome Foods Kitchen, while you learn all about regenerative agriculture and organic farming. End your day in the northern Vermont town of Stowe, home to the breathtaking alpine setting that attracted the real Von Trapp family of "The Sound of Music." Make the most of your mountain resort with a short hike into the woods before you unwind at the onsite restaurant and bar.
Accommodation : Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
Day 4 : A Taste of Vermont Relaxed Start
Enjoy Vermont’s beautiful scenery ablaze with fall’s golden red colours. Stop by Lake Champlain Chocolates for a taste of their award-winning ice cream. Like their chocolates, their ice cream is crafted with only the best local ingredients — including fresh cream, maple syrup, and honey. Next, you'll travel to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, where maple syrup is "tapped" from the trees. Taste a Vermont tradition, the unusually named ‘sugar on snow’, a combination of maple syrup and packed snow. This tasty treat is traditionally served with a doughnut and pickle. Return to the enchanting town of Stowe for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy Austrian-style lagers during a dinner at Von Trapp Brewing's bierhall.
Accommodation : Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
Day 5 : North Conway and the White Mountains Relaxed Start
Move on to Vermont’s picturesque capital, Montpelier. Journey to New Hampshire’s White Mountains and enter striking Franconia Notch. Take a scenic ride on the Gondola SkyRide at Loon Mountain Resort. On a clear day, you'll have superb panoramic views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada. Later, journey through the dazzling crimson and orange hues of the famed Kancamagus Scenic Byway to North Conway. This spectacular section of Route 112 is unspoilt by industry and boasts 34.5 miles of untouched natural beauty.
Accommodation : North Conway Grand Hotel, North Conway
Day 6 : Sightseeing in the White Mountains
In the morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an insightful talk by Chris Lewey, a naturalist expert on New England's wildlife and ecology. Then, more spectacular fall foliage awaits as you journey through Crawford Notch, an arresting pass through the White Mountains. Stop for pictures at the Silver Cascade Waterfall and Bretton Woods, which offers stunning views of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeast at 6,288 feet (1,917 metres). Your Travel Director will guide you on a scenic hike to Diana's Baths, which features a series of small cascading waterfalls. Return to your hotel where you can enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation : North Conway Grand Hotel, North Conway
Day 7 : The Rugged Maine Coast Relaxed Start
Cross from New Hampshire into Maine this morning as you travel along the jagged coastline. Head to Fort Williams Park which is home to the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse that has been in operation since 1791. Then spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner featuring Maine lobster with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation : Westin Portland Harborview, Portland
Day 8 : Back to Boston
Known for its sandy beaches, Kennebunkport is a year-round coastal destination that houses the rich and famous, even serving as the summer retreat of former President George H.W. Bush. Travel along Ocean Drive with more stunning views of the Maine coastline, before driving back to Boston. Guests departing Boston will arrive at Boston Logan International Airport at 12:30 pm. Those extending their stay will return to the Hyatt Regency Boston hotel.
Accommodation :